VU Staff Brilliance Awards 2025 recognise exceptional work

It’s official! The 2025 VU Staff Brilliance awards have been awarded.  

Every year, the VU Staff Brilliance Awards celebrate the contributions of team members. This year, the awards were refreshed to greater reflect the diversity and impact of the VU community. Staff were encouraged to submit applications for awards across ten categories. The response was overwhelming, with a 25% increase from last year, making the judges’ decisions extremely difficult.  

The feel-good event was hosted by Deputy Vice Chancellor External Relations and Partnerships, the Hon. Wade Noonan, who warmly thanked colleagues for their participation in the program. 

“To everyone who took the time to apply, or nominate colleagues for recognition, to our judges, chairs and panellists, who undertook the difficult task of selecting winners from such a vast and exceptional pool of nominees, thank you.” 

A special congratulations went to Karen Jackson, Yorta Yorta woman and Executive Director of Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit, who was the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s One VU Award. 

VU Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said: 

"Resounding congratulations and deep gratitude go to Karen Jackson (KJ). There are few initials other than KJ and VU that matter when put together. She is a fantastic, fabulous person and the most incredible colleague I can imagine at VU. 
 
“Where others see problems, KJ sees solutions.  KJ has done incredible things for, and with community her whole life. And for 30 years at VU, she has shaped what this University is, has been and can be for the future.” 

Congratulations to all award winners. 

One VU award 

• Karen Jackson 

TAFE Teacher of the Year Award 

• Anjali Mahendru 

Higher Education Teacher of the Year Award 

• Shiran Geng  

Student Success Award   

• Local Government Earn and Learn Project 
• VU Careers Hub 

Working with Others Award 

• Girls’ Tech Day at Wyndham Tech School  
• Collaborative Wellbeing Partnership Initiative 

Problem Solver Award 

• NATA Structural Fire Testing Facility Team 

Inclusive Culture Award  

• Moondani Balluk: Growing Country and Critical Allyships Program 

Sustainability Award 

• Iramoo Native Plant Nursery and Grassland Team 
• Western Melbourne Greening for Climate Resilient Housing Team 

Innovator Award   

• Career Bytes Team 
• VU Datacentre Academy Team 

Student Experience Award 

• Advocacy Animated Informative Video Series 

• AchieVeU Student Mentor Program