Creating change: UQ announces 2025 UQ Alumni Award winners
Key points
- The 2025 winners of the UQ Alumni Awards were announced this week at a ceremony at Custom's House
- UQ Alumnus of the year was awarded to Dr Brett Robinson for his leadership in rugby governance, advocacy for player welfare and contributions to healthcare and education.
Fifteen changemakers from UQ’s global community of 355,000 alumni were recognised for their outstanding achievements and dedication to their communities at an awards ceremony on Wednesday 22 October.
Dr Brett Robinson
(Photo credit: Supplied.)
The 2025 UQ Alumnus of the Year was awarded to Dr Brett Robinson for his leadership in rugby governance, advocacy for player welfare and contributions to healthcare and education.
A former Wallaby with 16 test caps who was inaugural captain of the ACT Brumbies, Dr Robinson later became the first Southern Hemisphere-born Chair of World Rugby and CEO of RetireAustralia.
Originally from Toowoomba, he credits much of his success to his education at UQ, where he immediately ‘fell into’ a diverse network of connections and support.
“My UQ education opened doors by giving me the belief that anything was possible – by teaching me that if you work hard, maintain your curiosity and stay true to yourself and your values you can achieve whatever you set your mind to,” Dr Robinson said.
Inspirational contributions
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry AC said this year’s winners championed UQ’s core values.
“Our 2025 UQ Alumni Award winners have made extensive contributions in their communities, which reflects the University’s broader commitment to delivering for the public good,” Professor Terry said.
“Each serves as an inspiration to our future graduates and a source of immense pride for the entire UQ community.”
Hannah Ferguson (left), founder of independent news commentary platform Cheek Media, was awarded a Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
She said her UQ education gave her the tools to build and learn from a community outside her own.
“I want the next generation to feel emboldened to demand more from the institutions and systems of power we exist under, and to ask how we can change them to benefit all,” Ms Ferguson said.
Also named in the Distinguished Young Alumni Award category was Anna Podolsky, who has made her mark transforming Australia’s pet food industry with sustainable, human-grade meals.
She is founder and CEO of Lyka, Australia’s only carbon-negative dog food company.
“I love that my work today is truly mission driven,” Ms Podolsky said.
“Every day we get to change the lives of dogs all over Australia and seeing that positive impact first-hand is so meaningful.”
UQ Distinguished Young Alumni Award winner Hannah Ferguson.
(Photo credit: Supplied. )
Distinguished Young Alumni Award winner Anna Podolsky.
(Photo credit: Supplied. )
Full list of 2025 UQ Alumni Award Winners
UQ Alumnus of the Year
Created by Alumni Friends
- Dr Brett Robinson (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery 1992), for leadership in rugby governance, advocacy for player welfare and contributions to healthcare and education.
Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Awards
- Anne-Marie Birkill (Master of Business Administration (Executive) 2002), for pioneering investments in science and technology, advancing innovation and championing women’s leadership in business.
- Elizabeth Jameson AM (Bachelor of Arts 1985; Bachelor of Laws 1988), for outstanding service to education, the arts and community governance.
- Arthur Liu (Bachelor of Engineering 1996; Master of Commerce (Information Systems) 1998), for significant contributions to property development, philanthropy and cultural leadership.
- Lis Wiehl (Master of Literary Studies 1985), for excellence in legal analysis and contributions to literature.
Indigenous Community Impact Award
- Kevin Smith (Bachelor of Laws 1995), leadership in native title law, advancing Indigenous land rights and fostering reconciliation through effective governance.
International Alumnus of the Year
- Her Excellency Winnie Kiap CBE (Bachelor of Arts 1977), for distinguished diplomatic service, championing gender inclusion and elevating Papua New Guinea’s international profile.
Contribution to Sport Alumni Award
- Nick Politis AM (Bachelor of Economics 1965; Certificate in Provisional Accountancy 1965), for longstanding leadership in rugby league, sports marketing innovation and philanthropic contributions to community health and sport.
Gatton Gold Medal
- Julia Spicer OAM (Bachelor of Environmental Management 2001), for advancing regional development, sustainability and entrepreneurship, strengthening rural and remote Australian communities.
Colleges' UQ Alumni Award
- Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO (Bachelor of Science 1980; Master of Social Planning and Development 1992; Doctor of Philosophy 2000), for outstanding leadership in oncology research, medical administration and global cancer control initiatives.
Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
- Alastair Blenkin (Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws 2014), for transforming construction procurement and leadership in technology entrepreneurship.
- Hannah Ferguson (Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 2020; Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing 2021), for pioneering accessible, critically engaged media that advances insightful social commentary and engages diverse audiences.
- James Gillespie (Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 2020), for exposing healthcare accessibility gaps and influencing government reforms to improve affordable care.
- Anna Podolsky (Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science 2012), for transforming Australia’s pet food industry through sustainable innovation and responsible entrepreneurship.
UQ Graduate of the Year
Created by Alumni Friends
- Quinn Jones (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 2024), for outstanding academic achievement and contributions to cultural heritage preservation in partnership with community
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