Alumni Award Recipients
The 2023 Alumni Award Winners. Top from left: Emeritus Professor Philip Board, Ms Virginia Lydiard, Mr Tshewang Tandin and Commissioner Karen Webb. Bottom from left: Mr Michael Cornford, Mr Ronald Vickress, Ms Laila Mandoh and Mr Wayne Chaffey.
2023
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Emeritus Professor Philip Board, from the Australian National University, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical research, particularly in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Virginia Lydiard, former Crown Prosecutor and artist, in recognition of her inspiring career in education, law and arts, and for serving as a role model to women.
- Tshewang Tandin, President of the Royal Thimphu College, in recognition of his achievements and leadership in promoting inclusive education and fostering positive organisational culture in Bhutan.
- Commissioner Karen Webb, NSW Police Commissioner, in recognition of her outstanding leadership in the NSW Police Force.
UNE Alumni Community Award
- Anthony (Wayne) Chaffey, retired farmer, 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, writer, performer and teacher, for his significant contributions to the New England community, particularly through drama and theatre.
UNE Rising Star Award
- Michael Cornford, Theatre Manager, in recognition of his support and creative excellence in the performing arts.
- Laila Mandoh, Special Education Teacher, for her outstanding professionalism and leadership in improving special needs learning.
2022
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Barry Buffier, AM, former senior public servant and environmental consultant, in recognition of his significant public service contribution in the areas of environmental protection and agriculture.
- Emeritus Professor Ronald Leng, AO, educator and international agricultural consultant, in recognition of his significant contribution to agriculture in the area of ruminant nutrition and improving livestock productivity in developing countries.
- Romlie Mokak, policy-maker and Australian Government Productivity Commissioner, 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, lawyer, consultant and volunteer, in recognition of her significant contribution to educating and inspiring young people and for her services to the community.
- Professor John (Charlie) Veron, OAM, internationally renowned coral biologist and conservationist, 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, environmental consultant, in recognition of her professional leadership in the environmental industry and her innovative approach to fostering a work-life balance.
- Jolynne Rydz, facilitator and organisational development consultant, in recognition of her leadership and inspiring approach to improving workplace relations and professional development.
2021
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Gonzalo Perez del Castillo, CEO, en Gonzalo Perez del Castillo International Consulting - 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, Department of Literature Film & Theatre Studies, University of Essex, UK - 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, Foundation Director, Animal Welfare Science & Bioethics Centre, Massy University, NZ - 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, President, Graduate Women NSW - 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, Rural Medicine, University of New England - In recognition of his significant contribution in supporting and caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
UNE Rising Star Award
- Trudie Larnach, Manager, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Port Waratah Coal Services - 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, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science, University of New England - 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, Emeritus Professor of Animal Science, Cornell University - in recognition of his exceptional contribution to animal science research and education in Australia and overseas.
- Sarah Brown AM, Chief Executive Officer of the Purple House - in recognition of her collaborative service to Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory and her positive contribution to Australian society
- Professor Denis Burnham, Foundation Director of the MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University - 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, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Visiting Fellow Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University - 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, Associate Professor, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University - 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, Professor, Social Foundations of Medicine, Australian National University Medical School; Associate Dean, Research (Health Social Science), Australian National University College of Health and Medicine - 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, immediate past Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra - 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, Police Youth Case Manager, PCYC, Blacktown - 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, retired Uniting Church Minister - in recognition of his important and committed Chaplaincy work for schools, police, parole officers, youth, and prisoners.
- Peter Ireland, educator and community fundraiser - 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, freelance theatre director and dramaturg - 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, Rural Support Worker, NSW Department of Primary Industries - in recognition of his outstanding efforts on behalf of NSW drought-affected rural communities, particularly for health and well-being programs.
- David Mailler, co-founder of Meralli Solar - 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
- Catherine Marriott, CRC for Northern Australia
- Professor Richard Schilizzi, Emeritus Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester
- Professor Michelle Trudgett, Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Western Sydney University
- Keith Robert Yates AM, Geologist
Alumni Achievement Award
- Garry Clark, Professional Musician and Conductor
- Dr Liang Joo Leow OAM, Dermatologist, St Vincent's Health
- Abinesh (Bobby) Narain, CEO and Director, Railway Radio Communications
- Dr Victor Squires, Independent Consultant
- Dr Robert Wilson AM, Consultant
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Elizabeth Adler, Diplomat, Australian Embassy Cambodia
2018
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Emeritus Professor Bill Griffiths, Emeritus Professor of Econometrics, University of Melbourne
- 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
- Emeritus Professor Anurak Panyanuwat, Emeritus Professor in Man and Environment Management, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Maria (Milena) Helena Lopes de Jesus Pires, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations
Alumni Achievement Award
- 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
- Samuel Civian Levy Theatrical producer and creative consultant
