From service to local communities to global sporting arenas: ECU Alumni recognised at special ceremony

A group of distinguished Edith Cowan University (ECU) alumni have been recognised for their contributions to their local and global communities at the 2023 ECU Alumni Awards ceremony.

ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman CBE congratulated all of this year's winners.

Winner of the Community and Impact Alumni Award, Janine Wood JP.

We are proud to acknowledge the remarkable ECU alumni who have paved the way to achieve great things for their communities,” Professor Chapman said.

2023 Alumni Award Winners

Winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award - Sharyn O'Neill PSM

Diploma of Teaching (Primary), 1985, Bachelor of Education, 1990, Master of Education, 2001

Sharyn O'Neill PSM is one of Western Australia's most influential public servants and first woman to be appointed as Public Sector Commissioner.

Ms O'Neill is also a recipient of the Public Service Medal in the 2023 Australia Day Honours for her leadership and management in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as State Recovery Controller.

Throughout her career, she has been a shining example of the ECU's values in action and how they can generate significant positive impact.

Winner of the International Alumni Award - Dr Nick Winkelman

Master of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning), 2010

Dr Nick Winkelman is currently the Head of Athletic Performance and Science at Irish Rugby Football Union.

Prior to working for the Irish Rugby Football Union, Dr Winkelman served as the Director of Movement and Education for EXOS where he delivered educational services in 20 countries and developed innovative online educational services to coaches throughout the world.

Winner of the Community and Impact Alumni Award - Janine Wood JP

Master of Business Administration, 2021

Janine Wood JP is the Founder and Chairperson of No Limits Perth, a not-for-profit organisation providing emergency support services to vulnerable community members including victims of domestic violence, seniors facing hardship, homeless and rural families relocated for access to metro health services.

Janine and two police officers founded No Limits Perth in 2015 after witnessing first-hand the plight of domestic violence and crisis victims.

Providing essential items, such as food hampers, pre-loved furniture, toiletries on a daily basis where it’s needed most

Posthumous Winner of the Young Alumni Award - Jordan Foster

Master of Psychology, 2015

Jordan Foster has been acknowledged for her outstanding contributions, initially as a Clinical Psychologist in practice to a pioneer in the field of cyber safety, where she founded Australia's leading provider of cyber safety training and education, ySafe.

Jordan has been celebrated for using her extensive clinical expertise to work with children and adolescents managing problematic technology use including cyber bullying, image-based abuse, and internet gaming addiction.

Commendation for the Young Alumni Award - Mikayla King

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies), 2018

Mikayla King is a Kalkadoon, Indjalandi- Dhidhanu and Dutch early childhood teacher, private Aboriginal education consultant and PhD student.

Mikayla was just 18 when she began working within the Department of Education as an Aboriginal Islander Education Officer. There she was able to gain first-hand knowledge of the gaps prevalent in Aboriginal education.

Today she works closely with school teachers to assist them in becoming culturally responsible educators.

Do you know an ECU graduate doing extraordinary things in their career, in the community or through their personal achievements? If so, email alumni@ecu.edu.au