Student honoured for human rights work

A YOUNG woman committed to helping her community, but with an equal passion for international human rights causes, has won the 2014 W. H. Groom scholarship.

A YOUNG woman committed to helping her home community, but with an equally strong passion for international human rights causes, has won the 2014 W. H. Groom scholarship.

Shelby Battaglene, a third-year USQ Bachelor of Laws student, today received the honour from Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio at the city's Picnic Point Australia Day activities.

The award honours the achievements of Toowoomba's first mayor, William Henry Groom.

Miss Battaglene's interest in law was piqued during her senior high school years at Toowoomba's Christian Outreach College, where she was college captain.

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Her wider community involvement includes administration and support work at Middle Ridge State School's Special Education Unit.

This is complemented by time as a weekly leader at HumeRidge Church of Christ's youth program.

"I am interested in improving the well-being of children and families in the Toowoomba community by helping in the field of family law," she said.

"I'm passionate about working with the Toowoomba community and believe it is possible to have a positive influence wherever you are."

Miss Battaglene's compassion and drive found a global focus when she joined a HumeRidge Church of Christ group's visit to Cambodia in 2013 to observe humanitarian work.

The party worked with Hagar, an organisation that restores the lives of women and children who have suffered human rights abuse and other exploitation.

"Before the trip I raised funds and awareness of Hagar's work," she said.

"My experiences in Cambodia made me more empathetic and reinforced my decision to study law.

"The visit was a real eye-opener and has pricked my social conscience. There is a huge gulf between first and third world problems and I'm determined to put a dent in this imbalance.

The $5000 scholarship was established in 2004 to mark the centenary of Toowoomba's proclamation as a city and to honour the achievements of Toowoomba's first mayor, William Henry Groom.

Originally published as Student honoured for human rights work