Emerging Leader Impact Award
For a Swinburne alum in the early stages of their career who has shown exceptional promise, leadership and impact across technology, entrepreneurial change or as a local and global citizen.
Winner
Trinity Ross
Trinity Ross is a visionary creative leader and social impact strategist, recognised for her innovative approach to design and storytelling. As the founder of Superthink, a global creative agency, she leads international teams in developing purpose-driven campaigns aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Finalists
Isaac Jeffries
Isaac Jeffries works with entrepreneurs and startups all over the world, helping them to grow successful and sustainable businesses. He is the co-founder of Press Play Ventures, a launchpad designed to help women in tech take the leap from employee to entrepreneur. Isaac also runs Evander Strategy, delivering business support programs across Victoria and online, and with First Nations entrepreneurs.
Bianca Stern
Bianca Stern is the Head of Impact and a founding member of All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise empowering people with disability through award-wage employment, purposeful training, and pathways to rewarding careers in hospitality. Named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025, Bianca is a recognised leader in the social impact sector.
Technology Innovation Impact Award
This award is for a Swinburne alum who has made significant impact through technology and entrepreneurial innovation.
Winner
Chris Peters
Chris Peters is an industrial designer and entrepreneur and the co-founder of Quad Lock – a smartphone-mounting system he launched on Kickstarter in 2011 with business partner Rob Ward. Under Chris’ leadership, Quad Lock has evolved from a cycling accessory into a global brand spanning bikes, motorcycles, cars and outdoor adventure, now selling in over 100 countries.
Finalists
Arun Chittilappilly
Arun Chittilappilly is an entrepreneur and the driving force behind Wonderla Parks and Resorts, India's largest amusement park operator. Arun has blended his engineering and business acumen to revolutionise the amusement park industry in India, expanding Wonderla to include four world-class amusement parks and two diverse resort offerings known for their innovative and cutting-edge approach to entertainment.
Josh Simons
Josh is the CEO of Australia’s only ASX-listed music company, Vinyl Group, which builds tech solutions that connect music creators, fans and brands in new ways. He is also the founder of Vampr, the world’s largest professional networking platform for musicians and creatives. In 2024, Josh received Young Entrepreneur of the Year honours from Business News Australia.
The George and Ethel Swinburne Social Impact Award
This award is for a Swinburne alum who has demonstrated Swinburne’s passion for providing opportunities for all, irrespective of wealth, privilege, age, gender or race, making a real difference to the world we live in.
Winner
Selba-Gondoza Luka OAM
Selba-Gondoza is the Founder and CEO of Afri-Aus Care Inc., a not-for-profit organisation providing mental health and community support to African and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities across Victoria. She founded the organisation in 2015, inspired by her own lived experiences and journey of settling in Australia. Selba-Gondoza works with a number of universities co-designing evidence-based community projects. Her contributions have earned national and state recognition, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2025.
Finalists
Dr Justin Trounson
Dr Justin Trounson is a proud Dharug man and clinical psychologist. After completing his PhD at Swinburne, he co-founded Connected Minds Psychology, one of Melbourne’s largest private psychology clinics which also runs a low-cost psychology clinic to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access to high quality mental health services. He is also the Wellbeing and Community Programs Psychologist at Richmond Football Club.
Matt Levy OAM
Matt Levy OAM is an Australian Paralympian, published author and advocate. Born with cerebral palsy and legal blindness, he has overcome significant challenges to become one of Australia's most decorated Paralympic swimmers. Matt is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and the author of a memoir and self-help book on overcoming adversity. In recognition of his service to sport, Matt was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014.
Innovative Planet Impact Award
This award is for a Swinburne alum whose exceptional endeavour has resulted in significant impact in environmental sustainability.
Winner
Heidi Sick
Heidi Sick is a senior executive and recognised leader in Australia’s clean energy transition, with over 25 years of impact across renewable energy, decarbonisation, and sustainable infrastructure. She currently leads the Energy and Environment business at AECOM where she guides a team of more than 700 people to deliver projects that will drive Australia and New Zealand’s transition to a net-zero future and helps organisations navigate the shift to cleaner energy.
Finalists
Darrell Nadeng Dominic
Darrell Nadeng Dominic is a Malaysian biotechnology professional and sustainability advocate with a strong track record in environmental innovation and community leadership. He is Director of PhytoTech Group where he champions environmental stewardship and nature-based solutions to empower knowledge and learning in the community.
Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu
Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu is the Founder and Managing Director of Little Green Panda, an award-winning startup leading the charge in sustainable innovation. With a mission to eliminate single-use plastics, Little Green Panda is transforming agricultural waste into home-compostable alternatives like straws, cups and cutlery proving that eco-friendly can be both practical and scalable. Since launching, Little Green Panda has sold over 30 million straws and supplies 1,000+ venues across Australia.
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Past winners and finalists
Learn more about our past winners and finalists.
