Martin Sammut, a successful Ipswich businessman and philanthropist, has been named as The University of Queensland’s Young Alumnus of the Year.
In 1998, at age 28, Mr Sammut formed his own accountancy company and now has more than 1800 clients.
His increasing knowledge and love of Ipswich and its community has led him to invest in the community, in more ways than one.
Mr Sammut received his award at the 2004 Courting the Greats Luncheon held at Customs House today (Thursday, October 28), and hosted by UQ Chancellor Sir Llew Edwards.
Born in Mackay in 1969, Mr Sammut is the third of six boys to cane-farming, migrant parents, Sam and Jane.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Economics from UQ in 1990 and a Bachelor of Business from the Queensland University of Technology, majoring in accounting, in 1992. Four of his five brothers are also UQ graduates.
On graduation, Mr Sammut worked for an Ipswich accounting firm where he completed his Certified Practising Accountant studies and Public Practice Certificate, before establishing his own company.
In 1992, he and his wife Christine planned and built a local childcare centre, which now caters for more than 100 families each week. Still owned and operated by the couple, the childcare centre has an excellent reputation and the highest accreditation level.
Mr Sammut also purchased the landmark Bodega Restaurant and the surrounding property. It is now home to his accountancy firm, a restaurant, art gallery, boutique nursery, hair and beauty salon, and professional offices.
Last year, he won the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce 2003 Willowbank Developments Young Business Person of The Year Award.
The people who work with him, describe him Mr Sammut as “approachable, professional and most of all a great person”.
Mr Sammut’s community involvement includes a two-year stint as Treasurer of Ipswich First - a business association that promoted using local businesses and services - and a significant donation to the Ipswich Hospice using proceeds of the sale of the famous wine bottle fountain from the Bodega Restuarant.
“I was surprised and honoured to be selected as UQ’s Young Alumnus of the Year for 2004,” Mr Sammut said.
“My studies at UQ provided the fundamental skills required to achieve in business. In addition to the theoretical knowledge learned, I acquired valuable life skills during those formative years.
“I believe my studies at UQ have enabled me to think and learn independently, be self-motivated, and to develop good and lasting relationships with colleagues and clients.
“A highlight of my time at UQ was living on campus for two years at St Leo’s College. This provided a great atmosphere for learning and socialising. During this period, I forged many lifetime friendships. I believe this combination of work and play created a formula for a productive and enjoyable working career.
“I feel fortunate to have been in business in Ipswich at a time when there has been a surge in economic growth,” Mr Sammut said.
“My proudest achievement is that Christine and I planned, created and developed our core businesses of accounting and childcare from their inception. I have used this same philosophy in my development work.”
Media contacts: Mr Sammut (telephone 07 3812 3400, email enquiries@martinsammut.com) or Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications (telephone: 07 3365 1120, email s.glaister@uq.edu.au).
