Curtin alumni shine bright at 10th annual awards

Outstanding educator and leader David Wood received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th annual Curtin University Alumni Awards ceremony, held at the John Curtin Gallery on Thursday, 7 November.

Mr Wood was acknowledged for his enduring contribution to education in Western Australia, where he has pioneered transformative educational programs and inspired others in the field. His significant career and leadership highlights include serving as the Founding Principal of Sevenoaks Senior College and as Chief Executive Officer of the Curriculum Council.

The Curtin Alumni Awards honour distinguished graduates who have made substantial contributions to society across a range of fields:

• Community Service Award– John Aciek, Swan Alliance Community Development Officer, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to multiculturalism in WA, in particular strengthening connections between the South Sudanese community and the Department of Communities.
• Innovation Award- Wei Li Ng (Willie), Founder and Managing Director of agri-tech startup Global Cerah, was honoured for his pioneering work in sustainable agriculture, focusing on waste management and the production of alternative proteins to support a circular economy.
• Global Impact Award– Marc Allen, Co-founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of AI powered decarbonisation platform, Unravel Carbon, was recognised for his leadership in sustainability and decarbonisation, helping businesses worldwide incorporate climate-conscious strategies into their operations.  
• Young Achievement Award– Sanyulandy Leowalu is a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Officer at Yayasan Gemilang Sehat Indonesia and a Research and Development Specialist at Diversity Focus. She was honoured for her transformative leadership in sexual education, curriculum development and advocacy.
• Young Achievement Award– Dr Kit Prendergast, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland, was recognised for her prolific research on native bees, advancing conservation efforts and passion for science communication.
  
  
  Faculty Professional Achievement Awards:

• Business and Law – Johanna Ramsay, CEO of Central Desert Native Title Services, was awarded for her dedicated service to Aboriginal communities and the not-for-profit sector.
• Health Sciences – Catherine Stoddart, CEO of Brightwater Care Group, was celebrated for her commitment to innovative, evidence-based healthcare for vulnerable people in WA and beyond.
• Humanities – Grant Sputore, writer, director, producer and co-founder of The Penguin Empire production company and The Commentary Cast podcast, was honoured for his significant contribution to WA’s screen arts industry and its global profile.
• Science and Engineering – Dino Otranto, CEO of Fortescue, was acknowledged for his dedication and commitment to social responsibility in the resources sector.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated the 2024 Alumni Award winners, commending their achievements and significant contributions on local, national and global stages.

“It is my absolute pleasure to honour these graduates. Their positive influence spans diverse fields and industries, where they are truly making a profound and meaningful impact,” Professor Hayne said.

“These awards celebrate Curtin’s brightest talents — alumni who are transforming lives, advancing industries and driving research around the world.”

For more information about Curtin’s Alumni Awards, visit here.