Charles Sturt University is mourning the passing of Melanie Andreazza, the third year Journalism student who died in a tragic car accident this week (1 November).

 

“Melanie was one of the top Journalism students in her year and shortly to complete her studies, said Associate Professor Tom Watson, the Head of Campus in Bathurst where Melanie had studied. “She was quite literally on the first step of her career when she set off from Bathurst to attend a job interview in Orange.”

 

Associate Professor Watson, who is also Head of the School of Communication in which Melanie Andreazza studied, expressed the condolences of all staff and students to the Andreazza family and her many friends.

 

“It is a terrible loss of a very talented and likeable young woman. I hope her family will find comfort over time in the knowledge of her achievements and the high respect in which she was held” he said.

 

Chris McGillion, Journalism course coordinator at Charles Sturt University, described Melanie as “an exceptionally intelligent, perceptive and capable student”.

 

“Melanie was the top student in the 2006 print journalism class and certainly one of the best I have taught in my seven years at CSU,” Mr McGillion said. “She had an outstanding academic record which was consistent across all her subjects.”

 

At the end of her second year, Melanie was chosen to undertake a summer internship at the Sydney Morning Herald - a position usually reserved for third year students - and during her time there was highly regarded by the professionals with whom she worked.

 

This year she also qualified for a much-sought-after internship at Australian Associated Press (AAP) Information Services and secured a competitive internship with Fairfax Community Newspapers.

 

“Melanie was a charming student and a constant delight to work with,” Mr McGillion added. “She had a characteristic self-effacing manner which belied her ability and potential.