JCU Outstanding Alumni Awards

In its 13th consecutive year, JCU Outstanding Alumni Awards continue to shine a spotlight on graduates who have made significant contributions to their respective fields on local, state, national, or international levels. The awards serve as a platform to celebrate the noteworthy successes and accomplishments of these outstanding individuals.

This year, the 2023 Outstanding Indigenous Alumni Award was bestowed upon JCU alumni Melia Benn, marking a momentous recognition of her achievements.

The Outstanding Indigenous Alumni Award specifically acknowledges graduates of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their chosen fields or have made remarkable contributions to the community.

Melia Benn, a Mamu and Gunggandji woman, stands out as one of only two practicing Indigenous women barristers at the Queensland Bar. Her significant contributions across various legal domains, coupled with her fervent advocacy for increased Indigenous representation in the legal profession, led to her well-deserved receipt of the 2023 JCU Outstanding Indigenous Alumni Award.

Watch this short video about Melia’s story.

Read more about Melia’s story HERE

Visit the JCU Alumni Awards Page HERE