HAA 2025 Year 12 High Achievers Awards: The biggest yet

Human Appeal Australia’s (HAA) High Achievers Awards has made a return for the 18th year in a row – this time outdoing all previous events. With a staggering 629 registrations of high achievers, students who attained ATAR’s above 90 in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Sydney relished in an unforgettable experience dedicated to celebrating their outstanding success.

Each student this year received prestigious awards including certificates of recognition and the most anticipated part of all, a brand-new 10th Gen Apple iPad. 

Here’s how each event went.

 

 

Melbourne, Victoria 

On Friday 14 February, the 18th Annual Year 12 Muslim Achievement Awards for the state of Victoria was organised in Melbourne at Altona Reception. The event was attended by 116 award recipients, members of the community, school principals and family members.  

The ceremony was opened with the Quran recitation by Dr Hayssam El Rifai, the Imam of Australian Islamic Centre. HAA’s Victorian Branch Manager Sheikh Rabih Baytie welcomed guests followed by various speeches delivered by several prominent members of the community.  

Speakers included Dr Mohamed Mohideen, the Islamic Council of Victoria President; Dr Samantha Ratnam, member for Australian Greens and representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) amongst many others.

Keynote speaker on the night was Dr Mohammed Awad, a neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon. 

 

 

 

Adelaide, South Australia  

Adelaide’s event was held on Saturday 15 February, bringing together a distinguished community to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of 32 students.  

The evening began with an acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land, before an enriching Quran recitation by High Achiever Haseef Imad. HAA State Director Ali Kadir followed with a warm welcome to commence the evening. 

The program was further elevated by the insightful words of Dr Ihab Barham, Imam of Maryam Masjid, who delivered a profound spiritual address.

Mira El Dannawi, member of the Legislative Council also highlighted the pivotal importance of education and the ethical dimensions of success. 

Over dinner, guests were captivated by the Umrah leadership presentation, showcasing the transformative journey of Australian youth through historic cities. Omar Badr who had previously embarked on this trip shared his experience to the young award participants. 

 

 

Brisbane, Queensland   

The Queensland event on Sunday 16 February, the third in the country this year. A total of 49 Muslim students across the sunshine state were rewarded for their exceptional efforts. 

Held at the Sunnybank Performing Arts Centre (SunPAC), the event commenced much like others with an inspiring recitation of the Quran by Hafiz Mohammad Yunus, one of last year’s High Achievers.  

Queensland state representative Dr Zakaria Amin delivered a warm welcome before esteemed guest speakers delivered speeches. Habib Jamal, President of the Queensland Manufacturing Institute (QMI) and Ali Kadri, CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane engaged the audience with insights on the vital role of education and the importance of achieving success through ethical principles. 

 

 

 

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory   

On Friday 21 February, the Canberra event took place for the second time since the start of the initiative, at the Tea Adore Reception.  

The memorable night, which commenced with an enriching recitation of the Quran by Dr Hatim Saad celebrated three incredible students. 

Prominent community leaders in Canberra attended including Mr Mustapha Al-Omari, HAA Board of Directors; Dr Mahmoud Eid, the Principal of Islamic School of Canberra and Sheikh Hamza Abujarbou,  the President of UMC. 

 

Perth, Western Australia

The Perth event, held on Saturday 22 February was a momentous celebration of academic excellence and community spirit, honouring 42 outstanding students.  

The event was attended by guests including decorated journalist and Greens Party member Sophie McNeill and Councilor Saiful Islam. Both commended the students for their dedication and emphasised the importance of education, perseverance and community contribution. 

Aqila Lubis, who achieved an ATAR score of 99.8, shared his inspiring journey and reflected on the challenges he faced. He highlighted how resilience and the support of his community helped him overcome obstacles to reach his goals, resonating greatly with the audience.

 

 Sydney, New South Wales

The final city to hold the Awards for 2025 was Sydney, which celebrated 306 students and marked the biggest group so far not only in Australia – but also the history of the program. Each attaining an ATAR above 90, hundreds of brilliant students from across the state gathered to celebrate their impressive efforts.

On the evening of Sunday 23 February, the high achievers beaming with excitement along with esteemed guests and sponsors filled up tables at The Highline Venue before the event kicked off. Each student received a certificate of excellence, a certificate of mayoral recognition as well as this year’s designated valuable gift.  

Special speeches were delivered by high profile attendees including federal and state Ministers, who also handed out awards. The Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown was also present alongside fellow council members.

Over the course of the event, guests enjoyed the company of one another over dinner. Students from opposite sides of the state took the opportunity to connect & build friendships and networks to last a lifetime.  

 

 

 

Much of this initiative’s success falls on the support of the generous sponsors. Their contributions and presence undeniably underscored the collective commitment to nurturing young talent. 

For the 18th Year, this initiative is not only a testament to the bright minds of Muslim youth but also instills dedication into future generations.

HAA sends gratitude to all attendees and wish the graduates all the best on the upcoming chapters of their lives.