2014

Dr Simon Walsh
Doctor of Philosophy in Science (2009)

As Australia's leading disaster victim identification (DVI) expert, Simon Walsh has brought comfort to countless grieving families, allowing them to begin the process of laying their loved ones to rest.

In his capacity as National DVI Commander with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), his leadership and expertise have been crucial to the success of numerous high-profile DVI operations, amongst them the Victorian bushfires in 2009, the Christmas Island refugee boat tragedies in 2010 and 2012, and the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand in 2011.

The horror of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy in July triggered his next deployment. Leading a team of Australian specialists to Europe, Walsh began the grizzly process of working with international colleagues to identify the victims’ remains under Operation Bring Them Home.

It's harrowing work, the world looking anxiously on. "This is not a simple task and it's not a speedy task," Walsh explains, speaking from the operation's base in a military facility near Hilversum in the Netherlands, "but it's a task we absolutely have to get right.

As Chief Scientist, Forensics for the AFP, Walsh is widely regarded as one of the nation's foremost forensic authorities and has led reforms and initiatives that significantly expand our capabilities in the field. He's also been a pivotal part of capacity­ building programs elsewhere in the region.

A passionate contributor to forensic science research and education, Walsh's extraordinary research output runs to two specialised international textbooks, over 20 book chapters, and some 200 articles and conference papers. He also developed Australia's first bachelor degree in forensic biology at UTS, while working towards his own Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Science (2009).

Forensic science is often portrayed as being about tools and methods, but Walsh knows there's much more to it than that. A big thinker with a strong sense of social justice, his unique, holistic approach has brought lasting benefit to the criminal justice system and the communities it serves. It's just one part of his considerable contribution.

Jemma Birrell
Bachelor of Arts Communication (1999); Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Communication (2003)

A unique opportunity to bring her love of literature to the Australian public was a powerful enticement for Jemma Birrell to come home.

Birrell spent seven years in Paris at world famous bookshop Shakespeare and Company, where she built an enviable public program as their first ever events director. She rubbed shoulders with the likes of philosopher to the people, Alain de Botton and second generation author, Martin Amis, before landing the job of her dreams as artistic director for the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

It was an opportunity that she just couldn’t imagine refusing. "The Festival brings together some of the most interesting people from Australia and around the world," says Birrell. "The writing community here is so rich - creatively ifs incredibly exciting and inspiring."

Now in her second year in the role, Birrell's fresh vision and unique programming has taken the 2014 Sydney Writers’ Festival to new heights, breaking all records for ticketing, book sales, audience numbers and geographic reach. With 450 writers and 350 events across 60 venues, her program fused literature with music, TV writing, performance, politics and social issues to attract and inspire a more diverse audience than ever before.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Hons) in 2003, Birrell started out in Australian publishing before heading to Paris.  Whilst with Shakespeare and Company she developed a world-renowned literary program presenting leading authors, thinkers and musicians, and co-directed three editions of FestivalandCo, a biennial literary festival set in a park opposite Notre Dame. All the while Birrell kept assessing books for possible publication by French houses.

With such remarkable experience already under her belt and Birrell's gift for compelling programming that mixes intellectual rigour with mass appeal, it seems her story is Just beginning .

"I’m currently planning the program for the next Sydney Writers’ Festival, trying to tempt some of the most stimulating people from around the world to come and take part," she says. "And after that, it seems anything’s possible."

Father Peter Maher OAM
Master of Education (Adult Education) (2001)

Father Peter Maher is no stranger to pushing boundaries from within the church and the community, to speak out for human rights and acceptance.
A vocal advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and intersex (LGBTI) rights, for the last 17 years he has provided a weekly mass for LGBTI Catholics in his capacity as Parish Priest at St Joseph's Church, Newtown.

He has spoken out on behalf of victims of sexual abuse at the hands of members of the Catholic Church, and his view of the institution's inadequate response. He's also provided support and pastoral care to people following abortion experiences, and advocated justice for Indigenous people as a long-serving member of the Aboriginal Justice Support Group.

