change appearance of floating nav

Outstanding Alumni

Chiou See Anderson

1993 Bachelor of Business

Chiou See moved from Singapore to Australia in 1988. After graduating from QUT, her career has included high-profile corporate roles and most recently, she founded Elements Retirement Living where she is the Managing Director. Chiou See is a respected advocate for women's rights, influencing various sectors and serving on the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.

Watch video

James Bennett

1999 Bachelor of Arts (Communication Design)

James is the Founder and Animation Director of Shomen Productions and the co-founder of Zerply, NurdLuv.com and Book Teaser. His distinguished career in animation and illustration spans two decades and includes high-profile projects such as King Kong, Avatar, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. James’ sustained success in film production demonstrates his significant contributions to the industry.

Watch video

Ellen Fanning

1988 Bachelor of Business (Communication)

Ellen is recognised for her exceptional contributions to public interest journalism. Ellen became the first woman to host ABC Radio’s national current affairs program at only 24 years of age. She has reported for the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes and Sunday programs and is best known for hosting ABC’s ‘The Drum'. Ellen continues to interview world leaders through her roles with ABC and as MC of the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum.

Watch video

Chris Fechner

1990 Bachelor of Applied Science (Computing)
2012 Executive Master of Business Administration

Chris has worked extensively on digital transformation throughout his career. As CEO of the Australian Government’s Digital Transformation Agency, he leads key projects that are helping to safeguard Australians into the future. He has held various senior roles, including the Queensland Government’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, and Chief Digital and Product Officer with Service NSW, driving large-scale reforms.

Watch video

Leah Lang

2002 Bachelor of Built Environment (Architectural Studies)/Bachelor of Architecture

Leah has been the Queensland Government Architect since 2021, the first woman appointed to this role. She is responsible for influencing architecture and urban design across the State. She played key roles in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Gold Coast Light Rail project. Leah also contributes to various advisory boards and panels, providing strategic design advice for sustainable, high-quality urban growth.

Watch video

Mina Patel

1991 Associate Diploma in Applied Science
1993 Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Chemistry)

Mina is the Senior Director for Production at AstraZeneca and she has had a successful 30-year career with pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Jalco. In her previous role as Head of Operations for AstraZeneca India, Mina’s leadership was crucial during the pandemic, managing the increased demand for pharmaceutical products. Mina is a strong advocate for women in STEM, encouraging them to pursue careers in the field.

Watch video

Michael Pini

1986 Bachelor of Business (Accountancy)

Michael is the former Assistant Commissioner for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and a prominent disability advocate. He held senior roles in the Queensland Government and was a volunteer Director of CPL for 15 years, and is a mentor with diversity and inclusion training organisation, unOther. Born with cerebral palsy in rural Queensland, Michael’s advocacy has had a major impact on inclusion and support for people living with disabilities throughout Australia.

Watch video

Wendy Zernike

1994 Bachelor of Nursing (Postregistration)

Wendy has made a significant impact throughout her healthcare career, specifically in nursing and midwifery. Her leadership and strategic roles have include her most recent position as Board Member for the Endeavour Foundation. Her leadership in roles such as Executive General Manager, Bolton Clarke, and Director of Clinical Education at Wesley Hospital, significantly advanced nursing practices in Australia. Wendy also serves on several boards and is a Clinical Associate Professor at QUT.

Watch video

Outstanding Young Alumnus

Elisa Jane Carmichael

2017 Master of Fine Arts (Research)

Elisa is a descendant of the Ngugi people of Quandamooka Country and she has made a significant impact on the creative industries. Elisa is renowned for her indigenous Australian art which modernises traditional weaving practises, with a focus on storytelling and preserving her culture. Her work has featured in prestigious collections at the British Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria, and she has collaborated with notable artists on large-scale public commissions.

Watch video

Hayley Fox

2019 Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Hayley is a Criminal Lawyer with Legal Aid Queensland. She has dedicated her career to improving access to justice for low-socioeconomic groups, rural communities, women, and children. Inspired by her rural background and family and friend's financial and legal struggles, Hayley provides relatable and approachable legal support, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities, and plans to become a barrister.

Watch video

Outstanding Indigenous Australian Alumnus

Natalie Lewis

2014 Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance

Natalie has over 25 years’ experience in youth justice, child and family services, and indigenous affairs. She has held positions on national boards and taskforces, and senior roles as CEO of the Queensland ABoriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak and Commissioner of the QLD Family and Child Commission. Natalie’s leadership has been pivotal in driving major reforms in child protection and family services, advancing the wellbeing of many Australians, and making her a highly respected figure in her field.

Watch video

Outstanding Sports Alumnus

Ally Anderson

2020 Bachelor of Paramedic Science

Ally is a proud Gangulu and Waka Waka woman who has had an impressive AFLW career. Ally’s accolades include three Brisbane Lions Best and Fairest awards, two All-Australian selections, and the title of ‘2023 Brisbane Black Excellence Sportsperson of the Year’. Ally also mentors and coaches young Indigenous athletes and promotes inclusivity, exemplified by her use of Auslan at the 2023 AFLW Grand Final.

Watch video

Jude Coleman

2003 Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Jude has made significant contributions to Australian sport. As a leading wicket-taker in Queensland’s WNCL history, she has excelled in both outdoor and indoor cricket and captained Australia to five Indoor Cricket World Cup titles. She has coached prominent teams including the Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes. As a successful cricket coach, Jude has been helping shape the next generation of players.

Watch video

Richard McInnes

2000 Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies)

Richard has impacted sport as a coach and executive. As the Executive General Manager of Sport and Community Capability at the Australian Sports Commission, he supports national sporting organisations. His leadership roles at Cricket Australia, Netball Queensland and Water Polo Australia, along with his mentorship through The National Sports Collective, have created amazing opportunities for athletes to achieve their dreams.

