The Western Australian of the Year Awards recognised 21 finalists across seven categories. Image credit: Jackson Flindell, The West Australian
Two Edith Cowan University (ECU) alum have been recognised at the 2026 Western Australian of the Year Awards, honouring remarkable individuals that help to shape Western Australia.
Professor Colleen Hayward AM, who completed a Diploma of Teaching (Primary) from ECU in 1974, was awarded the 2026 Wesfarmers Aboriginal Award.
Professor Hayward is a distinguished educator, policy leader, and proud Noongar woman whose career spans more than 35 years of exceptional service to education, public policy, and the Indigenous community. Widely recognised as one of Western Australia's most influential voices in Indigenous affairs, she has demonstrated sustained leadership across academia, government, and the corporate sector.
Also recognised is Mark Glasson, who completed a Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media Studies) in 1996. Mr Glasson, who is the CEO of Anglicare WA and a leading voice in Western Australia's social services sector, was awarded the 2026 Alcoa of Australia Community Award.
Mr Glasson has more than 25 years of senior executive experience across community services, justice, local government and social policy. He is also President of WACOSS, former Chair of Shelter WA, Co-convenor of the Home Stretch WA campaign, and a Leadership WA Honorary Fellow in 2023.
The Western Australian of the Year Awards recognised 21 finalists across seven categories. Two other finalists are part of the ECU community, highlighting the depth and diversity of our alum.
Dr Carolyn Chard AM and Dr Tania Chambers OAM, who were both recognised as finalists for the Crown Arts Culture Award, reflecting their outstanding contributions to Western Australia's cultural landscape.
Dr Chard completed a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Management) at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 1993, while Ms Chambers is an Honorary Doctorate recipient (Doctor of Performing Arts - 2022), former WAAPA Board member and former Western Australian Society of Arts Advisory Committee member.
ECU congratulates all finalists and award recipients on this well-deserved recognition. Their achievements demonstrate the significant impact of ECU alumni and community members, whose talent, leadership and dedication continue to help shape a stronger Western Australia.
