A recent graduate from the University of Western Australia, Tom Mackay, has been awarded the Outstanding Intern Award by the McCusker Centre for Citizenship. This prestigious recognition was presented on October 14, 2023, in acknowledgment of his exemplary contributions to road safety education during his internship last summer.
Mackay, who currently works at the NAB branch in Narrogin, was one of eight award recipients selected from over 140 nominees. His work focused on developing the Road Safety Commission’s Road Smart KickStart program, aimed at educating secondary school students about road safety in Western Australia. During his internship, he engaged with students at Narembeen and Kulin district high schools, where he trialed the program.
In his acceptance speech, Mackay expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the value of the experience he gained through the program. “After gaining invaluable experience with Simone Steele and the RSC team, along with putting into practice what I learnt at UWA, being recognized for this hard work is really rewarding,” he stated.
Simone Steele, Director of Education and Behaviour Change at the Road Safety Commission, praised Mackay’s efforts, noting that he consistently exceeded expectations. “Tom’s work on the program’s evaluation was an incredibly valuable contribution,” Steele remarked. She highlighted his engaging and age-appropriate approach, which proved effective in gathering essential data regarding student attitudes and beliefs about road safety.
Mackay’s internship not only provided him with practical experience but also played a pivotal role in securing his graduate position at NAB. “My internship gave me the experience and confidence to secure a graduate role with NAB, and to quickly apply for and move into my current customer loans solutions role in Narrogin,” he explained.
The Road Smart KickStart program, which Mackay contributed to during its pilot phase, aims to foster safer road practices among young learners. Following his involvement, he has continued to observe the program’s rollout, finding it rewarding to see the initiative come to fruition.
Through his dedication and innovative approach, Mackay has made a significant impact on road safety education, demonstrating how internships can bridge academic knowledge with real-world application. His recognition serves as an inspiration for future interns, emphasizing the importance of engagement and enthusiasm in professional development.
