Australians excelling globally celebrated, as report shows many are hesitant to talk about overseas success

Advance Global Australians

Australians excelling on the global stage have been recognised in the 2024 Global Australian Awards.

From a Head Coach of a Premier League Club, Chefs, Business Leaders to Innovators and Researchers - Australians who are excelling across diverse fields have been recognised.

The 2024 Global Australian Award winners are announced by Advance Global Australians, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting, empowering, and championing the achievements of Australians worldwide.

The announcement of the winners coincides with the release of the Advancing Australia Global Report, which shows insights into the perceptions of Australians and Australia on the world stage. The key findings include:

Australians are highly regarded abroad - particularly so in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe.
The solid reputation of Australia abroad is largely attributed to Australians’ friendly attitude
80% of Australians across the globe believe there is a need for more recognition of Australian achievements overseas. However, only 32% of Australians working and living across the globe feel comfortable talking about their experience and achievements outside of our country.
74% see it as important that Australia advances on a global stage
68% view globalisation positively, speaking to the value transfer of Australians’ experiences overseas
Australia is seen as excelling most in agriculture, food and wine, sport and education.

The Global Australian Awards recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Australians around the globe, as well as international alumni of Australian universities and recent migrants to Australia.

Categories included: Leadership, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Food & Wine, Arts & Cultural Excellence, Education, Science & Research, Finance, Investment and Professional Services, Community and Social Impact, Sustainability & Climate Change, Sport and Sports Administration, and the Asia-Pacific Impact Award.

Whether household names around the globe or hidden gems deserving wider recognition, these trailblazers have demonstrated sustained contributions that have left an indelible mark worldwide.

The 2024 Advance Global Australian Award Winners are:

Leadership: Shemara Wikramanayake, Macquarie Group Managing Director and CEO
Technology: Professor Mimi Zou, UNSW & Oxford University
Entrepreneurship: Paul Harris, Founder and CEO, VIBE
Innovation: Jonathan Lui, Soho Founder, Airtasker Co-Founder
Agriculture, Food & Wine: Skye Gyngell, Chef
Arts & Cultural Excellence: Margot Robbie, Actress and Filmmaker
Education, Science & Research: Professor Vincent Mok, Researcher, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Finance & Investment: Nell Hutton, Chief Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank and Ben Way Group Head of Macquarie Asset Management
Professional Services: Samallie Kiyingi, Global General Counsel, Standard Chartered Bank
Community and Social Impact: Skye Maconachie, Co-CEO, Blue Dragon Children's Foundation
Sustainability & Climate Change: Brendan Duval, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Glenfarne Group, and Herbert Eric Huppert, Emeritus Professor, University of Cambridge
Sport and Sports Administration: Ange Postecoglou, Head Coach, Tottenham Football Club
Global Impact Award: Richard Brennan, Regional Emergency Director at the World Health Organisation, Eastern Mediterranean Region
Asia-Pacific Impact Award: Ipul Powaseu, Senior Program Manager - Disability Inclusion, PNG Women Lead Program

Advance Global Australians CEO Kate McQuestin said, “There’s no doubt that Australia is punching well above its weight on the global stage and our biggest asset is our people. I am thrilled that we can highlight and champion the impact these inspiring Australians are having.”

“Many are quiet achievers and as our research shows are reluctant to promote themselves, so I am delighted we can do this for them to increase the awareness of our country's enormous capability and expertise.”

“We should all be proud of what they are achieving and shouldn’t shy away from celebrating it. The extraordinary talent and perseverance of Australians and alumni of Australian universities around the world really is worthy of international acclamation.”

“The Global Australian Awards acknowledge these high-achieving individuals from diverse backgrounds across multiple industries – all individuals who have made significant global contributions in their fields.”

“We’re excited to celebrate their talent, ambition, and vision as they redefine excellence across numerous industries and inspire Australians both at home and abroad. Each winner represents the spirit of innovation, resilience, and global citizenship that define Advance Global Australians."

"These awards showcase the profound impact that Global Australians have on the world," finished McQuestin.

The prestigious judging panel, led by Professor Sir Edward Byrne AC, includes Jillian Broadbent AO, Michelle Garnaut AO, Darren Burns, The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, Andrew Liveris AO, Lord Michael Hintze AM, Joseph Kwok, and Alexie Glass-Kantor. These esteemed Australians, respected for their expertise and integrity, have meticulously selected the winners and finalists from an impressive pool of nominees—individuals nominated by business leaders, universities, alumni, patrons, ambassadors, and even former Australian Prime Ministers.

With a global community of 70,000 Australians spread across 80 countries, Advance Global Australians is committed to fostering connections, showcasing expertise, and amplifying Australian culture on the world stage for the benefit of all.

**BIOGRAPHIES, IMAGES, VIDEOS, QUOTES/COMMENTS FROM AWARD WINNERS ARE AVAILABLE HERE**

For more information, please contact: Kate McQuestin, CEO, Advance Global Australians on ‭0411 839 174‬ or kate@advance.org

About us:

ABOUT ADVANCE GLOBAL AUSTRALIANS

Advance Global Australians connects, empowers and champions Australians globally. A not-for-profit organisation bringing together a powerful network of government, business, educational institutions and Australians around the globe. The organisation galvanises people-to-people links abroad and at home to unlock opportunities and remove barriers, strengthening our global position by amplifying Australia’s enormous credentials and success for the benefit of all.

Contact details:

Kate McQuestin, CEO, Advance Global Australians on ‭0411 839 174‬ or kate@advance.org