Previous Years recipients
Previous medal recipients
The Honourable Arthur Sinodinos AO
With more than four decades of service to Australia, from Chief of Staff to Prime Minister John Howard to Australian Ambassador to the United States, The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO has championed Australia’s interests on the global stage.
The Hon Kevin Lindgren AM KC FAAL
Dr Kevin Lindgren AM KC's journey is a remarkable testament to determination, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to the legal profession. Growing up in Tighes Hill, Newcastle, Kevin’s early life was marked by a personal drive that would see him rise from modest beginnings to become a significant figure in Australian law.
Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO
As Director of the Food and Nutrition Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and a Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, Clare Collins is pioneering innovative dietary interventions that will shape the future of health, across the globe.
Professor David Newman
He has taught thousands of civilian and military doctors, pilots, and accident investigators around the world and his research has considerably advanced our understanding of the effects of the aerospace environment on humans.
Mr Peter Cockbain AM
A distinguished innovator, entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist, Peter Cockbain AM is one of Australia’s most highly regarded and influential engineers.
Professor Gail Garvey
Professor Gail Garvey is a proud Kamilaroi woman from NSW, whose strong leadership led to the first National Roundtable identifying research priorities in cancer for Indigenous Australians and the establishment of the National Indigenous Cancer Network.
Dr Ruth Lopert
Dr Ruth Lopert is a public health physician and independent consultant in global health, pharmaceutical policy and health technology assessment.
Steven McArthur
As Scientific Director at Genea, Steven McArthur has made a major impact in the world of fertility and his innovations have contributed to the doubling of successful IVF procedures since the 1990s.
Liesl Tesch AM
Liesl Tesh AM is a Member of Parliament, Paralympian and Australian sporting ambassador.
Dr Gary Quinlan AO
Gary Quinlan is Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Deputy Secretary, and Australia’s Senior Official to ASEAN and to the East Asia Summit.
Professor Dr Carla Treloar
Professor Dr Carla Treloar is the leading international social scientist in hepatitis C, an infection that affects many of the most disadvantaged in our society. Her work helps guide how clinical, policy and community programs can support or hinder access to care.
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.