The CDU Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate the significant contributions made by CDU alumni in bringing about positive change to their communities and the world. These alumni are game-changers and trailblazers, pioneers in their field and fearless in their endeavours. They are inspirational and their impact is creating a brighter future for all.
2024 Alumni Award winners
Cristina Rebelo Dos Santos Costa
Distinguished Alumni Award
sponsored by Northern Territory Government
International Alumni Award
sponsored by Allianz Care Australia
Cristina Rebelo Dos Santos Costa graduated from CDU in 2014 with a Master of Business Administration for Professional Practice. She co-founded St. Anthony’s International School, Timor-Leste’s first independent international school.
Cristina now serves in the National Parliament, championing education and economic development.
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Ramnik Singh WaliaAlumni Award for Community Service Ramnik graduated with a Certificate III in Individual Support from Charles Darwin University in 2020 and has since become a passionate advocate for senior rights, putting the values and skills gained at CDU into meaningful action. | Geoffrey RadfordAlumni Award for Early Career Achievement Geoff Radford, now CEO of the NT Mental Health Coalition, built on a decade of community and government work by studying a Graduate Certificate of Strategic Management in 2023, following his earlier Bachelor of Health Science (Health Services Management) at CDU. |
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Teegan WattamFirst Nations Alumni Award Teegan Wattam, a proud Larrakia and Wadjigan woman, recently became the first First Nations student to complete a Master's in Language Therapy at CDU and now works as a specialist speech therapist, empowering young children and advocating for Indigenous health and culturally appropriate care. | Jared ArchibaldAlumni Award for Industry Excellence Jared Archibald, Curator of Territory History at MAGNT, has spent over 30 years preserving the Northern Territory's history, including leading key exhibitions and earning an OAM in 2022 for his contributions. |
Special Commendations
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Nilesh DilushanAlumni Award for Community Service - Special Commendation Nilesh, a passionate youth advocate and community leader, has delivered over 20 youth projects, mentored 40+ CDU students, co-founded Kindness Shake Inc., and grown Rotaract Young Professionals into a thriving movement, all while empowering young people through leadership, skill development, and social impact initiatives across the Northern Territory. | Zarah RamosoAlumni Award for Early Career Achievement - Special Commendation Zarah, a lawyer, mother, and published author fluent in three languages, has become a powerful advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the rights of marginalised communities, earning 10 awards during her CDU studies and quickly ascending in her legal career. |
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Stuart Yiwarr McGrathFirst Nations Alumni Award - Special Commendation Stuart, a proud Gamatj man from the Yolngu nations and 2021 NT Young Australian of the Year, graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2024 and now works with Miwatj Health, dedicating his career to improving healthcare outcomes for First Nations people through research, leadership, and initiatives like the award-winning "Ask the Specialist" podcast. | Fransisca TenorioInternational Alumni Award - Special Commendation Fransisca, a global healthcare leader and CDU alumna, has transformed patient care and healthcare accessibility, driving innovation and equity through her work at NT Health and international clinical trials, earning recognition such as being a finalist for NT Women of the Year. |