The 2024 Southern Cross University Alumni Impact Awards have honoured individuals who have made important contributions to areas such as physical fitness, mental health, product innovation and the environment.
Southern Cross Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the winners were outstanding examples of the people, values and achievements that made the university an “extraordinary” institution.
“Through entrepreneurship, research, social and environmental activism these graduates have created lasting, positive change and a brighter, more sustainable future,” Professor Carlin said.
Alumnus of the Year, Jonathan Freeman
Jonathan Freeman is the Founder and CEO of Club Active, one of Australia’s leading over-50s health and fitness exercise physiology clinics. The organisation’s mission is ‘to change the way our members age’ through individually tailored exercise programs led by university-qualified allied health professionals. As an accredited exercise physiologist, he encourages others to create a lasting positive impact on health and wellbeing.
Young Alumnus of the Year, Jessica McEvoy (dual recipient)
As the Nurse Unit Manager of the Coffs Harbour Acute Mental Health Unit, Jessica McEvoy is an inspirational leader and manager, dedicated to her staff’s growth, effective workplace change, and to enhancing care for patients with mental illness. Jessica is a proud 2024 Australian College of Nursing Bullwinkel Scholar, and is completing her Bachelor of Innovation with Honours and a Master of Mental Health.
Young Alumnus of the Year, Andrew Nichols (dual recipient)
Andrew Nichols is a Southern Cross MBA graduate, leading commercial manager and co-founder of the Mr Hux fragrance brand. He has successfully combined his corporate experience with a passion for creating accessible, genderless fragrances. Inspired by his dog Huxley, Andrew and his partner have also made Mr Hux the only Australian fragrance brand to cater to the visually impaired community by incorporating braille on their packaging. Committed to sustainability, they ensure all packaging is recyclable or reusable.
International Alumnus of the Year, Dr Dexter dela Cruz
Dr Dexter dela Cruz’s passion for ocean conservation led him to Southern Cross University, where he completed his PhD in 2019. Dexter’s work in coral reef restoration, particularly through the Larval Enhancement Method, has gained international acclaim. Now a postdoctoral research scientist at Southern Cross University, Dexter is also a key researcher and field coordinator for the $2.5 million Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research coral restoration project in the Philippines.
Early Career Alumnus of the Year, Georgia Page
Georgia Page is a former professional athlete and current osteopath, who combines her on-field experience and clinical expertise to help injured athletes return to sports and improve safety in women’s rugby league. After earning her Bachelor of Clinical Science (Osteopathic Studies) and a Master of Osteopathic Medicine from Southern Cross University, Georgia is now pursuing a PhD, focusing on strategies to reduce head injuries in women’s rugby league.
Community Impact Alumnus of the Year, David Sivyer
David Sivyer, a Southern Cross University business graduate and fifth-generation Hunter Valley farmer, founded Feedback Organic in 2013 to tackle Australia’s $36 billion annual food waste problem. His innovative approach has diverted over two million litres of food waste from landfills, while Feedback Organic has produced over 40 tonnes of sustainable food and engaged thousands of community volunteers.
