Ms Michele Bullock, in recognition of her historic appointment as Australia's first female Reserve Bank Governor and her exemplary four-decade career in public service.
Dr Gerard Davis, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in agricultural biotechnology and global innovation that advances food security and sustainable livestock production.
Mr Gerard McManus, in recognition of his courageous defence of press freedom that established journalist shield laws and his distinguished career in journalism and political advisory roles.
Emeritus Professor James Rowe OAM, in recognition of his transformational leadership that revolutionised Australia's sheep industry through innovative research and genomic technologies.
Associate Professor Joseph Suttie, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in rural health research and medical education, establishing Australia's largest inland cardiac screening program.
Mr Ben Thompson, in recognition of his visionary leadership in transforming employment management through innovative technology platforms.
UNE Alumni Community Award
Dr Dunya Alruhaimi, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to supporting multicultural and refugee communities through advocacy, education, and inclusive programs that empower international students and families.
Ms Dianna Baker OAM, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to public service and community leadership through charitable initiatives and advocacy for gender equity in local government.
Mr Donald Page OAM, in recognition of his parliamentary career championing coastal protection and community advocacy with unwavering public accessibility.
UNE Rising Star Award
Associate Professor Jillian Huntley, in recognition of her pioneering contributions to rock art conservation and ochre provenance research while fostering inclusive partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Ms Andrea Londono, in recognition of her exceptional leadership in inclusive early childhood education, championing culturally and linguistically diverse children and families while mentoring educators.
2024
Distinguished Alumni Award
Elizabeth Rose Lovelock, in recognition of her significant contributions in developing practices to drive self-determination and self-management in Aboriginal communities.
Dr David Werner, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to community health, especially in disadvantaged communities.
Associate Professor Anthony Whitbread, in recognition of his significant contributions to agricultural research and his work to improve sustainability and food security across the developing world.
UNE Alumni Community Award
Jesse Inglis, in recognition of his exceptional commitment to community service and positive change.
UNE Rising Star Award
Dr Brooke Kennedy, in recognition of her dedication to education and involvement in programs that support Aboriginal communities.
2023
Distinguished Alumni Award
Emeritus Professor Philip Board, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical research, particularly in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Virginia Lydiard, in recognition of her inspiring career in education, law and arts, and for serving as a role model to women.
Tshewang Tandin, in recognition of his achievements and leadership in promoting inclusive education and fostering positive organisational culture in Bhutan.
Commissioner Karen Webb, in recognition of her outstanding leadership in the NSW Police Force.
UNE Alumni Community Award
Anthony (Wayne) Chaffey, in recognition of his significant commitment to improving educational opportunities both locally and abroad, and his work to protect the future of the planet.
Ronald Vickress, for his significant contributions to the New England community, particularly through drama and theatre.
UNE Rising Star Award
Michael Cornford, in recognition of his support and creative excellence in the performing arts.
Laila Mandoh, for her outstanding professionalism and leadership in improving special needs learning.
2022
Distinguished Alumni Award
Barry Buffier AM, in recognition of his significant public service contribution in the areas of environmental protection and agriculture.
Emeritus Professor Ronald Leng AO, in recognition of his significant contribution to agriculture in the area of ruminant nutrition and improving livestock productivity in developing countries.
Romlie Mokak, in recognition of his significant contribution to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and his systematic reform of medical education in Australia to increase the number of Indigenous medical graduates.
Inaam Tabbaa AM, in recognition of her significant contribution to educating and inspiring young people and for her services to the community.
Professor John (Charlie) Veron OAM, in recognition of ground-breaking coral reef research revolutionising the understanding of coral evolution and his leadership in the conservation of coral reefs against the effects of climate change.
UNE Alumni Community Award
Alan Gilmour, in recognition of his significant contribution to supporting the arts community, specifically in the areas of not-for-profit music, song-writing, media and community radio
UNE Rising Star Award
Shonelle Gleeson-Willey, in recognition of her professional leadership in the environmental industry and her innovative approach to fostering a work-life balance.
Jolynne Rydz, in recognition of her leadership and inspiring approach to improving workplace relations and professional development.
2021
Distinguished Alumni Award
Gonzalo Perez del Castillo, in recognition of his dedication to improving the circumstances of those disadvantaged by poverty, inequity and lack of access through his significant contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South America.
Professor John Gillies, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Literature and Film Studies and his innovative attempts to explore new topics and new ways of understanding English Renaissance literature.
Emeritus Professor David Mellor, in recognition of his ground-breaking research in Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics revolutionising the manner in which animal welfare is viewed, implemented and monitored.
UNE Alumni Community Award
'Tricia Blombery, in recognition of her significant contribution to developing initiatives in education essential for empowering women, reducing poverty, improving health, human rights and security and maintaining peace.