- Patricia Pei Wern Yeoh Managing Director, PM Resources Sdn Bhd; President, Malaysia Australia Alumni Council (MAAC)
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Manit Arora, Clinical Researcher, Medicine
2015
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Paul Kenneth Brock AM (dec), Former Director of Learning and Development Research, NSW Department of Education and Communities
- Professor Sean Michael Grimmond, Director of Research, University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research & Bertalli Chair of Cancer Medicine
- Grant Milton Hehir, Australian Commonwealth Auditor General
- 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, President, Music Teachers’ Association of NSW; composer
- Professor Kiran Regmi, Director, Family Health Division, Ministry of Health, Nepal
- Dr Guanghua Wan, Director of Research, Asian Development Bank Institute
Alumni Achievement Award
- Gina Clare Milgate Research Fellow, Indigenous Education, Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Emma Susan Hegarty, Extension Officer (Beef), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Qld
2013
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Bruce Phillip Bonyhady AM Inaugural Chairman, National Disability Insurance Agency
- Professor Shirley Kaye Randell AO, Managing Director, Shirley Randell International; Women's International Cricket League Ambassador
2012
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Professor Gwynnyth Muriel Llewellyn, Professor, Family and Disability Studies, University of Sydney
- (Carol) Caz Michelle Tebbutt OAM Owner, Tebbutt Research
Alumni Achievement Award
- James Anthony Farrell OAM Director and CEO, Community Legal Centres Queensland
2011
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr John Charles Quiggin, Australian Laureate Fellow in Economics, University of Queensland
- Rear Admiral, The Hon. Kevin John Scarce AC CSC RANR, Chancellor, University of Adelaide; former Governor of South Australia
Alumni Achievement Award
- Professor William Geoffrey Kempster, Professor of Music, University of New Hampshire
- William Alfred Murray OAM Former Science Teacher and Volunteer, NSW State Emergency Services
- Penelope Joan Robertson OAM Founder, Australian International School, Jakarta; Disabilities advocate
- Dr Rusmana Wijaya Setia Ningrat Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University
Distinguished Graduate Fellow Award
- Phillip Arthur Rickards President, Australian Registered Cattle Breeders’ Association; former CEO, Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI)
2010
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Mitchell Harry Hooke AM, Non-Executive Director, Rex Minerals; Former CEO, Minerals Council of Australia
- Dr Robert Edward Kearney AM, Emeritus Professor of Fisheries Management, University of Canberra
- Gemma Suellen Sisia AM Founder, School of St Jude, Arusha, Tanzania
Distinguished Graduate Fellow Award
- Patrick Annandale Watters (dec) Former curator, UNE Zoology Museum and UNE Museum of Antiquities
2009
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Maxwell Wallace Hopper OAM, Distance Education specialist
- Emeritus Professor John Roberts, Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences, University of NSW; Philanthropist
2008
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Edward James McAlister AO, Retired CEO, Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
- Dr Sharon Mary Sullivan AO, Heritage Management Consultant
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Tanya Louise Hanstock, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Newcastle
- Nicolette Anne Hilton, Secondary School Teacher, Science; Churchill Fellowship
2007
Distinguished Alumni Award
- John Charles Ellice-Flint Chairman and Executive Director, Blue Energy; Petroleum Geologist
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Andrew Brantley Lu OAM Partner, Jarman McKenna; Fulbright Scholar
- Dr Theresa Frances Smith-Ruig, Senior Lecturer UNE Business School
2006
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Emeritus Professor Trevor Reginald Parmenter AM, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Sydney
- Murray Bruce Tyrrell AM Managing Director, Tyrell's Wines
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Emily Catherine Maguire, Author and Social Commentator
2005
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Sima Cresswell Williamson Environmental Lawyer
2004
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Ian Robert Anderson AM, Former Board Chair, Oxfam International; Founding Chair, Australians for Just Refugee Programs
2003
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Katherine Emma James, Beef Cattle Breeder
- Kym Ashley I’Anson, Precision Agriculturalist
2002
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Kerry Elizabeth Schott AO, Chair, Moorebank Intermodal Company Ltd; Director, NBN Co
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Kathleen Genelle Allan Skills Development and Communication Manager, Sheepmeat Council of Australia
2001
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Lieutenant Robert Malcolm Valler, Deputy Officer in Charge, Defence Indigenous Development, Royal Australian Navy
2000
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Chai Heng Mcconnell, Principal Consultant, Advisian
1999
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Jeffrey Gordon Bailey, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Western Sydney University
- The Honourable Dr Dean Craig Brown AO, Chairman, Hillgrove Resources; former Premier of South Australia
Young Distinguished Alumni Award
- Patricia Pei Wern Yeoh, Managing Director, PM Resources Sdn Bhd; President, Malaysia Australia Alumni Council (MAAC)
1998
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr Robert Arthur Durie (dec), Coal Scientist and Chemical Engineer
- Emeritus Professor Norman Thomas Feather AM, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Flinders University
- Professor Judith Lumby AM, Emeritus Professor of Nursing, University of Sydney
- Wendy Elizabeth McCarthy AO, Company Director, McCarthy Management, and author
1997
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Paul Hunter Barratt AO, Director of Australia 21; former senior Australian public servant
- Professor Bruce Alan Bolt (dec), Engineering Seismologist
1996
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Professor Donald Bruce Dawe AO, Poet
- Dr Janet Elspeth Harker (dec), Zoologist
- Dr Geoffrey Lee Miller AO, (dec) Agricultural Economist
1995
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Dr William Roderick Blevin AM, Applied Physicist
- Professor Dato' Dr Kamarudin Kachar (dec), Educator and Administrator
- Dr Richard James Millington (dec), Environmental Scientist
- Dr Sydney Maxwell Richards AM, Geoscientist
1994
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Rabbi Raymond Apple AC, Senior Rabbi
- Emeritus Professor Neville Horner Fletcher AM, Physicist
- Esiteri Nuenue Kamikamica, Author and Peace Advocate
- Dame Bridget Margaret Ogilvie AC DBE FRS, Biomedical Researcher
- Dr Charles Barry Osmond, Plant Biologist
- Dr Frank Rickwood OBE (dec), Oil Industry Executive
- Emeritus Professor Richard Limon Stanton AO, Geologist
