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Business Acumen / Personal Effectiveness

Celebrating Excellence: Our 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Winners

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Behind every initiative lies the collective effort of our volunteer community.

More than 800 volunteers drive our educational programs, develop industry guidance and champion innovation in data science and technology, strengthening the profession's voice and supporting our continual growth.

Each year, our Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise those who have made particularly significant contributions to the Institute's work. This year's selection process involved carefully considering nominees who have demonstrated sustained commitment and meaningful impact across various areas of Institute activity.

We're honoured to announce our 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients – celebrating members whose work has advanced the Institute's strategic priorities and supported the broader actuarial community.

President's Award

The President's Award recognises an individual's significant contribution to the Institute's key strategic programs. They are also recognised for work in improving, promoting and contributing to the positive reputation of the profession.

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Craig Price

Craig Price receives the President's Award in recognition of his visionary leadership as Chair of the Data Science & AI Practice Committee since 2022, where he has assisted the Institute's strategic advancement into the rapidly evolving data science landscape.

With volunteer service dating back to 1999, Craig has contributed to various committees throughout his career. His leadership has been pivotal in launching the Data Science Actuary brand, strategically positioning actuaries at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence through targeted advocacy, innovative content creation and forward-thinking initiatives.

Craig's influence extends far beyond committee leadership. His project leadership on the Data & AI Workforce Mapping initiative continues to chart the profession's trajectory, while his insights have enhanced the Institute's visibility in the expanding data science sector.

As a champion of the #dodatabetter campaign, Craig has created meaningful pathways for actuaries to excel in emerging technological domains, ensuring our profession remains at the forefront of innovation.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to members who have made outstanding contributions for more than five years and have been involved in two or more areas of volunteer activities.

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Catherine Dubé

Catherine Dubé's distinguished service is exemplified through her leadership as Co-Chair of the Disciplinary Scheme Review Committee, where she completed the first mandatory review of the Institute's current disciplinary framework with Bruce Watson.

Under Catherine's guidance, the committee developed comprehensive guidance papers and established balanced representation across decision-making bodies, ensuring fairness and inclusivity throughout the disciplinary process. Catherine's blend of warmth, intellectual rigour and professional excellence has fundamentally strengthened the integrity of the Institute's professional standards.

Through her work on the Disciplinary Scheme, she has successfully aligned actuarial practice with contemporary community expectations, significantly reinforcing public trust in our profession.

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Bruce Watson

Bruce Watson is recognised for his thorough and consultative leadership as Co-Chair of the Disciplinary Scheme Review Committee, building upon his extensive commitment to Professional Standards that began in the late 1990s across multiple Institute roles.

Bruce's work has been crucial in ensuring the enhanced Disciplinary Scheme reflects contemporary community expectations of professional conduct. The value of his contribution extends beyond immediate review outcomes; his methodical approach to establishing scope and process has created a robust framework that will benefit the profession for years to come.

His comprehensive stakeholder engagement – encompassing both domestic and international perspectives – has strategically positioned the Institute's professional standards within global best practice frameworks, enhancing the reputation of Australian actuaries worldwide.

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Martin Mulcare

With 27 years of dedicated service to the actuarial profession, Martin Mulcare has worked extensively across numerous committees, including the Professionalism Committee and Independent Examiners Committee. 

Martin's dedication to mentoring young actuaries, leading Working Groups, authoring articles and presenting at industry events exemplifies his commitment to developing the profession. His ability to bridge technical expertise with practical business applications has equipped emerging actuaries with essential commercial acumen for sustained career success. 

Martin also created and continues to curate the I am an Actuary spotlight series, one of our best-read Actuaries Digital series that has been running for many years. The series is another testimony to Martin's dedication, spotlighting student recipients of semester prize winners and highlighting actuarial passion and diverse career paths.  

Spirit of Volunteering Award

The Spirit of Volunteering Award acknowledges the efforts of someone who is committed to their role and passionate about helping others.

