National Leadership Award

The Alumni Award for National Leadership requires demonstration of leadership and/or entrepreneurship initiatives with national reach, either in Australia or overseas.

Past recipients include national level leaders across the sectors of arts, health, innovation and public service.

Nominees must comply with the following selection criteria:

  • Hold a minimum undergraduate Bachelor degree from the University of Newcastle
  • Be aged over 35 years at the time of nomination
  • Demonstrate leadership and/or entrepreneurship at a national level, in a non-academic sector.

2024 Alumni Excellence Awards

Nominations now open

Nominate today

2023 Recipient

Professor Getnet Tadele

Master of Medical Science (Health Social Science) 1998
Graduate Diploma in Health Social Science 1997

Professor, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Gednet Tadele

Professor Getnet Tadele: A Visionary Leader Transforming Communities and Lives 

Professor Getnet Tadele's life has been a testament to the transformative power of determination, empathy, and unwavering commitment. For more than two decades, he has dedicated himself to being a force for positive change in vulnerable communities in Ethiopia and beyond. His journey from a humble rural village to becoming a global advocate for health, education, and social justice is a remarkable story of resilience and impact.

After completing a Graduate Diploma in Health Social Science, followed by Master of Medical Science (Health Social Science) from the University of Newcastle, Getnet has become an authority in the field of health social science and public health and has made groundbreaking contributions to critical issues.

“I got the opportunity for schooling when opportunities were rare. I obtained my certificates from three different continents. I joined the University of Newcastle in Australia, did my Master of Medical Science degree and Health Social Science, which shaped me in so many ways.”

His work in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis, advancing maternal and reproductive health rights, and tackling neglected tropical diseases like podoconiosis has not only saved countless lives but also reshaped health policies on a global scale.

With a deep understanding of the needs of his community, Getnet has initiated and championed transformative projects that are paving the way for a better future. Driven by his unwavering belief in the power of education, he has orchestrated the construction of numerous schools, libraries, and a vital steel bridge over the Ayo River. This bridge, once a treacherous crossing point, has become a symbol of unity, connecting over 60,000 people to essential services and revitalising the bond between government and the community.

“I grew up witnessing several problems – one is, this big river and a lot of people cross that river every day and it overfloods when it rains, and I was witnessing a lot of people being taken away, so after my PhD,  I said this is the time to give back to the community and we managed to build that bridge and the community was relieved. I would say this is the most celebrated still, of all the projects I did.”

2023 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Professor Getnet Tadele 2:33

Getnet's unwavering commitment to education is demonstrated through his work establishing several schools and libraries in rural communities across Ethiopia. His determination to conquer the challenges of distance has opened doors for countless young girls, granting them safer access to education and breaking the cycle of poverty in these communities.

“There are so many problems in Africa as well as in Ethiopia – poverty, conflict, violence, lack of infrastructure and I think, these stem from lack of access to quality education.”

What sets Getnet apart is his passionate leadership. His innate talent for rallying resources, forging strategic partnerships, and effective communication showcases his exceptional leadership prowess. His transformative work and contributions to social science research have earned him well-deserved accolades. Getnet's journey has even reached the realm of politics, with a recent appointment to Ethiopia's parliament—an extraordinary testament to his holistic approach to change-making.

“The fact that a person like me, who started just from a very… humble background could… give back to the community. I hope it inspires many others.”

Professor Getnet Tadele's life story embodies resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to transforming communities. His contributions to research, education, and social justice have touched lives across continents, making him an exemplar of the positive change that is possible when passion meets purpose.