2023 Alumni Awards
Federation University recognised eight outstanding graduates in the 2023 Alumni Awards. The Awards formally recognise their achievements within their chosen field of study and beyond.
The 2023 Ballarat Alumni Awards event was held at the Mt Helen campus on Tuesday 3 October while the 2023 Gippsland Alumni Awards event held at the Morwell Innovation Centre on Tuesday 24 October.
The recipients are:
2023 Alumnus of the Year
Stuart Benjamin
Field of Study: Education
Nomination Category: Outstanding professional achievement; Outstanding service to Federation University or its predecessor institutions; and Outstanding service to the community
Stuart Benjamin’s life experience has been in the representation of regional Australia, with a core drive to advocate for the needs of the people and businesses. Stuart has been Director of the Elmstone Property Group since January 2005, which is an award winning business with proven experience in the development of integrated housing, with a speciality in the supported accommodation space.
He has been an active contributor and leader across multiple industries and community sectors for over 30 years, and for the last decade he has dedicated 50% of his time to his volunteer and not for profit contributions for the community.
2023 Young Alumna of the Year
Brooke Tahir
Field of Study: Science
Nomination Category: Outstanding service to the community
Brooke Tahir is truly inspiring. Brooke is from Gunai Kurnai Country and wanted to make a difference in the community and diversity on the Mornington Peninsula. When Brooke created her business The Main Street Greenery, she offered and pledged $1 from each sale to local emergency relief. Brooke also created the Fairy Kingdom using only recycled goods, which has become an ASD friendly space and a perfect all abilities display with a play hub. Brooke has travelled around Melbourne doing various workshops teaching fundamental science to give children and young adults a foundation in STEM as it is so important, and since 2022 Brooke has been tutoring children with all abilities. 99% of her students are on the ASD spectrum or blind.
2023 Alumni Award for Community Service
Abdel Halabi
Field of Study: Business
Nomination Category: Outstanding service to Federation University or its predecessor institutions;
Outstanding service to the community
Abdel Halabi has made a significant contribution to education and academia but more importantly he is most widely respected for his contribution to the support and advocacy of the Islamic community. Abdel works tirelessly with the local Islamic community, including muslim staff and students at Federation University to foster and enable a vibrant Islamic community. The community has truly benefited from Abdel’s care and dedication he has brought to many. In his volunteering roles and through his partnered community activities including sport and wellbeing, he has made a significant social impact as a champion for inclusivity and opportunities for all.
2023 Alumni Award for Community Service
Abdul Rasuli
Field of Study: Engineering
Nomination Category: Outstanding service to the community
Abdul Rasuli is a powerful community builder and a natural leader. He is dedicated to the welfare of the Afghan community and to bringing the Afghan and wider Ballarat communities together for the benefit of both. Abdul helps refugees arriving in Ballarat, finding them accommodation, household goods and transport. He informs them about support networks. He is sensitive to the needs of anyone who is desperate and covers the needs, mindful of the person’s vulnerability and without causing embarrassment. He respects each person’s dignity. He is engaging, inclusive, generous and visionary, providing opportunities for the Ballarat community to make a meaningful contribution and invigorating hope in the lives of Ballarat’s Afghan community.
Distinguished Alumna
Jane Burton
Field of Study: Applied Science
Nomination Category: Outstanding professional achievement
Jane Burton has close to three decades of public and private sector experience spanning roles in industrial chemistry, research and development, regional economic development and land use planning. Jane is an ardent ambassador for Gippsland and its community. In 2019 Jane was the Victorian Winner of the Minerals Council of Australia’s Exceptional Woman in Resources Award. In 2023, Jane became Project Director, CarbonNet with Invest Victoria. Jane is an ardent ambassador for Gippsland and its community.
Distinguished Alumnus
Richard Elkington
Field of Study: Engineering
Nomination Category: Outstanding professional achievement; Outstanding service to the community
Richard Elkington OAM, is a highly regarded business and Gippsland community person with a long association with the University and region. He is also well recognised for a range of community activities, particularly in the promotion of the Latrobe Valley. In all of his interactions he demonstrates strategic and conceptual thinking and seeks to include as many people as possible in decision making, whether it be with professional or fraternal organisations. The long-time Traralgon resident has been associated with the Freemasons Victoria, since the early 1980s, and in 2022 Richard was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Distinguished Alumna
Elizabeth Morton
Field of Study: Business
Nomination Category: Outstanding academic or research achievement
Elizabeth Morton has demonstrated strong commitment to research and engagement in the field of taxation. Elizabeth has made outstanding contributions reflected in not only high-quality publications and grant success but has shown incredible ability to translate these academic endeavours into real impact, including with respect to policy contributions. Elizabeth’s research is strategically positioned around three core themes: tax compliance, crypto-related activities, and practitioner competencies. Elizabeth has become known as an expert in the crypto-tax space, evidenced through a multitude of invitations to lead discussion and debate on the tax issues arising from this novel technology.
Distinguished Alumna
Toni Wakefield
Field of Study: Business
Nomination Category: Outstanding professional achievement; Outstanding service to Federation University or its predecessor institutions
Toni Wakefield is a lifelong and passionate Gippslander who is committed to raising the profile of the regions' industry, small business sectors as well as education and training opportunities. Toni offers a positive and influential voice to industry, government and skills educators, helping create a thriving and sustainable future for the region. Toni is a great believer in education and training as a key means of accelerating transition and growth in Gippsland and has been an active supporter of Federation University’s education initiatives and activities. Toni’s commitment to mentoring small business owners, particularly women from regional areas is nothing short of inspirational.