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2021 Alumni Award winners

Ed Kalajzic

Ed Kalajzic

Winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award 2021

Bachelor of Business, 2004

Ed graduated ECU with a Bachelor of Business in 2004 and has experienced a fast-paced, dynamic career since. Taking multiple executive roles across varied industries, Ed has experience across finance, agriculture, State Government and climate change. In 2022, he was appointed as Director Project Development at Fortescue Future Industries, an industry leader in climate change. He is also a non-executive Director of Reconciliation WA and sits on ECU’s School of Business and Law Advisory Board. Ed’s primary focus remains his family and he holds this value core to his leadership style.

Narelda Jacobs

Narelda Jacobs

Winner of the Community Alumni Award 2021

Associate Degree of Performing Arts, 1999

Narelda was the first Aboriginal student to undertake WAAPA’s broadcasting course, qualifying in 1999 with an Associate Degree of Performing Arts. Starting her journalism career in 2000 at GWN Bunbury, it was within a few months that Narelda joined Network 10 and would become the first Aboriginal and openly lesbian news anchor for a commercial network in Australia. Some 20 years later, she is among Australia’s most popular, and highly regarded journalists. Narelda is an active advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion and through her involvement with various charities and non-profits has established herself as a prominent identity in Australia.

Nalishebo Meebelo

Nalishebo Meebelo

Winner of the International Alumni Award 2021

Graduate Diploma of Business (Management Studies), 2003
Master of Business Administration, 2003
Doctor of Philosophy, 2009

Between 2001 and 2009, Nalishebo attained three degrees at ECU. Upon completion, she was hired to work at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as a CAADP Facilitator. In that role, she facilitated the first ever Conference of African Ministers of Agriculture and Land (CAMA) in 2009. With a passion for international development, she has worked to support African governments in developing holistic national and regional agricultural sector strategies, promoting evidence-based analyses, toward enhancing poverty reduction, eliminating hunger and boosting food security and nutrition in Africa.

Christian Wright

Christian Wright

Winner of the Young Alumni Award 2021

Master of Midwifery Practice, 2016

Christian graduated from the Master of Midwifery Practice at ECU in 2016 and became the first male midwife to be employed at the Family Birth Centre at Perth’s King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH). Christian graduated as dux of his cohort and represented the School at the ECU Vice-Chancellors Awards for the Top 100 students of 2016. His passion for addressing inequality in birthing and health contexts has seen him work in isolated communities across Papua New Guinea and Arnhem land in Australia. Advocacy has become a focus of Christian's work and he takes pride in seeing women become increasingly empowered in their birthing journey.

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