Six VU Impact Legends awarded at 110 Year Anniversary Gala

These individuals were awarded for their exceptional contributions to education, research, community and public service. 

Held at Melbourne Town Hall, Celebrating 110 Years of Moving with Purpose, brought together more than 550 students, staff, alumni, and community members. Guests included industry partners, government representatives, and Australia’s 27th Prime Minister, Dr. Julia Gillard, who delivered the keynote address. 

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said that the event and awards were a chance to recognise people and communities who have contributed to the University’s history, and which will continue to shape its future.

“Alumni from far and wide returned with stories of leadership, research achievement, service, innovation and contribution: true examples of how VU’s impact extends far beyond our campuses.”

“These awards are all about the people at the heart of VU’s far-reaching excellence and impact — locally, nationally and globally – those who have shaped our past, who are defining our present, and who will move us forward with purpose,” Professor Shoemaker said.

Meet the Impact Legend Award recipients

Karen Jackson – Protecting Country Award

Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Karen Jackson is a leader in First Nations’ community-building, place-making, self-determination, advocacy and education. 

Ms Jackson is Executive Director of VU Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit, which she established 20 years ago. Alongside her work at VU, which also includes research, Ms Jackson leads and co-chairs organisations and programs that create culturally safe, fair and opportunity-based environments for First Peoples, particularly in Melbourne’s west, embedded in relationships to land, culture, law and Elders.

Ms Jackson’s significant contribution was recognised with the Protecting Country Award, with the citation noting her pivotal role at Victoria University and impact in education:

For 30 years, Karen has helped create pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to access education, succeed in their studies and achieve their aspirations. She has played a pivotal role in embedding Aboriginal culture, knowledge and connection to Country across the University. 

“Through her guidance, mentorship and advocacy, she has helped foster a university where Aboriginal voices are valued, culture is celebrated and connection to Country informs how we learn, work and engage with community.”

Rohenna Young – Thriving Place to Study and Work Award

Rohenna Young’s career, leadership and more than 30-year contribution to Victoria University was acknowledged with a Thriving Place to Study and Work Impact Award.

The citation noted that “for more than 30 years, through her leadership and unwavering commitment to others, Rohenna Young has helped make Victoria University a place where people feel connected, supported and empowered to thrive.”

In 2023, drawing on decades of her leadership across VU's sporting programs and facilities, Ms Young created thrive*, a program that started as a pilot and has grown to become a university-wide initiative, open to staff and students, that engages thousands of people each year.

Thrive has become a defining part of university life, that has transformed how students and staff experience wellbeing, connection and belonging. It has earned national and international recognition for its creativity, innovation and far-reaching impact.”

Professor Gary Foley – Research with Impact Award

Gumbaynggirr academic, educator and Director of the Aboriginal History Archive, Professor Gary Foley is a leader in the advancement of Aboriginal self-determination, rights and community control in health, law, the arts, and contemporary history.

A leading political activist in the Australian Black Power movement, including the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, Professor Foley contributed to the establishment of the first Aboriginal self-help and survival organisations including: Redfern’s Aboriginal Legal Service, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, and the National Black Theatre.

Professor Foley received the Research with Impact Award:

Housing more than 80,000 primary source records and spanning more than a century of activism, the Archive has become a nationally significant resource for students, researchers, educators and community. It has helped shape collective understanding of Australia's history and the fight for Aboriginal rights. 

“Through his scholarship, teaching and advocacy, Gary has strengthened Victoria University's commitment to truth-telling, Indigenous knowledge and research that serves society. His contribution demonstrates how purposeful research can preserve history, empower communities and create lasting impact.”

Professor Tony Walker ASM (Posthumous) – Partnering with Principle Award

Professor Tony Walker ASM was one of Australia’s most respected leaders in Paramedicine and Emergency Services.

Across a distinguished career spanning frontline, clinical and executive leadership roles, Professor Walker dedicated more than 40 years to advancing ambulance services, clinical practice, workforce wellbeing and community care.  He played a pivotal role in shaping Paramedicine as a profession and has made a lasting contribution to emergency healthcare across Australia.

Professor Walker’s lasting contribution to Victoria University and the paramedicine profession was recognised with a Partnering with Principle Award.

Working alongside the University, Tony helped establish Victoria's first degree-conversion program for paramedics in 1995 and the pre-employment paramedicine degree in 1999. These pioneering initiatives laid the foundations for generations of graduates. He also helped establish VU's Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine, creating opportunities for learning, research and industry partnership that continue today.

“Though Tony is no longer with us, his influence endures through the thousands of students, practitioners and community members whose lives have been touched by the programs and partnerships he helped create.”

Dr Shane Gould AM MBE PhD – Learner Centred for Life Award

Olympic swimming champion and one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes, Dr Shane Gould’s commitment and courage in her studies was recognised with an Award for Learner Centred for Life.

Following her incredibly successful swimming career, Dr Gould embarked on a new path as a researcher and scholar, completing her PhD at Victoria University. 

The Award citation noted that “through her study of Australian swimming culture, she contributed valuable knowledge that deepened understanding of sport, wellbeing and community connection.”

Whether exploring new approaches to drowning prevention through Float to Survive, studying horsemanship, observing and learning from children and adults as a grandparent, or continuing to write, read and research, she approaches every stage of life with curiosity and purpose."

Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO – Global Impact in Education Award

Founder of the Sunway Group and distinguished VU alumnus, Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO was recognised for his outstanding contribution to education and philanthropy.  

Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah has established institutions, transnational partnerships and pathways that have opened doors for generations of learners across Malaysia and beyond.” 

To learn more about Dr Cheah’s career impact and his and return to VU more than 6 decades after he started as a student, see Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO recognised for global impact in education.