Watch video

Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus

Dr David Morton and Nicholas Paine

2010 Bachelor of Creative Industries (Honours) & 2013 Doctor of Philosophy
2009 Bachelor of Creative Industries & 2011 Master of Creative Industries

This talented creative duo co-founded Dead Puppet Society in 2009, gaining international acclaim and popularity for their imaginative theatre productions. Their innovative work pushes the boundaries of design-led theatre, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create visually stunning experiences. David and Nicholas also devote their time to training young artists. They are currently rehearsing their latest production, Peter and the Starcatcher, set to tour Australia in 2025, and continue to make significant strides in their industry.

Watch video

About the awards

The Outstanding Alumni Awards (OAA) recognise graduates of QUT and its predecessor institutions for exceptional professional and personal achievements and contributions locally, nationally, and internationally.

Established in 1991 the awards showcase and celebrate the diverse achievements, leadership, and impact of alumni who are leaders and influencers in their professions and communities.

Proudly supported by

Past winners

Our 2024 Outstanding Alumni are part of a proud tradition of individuals making a difference across industries, communities, and the world. Below, you can explore the full list of past award recipients who continue to inspire with their achievements.

Explore videos from previous winners

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2023

Outstanding Alumnus
Kylie Rampa
Professor David Wilson
Outstanding Sports Alumnus
Michael Davie
Karyn Murphy APM
Outstanding Indigenous Australian Alumnus
Stephanie Parkin and Cassie Lang
Natalie Walker
Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus
Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis
Outstanding Community Service Alumnus
Elijah Buol OAM
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Dr Clare Villalba
Deanna Hood

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2022

Outstanding Alumnus
Linda Hapgood
Steve Johnston
Adjunct Associate Professor Bronwyn Nardi
Outstanding Sports Alumnus
Catherine Clark
Outstanding Indigenous Australian Alumnus
David Williams
Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus
Wesley Ng
Bede Jordan
Outstanding Community Service Alumnus
Aleem Ali
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Kevin Gosschalk
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Abbey Cameron
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Jyi Lawton

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2021

Outstanding Alumnus
James Burnett
Elena Gosse
Dennis Walsh
Outstanding Sports Alumnus
Bronwen Knox
Outstanding Indigenous Alumnus
Daniel Browning
Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus
Susannah George
Outstanding Service Alumnus
Luke Mountford
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Ellen van Neerven
Outstanding Young Alumni
Karina and Samantha Seljak

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2020

QUT Alumnus of the Year and Indigenous Alumni Award winner
His Honour Judge Nathan Jarro
Young Alumnus of the Year
Matt Fairhurst
Reba Brammer
QUT Business School Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Dr Kirstin Ferguson
Creative Industries Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Dr Benjamin Law
Faculty of Education Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Jane Bourne
Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Dr Robyn Littlewood
Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni and Special Excellence Award winner
Debbie Kilroy OAM
Science and Engineering Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Julian Anderson
Alumni Service Award winners
Heather and Peter Howes

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2019

QUT Alumnus of the Year and Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award
Lex Greensill CBE
QUT Young Alumni of the Year
Josh Cameron
Alex Ghiculescu
Jake Phillpot
Tasmin Trezise
QUT Business School Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Caitriona Fay
Creative Industries Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Joseph Kwan MH
Faculty of Education Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Norman Hunter OAM
Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Professor Wen-I Liu
Science and Engineering Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Hon. Karen Andrews, MP

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2018

QUT Alumnus of the Year and Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award
Tony McAvoy SC
QUT Young Alumnus of the Year
Dr Chris Jeffery
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Sandra Mau
Young Innovation and Entrepreneurship Outstanding Alumni Award winners
Lisy Kane
Sarah Moran
Tammy Butow
Special Excellence Award
Amanda McClelland
QUT Business School Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Jeff Dunn
Creative Industries Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Archie Moore
Faculty of Education Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Patrea Walton PSM
Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Veronica Casey
Science and Engineering Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Ben de Bont

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2017

QUT Alumnus of the Year and Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award
Darryl McDonough
QUT Young Alumnus of the Year
Kate Gifford
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Joel Pobar
Young Innovation and Entrepreneurship Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Michael Brett
Special Excellence Award for Achievements and Contributions to Indigenous Communities
Wayne Denning
QUT Business School Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Christine Corbett
Creative Industries Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Peter Greste
Faculty of Education Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Hon. Leeanne Enoch, MP
Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Tina Coco AO
Science and Engineering Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Michael Dempsey

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2016

QUT Alumnus of the Year and Creative Industries Outstanding Alumni Award
Kate Miller-Heidke
QUT Young Alumnus of the Year
Jessa Rogers
QUT Business School Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Caitlin Wilson
Faculty of Education Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Maryanne Walsh
Special Excellence Award for Achievement in Podiatry and Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Greg Dower
Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Roman Quaedvlieg
Science and Engineering Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award winner
Richard Eastes
QUT Business School Special Excellence Award for Service to the Community
Paul Quilliam
Special Excellence Award for Contributions to the Nutrition Profession
Lim Su Lin

Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2015

QUT Alumnus of the Year and Science and Engineering Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award
Dr Abigail Allwood
QUT Young Alumnus of the Year
Andrew Blackman
Andrew Northcott
Special Excellence Award for achievement in education and Faculty of Education Outstanding Alumni Award
Carmee Lim
Special Excellence Award for innovation in youth support and education
Andrew Gourley
QUT Business School Outstanding Alumni Award
Carolyn Dawkins
Creative Industries Faculty Outstanding Alumni Award
Leigh Sales
Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumni Award
Karni Liddell
Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni
Dominic McGann