Winners

Social Impact Award

Shantelle Thompson OAM - Founder, Leader and Athlete Warrior Way Arts

Shantelle is a mother of six, world champion athlete, educator, storyteller, social entrepreneur, mentor, role model and social justice advocate. A survivor of racism, violence and sexual abuse, she is a trailblazer in Indigenous trauma recovery and community activism. 

Shantelle founded the Kiilalaana Foundation to deliver innovative programs empowering First Nations young women through capacity-building, self-leadership, financial literacy and life skills. She was awarded an OAM in 2021 for service to Victoria’s Indigenous communities.

A three-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion – known as the Barkindji Warrior – and 2019 National NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, Shantelle mentors indigenous youth inspiring them to strive to become the best they can be and lift those around them as they rise.

Professional Excellence Award

Dr Darren Saunders – Deputy Chief Scientist and Engineer, Executive Director, Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer

A Eureka Prize-winning scientist and communicator, Darren has over 20 years of academic and industry expertise in cancer biology and neuroscience. He has led multidisciplinary teams in pioneering cancer biology and neurodegeneration research, making significant strides in areas including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, motor neurone disease and Alzheimer’s and paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and diagnostic approaches.

Widely regarded as an international thought leader in science communication, Darren is a regular commentator on ABC TV’s The Drum and Channel 7’s Daily Edition. Darren was appointed NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer in 2023 and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney. He is also a vocal champion for gender equity in STEM, driven by an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Young Alumni Award

Hannah Diviney – Writer, Author, Actor, Media Personality 

Hannah Diviney is a writer, disability advocate, actress, screenwriter, author and media personality. At just 24, her disability advocacy has garnered global attention thanks to both a viral petition encouraging Disney to create a disabled Disney Princess and a successful campaign encouraging both Lizzo and Beyonce to change ableist lyrics. In 2021, Hannah co-founded and became Editor-in-Chief of social impact newsroom Missing Perspectives, with mission to challenge the underrepresentation of young women in news and media worldwide. Her debut book, I'll Let Myself In, a collection of personal essays chronicling what it means to come of age in a world not built for you was released in 2023.

Hannah is also a talented actress, with recent performances in the SBS digital originals series, Latecomers and feature film Audrey, recently celebrated at the SXSW festival. Her advocacy and determination are powerful catalysts for change, shifting society towards a more inclusive future.

Research and Scholarship Award

Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo – Australian Laureate Fellow and Head, School of Computing and Information Technology, University of Wollongong

Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo is a world-leading researcher in cybersecurity, cryptology and information security and the Director of UOW’s Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology (iC2). Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most prominent cryptographers, he has spent almost 30 years at the forefront of breakthroughs in the field, sought out by academia and the media alike for his expert insights. 

Willy has been awarded over $200 million in government and industry research funding, including a remarkable 23 Australian Research Council (ARC) grants. His work has solved long-term challenges previously thought impossible and been cited in 65 international patents lodged by high-profile entities including Microsoft, IBM, Samsung, Nokia and Panasonic.  Willy is an ARC Laureate Fellow, a member of the ARC College of Experts, and an elected Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award

Amanda Essery – Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kinside

Growing up in Darwin, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for the land and the knowledge of natural ingredients that the First People have generously passed down through generations. 
 
In 2016, Amanda launched award-winning natural baby and skincare brand Lovekins, which harnesses non-toxic native ingredients in safe, effective and sustainable products to nurture Australian families. The business quickly evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle brand and extended its reach into international markets. Passionate about fostering positive change, Amanda has championed Indigenous literacy, mental health, habitat restoration, period equity through her business pursuits. 
 
Amanda sold Lovekins in 2023 and has since focused her entrepreneurial efforts to launch Kinside, age-specific skincare tailored to – and co-created by – tweens and teens. The brand sets new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in the skincare sector and embeds high-impact partnerships enhancing the wellbeing of teenagers in the innovative business model.

Arts and Culture Award

Kumi Taguchi – Host of Insight TV Program, Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)

Kumi Taguchi is one of Australia’s most respected and beloved media figures, known for her compassionate and insightful storytelling. As the host ABC’s Compass and now SBS Insight and the Insightful Podcast, and a guest reporter on SBS Dateline, Kumi explores complex and often polarizing subjects with a distinctive blend of curiosity, emotional vulnerability, and objectivity. Her ability to create a safe space for sharing experiences has significantly influenced national conversations and attitudes.

A classically trained violinist and University of Wollongong scholarship recipient, Kumi's distinguished career spans radio, news, documentary, and hosting major events, including the Sydney Invictus Games.  She also spent six years in Hong Kong as an anchor and reporter. A vocal advocate for diversity in media, Kumi continues to champion broader representation while writing her memoir in Paris