First Nations rights advocate and Bidjara and Birri-Gubba Juru woman, Professor Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Huggins AM FAHA, has been honoured by Flinders University for her exceptional leadership creating an equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Awarded Flinders’ inaugural John Moriarty AM Impact Award in recognition of her advocacy work for reconciliation, social justice and the rights of Indigenous people, Professor Huggins joined 12 outstanding high achievers celebrated at the Flinders Alumni Awards ceremony in Adelaide.
The awards recognise the significant contributions made by outstanding graduates of Flinders University to the community, the University or within their chosen field – locally and internationally.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Romy Lawson congratulated this year’s recipients for their exceptional achievements.
“From advocacy for First Nations rights to medicine, law, agriculture and science, our 2025 awardees are change leaders and innovators,” said Professor Lawson.
“Established this year, the John Moriarty AM Impact Award recognises a graduate whose exceptional efforts have significantly enhanced the wellbeing, empowerment, and advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Dr Jacqueline Huggins embodies the spirit of this inaugural award through her lifetime of work as a First Nations historian.”
Made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2001, Professor Huggins has had a distinguished career as an advocate, author and historian before becoming the ABC’s inaugural Elder in Residence earlier this year.
“I am delighted that as a mentor and role model, I’m helping to guide the next generation of Indigenous leaders, who are operating across wider areas of business, government and organisations to achieve improved social justice for First Nations people,” says Professor Huggins.
Recognised for his legal representation of First Nations communities as a leading expert on native title, resources and renewable energy law, Nick Llewellyn-Jones was acknowledged for advancing justice for Indigenous communities with a Distinguished Alumni Award.
Principal at leading law firm Normal Waterhouse, Mr Llewellyn-Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice in 2003 and has represented First Nations communities on native title claims in the Federal Court.
“We’re trying to provide economic justice, which is consistent with a deep-seated view I have of the need to build an ethical capitalism,” says Nick Llewellyn-Jones.
Convocation Medallist:
Dr Roger Hunt, Founding Member of Daw House Hospice, Former Director of Western Adelaide Palliative Care Service and Honorary Life Member, Palliative Care SA.
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, 1981 and Doctor of Medicine, 2003.
For outstanding leadership in end-of-life care as a clinician, service developer, researcher, teacher and advocate for legislative reform.
John Moriarty AM Impact Award (inaugural):
Professor Jacqueline ‘Jackie ’ Huggins AM FAHA, Director, Partnerships and Innovation, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland.
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Queensland.
Diploma of Education, 1988 and Bachelor of Arts with Honours, 1990.
For exceptional leadership in the Australian reconciliation movement and commitment to creating an equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Distinguished Alumni awardees:
Nick Llewellyn-Jones, Founding Principal – Native Title, Resources & Renewable Energy Practice, Norman Waterhouse Lawyers.
Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, 2003
For distinguished service within the legal profession in the fields of native title, resources, renewable energy and administrative law and in acknowledgement of his significant contributions to advancing economic justice for First Nations communities.
Linda Matthews, Board Member, Lifetime Support Authority of South Australia and Chair at St Mark’s College.
Bachelor of Arts, 1990
For distinguished leadership across government and not-for-profit sectors, championing the rights and wellbeing of society’s most disadvantaged.
Dr Bushra Othman, General Surgeon and Palestinian Australian and New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA) Board Member.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, 2010
For distinguished humanitarian service as a general surgeon providing critical medical aid in Gaza, Palestine.
Dr Anne Tonkin AO, Retired physician and Immediate past Chair, Medical Board of Australia.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, 1982. Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), 1992.
For distinguished leadership in medical professional regulation, tertiary education and clinical pharmacology.
Early Career Alumni awardees:
Dr Henry Bowen, Research and Training Lead at the Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA)
Bachelor of Psychological Science, 2015 and Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), 2023
For significant research understanding military and first responder cultures to further support health and wellbeing.
Dr Chidozie ‘Elvis’ Chidi-Ezeama, Founder and CEO of Biomicrology
Master of Engineering (Biomedical), 2022
For significant contributions to creating equitable healthcare solutions to provide essential accessible healthcare.
Dr Benjamin Holman, Senior Research Scientist in Meat Science, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Master of Business Administration Future Business, 2025
For significant and innovative contributions to the national agrifood sector to reduce environmental impact.
Rachael Johinke, Developmental Educator and Disability Advocate and Performer
Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education, 2023
For significant contributions advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Meriya Poudel Baniya Chhetri, Clinical Lead Nursing, Community Living Options
Bachelor of Nursing, 2021
For significant contribution to improving disability services in the nursing profession through education, training, policy development and implementation of person-centred initiatives.
Ren Williams, Actor, Creator, Theatre Maker and Co-founder, The Cram Collective
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama), 2020 and Bachelor of Creative Arts (with Honours), 2021
For significant contributions to Australian film and theatre by fostering opportunities for others in South Australia.
For more information about the Alumni Awards and this year’s winners, click here.
