Corey Tutt named NSW Young Australian of the Year

Deadly Science founder and University Research Assistant Corey Tutt has been named the 2020 NSW Young Australian of the Year.

A Kamilaroi man originally from Dapto, in the Illawarra, Corey started the Deadly Science initiative in 2018. The program provides remote schools with scientific resources and connects young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEMM subjects.

While continuing to work his day job at the University’s Matilda Centre, Corey has worked tirelessly to source donated funds and books for Deadly Science and now lives in Gordon. He has so far distributed more than 5,000 books and 70 telescopes to schools across Australia.

He received his award from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a ceremony held at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art last night. Event organisers remarked on Corey’s work to help Indigenous children believe in themselves and understand their environment.

“As much as it’s a personal accolade this is something we should all celebrate,” said Corey. “Even though it’s my name on the trophy, it’s for everyone.

“We’re going to keep chugging along and keep achieving things. We’re going to get kids from school into uni. We’re going to achieve a lot.”

“This award is worthy recognition of Corey’s remarkable work,” said Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence AC.

“His efforts to engage with more than 90 schools nationwide to inspire interest in STEM-related subjects are simply astounding.

“Corey is a true inspiration to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia and the entire University of Sydney community.”

“Corey manages this project himself, on top of his role with the University,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver. “That makes him and his work particularly generous and special.

“Corey is an incredibly energetic young man, who is channelling his enthusiasm for science in a really constructive way. It’s efforts like Corey’s that can make a real change, building interest in STEMM subjects among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country.”

Deadly Science has gained global acclaim; its promotional t-shirts have been worn at Oxford University and donors include renowned particle physicist and science communicator Professor Brian Cox.

Following his success in NSW, Corey will be considered for the national Young Australian of the Year award, to be announced in Canberra on 25 January. Previous winners of this award include hip-hop artist Danzal Baker, aka Baker Boy, and footballer Samantha Kerr.