Challenging long-held doctrines from within the church and community hasn't been an easy path, and he's faced dissention and often hostility. "I take inspiration from what I term a political reading of the bible," Maher explains.  "There are lessons in moving the marginalised to the fore, making their plight more visible. It's an important step in breaking down our societal systems of oppression."

Maher’s impact extends well beyond his parish bounds. As Chaplain with Palms Australia, he enables volunteers to build capacity within communities in Africa, Asia and the Pacific towards a just, sustainable, interdependent and peaceful world, free of poverty. He co-founded the Benedict Barkat Foundation in support of children's education in Pakistan, and is a National Board Member of lnterPlay Australia, a global social movement dedicated to connection, human sustainability and play.

He is dedicated to fostering personal and social transformation. It's a labour of love and something the Master of Adult Education (2001) graduate is keen to inspire in others. "I'm particularly interested in how we support those in helping professions and pastoral care to be more professional, ethical and most importantly, self-aware," he says.

Rebecca Cooper and Bridget Yorston
Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Textiles) (Hons) (2004)

If Rebecca Cooper and Bridget Yorston didn't believe in destiny before they met at UTS, they do now.

When Cooper and Yorston sparked up a friendship on their first day as undergraduate students, it was the start of something beautiful. Just two years into their Bachelor of Design (Fashion and Textiles) degree, from which they both graduated with first­ class honours in 2004, friendship naturally evolved to business partnership and fashion label bec & bridge was born.

Producing a joint collection for their graduation show, the duo attracted the attention of the fashion industry and Australian Fashion Week invited the fledgling brand to participate in their New Generation show.

Since then, bec & bridge has gone from strength to strength. Picked up by David Jones in 2006 - their collections sitting alongside other celebrated Australian designers - expansion into the overseas market came a few short years later. Now, the bee  & bridge label boasts a cache of local and international celebrity followers, with Taylor Swift, Miranda Kerr, Nicole Ritchie, and Eva Longoria all seen sporting their designs.

"Sometimes we're still taken aback by seeing such iconic figures wearing our clothes, and the incredible power of celebrity really does impact sales," says Cooper.

In 2011, bec & bridge's first solo show for Australian Fashion Week brought acclaim from some of the fashion world's most respected editors and bloggers and each subsequent collection cements the brand's place as a formidable force. Their collections strike a balance between aspiration and accessibility, and their sleek, contoured signature aesthetic is opening up lucrative markets.

"We’re getting a lot of traction in the United States," explains Yorston, "so we'll be focusing our attention on really leveraging that (traction) over the next few years."

And with US department store giants Bloomingdales, Harvey Nicholls, Saks and Neiman Marcus already stocking the brand, the stage is set for big things for Cooper and Yorston.

Lihua Tong
Master of Laws (2004)

Giving a voice to the voiceless in a highly complex political environment, Lihua Tong is a leading global advocate for the rights of children, women and migrant workers.

In 1999, the public interest lawyer used his personal funds to establish the Beijing Children's Legal Aid and Research Centre, the first non-government organisation [NGO] dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to children in the People's Republic of China.

Determined to extend this life-transforming access to justice, Tong expanded operations to include legal assistance to migrant workers and women in China, later adding the protection of farmers' rights and environmental issues to the portfolio. Operating under the new name Zhicheng Public Interest Lawyers, more than 400,000 children and migrant workers have already benefited from his work.

Tong leads by example, encouraging other lawyers in China to take on pro bono work. Globally, he continues to advocate tirelessly for policy and legislative reform. Diplomats and members of the international civil society community regularly use his views and the work of his organisation as an indicator of reform.

Forming the largest and most influential NGO in China is, in itself, a significant achievement for the Master of Laws (2004) graduate. But perhaps even more remarkable is the support he garnered from Chinese authorities for establishment of an independent legal NGO dedicated to helping a sizeable section of the population whose voices would otherwise go unheard.

The considerable impact of his inspirational work hasn't gone unnoticed - he's in receipt of over 80 awards, amongst them the prestigious International Bar Association Pro Bono Award in 2012. But Tong isn’t in it for the accolades.

