Outstanding Alumni
Chiou See Anderson
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.
James Bennett
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.
Ellen Fanning
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.
Chris Fechner
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.
Leah Lang
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.
Mina Patel
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.
Michael Pini
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.
Wendy Zernike
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.
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Elisa Jane Carmichael
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.
Hayley Fox
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.
Outstanding Indigenous Australian Alumnus
Natalie Lewis
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.
Outstanding Sports Alumnus
Ally Anderson
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.
Jude Coleman
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.
Richard McInnes
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.
Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus
Dr David Morton and Nicholas Paine
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.
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.
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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 Alumni Awards Winners 2022
Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2021
Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2020
Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2019
Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners 2018
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