Meet your 2025 Alumni Excellence Awards Recipients
Our alumni are shaping the world and we’re proud to celebrate them. From groundbreaking research to global health initiatives, international diplomacy to broadcast journalism, our 2025 award recipients are making waves across industries and communities worldwide. Their achievements don’t just inspire; they pave the way for the next generation and leave a lasting mark on the world.
The Honourable Arthur Sinodinos AO
Former Australian Ambassador to the United States
Read Arthur’s story
Janice Petersen
Presenter, SBS World News
Read Janice’s story
Dr Shyam Bishen
Head, Centre for Health & Healthcare, World Economic Forum
Read Shyam’s story
Dr Jean Marie Vianney Bishop
Maternal and Child Health Specialist, WA Country Health Service
Read Jean’s story
Dr Raymond Kelly
Chairperson & Councillor for Sydney Newcastle Region, NSW Aboriginal Land Council
Read Ray’s story
Dr Jessica Buck
Head, First Nations Childhood Cancer Research, The Kids Research Institute Australia
Read Jessica’s story
Elliot Waters
Host and Producer, The Dysregulated Podcast
Read Elliot’s story
Laura Prael
Director, LEP Digital
Read Laura’s story
NBN Television
Read NBN’s story
View last year's recipients
2024 Alumni Excellence Awards
Award Categories
The Awards acknowledge achievements of extraordinary alumni across nine categories:
* Only University of Newcastle staff can put forward nominations for the Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution
and the Alumni Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.
Introducing this year's Alumni Awards Artist
Renae Lamb
Bulaguy Miranggul
Acrylic paint and coloured pen on canvas
2024
Bulaguy Miranggul (meaning Saltbush) was created by Renae Lamb, a proud Wiradjuri and Wongibon woman from Central West NSW.
Renae's work is a deeply personal reflection, shaped by the guidance of the Wollotuka Institute and her transformative experience as a 2019 Ma and Morley scholar. The piece incorporates elements of the University’s heritage, intertwined with the midnight dreaming—a fusion of our land, communities, seas, and waterways.
A central element of the artwork is the inclusion of saltbush, a plant found across NSW—from the coast to the bush, and from rivers to the sea. Saltbush represents the shared connections between communities, emphasising collaboration and unity. Beyond its resilience and nourishment, saltbush also embodies traditional ways of knowing and learning, serving as a powerful symbol of identity.
The full artwork serves as a powerful tribute to the 60th Anniversary of the University of Newcastle, and a section of the original work has been selected to celebrate the 50th Alumni Excellence Awards.
We are proud to feature Renae as the 2025 Alumni Excellence Awards Artist.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.