Meet our 2025 ANU Alumni Awards Finalists
Each year, the ANU Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our most remarkable alumni. This year, our 2025 Indigenous Alum of the Year award finalists are shining examples of leaders in the areas of Indigenous health, cultural preservation, and the arts.
Sharynne Hamilton (BA '13)
Dr Sharynne Hamilton, a Ngunnawal woman residing on Wardandi Noongar Boodjar, is a Senior Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra. A passionate advocate for Indigenous families navigating complex government systems, her groundbreaking work has driven systemic reforms in child protection and youth justice. Dr Hamilton spearheaded the Charter of Rights & Responsibilities for families in child protection, which has been adopted both nationally and internationally, reshaping support pathways for Indigenous families. An ANU Political Science honours graduate, she continues to inspire through mentorship, advocacy, and community-driven research initiatives.
Terri Janke (PhD '19)
Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam woman, is a trailblazing authority on Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, and the Solicitor Director of Terri Janke and Company – a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned law firm. Through her pioneering publication True Tracks: Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Culture, and groundbreaking legal work, she has established frameworks to protect and promote Indigenous cultural expression globally.
An advocate, mentor and community leader, Terri’s accolades include the NAIDOC Person of the Year (2011) and Indigenous Business Leader of the Year (2019). Her dedication to volunteering and activism, both professionally and personally, serves as an inspiration, achieving substantial positive outcomes for Indigenous communities across Australia.
Bronwyn Bancroft (DipVCommun '80)
Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft AM is a Bundjalung woman and artist. She is an ANU alumna whose professional artist career began following her graduation in 1980. Bronwyn’s painting career has included both national and international exhibitions, and has contributed extensively to Australian children’s literature, authoring and illustrating 48 children’s books.
Bronwyn is a Founding Member of Boomalli and has been the Co-operative’s volunteer senior strategist since 2009. As a mentor, educator and advocate for equality, Bronwyn contributes her expertise to a number of community organisations and not for profits, including the Returning and the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).
