What’s Happening?
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has recognised graduates for achievements in health, science, technology, business, sport, the arts and community service.
Among those honoured at the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards was Dr Ali Drummond, an Indigenous health leader with Torres Strait and Far North Queensland heritage.
The awards ceremony took place at QUT’s Gardens Point campus in Brisbane, bringing together graduates whose work spans Australia and international organisations.
Why It Matters
The awards recognise graduates whose professional achievements and community contributions have made an impact beyond their university studies.
Dr Drummond’s recognition highlights Indigenous leadership in nursing and midwifery. As Chief Executive Officer of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, he works to strengthen the Indigenous health workforce.
His career spans clinical practice, policy, research, education and leadership, including roles with Queensland Health, academia and the community-controlled health sector.
Local Impact
Dr Drummond is a Meriam and Erubam man of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and a Wuthathi man from Far North Queensland.
His connection to northern Queensland provides a regional perspective on this year’s university awards, particularly through his work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
The QUT announcement does not identify a specific Townsville connection.
By The Numbers
- 12 graduates: Recognised at the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards for achievements across different professional and community fields.
- 35 years: The history of QUT’s Outstanding Alumni Awards, recognising graduates’ contributions to their professions and society.
- More than 20 years: Dr Drummond’s experience across clinical practice, health policy, research, education and leadership.
Zoom In
The university recognised the following graduates:
Outstanding Alumni
- Dr Ali Drummond: Indigenous health leader and Chief Executive Officer of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives.
- Dr Robert Backhouse: Internationally recognised design leader at Hassell.
- Ravin Mirchandani: Business executive recognised for work in technology, manufacturing and clean energy.
- Dr Sarah Wittig: European Space Agency engineer specialising in photonics technology.
- Dr Suzie Miller: Internationally recognised playwright, screenwriter and novelist, known for Prima Facie.
Outstanding Young Alumnus
- Amy Gomes: Critical care paramedic and founder of One Little Heart.
Outstanding Indigenous Australian Alumnus
- Dr Alethea Beetson: Creative leader, writer, director and founder of Digi Youth Arts and Blak Social.
Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus
- Pete Horsley: Founder of Remarkable, supporting innovation in disability and assistive technology.
Outstanding Sports Alumni
- Melissa Andreatta: Head Coach of Scotland Women’s National Football Team and former Brisbane Roar coach.
- Dean Boxall: Head Coach of St Peters Western Swimming Club.
Outstanding Community Impact Alumni
- Carolyn Robinson: Founder and Managing Director of Beyond DV, supporting women and children recovering from domestic and family violence.
- Tim Oberg: Founder of parkrun Australia and the Healthy Kids Project.
Zoom Out
The recipients’ careers extend across Australia and internationally, demonstrating the range of fields represented among QUT graduates.
Dr Sarah Wittig works at the European Space Agency, while Melissa Andreatta leads Scotland’s national women’s football team.
Other recipients contribute to Indigenous health, disability technology, domestic and family violence recovery, community sport and the arts.
What To Look For Next?
The achievements of this year’s recipients offer a closer look at the work being done across Indigenous health, science, sport and community services.
Among them, Dr Ali Drummond continues his leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery, with a focus on strengthening the Indigenous health workforce.
