Johanna Byrne: Determined, humble and helping those in need

Johanna Byrne is a Senior Associate for Estate Administration and Civil Litigation with law firm Rae & Partners, where she advises on legal issues ranging from wills and estate settlement to commercial matters, as well as offering pro bono work to clients and mentoring Indigenous law students at Southern Cross University.

“This is my way of giving back and supporting Indigenous students after all the support I was given."

Lucas Handley: In-depth engagement for the environment

In primary school, Lucas Handley's teacher drew up a certificate that told his classmates: “If you want to know something about the environment, ask Lucas. If you don't want to know anything about the environment, he will still tell you.”

“The water is where I found my true self, I suppose,” he says. “My career pathway and my personal calling came together via the marine environment. That is still the case. The water is always where I prefer to be.”

Holly Wedd: teaching that adds up for the 21st century

In today’s education environment, award-winning teacher Holly Wedd says flexibility has never been more necessary.

“If we are teaching the generations of the future, what we teach and how we teach cannot be stuck in the past,” says Holly, Southern Cross University's 2019 Young Alumnus of the Year and now Head Teacher (Mathematics) at Orara High School in Coffs Harbour.

“Just the word ‘mathematics’ is enough to make some people shudder. I think what appeals to me the most is that maths always has the answer. It adds up.”

Kevin Franey: staying the course for the Northern Rivers

When Kevin Franey completed his Bachelor of Business in 1993, he became a member of Southern Cross University’s first graduating class.

“As my degree progressed, it translated seamlessly to my profession, aiding my interaction with clients and the quality of services I could provide. The importance of that essential regional presence has never shifted. It is one of the reasons I have stayed here.”