“Each year, the impressive nominations for UNE Alumni Awards inspire us,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran. “We are reminded of the profound impact our graduates have on communities and industries across Australia and around the world.”
From an impressive field of nominations, the selection panel chose six outstanding candidates for UNE Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognising their significant career contributions, outstanding leadership and embodiment of UNE’s values of creativity, innovation, risk-taking, access and inclusion. They are:
- Australia’s first woman Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock – for her exemplary four-decade public service career;
- Dr Gerard Davis, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in agricultural biotechnology and global innovation;
- Press freedom defender, journalist and political advisor Gerard McManus;
- Emeritus Professor James Rowe OAM, CEO of the Sheep CRC for almost 20 years, whose leadership drove genomic discoveries that have advanced commercial sheep breeding;
- Associate Professor Joseph Suttie, awarded for his pioneering leadership in rural health research and medical education, including establishing Australia’s largest inland cardiac screening program; and
- Visionary business leader Ben Thompson, whose portfolio of companies has developed innovative technology to transform how small businesses manage their workforces.
UNE’s Community Alumni Awards pay tribute to significant contributions (through paid or unpaid work) in the community sector, philanthropic or public life or through support for not-for-profit organisations. This year, our winners are:
- Dr Dunya Alruhaimi – in recognition of her support for multicultural and refugee communities in regional NSW;
- Former Inverell Shire councillor Dianna Baker OAM, for her fundraising for essential medical equipment and advocacy for gender equity in local government; and
- Former NSW Member of Parliament Donald Page OAM, who championed coastal protection, established the role of the Cross Border Commissioner and actively sought input from young people during his 27-year parliamentary career.
And our two Rising Stars for 2025, chosen from graduates from the past 15 years who have displayed outstanding leadership and will inspire future generations of UNE graduates, are:
- Lecturer and archaeologist Dr Jillian Huntley, awarded for her contributions to rock art conservation and ochre provenance research, while fostering inclusive partnerships with Indigenous communities; and
- Pedagogy advisor Andrea Londono, whose contributions to inclusive early childhood education have improved outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.
“We applaud every individual who was nominated and shared their achievements with us,” said Professor Moran. “They demonstrate how a UNE education can be applied to address complex challenges and change lives.”
We will share the inspirational stories of all award winners in the weeks to come.
