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.
Conor Bowden
Finalists
Dr Debatri Chattopadhyay
Dr Debatri Chattopadhyay is an astrophysicist whose research explores how black holes and neutron stars form, collide and shape our understanding of the universe. A Swinburne PhD graduate through OzGrav, she has led astrophysical analyses of some of the world’s latest gravitational-wave discoveries and now conducts research in the United States.
Phoenix Santamaria
Phoenix Santamaria is an award-winning Senior Art Director. His conceptual thinking and creativity have culminated in effective and award-winning ideas for a diverse range of clients, demonstrating the power of his creativity to drive meaningful social impact on an international stage.
Technology Innovation Impact Award
This award is for a Swinburne alum who has made significant impact through technology and entrepreneurial innovation.
Dr Philip Kinsella
Phil Kinsella moved from Ireland to Australia in 2012 to complete a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Swinburne, where he developed expertise in 3D scanning, geometry processing and applied research. Following his studies he founded H3D to commercialise research developed during his doctoral studies, creating H3D’s proprietary AI-powered design platform to solve a longstanding challenge in healthcare manufacturing: efficiently creating highly personalised medical devices at scale.
Finalists
Matthew Franzi
Matt Franzi is Chief Operating Officer of Jetstar Airways, part of the Qantas Group, with over 20 years' experience in aviation across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore. He holds full operational and safety accountability for Jetstar's domestic and international network, including approximately 6,000 frontline employees.
Abdollah Al-Huseini
Abdollah Al-Huseini is an entrepreneur, engineer and technology innovator who has helped transform Oman’s fisheries sector through Behar, a digital seafood marketplace he co-founded and leads as Chief Operating Officer. His work has expanded market access for fishermen, improved supply chain efficiency and supported livelihoods, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dedicated Swinburne ambassador, he has also strengthened the university’s alumni, recruitment and partnership activities across Oman and the wider region.
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.
Prof Alison McMillan PSM
Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM is one of Australia’s most respected nursing leaders and serves as Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer.Alison is a passionate advocate for nurses, midwives and equitable access to quality care. Her contributions have been recognised with the Public Service Medal, National Emergency Medal and Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal.
Finalists
Mark Beretta OAM
Mark Beretta OAM is an award-winning broadcaster with more than 35 years’ experience in television and radio, and is best known as the long-time sports presenter on Sunrise. A passionate advocate for charity, Mark serves on the board of Tour de Cure Australia, and has completed 17 annual rides to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. During his tenure on the board he has contributed to the growth of an organisation which has raised more than $160 million for cancer research, support programs and preventative health initiatives.
Michelle Maxwell
Michelle Maxwell is a proud Koori woman, psychotherapist, educator and founder of Violet Dreaming, a culturally grounded wellbeing business dedicated to healing and empowerment. Alongside her work with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and as a casual teacher and tutor at Swinburne University, Michelle delivers trauma-informed programs that strengthen wellbeing, cultural connection and community capacity.
Innovative Planet Impact Award
This award is for a Swinburne alum whose exceptional endeavour has resulted in significant impact in environmental sustainability.
Andy Fallshaw
Andy Fallshaw is a product designer, engineer and brand shepherd with a global focus. As a Co-Founder at Bellroy, and Co-Founder of Carryology, he aims to inspire better ways to ‘carry’ our everyday things. With a background heading up two major divisions of global surfwear brand Rip Curl, starting an investment group, and spending years immersed in European design, Andy’s experience has built on his Product Design Engineering degree from Swinburne.
Finalists
Dr Tennyson Chia
Dr Tennyson Chia is a design strategist shaping how brands, businesses and communities experience the built environment through creating more sustainable, innovative and human-centred built environments across Southeast Asia. As the appointed Concept Architect for Mercedes-Benz Southeast Asia and Founder of Sachi Design, he unites global brand standards, cultural relevance and commercial strategy to create human-centred spaces with enduring social and economic impact.
Frank Capurso & Ben Wood
Frank Capurso and Ben Wood are the co-founders of Waste in Progress, a Melbourne-based sustainable design studio diverting textile and outdoor gear waste from landfill. Through their consumer brand Wipwrk, they upcycle discarded tents, rain jackets and technical fabrics into new products, and run hands-on sewing and upcycling courses that build lasting repair and making skills across the community. Their B2B arm, Wiptex, extends this work into industry, applying reclaimed technical textiles to high-value asset protection and robotics.
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Past winners and finalists
Learn more about our past winners and finalists.
