From one of Australia’s foremost child rights specialists to a veteran media personality who has spent over 20 years elevating Indigenous voices across the country, University of Canberra alumni were celebrated for the many ways in which they have impacted their fields and communities, at this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards last night, Friday 29 July.
The awards ceremony was part of the inaugural Night of Nights, the University’s community-wide celebration.
Four awards across two categories were handed out on the night, presented by University of Canberra Chancellor Professor Tom Calma AO.
“I am so immensely proud to witness the many remarkable members of our UC community who continue to drive positive change, both in their professional spheres and their communities,” Professor Calma said.
“It has been my honour to meet all the finalists and winners or their family representatives, and to hear more about their amazing work.”
The University’s Distinguished Alumni Awards 2022 winners are:
CHANCELLOR’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Alasdair Roy OAM – One of Australia’s leading child rights specialists, Alasdair has been promoting and protecting the rights of children for over 30 years. He has served as the ACT Children and Young People Commissioner, and the ACT Deputy Community Advocate for Children and Young People, and provides consultancy services both nationally and internationally.
Natalie Ahmat – A proud Mudburra and Wagadagum First Nations woman, Natalie is an award-winning veteran journalist, presenter and producer. She is passionate about telling stories through a First Nations lens, and elevating and amplifying the voices of her people throughout the country and internationally.
CHANCELLOR’S RISING STAR AWARD
Timi Tapara – A proud Māori man, and musculoskeletal clinician, clinical supervisor, and aspiring manager, Timi is based in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), New Zealand. He founded Tū Tonu, in which clinicians and traditional healers combine clinically-proven methods with Indigenous modalities and approaches to address long-term health conditions that impact the Māori community.
Emily Coates – Emily founded Ivy Social, a boutique social media agency in Canberra, while still studying part-time at UC. Today, the agency has grown to an eight-person, all-female professional group with clients ranging from local arts organisations to international beauty brands.
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