Charles Darwin Univeristy Alumni Awards winners announced for 2023

The NT’s highest performing university alumni have been recognised in a prestigious awards ceremony. See all the winners.

Several graduates from the NT’s only university have been recognised for their industry excellence since completing their coursework.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said he was incredibly proud of the former students’ achievements and was happy to see Territory alumni “shape a brighter future” for the nation.

Darwin-born deep tech entrepreneur Mark Englund received the Alumni Award for Industry Excellence after her founded three start-ups since his graduation in 1995.

Dr Englund graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and is now the chief executive of his current endeavour, FibreSense.

Dr Mark Englund was recognised with the Alumni Award for Industry Excellence. Picture: Julianne Osborne

The First Nations Alumni Award and Distinguished Alumni Award went to Larrakia and Warumungu woman Christine Fejo-King.

The current Elder in Residence at the Department of Territory Families, Housing, and Communities graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Social Work in 1999.

Dr Fejo-King has spent the decades since working across policy development for care and protection, youth justice, early intervention, and social and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Christine Fejo-King was recognised with the First Nations Alumni Award and the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. Picture: Julianne Osborne

Veteran Matthew Hull won the Alumni Award for Early Career Achievement.

Mr Hull graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Psychological Science and has since played a critical role in suicide prevention charity MATES in Construction’s successful NT rollout.

The Alumni Award for Early Career Achievement went to Matthew Hull. Picture: Julianne Osborne

Conservation biologist Jayson Ibanez received the International Alumni Award for his research on the critically endangered Philippine eagle.

Dr Ibanez received his PhD in Natural Resource Management from CDU.

Yuba Raj Panta was awarded the Alumni Award for Community Service thanks to his volunteer work beginning in 2010.

Mr Panta graduated from the university with a Master of Information Technology.

Full list of alumni award winners:

Community Service – Yuba Raj Panta

Community Service (special commendation) – Shanae Kuo

Early Career Achievement – Matthew Hull

Early career Achievement (special commendation) – David Beckham

First Nations – Christine Fejo-King

First Nations (special commendation) – Yvonne Cadet-James

Industry Excellence – Mark Englund

Industry Excellence (special commendation) – Aly de Groot

Industry Excellence (special commendation) – Lawrence Fletcher

International – Jayson Ibanez

International (special commendation) – Ovania Mendonca