October 11, 2024

Alumni successes celebrated at awards night

Social impact, research and scholarship, innovation and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, professional excellence and young alumni recognised

The University of Wollongong (UOW) celebrated the successes and impact of its graduates on Thursday night (10 October 2024) at its 2024 Alumni Awards.

This year’s winners were world champion athlete, educator, social entrepreneur and social justice advocate Shantelle Thompson OAM; Eureka Prize-winning scientist and science communicator Dr Darren Saunders; writer, actor, and disability and women’s rights advocate Hannah Diviney; world-leading cybersecurity, cryptology, and information security researcher Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo; entrepreneur and innovator Amanda Essery; and SBS journalist and television host Kumi Taguchi.

Shantelle Thompson, who graduated from UOW in 2016 with a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice, won the 2024 Alumni Award for Social Impact.

A proud Barkindji/Ngiyampaa woman, Shantelle lifts other First Nations people to connect with culture, build resilience, and achieve intergenerational economic freedom and self-determination. Shantelle founded the Kiilalaana Foundation to deliver innovative programs, including the high-impact Kiilalaana Tiddas (Growing Sisters), empowering First Nations young women through capacity-building, self-leadership, financial literacy and life skills.

The other finalist for the Alumni Award for Social Impact was Danny Hui, an inspiring social entrepreneur who has devoted his career to enhancing the lives of families caring for individuals with disabilities.

Dr Darren Saunders, who graduated from UOW in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science and in 2000 with a Doctor of Philosophy (Biology), was presented with the 2024 Alumni Award for Professional Excellence.

Widely regarded as an international thought leader in science communication and a regular media commentator, Darren has over 20 years’ 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.

Other finalists in the professional excellence awards were Dr Rhys Harding, who has built an extraordinary career in rural and remote medicine; Dr Eric Kwa, known for his exceptional contributions to legal scholarship and governance in Papua New Guinea; and Dr Norza Zakaria, a prominent Malaysian leader known for his contributions to the corporate, government and sports sectors.

Hannah Diviney, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of International Studies in 2022, was named the 2024 Young Alumni Award winner.

A passionate writer, actor, activist, and advocate for disability and women’s rights, Hannah co-founded and became Editor-in-Chief of the social impact newsroom Missing Perspectives, with a mission to challenge the underrepresentation of young women in news and media worldwide.

The other Young Alumni Award finalists were Dr Stefania Peracchi, a globally recognised expert in space radiation testing and an accelerator scientist at ANSTO, and the late Henry Heritage, a leader in Pacific affairs and strategic policy, who sadly passed away recently following a battle with leukemia.

Professor Willy Susilo, Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science) 2001 and Master of Computer Science 1991, was presented the 2024 Alumni Award for Research and Scholarship.

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.

The other Research and Scholarship Award finalists were Professor Ranjith Gamage, who has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions for the resource sector, and Distinguished Professor Richard “Bert” Roberts, whose archaeological research includes using luminescence dating to establish the first arrival of Aboriginal people in Australia over 60,000 years ago.

Amanda Essery, who graduated from UOW in 1998 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy), was presented the 2024 Alumni Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

In 2016, Amanda founded the award-winning natural baby and skincare brand Lovekins, which has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle brand generating over $20 million annually and is expanding internationally. Driven by a desire for positive change, Amanda has championed Indigenous literacy, mental health, habitat restoration, and period equity.

The other finalists in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship category were Richard Adamson, the co-founder and Director of Young Henrys brewery, and Dr Andrew Minett, a pioneering battery technology researcher, and Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Sicona Battery Technologies.

Journalist Kumi Taguchi, who graduated from UOW with a Bachelor of Creative Arts in 1997, won the 2024 Alumni Award for Arts and Culture.

Currently the host of SBS Insight, the Insightful Podcast and guest reporter on SBS Dateline, she brings fresh perspectives to complex, often polarising subjects. Her vibrant personality and unique ability to balance curiosity, emotional vulnerability, and objectivity take her to the heart of each topic, creating a safe space for people to share their experiences and shift national conversations and attitudes.

The other finalists in the Arts and Culture category were Kat Roma Greer, a visionary public art curator, activist, and Artistic Director of Micro Galleries, a global arts initiative, and Yacko Oktaviana, one of Indonesia’s most respected emcees and international rappers, consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression.