Award winners at Aluminate 2026 (L-R): Christopher Lambe, Shavini Fernando, Professor Tanya Buchanan, Akshat Sharma and Nicolette Beard. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of its alumni stars at Aluminate 2026 - a sparkling edition of the annual gala event held at The Westin Perth's grand ballroom on Thursday, 1 October.
Aluminate 2026 featured world-class entertainment from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) alumna Lucy Durack, as six extraordinary members of the ECU alumni community were recognised for their achievements across a range of professions and industries.
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock took to the stage on Thursday night to commend the six Alumni Award winners for their respective accomplishments, and for carrying on the legacy of the University's namesake, Edith Cowan.
"Nights like this remind me that ECU is a community, and at the very heart of that community are our graduates," Professor Pollock said. "Wherever you go, you carry a part of ECU with you.
"These awards celebrate individual achievement, but they also celebrate the enduring relationship between our graduates and our university. Your success is part of ECU's story, just as ECU has been part of yours.
"To our award recipients, and to every one of our alumni community here tonight: congratulations, and thank you for reminding us that the true measure of a university is not only what happens on our campuses, but what our alumni go on to achieve."
Professor Tanya Buchanan: Distinguished Alumni Award
Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, has built an influential career in health leadership, policy and advocacy.
Combining her nursing background with a MBA, Tanya – who graduated from ECU in 1999 with a Master of Business Administration -has led major national health organisations, including Dementia Australia and Cancer Council Australia, driving positive change for millions of Australians affected by dementia, cancer and other health issues.
Previously CEO of Action on Smoking and Health in Wales, Tanya has championed population health initiatives and evidence-based policy throughout her career.
Her curiosity, adaptability and commitment to improving health outcomes, alongside her collaborative leadership, have earned her the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winner Professor Tanya Buchanan. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
Christopher Lambe: Community and Impact Alumni Award
Science Specialist Chris Lambe has dedicated 25 years to making learning creative, inclusive and meaningful for children.
A Bachelor of Education (Kindergarten through Primary) graduate and passionate advocate for hands-on, play-based education, he inspires curiosity and engagement at Grandis Primary School and was named 2025 inaugural Western Australian Minister's Teacher of the Year.
Beyond the classroom, Chris has led the Fathering Project at his school for more than 12 years, helping fathers and caregivers become positive role models and strengthening family-school connections.
His care-first approach, commitment to student wellbeing and lasting impact on children, families and the teaching profession have earned him the 2026 Community and Impact Alumni Award.
2026 Community and Impact Alumni Award winner Christopher Lambe. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
Nel Minchin: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Award
Award-winning documentary filmmaker and producer Nel Minchin has built an acclaimed career telling compelling Australian stories across film and television.
Her diverse screen credits include Matilda and Me, Making Muriel and the internationally celebrated feature documentary Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra, which screened at more than 35 international film festivals and received multiple industry awards.
Now Head of Factual at Easy Tiger Productions, Nel – who earned her Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting in 2006 - has embraced creative leadership and entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Her commitment extends to mentoring ECU Screen and Broadcasting students, sharing industry expertise and helping develop the next generation of storytellers. These achievements have earned her the 2026 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Award.
Abigail Minchin collected the 2026 Innovation and Entrepeneurship Alumni Award on behalf of Nel Minchin. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
Shavini Fernando: International Alumni Award
After being diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition and given just two years to live, Shavini Fernando turned adversity into innovation.
In 2019, she founded Oxiwear and developed a groundbreaking, Food and Drug Administration-cleared real-time blood oxygen and pulse monitor designed to help people with chronic conditions avoid life-threatening events such as cardiac arrests and strokes.
Despite significant challenges as a first-time founder, entrepreneur and migrant, Shavini – who completed her Master of Business Administration (International) in 2013,successfully raised funding, secured regulatory clearance and brought the device to market in the USA.
Her extraordinary resilience, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to improving the lives of others have earned her the 2026 International Alumni Award.
2026 International Alumni Award winner Shavini Fernando. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
Nicolette Beard: RAC Young Alumni Award
Teacher turned not-for-profit co-founder Nicolette Beard is transforming how young people understand consent, respectful relationships and gender-based violence prevention.
In 2021, the Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) holder co-founded We Are W/M, delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based education to schools, communities and organisations across WA and nationally.
Since its inception, the organisation has reached more than 30,000 young people and 200 organisations through workshops, parent education and professional learning.
Recognised as Young West Australian of the Year 2024, Nicolette's leadership and commitment to creating safer, more respectful communities have earned her the 2026 RAC Young Alumni Award.
2026 RAC Young Alumni Award winner Nicolette Beard. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
Akshat Sharma: RAC Young Alumni Award
Robotic systems engineer AK Sharma has built an exceptional career through curiosity, initiative and a willingness to embrace challenges.
Since graduating with first-class honours in Computer Systems Engineering, he has worked on groundbreaking robotics projects across the UK, US and Australia, including helping develop the world's first fully autonomous tetherless underwater robot.
In Western Australia's mining sector, the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours graduate played a key role in transitioning conventional haul trucks to autonomous operation and now contributes to fleet reliability and efficiency.
Beyond his career, AK is committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and supporting the profession through volunteer leadership.
2026 RAC Young Alumni Award winner Akshat Sharma. Image credit: Kylie Plunkett.
A special event capped off by a showstopping performance
ECU alumna Lucy Durack headlined a program of world-class entertainment that wowed guests in The Westin Perth's grand ballroom on Thursday night.
The ECU and WAAPA graduate, who played Glinda in the Australian production of Wicked, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical, delivered a masterful performance befitting of one of Australia's most beloved musical theatre stars.
Aluminate 2026 was hosted by ECU alumnus and award-winning journalist Tim McMillan, who walked the evening's guests through a special night of celebration that honoured the accomplishments of ECU's six Alumni Award recipients in style.
The event was made possible with thanks to Aluminate partners: 2026 Presenting Partner - Dentons, Media Partner - Seven West Media, Award Partner - RAC, AV Partner - Brightside Live.