Professor Stuart Wark, in recognition of his significant contribution in supporting and caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
UNE Rising Star Award
Trudie Larnach, in recognition of her instrumental strategy to improve environmental performance and sustainability and her excellence and innovation in gender diversity programs in the coal mining industry.
Dr Mary McMillan, in recognition of her exemplary leadership, education and research skills in the field of molecular biology, molecular genetics and the biological basis of mental health disorders.
2020
Distinguished Alumni Award
Professor Alan Bell, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to animal science research and education in Australia and overseas.
Sarah Brown AM, in recognition of her collaborative service to Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory and her positive contribution to Australian society
Professor Denis Burnham, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to speech and language research and teaching at the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development.
Professor Peter Drysdale AO, in recognition of his distinguished work in Asia Pacific international relations particularly in international trade and economic policy and his positive influence on the history of the Asia Pacific region.
Associate Professor Alice Gorman, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to advocacy for environmental management in space and the resulting effect on national and international policy.
Professor Christine Phillips AM, in recognition of her outstanding efforts to provide equity of healthcare access for refugees, asylum seekers and the marginalised and in research for health innovations.
Tim Walker AM CBE,in recognition of his outstanding efforts in orchestral management in Australia and overseas, in education programs for aspiring musicians and for improving access to music for the marginalised.
UNE Alumni Community Award
Senior Constable Dragoljub (Draz) Brkljac, in recognition of his important and inspiring work as a Police Youth Case Manager and the lasting, positive impact his work has had on at-risk youth and the communities they live in.
Ian Diamond, in recognition of his important and committed Chaplaincy work for schools, police, parole officers, youth, and prisoners.
Peter Ireland, in recognition of his long-standing commitment to fundraising for various children’s charities including children with disabilities or cancer and children's hospitals.
UNE Rising Star Award
Rachel Chant, in recognition of her ground-breaking work as an innovative and creative theatre and festival director and for staging productions that are racially, sexually and culturally diverse and inclusive.
James Cleaver, in recognition of his outstanding efforts on behalf of NSW drought-affected rural communities, particularly for health and well-being programs.
David Mailler, in recognition of his innovative business developments in the solar farm industry and exemplifying workforce diversity and inclusion.
2019
Distinguished Alumni Award
Sarah Cook, Rowing Coach and Educator, Kinross Wolaroi School
Dr Om Kumar Harsh, Additional Pro Chancellor, Glocal University, Saharanpur, India
Dr Bushra Rahim, Deputy Director, Home and Tribal Affairs Department, Civil Secretariat, Peshawar, Pakistan
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
Andrew Duver, Asset Manager, Agricultural Investment Company
Dr Jo Newton, Research Scientist, Improving Herds Project, Agriculture Victoria
2017
Distinguished Alumni Award
Peter Cosier Director, Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists
Dr John Menzies Dixon, Principal Advisor and Program Manager, Cropping Systems and Economics Program, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACAIR)
Canning Fok, Executive Director and Group Managing Director, CK Hutchinson Holdings Ltd
Benjamin Craig Dunn Director, Legal and HR, Medline Australia and New Zealand
Dr Andrew John Gardner, NHMRC Research Fellow, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle
Dr Tanya Tapingkae, Lecturer, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
2016
Distinguished Alumni Award
Professor Kym Anderson AC, George Gollen Professor of Economics, University of Adelaide and Professor of Economics, Arndt-Corden, Department of Economics, Australian National University
Professor Snow (Edward) William Ross Barlow, Emeritus Professor The University of Melbourne; Vigneron
Professor Barbara Eileen Chambers, Adjunct Professor of International Research and Community Development, University of Canberra
Professor Sev (Seweryn) Antoni Ozdowski AM, Director, Equity and Diversity, Western Sydney University; Adjunct Professor, Centre of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney
Alumni Achievement Award
Peter Henry Carter, Former CEO, International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua)
Dr Irawati Chaniago, Senior Lecturer and Head of International Office, Andalas University, Indonesia
Dr Damasa Magcale-Macandog, Environmental Scientist, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Professor Ronny Rachman Noor, Indonesian Cultural and Education Attache in Australia
Dr Michael Alexander Smith AM, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Research Centre, National Museum Australia
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
Jennifer Star Founder, Tara Ed; Manager, Professional Learning (India), Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
2014
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr Rita Sandra Crews OAM, for her distinguished career in music education and long-standing connections with student and teacher musicians (location Sydney).
Professor Kiran Regmi, for her concerted efforts to raise the standards of health in Nepal, particularly in the field of obstetrics and maternal health (location Nepal)
Dr Guanghua Wan, for his distinguished empirical work on inequality and poverty, especially in China (location Philippines/China).
Alumni Achievement Award
Gina Clare Milgate for her practical contributions to Indigenous education and wellbeing in Australia (location Melbourne).
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
Emma Susan Hegarty, for her ambassadorial role in encouraging young people to take leading roles in the meat and livestock industries.
