A world-leading researcher and advocate for Indigenous health, a species conservationist, a leader in the Australian music industry and the co-host of the nation's first all Indigenous breakfast show are among those who have been recognised as part of the 2020 University of Newcastle Alumni Excellence awards.
The awards acknowledge the innovation, creativity and exceptional leadership of alumni who have inspired others through their local, national and international achievements.
Professor Gail Garvey was presented the Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence, the highest honour of the awards.
A proud Kamilaroi woman, Professor Garvey is Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Menzies School of Health and Deputy Division Leader for the Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division.
Her research career has focused on investigating cancer experiences and outcomes of Indigenous Australians.
She has publicly advocated for better prevention and treatment of cancer in remote parts of Australia.
Professor Garvey's work has illuminated critical shortcomings in health system performance for Indigenous people affected by cancer and has identified pathways to improve equity of access and outcomes.
Dr Kira Mileham received the International Leadership award for her work on species conservation, while the National Leadership award went to former Sydney Water Managing Director Kevin Young.
National Suicide Prevention Taskforce special advisor Dr Jaelea Skehan was named the Regional Leadership award recipient.
Managing Director of BMG Australia, Heath Johns, received the Newton-John Alumni Medal for his work in the music industry, while Dr Kcasey McLoughlin was named Beryl Nashar Young Researcher.
Senior Associate at King and Wood Mallesons, Luke Hawthorne, received the Young Alumni Award.
NITV/SBS political correspondent Shahni Wellington was named the Indigenous Alumni Award recipient.
A new honour introduced this year, the inaugural Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution, has been awarded to Friends of the University.
Established to recognise individuals or groups who have contributed to the advancement of the University of Newcastle as influencers, advocates, advisors or supporters, the Convocation Medal recipient was selected by Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky.
Friends of the University has spent 40 years fostering a connection between the university and the wider community and has supported many important initiatives - including student scholarships - collectively raising more than $1 million.
The group connects with the community through a program of volunteering, enabling fundraising and events, and by forming a bridge between the general public and the university's social and academic life.
Professor Zelinsky said the Alumni Excellence Awards were an opportunity to acknowledge the influence and achievements of the university's thriving alumni community, which totals more than 148,000 graduates across 144 countries.
"This year's recipients are impressive and demonstrate our alumni are contributing to improving different fields in vastly different ways," he said.
"As wonderful ambassadors for the University of Newcastle, our alumni also serve as an inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.
"This year's recipients are no exception. I thank them for their professional and personal dedication to making a profound impact on communities worldwide and to inspiring the next generation of students."
Since 1975, the University of Newcastle's Alumni Excellence Awards program has recognised more than 170 recipients.
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