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Emily Chong

Emily Chong embodies the spirit of volunteering through her contributions across the Risk Management Practice Committee, Data Science and AI Practice Committee, and Data Science Education Faculty, consistently driving innovation and growth throughout.

Her analytical expertise shines through her work with membership data, where she identifies strategic growth opportunities that translate into tangible outcomes. Emily played a crucial role in delivering the Institute's inaugural AI Con event, demonstrating her ability to transform ideas into successful initiatives.

As an active member of the Young Data Analytics Working Group, Emily excels at creating meaningful connections across the profession, fostering collaboration that bridges traditional actuarial practice with data science applications.

Bianka Grange's headshot

Bianka Grange

From 2022 through early 2025, Bianka Grange served as Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, delivering remarkable results through her authentic, engaged and enthusiastic leadership approach.

Rather than directing from behind the scenes, Bianka distinguished herself by leading from the front. Through her leadership of the Associates Edition and significant contributions to the Associates Advisory Task Force, Bianka has substantially elevated the profile and recognition of Associate Actuaries within the profession.

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Mudit Gupta

Mudit Gupta leads the vital initiative Protecting the Public Interest in Insurance Pricing within the General Insurance Practice Committee, a project he personally conceptualised and continues to champion with enthusiasm.

Mudit successfully brings together actuaries from across life, health, and general insurance disciplines, creating valuable opportunities for cross-specialty collaboration through both domestic and international events.

While Mudit recently transitioned from his GIPC role, he remains actively involved in related activities, continuing his support for the profession and emerging actuaries in this increasingly important field.

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Clement Peng

As the Risk Management Practice Committee's Communications and Events lead, Clement Peng has proven instrumental in securing high-calibre speakers and organising insightful events covering critical topics, including operational risk and governance frameworks.

In his role as the Actuaries Digital Risk Management Editor, Clement helps review and curate risk management articles to enhance readers' knowledge.

Drawing from his diverse background in legal and banking sectors, Clement brings unique expertise that enriches the actuarial profession while creating meaningful connections between young members from varied professional backgrounds and the broader Institute community. 

Young Volunteer Achievement Award

The Young Volunteer Achievement Award identifies outstanding contributions made by members who are aged 35 years and under.

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Adam Barrow

Adam Barrow has rapidly emerged as a leader within the profession, currently chairing the Member Services Sub-Committee while making meaningful contributions across multiple committees, including the Life Insurance and Retirement Education Faculty.

Demonstrating exceptional commitment, Adam began his volunteer service even before achieving Fellowship in 2022 and now serves in various educational capacities as an assignment scrutineer, exam scrutineer and engaging guest speaker.

As an Institute Ambassador since 2024, Adam effectively engages with students at educational institutions, inspiring the next generation to consider actuarial careers.

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Christine See

Christine See serves with distinction as Secretary for both the Life Insurance Practice Committee and Life Insurance & Retirement Education Faculty, where her exceptional organisational excellence significantly enhances committee effectiveness.

While Christine's thoughtful, behind-the-scenes approach may not always be immediately visible, her organisational expertise is fundamental to the successful functioning of complex committee structures.

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Justin Tam

Justin Tam has demonstrated his dedication as Secretary of the Data Science and AI Education Faculty since 2021.

His professional role at Canva provides invaluable industry perspective from the rapidly evolving fields of data science and artificial intelligence, ensuring the faculty remains connected to cutting-edge industry trends.

Justin consistently goes beyond fulfilling responsibilities, proactively anticipating needs and creating seamless connections between emerging industry trends and educational planning.

Continuing impact

The achievements of our 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients exemplify the dedication and collaborative spirit that makes our actuarial community exceptional.

Through their innovation and commitment, these individuals continue to elevate our profession and create lasting positive impact for current and future generations of actuaries.

Awards
About the authors
Kelly Holcroft
Kelly Holcroft is the Members Engagement Manager at the Actuaries Institute.