The Charles Darwin University (CDU) Free Tax Clinic has claimed a top going at the prestigious Shaping Australia Awards gala hosted at Canberra’s Parliament House.
As a recipient of the People’s Choice Community Champion Award, the clinic has been recognised nationally as a deeply community-oriented entity that has made tangible improvements in the lives of Territorians.
The clinic’s Program Director and CDU Associate Professor in Accounting, Raul David, said the award was a huge win for the clinic’s team.
As an individual, Associate Professor David was also one of the recipients of the 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) - Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, announced during the 2026 Universities Australia (UA) Solutions Summit the day before the Shaping Australia Awards gala.
“As I celebrate 20 years since I migrated to Australia, this week feels especially meaningful and I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition through both awards,” he said.
“This is a real full-circle moment and I’m proud to represent Charles Darwin University on a national stage.
“CDU is one of the smallest universities in Australia but we have built something big - financial literacy, tax justice, and dignity should be accessible to everyone.”
In 2025 alone, Associate Professor David said the clinic delivered more than 400 consultations, supported 100 small businesses, not-for-profits, and charities, and reached First Nations communities in Croker Island, Ramingining, Wadeye and other remote regions.
He said services were delivered in more than 12 languages, helping refugees, migrants and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility workers overcome financial barriers.
This year’s awards included 15 finalists across three categories, selected from 99 entries. In total, more than 42,000 votes were cast across the country for People’s Choice voting.
CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fiona Coulson congratulated the Free Tax Clinic team and pointed to the strength of the program’s impact on Territorians.
“Raul and his team have dedicated their time to supporting more than 2500 people to file their tax returns and providing practical tax advice,” Professor Coulson said.
“Financial disadvantage is a significant challenge in the Northern Territory and CDU is proud to have developed and hosted a program that bridges that gap, provides experience to our students, and offers meaningful engagement with our clients.”
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Charles Darwin University acknowledges all First Nations people across the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
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