Meet Swinburne's 2025 Alumni Impact Awards finalists

Swinburne has announced the finalists for the 2025 Alumni Impact Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of alumni who are driving positive change around the world.

This year, twelve individuals have been recognised for their transformative contributions across technology innovation, environmental sustainability, social impact and emerging leadership.

Their work spans a wide range of fields – from social enterprise and renewable energy to clinical psychology, design and the not-for-profit sector – demonstrating the diverse and meaningful ways Swinburne alumni are shaping a better future. 

The winners will be announced in October.

Meet the finalists

The George and Ethel Swinburne Social Impact Award

This award is for a Swinburne alum who has demonstrated Swinburne’s passion for providing opportunities for all and making a real difference to the world we live in.

Dr Justin Trounson, Selba-Gondoza Luka OAM and Matt Levy OAM

Matt Levy OAM 
Matt Levy is an Australian Paralympian, published author and advocate. Born with cerebral palsy and legal blindness, he has overcome significant challenges to become one of Australia's most decorated Paralympic swimmers. Matt is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and the author of a memoir and self-help book on overcoming adversity. In recognition of his service to sport, Matt was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014.

Selba-Gondoza Luka OAM  
Selba-Gondoza Luka is the Founder and CEO of Afri-Aus Care Inc., a not-for-profit organisation providing mental health and community support to African and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities across Victoria. She founded the organisation in 2015, inspired by her own lived experiences and journey of settling in Australia. Her contributions have earned national and state recognition, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2025.

Dr Justin Trounson  
Justin is a proud Dharug man and clinical psychologist. After completing his PhD at Swinburne, he co-founded Connected Minds Psychology, one of Melbourne’s largest private psychology clinics which also runs a low-cost psychology clinic to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access to high quality mental health services. He is also the Wellbeing and Community Programs Psychologist at Richmond Football Club.  

The Innovative Planet Impact Award 

This award is for a Swinburne alum whose exceptional endeavours have resulted in significant impact in environmental sustainability.

Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu, Darrell Nadeng Dominic and Heidi Sick

Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu 
Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu is the founder and Managing Director of Little Green Panda, an award-winning startup leading the charge in sustainable innovation. With a mission to eliminate single-use plastics, Little Green Panda is transforming agricultural waste into home-compostable alternatives like straws, cups and cutlery. Since launching, Little Green Panda has sold over 30 million straws and supplies 1,000+ venues across Australia.  

Darrell Nadeng Dominic 
Darrell Nadeng Dominic is a Malaysian biotechnology professional and sustainability advocate with a strong track record in environmental innovation and community leadership. He is Director of PhytoTech Group where he champions environmental stewardship and nature-based solutions to empower knowledge and learning in the community.

Heidi Sick 
Heidi Sick is a senior executive and recognised leader in Australia’s clean energy transition. She currently leads the Energy and Environment business at AECOM where she guides a team of more than 700 people to deliver projects that will drive Australia and New Zealand’s transition to a net-zero future and helps organisations navigate the shift to cleaner energy. 

The Technology Innovation Impact Award

This award is for a Swinburne alum who has made significant impact through technology and entrepreneurial innovation.

Arun Chittilappilly, Chris Peters and Josh Simons   

Arun Chittilappilly 
Arun Chittilappilly is an entrepreneur and the driving force behind Wonderla Parks and Resorts, India's largest amusement park operator. Arun has blended his engineering and business acumen to revolutionise the amusement park industry in India, expanding Wonderla to include four world-class amusement parks and two diverse resort offerings known for their innovative and cutting-edge approach to entertainment.

Chris Peters  
Chris Peters is an industrial designer and entrepreneur and the co-founder of Quad Lock – a smartphone-mounting system he launched on Kickstarter in 2011 with business partner Rob Ward. Under Chris’ leadership, Quad Lock has evolved from a cycling accessory into a global brand spanning bikes, motorcycles, cars and outdoor adventure, now selling in over 100 countries.

Josh Simons  
Josh Simons is the CEO of Australia’s only ASX-listed music company, Vinyl Group, which builds tech solutions that connect music creators, fans and brands in new ways. He is also the founder of Vampr, the world’s largest professional networking platform for musicians and creatives. In 2024, Josh received Young Entrepreneur of the Year honours from Business News Australia.  

The Emerging Leader Impact Award

For a Swinburne alum in the early stages of their career who has shown exceptional promise, leadership and impact across technology, entrepreneurial change or as a local and global citizen. 

Bianca Stern, Isaac Jeffries and Trinity Ross

Isaac Jeffries   
Isaac Jeffries works with entrepreneurs and startups all over the world, helping them to grow successful and sustainable businesses. He is the co-founder of Press Play Ventures, a launchpad designed to help women in tech take the leap from employee to entrepreneur. Isaac also delivers business support programs across Victoria and online, and with First Nations entrepreneurs. 

Trinity Ross  
Trinity Ross is a visionary creative leader and social impact strategist, recognised for her innovative approach to design and storytelling. As the founder of Superthink, a global creative agency, she leads international teams in developing purpose-driven campaigns aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Bianca Stern  
Bianca Stern is the Head of Impact and a founding member of All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise empowering people with disability through award-wage employment, purposeful training, and pathways to rewarding careers in hospitality. Named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025, Bianca is a recognised leader in the social impact sector.