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Each year, the ANU Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our most remarkable alumni. This year, our 2025 Alum Volunteer of the Year award finalists are shining examples of leaders in the areas of social innovation, advocacy and community service.

George Vallance (BAsPacSt/LLB '13, GDipLegPrac '14)

George Vallance is a transgender person with disability whose dedicated advocacy has significantly impacted LGBTQIA+ rights, disability health policy, and inclusivity in Canberra and at ANU. George's advocacy has led to the adoption of inclusive language policies in ACT maternity services, significant funding for LGBTQIA+ health reforms, and the ACT’s first Disability Health Strategy. Their leadership on the LGBTQIA+ Health Scoping Study Report continues to highlight the need for increased access to vital health services for LGBTIQA+ Canberrans.

George remains connected with ANU, strengthening inclusivity through teaching, mentorship, and financial support through the for LGBTQIA+ law students. George exemplifies our University’s values through tireless advocacy and meaningful community impact.

Terri Janke (PhD '19)

Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam woman, is a trailblazing authority on Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, and the Solicitor Director of Terri Janke and Company – a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned law firm. Through her pioneering publication True Tracks: Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Culture, and groundbreaking legal work, she has established frameworks to protect and promote Indigenous cultural expression globally. 

An advocate, mentor and community leader, Terri’s accolades include the NAIDOC Person of the Year (2011) and Indigenous Business Leader of the Year (2019). Her dedication to volunteering and activism, both professionally and personally, serves as an inspiration, achieving substantial positive outcomes for Indigenous communities across Australia.

Hieu Huy (Harry) Hoang (BEc '07, MProfAcc '08)

Harry Hoang, CEO of Tailored Accounts, is a visionary entrepreneur committed to empowering communities. Through his Accountant Change Program, he bridges academia and the workforce, equipping ANU students with leadership, technology, and accounting skills. His mentorship and career guidance have left a lasting legacy at ANU. A proud advocate for Canberra’s Vietnamese community, Harry founded the Canberra Vietnamese Association, Canberra Vietnamese Golf Association, and Viet Melody, strengthening connections and preserving cultural heritage. His pro bono support for Kulture Break and Disaster Relief Australia, valued at over $100k annually, highlights his relentless drive to create meaningful social change. Harry’s care for the community resonates in every aspect of his work.

Hannah Wood (BA / BSc '14, MChD '18)

Hannah Wood is an esteemed Indigenous alum of ANU, and a trailblazer in cultural awareness in medical science and Indigenous ophthalmology. Transitioning from politics to medicine, Hannah’s passion for serving marginalised communities inspired her focus on ophthalmology, where she actively addresses treatable eye conditions in rural and remote areas. .

Currently training in Geelong, she is on track to become the first Indigenous female ophthalmologist. Her work with Lions Outback Vision and ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Indigenous Doctors' Association’s Going Home project exemplifies her dedication to community care. Hannah’s advocacy for cultural sensitivity in medicine continues to shape better outcomes for patients and inspire the next generation at ANU.