2026 Alumni Impact Award Winners - Southern Cross University

Published: 12 November 2026

From public education and renewable energy to global business, agricultural innovation and opportunities for young Australians, the 2026 Southern Cross University Alumni Impact Awards celebrate six graduates creating positive change in their professions and communities across Australia and internationally.

Southern Cross University has announced the recipients of its 2026 Alumni Impact Awards, recognising graduates whose careers reflect leadership, service and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin congratulated this year’s recipients and said their achievements demonstrated the many ways graduates can create meaningful impact throughout their careers.

“Our 2026 Alumni Impact Award recipients are making a difference in remarkably diverse fields, but what connects them is how they have used their knowledge, experience and leadership in service of others,” Professor Carlin said.

“Their achievements span communities, industries and countries, and we are enormously proud to recognise the contribution they continue to make.”

Alumnus of the Year – Laura McRae

Principal of Orara High School and two-time Southern Cross University graduate Laura McRae has been named 2026 Alumnus of the Year, recognising a career devoted to public education, regional communities and creating opportunities for young people and educators.

Laura’s connection with Southern Cross University began at the Coffs Harbour campus and has continued throughout her career, including completing a Master of Education. Today, she leads a diverse school community at Orara High School and continues to work with Southern Cross University education students undertaking professional experience.

Her approach to leadership is grounded in a belief that students should be seen, heard and supported, and that their circumstances should not determine the quality of education or opportunities available to them.

Read Laura's story.

Young Alumnus of the Year – Amylee Quirk

Environmental scientist and lawyer Amylee Quirk has been named 2026 Young Alumnus of the Year for her emerging leadership in environmental assessment and renewable energy.

A 2020 Bachelor of Laws graduate, Amylee combines science and law in her role as Technical Lead for Environmental Assessments and Approvals at NGH Consulting, a Fyfe company. Her work includes the statutory approvals that shape renewable energy developments, including battery storage, solar, wind and hydropower projects.

Her focus is ensuring the transition to renewable energy considers the environments in which projects are developed. One project she is particularly proud of transformed a degraded mine site into a renewable energy hub supplying surrounding communities.

Watch Amylee's story.

Early Career Alumnus of the Year – Jordan Carroll

Business graduate and entrepreneur Jordan Carroll has been named 2026 Early Career Alumnus of the Year, recognising his achievements in international business consulting and entrepreneurship, alongside a growing commitment to using his expertise to support community and mission-driven organisations.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business in 2021, Jordan left a promising career in banking to establish Launch Crew Consulting. What began with a $180 market research project has grown into a business that has worked with more than 200 clients across 26 countries. He has since also co-founded UK wellness brand Clear Ritual.

Jordan has increasingly focused on applying his professional expertise to smaller organisations, not-for-profits, volunteer groups and sporting bodies that can struggle to access professional consulting support.

Watch Jordan's story.

International Alumnus of the Year – Dr Berhane Lakew

Agricultural scientist Dr Berhane Lakew has been named 2026 International Alumnus of the Year, recognising more than three decades using plant breeding and agricultural science to strengthen food security and farmer livelihoods in Ethiopia.

Since completing his PhD in Molecular Plant Breeding at Southern Cross University in 2010, Berhane has played a leading role in developing and releasing more than 25 improved food and malt barley varieties with Ethiopia’s national barley research team. His work has helped increase productivity and disease resistance, support farmers’ incomes and strengthen Ethiopia’s domestic supply of malt barley.

For Berhane, the significance of that research lies in what changes for farmers. He has helped connect research, farming communities and industry to get improved varieties into the field, while also mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists. In 2024, a malt barley variety was named Berhane in recognition of his contribution to agricultural research.

Watch Berhane's story.

A portrait of Dr Berhane Lakew sitting at a desk

Community Impact Award – Brigadier David McCammon AM, DSM & Bar

Brigadier David McCammon AM, DSM & Bar has been named joint recipient of the 2026 Community Impact Award, recognising more than three decades of leadership, education and service and his work creating opportunities for young Australians.

As National Commander of the Australian Army Cadets since 2024, David leads an organisation of around 20,000 young Australians supported by more than 2,000 adult volunteers. He has championed increased participation in regional, remote and First Nations communities and expanded opportunities in areas including STEM, aviation, robotics and cyber.

David completed a Bachelor of Management and Professional Studies at Southern Cross University in 2006 while serving as a junior Army officer. Across his military career, he has commanded at platoon, company, battalion and brigade levels and served on operations in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Watch David's story.

Community Impact Award – Mieke Elzer

Lawyer and community advocate Mieke Elzer has been named joint recipient of the 2026 Community Impact Award for her commitment to environmental protection and supporting women rebuilding their lives.

Mieke completed a double degree in social science and law with First Class Honours in 2022 after balancing work, four children and university study over 11 years. Her commitment to advocacy stretches back to a childhood shaped by environmental activism around Coffs Harbour and now finds expression through her legal career and community work.

A survivor of domestic violence, Mieke has increasingly used her experience and professional standing to support other women. That has included directing the proceeds of a charity property auction to the SHIFT Project in Byron Bay, which supports women affected by circumstances including domestic violence and homelessness.

Watch Mieke's story.

Professor Carlin said the recipients also reflected the enduring connection between Southern Cross University and the communities its graduates go on to serve.

“These awards are an opportunity to recognise individual achievement, but they also tell a broader story about education being carried forward into communities, professions and future generations.

"We congratulate Laura, Amylee, Jordan, Berhane, David and Mieke, and look forward to seeing the impact they make in the years ahead."

Meet our 2026 Alumni Impact Award winners.