Meet Manfred Mletsin
Manfred was studying a Bachelor of Accounting at Charles Darwin University when he won the award in 2020. He now owns multiple small businesses, including the accounting firm SAMAF, as well as a small goods and coffee shop in Nightcliff, Porkin. Manfred is on the executive board for Kindness Shake (as he has been, since it was created), and is the president of the Estonian-Australian Association of Australia. Since arriving in Australia as an international student, Manfred has given his time and energy into supporting the community around him.
Manfred says that “while awards make us feel good, these awards are not only an acknowledgment of the individual but those around them, who support and help international students”.
Manfred believes that applying for the award is a "great opportunity to be recognised, but also a chance for you to meet like-minded people". He also says that international students should “be true to yourself. Even if you don’t win, being nominated is a wonderful achievement. Take me for example, I was a finalist for 4 years in a row, until I won the award in the fourth year. Hard work and determination will pay off”.
More Alumni
Abhishek - India
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Darwin city seemed small but it is home to people with kind, warm hearts. I have always felt welcomed in this city.
Adele - Italy
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Hi, I am Adele and I am an international student from Italy.
Ali - Tanzania
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Home for me is the small, multi-cultural city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Alima - China
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
I am from China and am studying Master of Accounting at Charles Darwin University.
Amanda - China
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Darwin is a multicultural city and has a strong Aboriginal population, making it a welcoming and diverse option for international students