"I was born in a poor village and have insight into the lives of vulnerable groups in China," he recalls. "In these times of rapid growth in China, we need to increase our efforts to address the continued disadvantage of such groups. More lawyers must stand up and fight for the rights and dignity of our most vulnerable people."

Richard Tamba
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (1988)

The son of a successful Sydney motor mechanic, Richard Tamba's childhood was spent helping out in the workshop, paving the way for a stellar career as one of Australia's most influential and innovative engineers.

After cutting his teeth in transmission control systems for Borg Warner Australia and global technical consultancy Ricardo, Tamba founded Nautitech - later re-named NTC Powertrain - in 1995. He rapidly grew the company's international profile, culminating in 98 per cent of turnover coming from Europe, Asia and the United States, and establishing offices in all three continents.

When Tamba sold his company to AVL in 2011, he joined them as Senior Vice-President, Passenger Car Transmissions, taking responsibility for strategy and growth for over 40 divisions globally, until earlier this year. Today, he focuses on the ASEAN region for AVL, their biggest strategic growth area.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) in 1998, Tamba is author of over 50 patents, and his adaptation of dual-clutch transmission (OCT) technology to passenger cars is now industry standard worldwide. Initially developed for Volkswagen, Tamba's OCT technology is at the heart of the performance of some of the world's best-known cars, including the Nissan GTR and the Bugatti Veyron.

It's just one of the innovations that's landed Tamba numerous industry accolades and seen him named in the Engineers Australia's Top 100 Most Influential Engineers list for the last three years running. ''I'm honoured  to be receiving  recognition for my achievements over the last 30 years in the mechanical engineering industry, specifically in the international automotive space," he says.

Tamba is a passionate ambassador for Australian it in the world market and a strong advocate for education's role in ensuring we have the local talent to drive innovation forward. He's giving back by providing training and advice on a pro bona basis, advising start-ups and established companies and mentoring CEOs.

"I want to help Australian companies be recognised for their achievements and to benefit from their hard work and world­ class innovation in the global arena,” he adds.

Leona McGrath
Bachelor of Midwifery (2009)

Leona McGrath's interest in midwifery was piqued at age 16, when she was privileged to witness her niece's entry into the world. But it wasn’t until much later that she considered it as a career option.

Taking on mature-age study as a single mother, McGrath overcame significant obstacles to become one of the first Aboriginal graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery in 2009. Her own childbirth experiences were a key motivator. "I believe I would have had a more rewarding experience if there'd been another (Indigenous) face in the clinic, or better still, whilst giving birth," she shares.

Generations of Indigenous people stand to benefit from her determination. Starting out as a midwife in the Malabar Community Midwifery Practice, a service specifically for Aboriginal women, she became a natural mentor for other Indigenous midwives and students. After just four years of practice, she was actively recruited by NSW Health to lead the ministry's strategy to address the critical shortfall in numbers of Aboriginal nurses and midwives.

McGrath was born to the role. A passionate advocate for the advancement of midwifery as a career of choice for Aboriginal people, in just over two years she's made a significant impact, further developing initiatives within NSW Health to increase the Aboriginal nursing and midwifery work force . And it's paying off: this year’s pool of applicants for the department's MidStART training and recruitment program for midwives saw its largest representation of Aboriginal nurses to date .

Further afield, her work is placing Australian midwives on the world stage, a fact recognised by the Australian College of Midwives in selecting McGrath to carry the Australian flag - and for the first time at this forum, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags - at the opening of the International Conference of Midwives Congress last year.

"I hope that my story will encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to believe that if they have the passion, they too can become what they want," she says.

Margaret Cunneen SC
Bachelor of Laws (1982)

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Margaret Cunneen has earned a reputation as one of the country's most respected champions of the rights of sexual assault victims.

Her criminal prosecution record is formidable. Since her appointment as NSW Crown Prosecutor in 1990, Cunneen has brought the weight of justice down on some of the nation's most notorious criminals, including paedophile Robert 'Dolly' Dunn, gang rape ringleader Bilal Skaf, the 'Butcher of Bega’ Graeme Reeves, and Paul Peters - dubbed 'the Collar-Bomber’.

