Awards celebrate CDU alumni achievements

A prominent First Nations singer-songwriter is among recipients recognised for their exceptional achievements in Charles Darwin University’s 2022 Alumni Awards.

The awards showcase the best and brightest CDU graduates who have become trailblazers, leaders and have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Indigenous Alumnus Award both went to renowned singer-songwriter and Yanyuwa and Wardaman woman Dr Shellie Morris.

After moving from Sydney to the NT in the 1990s, Dr Morris graduated from the Northern Territory University – now CDU – with a Certificate III in Contemporary Music and has dedicated her life and talent to sharing musical knowledge, advocacy and empowering First Nations people to tell their stories through song.

Special Commendation for the Indigenous Alumnus Award went to Yawuru woman and emerging, internationally recognised Aboriginal researcher Kalinda Griffiths, who completed a Master of Public Health at CDU in 2010.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman congratulated the winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements.

“It was a spectacular evening and a privilege to learn about what these creative, innovative and passionate alumni have achieved since graduating,” Professor Bowman said.

“These alumni represent some of the University’s many graduates who are making waves across Australia and internationally. We can all be proud of their success and the future looks brighter with them.”

CDU Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) graduate and CDU’s Women’s Collective for Innovation and Change founder Alina Biju won the Alumnus Award for Community Service for her significant social impact in the Territory, having migrated here from India at a young age.

Former CDU Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) student and Darwin local Joel Benesha took home the Alumnus Award for Early Career Achievement.

At 24-years-old, he is the Director of Companies at Benesha Robotics and Reality Creation TV after entering the information technology and engineering industry at just 18-years-old. 

Special Commendation for the Alumnus Award for Early Career Achievement went to Darwin’s Onkar Sharma, who completed a Certificate III in Baking in 2018 and in 2020, started his own business.

CDU Doctor Business Administration in Entrepreneurship alumnus Norman Evans was awarded the Alumnus Award for Industry Excellence.

Dr Evans has run a business incubator, worked in corporate and not-for-profit roles and is one of the founders of the Angel Association in New Zealand, where he is based.

Angelo Paolo Luna Trias was recognised with the International Alumnus Award. He completed a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management from CDU in 2017 and has since become a Project Manager within the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), based in Singapore.

Special Commendation for the International Alumnus Award went to 2016 Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies graduate Guilhermina de Araujo, who is based in East Timor.

There were 28 finalists in this year’s Awards. The event was held at the Darwin Convention Centre, with ABC Radio Darwin presenter Jo Laverty as MC and entertainment by The Kicks featuring Natalie Pellegrino.

CDU Alumni Manager David MacBain said it was an exceptional night to honour the University’s finest graduates.

“The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding professional, academic and research achievements and contributions of our alumni,” Mr MacBain said.

“We applaud all of the winners, finalists and nominees and celebrate their achievements in and outside of the University.”