Last night UNSW Sport hosted the UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Blues Awards dinner in the Council Chambers of the Chancellery. This event, distinguished by its rich tradition, gathered athletes, alumni, faculty, and supporters to recognize excellence in sportsmanship and academic achievement.
The evening commenced with pre-dinner drinks in the chancellery foyer, setting the stage for an atmosphere filled with anticipation and reverence for the legacy of these awards. Notably, this year marked a significant departure as the Sports Awards, held in November of the previous year, were separated from the Vice-Chancellor's Blues Awards, ensuring each athlete received the recognition they deserved. The decision was well received, emphasizing the university's commitment to honoring excellence both on the field and in the academic realm.
Stephanie Brantz, our wonderful MC, welcomed everyone to the Council Chambers for the evening. Brantz welcomed Indigenous UniNationals co-captain Oliver Pike to the stage to deliver a poignant Acknowledgement of Country, underscoring the university's commitment to inclusivity and respect for Indigenous culture. Following this, Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor & President of UNSW, gave an eloquent welcome address underscoring the significance of the occasion. Drawing from his own experience as a Blue at Oxford University for Rowing, Professor Brungs highlighted the esteemed tradition of the Blues Awards and paid homage to past winners, including luminaries such as Henry Hutchison, Jock Martell, Bruce Bland, Anthony Hughes, and Simon Poidevin.