In recent times, though, she's been firmly engrossed in her role as Commissioner of the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into matters relating to the police investigation of certain child sexual abuse allegations in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Cunneen considered evidence taken over the course of 100 private witness hearings and 100,000 pages of documentary material before reporting to the Governor in May this year. Her findings are expected to have international significance.

Cunneen worked as a legal clerk while studying for her Bachelor of Laws (1982) at what was then the NSW Institute of Technology (NSWIT), part of the first cohort of students in the Faculty of Law.

"I started Law at NSWIT the same day I started work in the NSW Attorney General's Department," she recalls. ''I'd turned 18 less than a month before."

A post with the Public Service Board's Legal Branch followed, before joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, heading up their Child Sexual Assault Unit until her appointment as Crown Prosecutor. She took silk, appointed Senior Counsel in 2007.

Cunneen is a firm believer in humanity and conscience in the practice of the law. "My motivation," she explains "has always been to give a voice to the traumatised victim of crime, or to his or her bereaved relatives, whose human rights have been violated in the most direct fashion, by the criminal act of another."

Jacqui Feeney
Graduate Diploma Business Administration (2000)

From grass roots to big budget productions, Jacqui Feeney knows just how much goes on behind the scenes to keep television entertaining, stimulating and relevant.

Earlier this year Feeney was appointed Managing Director of Fox International Channels (FIC) in Australia and New Zealand. She oversees all aspects of the company's operations in the region, covering programming, marketing, advertising sales, finance and regulation, as well as management of affiliate partner relationships.

It's the best of both worlds for Feeney, who loves the creative and business sides of the industry in equal measure. "I really appreciate being part of a global business that has a deep seated entrepreneurial need to innovate in nimble and surprising ways. Representing much loved brands like National Geographic and FX means I can bring my skills to the fore and take some risks."

Her early experience focused on content development and she sees her Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (2000) as a pivot point. "I moved my career from being about films and programs -  the creative  side  I was  originally  so interested in - to focus on embracing what has become a specialty for me: the business and strategic direction of content," she explains.

This shift saw Feeney take the role of Channel Manager and then CEO for World Movies, before making a career-defining move to Foxtel, where her substantial impact on the business' operations and content strategy laid the foundation for her current role with FIC.

Somewhere amongst all this, she finds time to help shape the industry's future and encourage social philanthropy, serving on various industry boards - including the Documentary Foundation of Australia, who raise and distribute philanthropic funds to social justice documentary projects - and mentoring and embracing social ventures.

"Working with people who see beyond the business bottom line and collaborating on philanthropic, social justice and sustainability initiatives helps to ensure that media is not just about entertaining, but having a positive impact on society," she says.

Chris Zaharia
Bachelor of Business (2010), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (2010)

As a child, Chris Zaharia constructed elaborate worlds in his bedroom, using books, wood, blankets, paper - whatever he could find. He went on to explore the fantasy realms of video games, but longed to engage with them in a more physical way.

Later, his dream of creating fully immersive virtual worlds began to take shape, as his burgeoning programming skills married with increasing access to virtual reality and neuroscience technologies.

Zaharia's achievements at just 26 years of age are extraordinary. Within a year of graduating he co-founded Zookal, an innovative business model that rents textbooks to Australian university students. Under his guidance as director and Chief Technology Officer, Zookal has built and scaled its technology to service over ten thousand students and generate revenues in excess of one million dollars, attracting significant international investment.

Through his research in virtual reality and neuroscience technologies for education, Zaharia designed and built a world­ first simulation enabling users to navigate virtual environments with their mind, mapping thoughts to action to perform activities such as chemistry experiments, city planning and even surgery, offering endless potential.

Perhaps key to Zaharia's success is his blending of technical skill, creative innovation and strong business acumen, honed during his studies toward the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, from which he graduated in 2010. "I take a view on things from both a technological and commercial viewpoint", he says, acknowledging that even the most ground-breaking technologies still need to be commercially viable.

He's sharing that expertise freely to inspire and support other young entrepreneurs, helping out start-up ventures in need of technological and business development guidance. "Starting out at Zookal, the help we received from the local business and technology communities was vital," says Zaharia, "and I'm glad to be in a position to pass it on."