La Trobe University is pleased to announce six new Distinguished Alumni Award recipients in 2026, who were acknowledged in a ceremony hosted by the Chancellor, the Hon. John Brumby AO.
One of La Trobe’s highest honours, the Distinguished Alumni Awards acknowledge alumni who have made a legacy contribution to their field, or significant contributions in service to their community, state or nation.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:
- Dr Wayne Atkinson: A Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung Elder, academic and advocate who has dedicated his life to Indigenous education, self-determinism and land justice.
- Professor Jason Payne: A former nurse and senior healthcare executive who is helping to transform cancer-care across Australia's healthcare system.
- Deborah Radford: A philanthropist, business leader and former Deputy Chancellor of La Trobe who helped raise over $100m for research and scholarships.
- Brooke Shelly: One of the first General Practice Pharmacists in Victoria who is dedicated to improving the health equity gap for rural Australians.
The 2026 Young Achiever Award recipients are:
- Ahmed Kelly: A four-time Paralympian and world-champion swimmer who inspires inclusion through sport.
- Gai Porh La Myint: A former refugee who now works as a hospital pharmacist and is a leader and advocate for the Karen community in Bendigo.
The 2026 recipient group represents graduates from across the state of Victoria and highlights leadership, inclusion, service and a commitment to creating a better future.
La Trobe University Chancellor, the Hon. John Brumby AO, said this year’s Distinguished Alumni embodied the very best of La Trobe.
“Each year, the stories of our Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients remind us of the profound impact La Trobe graduates have in their communities.
Our 2026 recipients exemplify the strengths of our University – an ongoing commitment to building the healthcare workforce, to supporting the learning pathways of non-traditional students, and the importance of giving back to the communities we serve.”
The celebration was also attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell.
“This inspiring and uplifting celebration of our graduates is also a fantastic showcase of our people, our values and our partners - which sit at the heart of La Trobe university and are the foundations on which we will realise our ambitions for the future.”
The 2026 event was once again presented in partnership with CyberCX, Australia's leading provider of end-to-end cyber security and cloud services. CyberCX CEO John Paitaridis said CyberCX was proud to continue to support La Trobe’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.
“CyberCX is proud to continue supporting La Trobe as it celebrates exceptional alumni. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, secure technology and research that delivers real‑world impact. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding recipients. Their achievements are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the difference they will continue to make in their communities.”
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognises La Trobe University alumni for significant personal, and professional achievements, in service to their community, state or nation.
Dr. Wayne Atkinson
Dr. Wayne Atkinson is a Senior Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung Elder. A distinguished academic, educator, and advocate – his commitment to Indigenous self-determinism and land justice has been lifelong. He is an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne where he pioneered the OnCountry Learning program. He was a Commissioner for the Yoorrook Justice Commission in 2022 and has published widely on First Nations issues. His memoir Beyond the Meeting of the Waters. A Yorta Yorta Life Story, was published in 2025. He continues to mentor Indigenous students and lead action-based research on land management and justice for his people.
Wayne completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (1996) and a PhD in Law and Legal Studies (2001) at La Trobe University Bundoora.
Professor Jason Payne
Professor Jason Payne is Chief Executive of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He is a health leader with over 30 years’ experience driving clinical excellence and organisational performance. Known for forging high trust partnerships and energising teams, he champions inclusive, values led cultures that empower people to excel. Professor Payne has spearheaded major transformation initiatives centred on workforce experience, safety and continuous improvement. Beginning his career as a Registered Nurse, he progressed through senior executive roles across major health services. He holds multiple academic appointments and contributes to several boards, helping shape the future of cancer care and health system leadership.
Jason completed a Bachelor of Nursing (1995) at La Trobe University Bendigo.
Deborah Radford
Deborah Radford has built a career combining commercial expertise with a deep commitment to community. Beginning in merchant banking and the State Treasury, she developed the financial and strategic skills that shaped her leadership in business, philanthropy, and education. As Deputy Chancellor and inaugural Chair of La Trobe University’s Foundation, she helped raise over $100m for research and scholarships. With her husband, Dr Tony Radford, she established the Radford Foundation, dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people. Deb has served in senior leadership positions at Bendigo Bank, Victorian Treasury, City West Water and Western General Hospital. She now leads a premium olive oil business in the Macedon Ranges.
Deborah completed a Bachelor of Economics (1976) at La Trobe University Bundoora.
Brooke Shelly
Brooke Shelly is a General Practice pharmacist and recognised thought leader in pharmacy and rural health. She was one of the first GP Pharmacists in Victoria and in 2024 was honoured as the PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year and elevated to Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. She contributes to national and regional governance through various boards and advisory councils – championing innovative models that strengthen primary healthcare and utilise the skills of pharmacists wherever medicines are. She is dedicated to improving the health equity gap for rural Australians, and to mentoring the next generation of health professionals.
Brooke completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy (2010) at La Trobe University Bendigo.
The 2026 Young Achiever Award recipients
Ahmed Kelly
Ahmed Kelly is a four-time Paralympian and elite athlete. Born in Baghdad and raised in Melbourne – he found his love of sport playing AFL before making waves in the pool as a Para-swimming champion. He made his Paralympic debut at the London 2012 Games and has since competed in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. He won silver medals in Tokyo and Paris, and further medals at the 2023 and 2025 World Para Swimming Championships. Off the blocks, Ahmed is a passionate advocate for inclusion who regularly engages young people and fellow athletes through public speaking. In addition to sport, he works as a Change Analyst at Telstra.
Ahmed completed a Bachelor of Arts (2021) at La Trobe University Bundoora.
Gai Porh La Myint
Gai Porh La Myint , known as GP, is a hospital pharmacist at Bendigo Health, a former refugee and an influential leader within Bendigo’s Karen community. Named Eaglehawk Citizen of the Year in 2024, she is recognised for strengthening cultural inclusion, improving health outcomes, and empowering young people. In her role as a pharmacist, GP provides expert, multilingual care in Karen, Burmese, and English. Beyond healthcare, she is a vital advocate for her people – from helping newly arrived families navigate Australia, to designing traditional clothing for Karen festivals, to supporting patients through medical crises in their own language, she leads with generosity, humility, and purpose.
GP completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (2020) at La Trobe University Bendigo.
Image: Chancellor the Hon. John Brumby AO, Professor Jason Payne, Ahmed Kelly, Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, Gai Porh La Myint, Deborah Radford, Brooke Shelly. Dr Wayne Atkinson awarded in absentia.
Media enquiries
Robyn Grace – r.grace@latrobe.edu.au, 0420 826 595
