Media releases

Federation University has introduced the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni category in NAIDOC week to the awards ceremony that formally recognises the achievements of distinguished alumni of Federation University and its predecessor institutions. 

Leaders in sport, art, mining and business are among the graduates to be honoured in Federation University’s 2020 Alumni Awards.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni award goes to Jodie Sizer, a Djab Wurrung and Gunditjimara woman and Co-Founder and Co-CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting.
Awards were presented at a virtual ceremony last night, celebrating the recipients’ successes in their chosen fields of study and beyond.

The 2020 Alumni Award recipients are:

Leigh Russell – Alumna of the Year

Leigh is an executive, director and elite sports leader. Working in high performance environments across Australia, Leigh was the first woman to hold a senior executive position within an AFL club; the youngest CEO appointed in Netball Victoria’s history; and the first woman Chief Executive Officer of Swimming Australia.

David Noonan – Alumnus of the Year

One of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists, David has shown at some of the world’s most prestigious art venues including the Guggenheim Museum, New York; and the Museum of Modern Art MOMA, New York. Using a range of media, David’s work involves a complex layering of historical and cultural references. 

Sanjay Bharwani – International Alumnus of the Year

Sanjay is a highly sought-after business leader with experience in transforming large and complex companies across various sectors. He has built an outstanding career in banking and corporate consultancy with roles at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and major information technology and finance companies including Bank Mandiri, Indonesia’s largest bank.

Jodie Sizer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alumna

Jodie is a Djab Wurrung and Gunditjimara woman and one of Australia’s foremost Indigenous leaders. She is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting. Jodie holds leadership roles including Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies, only the second female Chairperson of the Institute; and at the Collingwood Football Club, where she became the first Aboriginal woman to be appointed to an AFL board.

Robert Malachy Serjeant – Distinguished Alumnus (posthumous)

Robert Malachy Serjeant was one of Ballarat’s most successful mine operators and key public figures. He was an active and generous supporter of the School of Mines, Ballarat (SMB) serving on the inaugural school council and holding a council position until retirement when he was elected a Life Governor. He died in 1902, and in 2014 was inducted into the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame.

Rosie King – Distinguished Alumna

Rosie is one of the most influential women in Australian sport. She was the first woman to serve as Acting CEO of Geelong Football Club; was winner of the 2018 Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year; received the highest funding commitment from government for female facilities in Australia's history; and is Chief Executive at Netball Victoria. Rosie is an innovator and change maker who has transformed organisations to become highly functioning and successful workplaces of choice.  

Merle Hathaway – Distinguished Alumna 

Merle has made a significant contribution to the creative arts in Ballarat and regional Victoria including a long association with the Art Gallery of Ballarat and as Director of Horsham Regional Art Gallery. She has been involved in the founding and establishment of numerous organisations and events promoting artists’ work including the Horsham Regional Arts Association.

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

“Our alumni are the heart of Federation University and I am so proud and pleased to congratulate the award recipients who have worked tirelessly to excel in their chosen fields and serve the communities in which they live.”

“We are delighted to present the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni award in NAIDOC week, which honours the achievements of Indigenous graduates.”