University of Newcastle commemorates graduate excellence

The Alumni Excellence Awards were celebrated last night, recognising exceptional University of Newcastle graduates making an impact across diplomacy, arts, mental health, healthcare and human rights.

^{Left to right: Elliot Waters,  Dr Jean Marie Vianne Bishop, Dr Jessica Buck, The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, Laura Prael, Graeme Armstrong, Janice Peterson, Dr Ray Kelly. (Absent: Dr Shyam Singh Bishen).}

Recipients included:

• Janice Petersen, host of SBS World News
• The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, former Australian Ambassador to the USA
• Dr Shyam Bishen, Head of the Centre for Health & Healthcare at the World Economic Forum

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the event highlighted the University’s ongoing commitment to shaping a brighter future for the community through education and innovation.

“Over the last 60 years, the University of Newcastle has graduated more than 200,000 students across 152 countries. I’m so proud to see how our alumni are shaping communities and industries around the world,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“The enduring history of the Alumni Excellence Awards, and our remarkable graduates prove that a degree from the University of Newcastle can open the doors to any path.

The night commemorated 50 years of the Alumni Excellence Awards, reflecting on more than 200 exceptional graduates who have been honoured since 1975.

“Congratulations to all our Award recipients and each of our Alumni who have been recognised over the last 50 years and who continue to make an impact.”

Exceptional Indigenous alumni were among those acknowledged , including proud Dhangatti and Gumbaynggirr man, Dr Ray Kelly, respected cultural leader and language researcher with over 40 years’ service to Aboriginal heritage, and Dr Jessica Buck, a proud Kamilaroi woman at the forefront of childhood cancer research and a leading voice in Indigenous health.

The Alumni Excellence Awards were hosted by alumni and Australian comedic icons Dr John Doyle AM and Jonathan Biggins OAM, and featured a 50 Year Walk of Fame and commemorative film shining a spotlight on former recipients and celebrating the legacy of the Awards.

Allan Morris, the University’s very first Alumni Award recipient in 1975 returned to present the Young Alumni Award to Mr. Elliot Waters, host of The Dysregulated Podcast and a mental health lived experience expert, symbolically passing the baton to the next generation of changemakers.

“I’m so honoured to receive the Young Alumni of the Year Award for my work in mental health advocacy. My aim has always been to help others by drawing on my own lived experiences, promoting connection, fostering hope, and showing people that they are not alone. Knowing that the University supports this mission reinforces my commitment to making a difference,” Mr Waters said.

The 2025 Alumni Excellence Awards were held on 23 October at the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall. Full details on all recipients are available on the University website.

Full list of award recipients:

Read the full Allan Morris story

Contact

• Elizabeth Olivier
• Email: Elizabeth.Olivier@newcastle.edu.au

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