Media releases

From supporting vulnerable communities and advocating for small businesses, to researching the impacts of cryptocurrency, Federation University Australia’s alumni are being recognised for their distinguished contribution to their chosen fields.

Three leaders in science, engineering, commerce and economics have this month been honoured in Federation University’s 2023 Alumni Awards.

The awards formally recognise the achievements of distinguished alumni of Federation and its predecessor institutions.

The Ballarat recipients of the Federation University 2023 Alumni Awards are:

• Abdul Rasuli - Alumni Award for Community Service   

Abdul arrived in Australia from Afghanistan as a seventeen-year-old refugee and is dedicated to supporting fellow refugees to find accommodation, household goods, transport and support networks. A Diploma of Engineering graduate, he is currently studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and is a leading figure on the Ballarat Afghanistan Action Group (BAAG) committee.

• Stuart Benjamin - Alumnus of the Year

Stuart graduated from the University of Ballarat with a Certificate IV in Building & Construction, later completing a Bachelor of Commerce. Stuart has been Director of the award-winning Elmstone Property Group since January 2005 and has a core drive to advocate for the needs of others. Reviving the Ballarat tourism sector and supporting small businesses as Chair of the Victorian Small Business Ministerial Council during the COVID19 pandemic are among Stuart’s many contributions to the Victorian community.

• Dr Elizabeth Morton - Distinguished Alumna                   

Elizabeth has a strong commitment to research and engagement in the field of taxation, including co-leading a project on the Tax Practitioners Board review. Known as an expert in the crypto-tax space, Elizabeth led an exploratory study of the impact of crypto-related activities on tax practitioner competencies. She is co-author of the highly commended Australian Taxation textbook aimed at undergraduate business students and has subsequently developed a series of blockchain-related content for each chapter.

The recipients were honoured in an award ceremony on 3 October.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“Our alumni are supporting communities to prosper and sharing their rich knowledge with the next generation, whether that be in their own regions or across the state and our nation.”

“We are thrilled to recognise this tremendous work through our annual alumni awards and celebrate the lifelong connection our graduates have to Federation.”