University celebrates graduates making an impact in media, literature and health

Friday, 23 October 2026

Share this story

The University of Newcastle has recognised the achievements of graduates making a difference locally, nationally and internationally at the 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards.

Among those honoured were longstanding Newcastle Writer’s Festival founder, Rosemarie Milsom, award winning journalist, Sally Spicer, and Professor of Indigenous Genomics and Director of the National Centre of Indigenous Genomics, Dr Alexander Brown.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the contribution they continue to make in their respective fields.

“The Alumni Excellence Awards celebrate the extraordinary impact our graduates have on the communities they live and work in, the industries they shape and the lives they change,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This year’s recipients are an inspiring example of how our alumni are tackling some of our biggest issues, advancing global health research and creating treasured community events.

“We hope every student who walks through our doors discovers something they love. Last night we saw what happens when that passion meets years of hard work; communities and lives are better for it.”

The award winners stand together in a group photo

Well-known Newcastle local and longstanding Newcastle Writer’s Festival Director, Rosemarie Milsom, was awarded the Newton-John Medal, recognising her work founding what is now one of the nation’s largest and most respected regional literary events.

Milsom said she was honoured by the recognition.

"I've attended the awards several times as a guest and always leave feeling inspired by the incredible people being recognised," she said. "I honestly never imagined I would be a recipient myself, so it feels very special.

“It's always just so heartening to see where the foundation that you get at the University of Newcastle takes you,” said Ms Milsom.

"I have strong ties to the university through my studies and through the Writers Festival. The university was a key supporter from the very beginning. I've mentored interns, worked with students and served as an adviser, so this recognition feels both special and deeply personal.

"But I also feel like I'm accepting it on behalf of everyone who has contributed to the Festival over the years - our volunteers, sponsors, writers, audiences, and previous and current board members. It feels like everyone's achievement, not just mine.”

Award-winning journalist and executive producer Sally Spicer was also recognised for her work reshaping how Australian media reports on domestic and family violence.

Recipient of the Young Alumni Award, Sally has achieved national and international recognition early in her career for her leadership and impact in purpose-driven media.

After starting her career locally at 2nurfm, Sally is now Senior Producer at Future Women and Executive Producer of the multi-award-winning podcast tackling domestic and family violence, There’s No Place Like Home.

Reflecting on her career journey, Spicer encouraged current students to make the most of every opportunity.

"Take advantage of the opportunities around you and the people you meet at university - lecturers, mentors, classmates and industry contacts," she said. "Get out there and discover what interests you by doing things.

"Find people who are willing to give you a chance, and remember that figuring out what you don't enjoy can be just as valuable as discovering what you do."

The 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards were held at the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall on Thursday evening, with nine award categories recognising graduate achievements across research excellence, community impact and leadership.

Read more about the winners here.

Related news