Co-Lab Social Enterprise Award student winner

Following evaluation and voting by a panel of expert judges, ACU Co-Lab is delighted to announce that the $1000 prize for best ACU student entry into the Social Enterprise Award has been awarded to Thushika Kularathne.

Thushika`s pitch was for her future Social Enterprise, 'Centrepeace'. The three-minute pitch detailed methods and hands-on strategies to be implemented through workshops to regulate emotions and develop a positive mindset and wellbeing to help people with mental and social health issues.

After completing a Bachelor of Nursing with ACU, Thushika has been a registered nurse for seven years and is currently back at ACU studying a Master of Primary Teaching. 

“Following my degree, it is my goal to establish and build 'Centerpeace'. During my experience in both teaching and nursing, I found that there was a lack of strategies in place to help deal with difficult situations and experiences that occur in work and school environments. Through 'Centerpeace', I aim to use evidence-based pedagogy to engage students and clients and construct knowledge in how to use emotional regulation strategies to better prepare individuals for challenging life experiences.

"The Social Enterprise Series has honestly helped me build confidence in how to approach starting a business coming from a non-business background. It gave me an understanding of the practical skills needed to successfully design and plan my business and for that I am so thankful. I am now working towards using all that I’ve learned to generate a successful social enterprise that I can see impacting change for the better”, Thushika said.

The Co-Lab team were thrilled with the range and quality of innovative ideas from ACU students, staff and budding entrepreneurs that responded to the focus of the Social Enterprise Series.

We would like to thank all entrants for their participation in the initiative, particularly for their time in researching, practising, and recording their pitch video. We are further encouraged by the underlying positive impact intended by the various solutions presented.

Visit the Co-Lab programs webpage to stay up to date on their programs.