• Charles Sturt celebrates winners of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards in six categories
• This year’s winners are contributing to their communities through innovations and research in health, science, First Nations communities, medicine and mental health

Six exceptional Charles Sturt University graduates have been named recipients of the 2026 Charles Sturt University Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Their contributions span from leading ambulance services and advancing infectious disease research to championing First Nations health and suicide prevention.

Acting Director of Advancement, Ms Carly Evans, said the University’s Alumni Awards recognise graduates whose achievements and leadership are making a significant impact across a diverse range of fields. These include healthcare, scientific research, First Nations leadership, social impact, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Charles Sturt University is incredibly proud of the achievements of our global community of more than 260,000 alumni,” Ms Evans said.

“Our alumni reflect the spirit of yindyamarra winhanganha - the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in.

“Through leadership, service, innovation and a commitment to improving the lives of others, these award recipients demonstrate the values that define Charles Sturt and inspire future generations.”

The award recipients were selected by a panel appointed by the Vice-Chancellor and represent excellence across six award categories.

“These awards celebrate alumni who are tackling complex challenges and creating meaningful change through research, healthcare, entrepreneurship, community leadership and advocacy," Ms Evans said.

“Congratulations to our 2026 recipients. Their achievements are a powerful reflection of the impact Charles Sturt graduates are making locally, nationally and globally.”

Professional Excellence – Mr Jordan Emery

As Chief Executive Officer of Ambulance Victoria, Mr Jordan Emery has transformed emergency healthcare through values-based leadership, driving cultural reform, workforce wellbeing and inclusive service delivery while helping shape leadership standards and professional practice across Australia’s ambulance sector.

Research Excellence - Professor Stuart Blacksell

Professor Stuart Blacksell is an internationally recognised tropical microbiologist and infectious disease researcher whose three decades of work have strengthened disease diagnosis, laboratory systems, biosafety and pandemic preparedness across Southeast Asia, contributing to global health security through research, capacity building and scientific collaboration.

First Nations Excellence – Mr Craig Taylor

A proud Wiradjuri man, Mr Craig Taylor has dedicated more than 30 years to creating opportunities for First Nations people through leadership in health, housing, education and government, driving community-led change and strengthening outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Creativity - Dr Matthew Muir

Dr Matthew Muir is a veterinarian, researcher and entrepreneur whose work in preventive medicine, companion-animal nutrition and sustainable food systems is driving innovation in animal health, combining scientific expertise and entrepreneurial leadership to improve animal health and promote a more sustainable future.

Social Impact - Dr Annie Fardell Hartley

Dr Annie Fardell Hartley is a psychologist, suicidologist and mental health leader whose work across research, policy, clinical practice and community advocacy is strengthening suicide prevention, first responder wellbeing and mental health support, particularly in rural and regional communities.

Young Alumni - Dr Courtney Ierano

Dr Courtney Ierano is an emerging national leader in antimicrobial stewardship whose research, clinical expertise and policy leadership are helping address antimicrobial resistance, improve patient safety and inform national strategies to protect the effectiveness of life-saving medicines.