Meet our 2026 Alumni Awards finalists
Recognising excellence, innovation and impact across our global alumni community.
July 31, 2026
Read more about the amazing finalist of the 2026 Alumni Awards.
Each year, the UOW Alumni Awards recognise exceptional alumni who are making a lasting impact in their professions, industries and communities. In 2026, the University of Wollongong (UOW) proudly celebrate an outstanding group of finalists whose achievements are driving change and shaping industries in Australia and across the globe.
As part of UOW's global network of more than 200,000 alumni, this year's finalists are advancing health outcomes, driving technological innovation and transforming education, making an impact in their professions, communities and beyond.
The achievements of this year’s finalists highlight the dedication and success of UOW graduates and the positive change they are creating across diverse fields and industries.
The 2026 Alumni Award Finalists
The Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across six categories, each highlighting the diverse ways UOW alumni are making an impact.
Professional Excellence
The Alumni Award for Professional Excellence recognises alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and sustained career success in their profession.
The four inspiring finalists in this category represent excellence across a range of fields, demonstrating leadership, innovation and expertise that have made a lasting impact.
Tammy Anderson is a proud Biripi woman, educator and leader who has transformed educational outcomes for First Nations students and plays a significant role in developing and mentoring Aboriginal educators and leaders.
With a distinguished career in maritime service, Admiral Ronnie Gavan is recognised for his strategic leadership and significant contributions to maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.
Internationally recognised Clinical and Coaching Psychologist and Founder of The Positivity Institute, Dr Suzy Green has advanced evidence-based approaches to wellbeing, coaching and leadership programs across workplaces, schools and communities.
Founder of EQ Minds, Chelsea Pottenger is a leading voice in mental health and workplace wellbeing, empowering more than one million Australians to build mindfulness, resilience and positive mental wellbeing.
Young Alumni of the Year
The Young Alumni of the Year Award celebrates outstanding achievements by alumni under the age of 35 who are making a significant impact in their field while inspiring future graduates and the broader community.
This year, the Young Alumni of the Year category features three exceptional finalist who are leaders in driving progress across arts and culture, technology, and law.
A celebrated poet, educator and cultural advocate, Dakota Feirer is using storytelling, scholarship and Indigenous knowledge practices to foster greater cultural understanding, advance reconciliation and amplify First Nations voices. Dakota is also a finalist in the Arts and Culture Award.
Natalie Piucco, a technology leader and Chief Technologist at Google Cloud Engineering, is shaping the future of technology innovation through her work in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
An accomplished lawyer, advocate and community leader, Taylah Spirovski is recognised for her commitment to public service, human rights and advocacy. As Chief Executive Officer of Voices of Influence Australia, she champions diversity, equity, access to justice and inclusion across the community.
Arts and Culture
The Alumni Award for Arts and Culture honours excellence and innovation in the arts, culture and creative industries, as well as contributions that promote cultural diversity and enrich communities.
The two outstanding finalists in this category demonstrate the power of storytelling and advocacy to educate and connect communities.
Dakota Feirer, who is also a finalist in the Young Alumni of the Year Award, is a celebrated poet, educator and cultural advocate, using storytelling, scholarship and Indigenous knowledge practices to foster greater cultural understanding, advance reconciliation and amplify First Nations voices.
Ricado Gonçalves is recognised for his contributions to financial journalism, public education and cultural advocacy. Through his work with SBS and the broader community, he has delivered award-winning coverage of the Global Financial Crisis and major international events, while pioneering digital finance content.
Social Impact
The Alumni Award for Social Impact recognises alumni who have created meaningful and lasting positive change by addressing social, economic, environmental or civic challenges within their communities.
This year’s three finalists in the Social Impact Category are driving change through advocacy, innovation and community-led initiatives.
A social entrepreneur and Aboriginal leader, Barbara Brennan’s work with Bars Behind Me supports women impacted by the justice system through culturally safe pathways of healing, empowerment and reintegration.
Hayley Ryan is an internationally recognised Clinical Nurse Consultant, educator and health innovator whose work is transforming advanced wound care and improving health equity outcomes.
Joe Williams is a mental health advocate, community leader and proud Wiradjuri-Wolgalu man whose work through The Enemy Within and Our Way Academy has strengthened conversations around trauma, wellbeing and suicide prevention across Australia.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Alumni Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship celebrates creative thinking, leadership and innovative solutions that drive progress, create opportunities and deliver real-world impact.
The five outstanding finalists in this category are transforming industries, addressing complex global challenges and creating meaningful change.
Dr Brendan Banfield is an engineer, entrepreneur and co-founder of Gridsight, using AI-powered technology to modernise electricity networks and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
Dr David Almeida Cardoso is a neuroscientist by training, and an entrepreneur and executive leader at the forefront of health technology innovation by practice.
Maryanne Harris is a health-tech entrepreneur and co-founder of TappON and Robofit, creating innovative solutions that are improving rehabilitation, disability support and access to personalised care across Australia.
Ngoc Anh Nguyen is a leading financial executive and CEO of SSI Asset Management, driving growth, innovation and greater access to investment opportunities within Vietnam’s financial sector.
Mark Swinnerton is an engineer, entrepreneur and clean energy leader whose work as Founder and CEO of Green Gravity is advancing innovative renewable energy storage solutions and creating opportunities in the transition to a sustainable future.
Research and Scholarship
The Alumni Award for Research and Scholarship honours excellence in research and academic achievement, recognising contributions that generate influential new knowledge and advance society.
This year's three finalist are leading transformative research across health, science and technology, driving discoveries that are shaping the future and driving positive change.
A global leader in clean energy research, Professor Jun Chen is an internationally renowned chemist and materials scientist whose pioneering work in electrochemical energy storage, battery technologies and advanced materials is shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions.
Distinguished Professor Xu-Feng Huang is an internationally recognised metabolic neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research has transformed understanding of the complex relationship between metabolism, obesity and brain health.
Associate Professor Kara Vine-Perrow and Dr Elahe Minaei are pioneering cancer researchers developing innovative targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer, with their breakthrough biodegradable micro-implant technology helping shape the future of cancer treatment.
Together, this year’s finalists showcase the excellence, innovation and impact that exists across UOW’s alumni community.
2026 UOW Alumni Awards Gala
Finalists, their nominators and community members are invited to attend the 2026 UOW Alumni Awards Gala on Friday, 16 October, where we will celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni community. It promises to be a wonderful evening of recognition and connection, with the recipient of each award category announced on the night.