In summary

  • Philip Kinsella, Alison McMillan, Andy Fallshaw and Conor Bowden are the winners of the 2026 Alumni Impact Awards

  • The Alumni Impact Awards recognise exceptional alumni from around the world who are making a significant impact in their fields

  • Nine other finalists were also commended at the awards ceremony 

Swinburne has announced the winners of the 2026 Alumni Impact Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of Swinburne’s global network of alumni. 

The four winners of the 2026 Alumni Impact Awards are: 

  • Founder of H3D, Dr. Phillip Kinsella

  • Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM 

  •  Co-Founder at Bellroy and  Carryology, Andy Fallshaw

  • Darwin school teacher and First Nations advocate, Conor Bowden

Swinburne Vice President of Innovation and Enterprise Dr Werner van der Merwe says each of the winners demonstrate an unwavering commitment to making a difference.  

“Across industries, communities and around the world, our alumni are applying their expertise to create meaningful impact, drive innovation and tackle complex challenges.”  says Dr van der Merwe.

“It is always encouraging to see what Swinburne alumni go on to achieve. Their leadership, contribution and commitment to making a difference continue to reflect the very best of our university.”

Meet the winners

Andy Fallshaw – Innovative Planet Impact Award

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

Andy Fallshaw is a product designer, engineer and brand shepherd with a global focus. As a Co-Founder at Bellroy, and Co-Founder of Carryology, he aims to inspire better ways to ‘carry’ our everyday things.

Andy Fallshaw (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Dr. Philip Kinsella – Technology Innovation Impact Award

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

Philip Kinsella is founder of H3D, a proprietary AI-powered design platform which aims to solve challenges in healthcare manufacturing.

Dr Philip Kinsella (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison J McMillan PSM – George and Ethel Swinburne Impact Award

This award is for a Swinburne alum who has demonstrated Swinburne’s passion for providing opportunities for all.

Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM is one of Australia’s most respected nursing leaders and serves as Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. With more than 40 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, she has led national reforms in healthcare, workforce policy and emergency response. 

Alison McMillan (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Conor Bowden – Emerging Leader Impact Award

This award is 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. 

A proud Tagalaka and Gumatj man, Darwin schoolteacher Conor Bowden is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring leaders from his region.  

Conor Bowden (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Meet the finalists

Nine other finalists were also recognised at the awards ceremony for their outstanding contributions. 

George and Ethel Swinburne Impact Award finalists

Mark Beretta OAM

Mark Beretta OAM is an award-winning broadcaster with more than 35 years’ experience in television and radio, and is best known as the long-time sports presenter on Sunrise. 

Mark Beretta OAM (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Michelle Maxwell 

Michelle Maxwell is a proud Koori woman, psychotherapist, educator and founder of Violet Dreaming, a culturally grounded wellbeing business dedicated to healing and empowerment. 

Michelle Maxwell (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Innovative Planet Impact Award finalists

Dr Tennyson Chia 

Dr Tennyson Chia is a design strategist and concept architect for Mercedes-Benz Southeast Asia and Founder of Sachi Design.

Dr Tennyson Chia (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Frank Capurso & Ben Wood 

Ben Wood and Frank Capurso are the co-founders of Waste in Progress, a Melbourne-based sustainable design studio diverting textile and outdoor gear waste from landfill. 

Ben Wood and Frank Capurso (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Emerging Leader Impact Award finalists 

Dr Debatri Chattopadhyay 

Dr Debatri Chattopadhyay is an astrophysicist whose research explores how black holes and neutron stars form, collide and shape our understanding of the universe. She has led astrophysical analyses of some of the world’s latest gravitational-wave discoveries.

Dr Debatri Chattopadhyay (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Phoenix Santamaria

Phoenix Santamaria is an award-winning Senior Art Director. His conceptual thinking and creativity have culminated in effective and award-winning ideas for a diverse range of clients, demonstrating the power of his creativity to drive meaningful social impact on an international stage. 

Phoenix Santamaria (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Technology Innovation Impact Award finalists

Matthew (Matt) Franzi 

Matt Franzi is Chief Operating Officer of Jetstar Airways, part of the Qantas Group, with over 20 years' experience in aviation across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore. 

Matthew Franzi (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

Abdollah Al-Huseini 

Abdollah Al-Huseini is an entrepreneur, engineer and technology innovator who has helped transform Oman’s fisheries sector through Behar, a digital seafood marketplace he co-founded and leads as Chief Operating Officer.

Abdollah Al-Huseini (Alumni Impact Awards 2026)

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