UTS celebrates excellence in the 2026 Australia Day Honours

Members of the University of Technology Sydney community have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for their outstanding contributions across research, industry and public service.

For current and future UTS Online students, these honours reflect something deeper: the real-world impact of a university connected to industry, policy and community leadership.

From public health and education reform to communication, law, business and design, this year’s recipients demonstrate how UTS expertise translates into national and global influence.

UTS Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt congratulated the recipients.

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all members of the UTS community whose exceptional achievements have been recognised in this year’s awards. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and service to the community.”

Below are members of the UTS community named in the 2026 honours list. 

Distinguished Professor Jim Macnamara

Member of the Order of Australia — communications research and public relations

Dr Jim Macnamara is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Communication at UTS and recently acted as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Design and Society.

An internationally recognised scholar, Professor Macnamara’s research has transformed how organisations evaluate public communication. His work has influenced governments and global organisations including the World Health Organization, shaping the future of public and health communication practice.

His impact reflects the strength of UTS programs in strategic communication and media leadership, including postgraduate communication degrees delivered through UTS Online.

Adjunct Professor George Newhouse

Member of the Order of Australia — law and social justice

George Newhouse is a leading human rights lawyer and Adjunct Professor of Law at the UTS Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.

As CEO and founder of the National Justice Project, he advocates for social justice and the rights of people living with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, immigrants, prisoners and First Nations people.

His work aligns with UTS’s broader commitment to public policy, social justice and international engagement, themes explored in programs such as International Relations.

Dr Michele Bruniges

Officer of the Order of Australia — education policy and addressing disadvantage

Dr Bruniges served as Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment from 2016 to 2023. She is now an Industry Professor at the UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion.

Her research into educational disadvantage highlights the importance of leadership in learning and reform, reflecting the focus of postgraduate education programs including Education.

Dr Dominic Morgan

Member of the Order of Australia — emergency response leadership

Dr Dominic Morgan is Commissioner and Chief Executive of NSW Ambulance and an Adjunct Professor in Health Services Management in the UTS School of Public Health.

With more than 30 years of operational, clinical and leadership experience, his career demonstrates the critical role of health leadership and public health expertise, areas central to UTS Online postgraduate health programs.

Maile Carnegie

Member of the Order of Australia — corporate leadership and governance

A UTS Business School alumna and former Chair of the UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Board, Maile Carnegie is recognised for her leadership in customer-centric innovation.

She has held senior roles at ANZ, Google and Procter & Gamble and is a recipient of the UTS Alumni Award.

Her career reflects the entrepreneurial and strategic leadership capabilities developed through UTS business education.

Dr Sarah Hill

Member of the Order of Australia — urban planning and public policy

Dr Sarah Hill is an Adjunct Professor at UTS and former Chair of the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building Industry Advisory Board.

Her career in planning and policy leadership, including roles in the Department of Planning and as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Sydney Commission, demonstrates the real-world impact of urban policy and governance expertise.

Desmond Freeman

Member of the Order of Australia — interior design and vocational education

Mr Freeman served as Professor of Design and Head of the Design School at UTS from 1993 to 1996.

His leadership across design education and professional bodies highlights UTS’s longstanding influence in creative industries and professional practice.

Professor Robyn Gallagher

Officer of the Order of Australia — nursing and cardiovascular health research

Professor Gallagher was Associate Professor of Chronic and Complex Care at UTS from 2005 to 2014 and Director of Research Students.

Her recognition for contributions to nursing and cardiovascular health research reflects the strength of Australian healthcare education and research leadership.

What this means for UTS Online students

These honours reinforce the value of studying at a university recognised for industry leadership, public impact and research excellence.

For UTS Online students, it means learning within a broader academic community that influences policy, healthcare systems, communication practice and global business strategy.

Online postgraduate degrees are developed and delivered in partnership with faculties whose academics and alumni are shaping national conversations and driving meaningful change.

When you study online with UTS, you are connected to a university community making measurable impact beyond the classroom.

Join a university recognised for impact across communication, education, health, business and public policy.

Explore UTS Online postgraduate courses or speak with an advisor to find the program aligned to your goals.

This article is republished from UTS under a Creative Commons license.