Looking Ahead: Our Values Award Finalists
Our University Values are our guiding principles. This award recognises and celebrates an individual or team who has gone above and beyond to exemplify our Values of equity, excellence, engagement and sustainability.
Celebrating Our Champions for Women in Engineering
Dr Roxy Jackson and Dr Alex Bateman
Dr Roxy Jackson and Dr Alex Bateman are nominated for their outstanding commitment to equity, excellence, and engagement through their work at the Engineers Australia Experience Engineering event. Delivering a medical engineering workshop to more than 290 female and non-binary students in Years 7–10 from 12 schools across NSW, they addressed barriers faced by women and gender-diverse students in STEM. With more than 97 percent of participants reporting improved confidence and understanding of STEM, their workshop empowered participants to visualise themselves in engineering careers and enhanced the University’s reputation for inclusive and impactful STEM outreach.
Disability Confidence Training
Dr Katie Butler and Dr Olivia Whalen
Dr Katie Butler and Dr Olivia Whalen co-founded Disability Confidence Training and the Accessibility Champions Network, driving change to create inclusive environments for staff and students with disabilities. Since December 2022, they have trained 685 staff and established a network of over 550 champions, embedding universal design principles and reducing barriers to participation. Through their unwavering dedication and advocacy, Katie and Olivia have empowered the disability community, enhanced staff performance, and inspired a culture of respect, equity, and belonging across the University.
Dr Elissa Elvidge, School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Elissa Elvidge demonstrates equity, engagement and excellence though leadership and research. As a member of the College Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee and the newly established Anti-Racism Working Group, she has shaped university’s Anti-Racism Policy with a focus on Indigenous sovereignty. Her internationally recognised cultural safety research has significantly influenced health policy reforms. Awarded the 2025 Deeble Institute Scholarship, she authored a national policy brief on racism and cultural safety in healthcare.
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.