Australia’s international education community came together in Canberra today to celebrate its brightest leaders, innovators, and rising stars at the 2025 IEAA Excellence Awards, held during the Australian International Education Conference.
The annual awards, presented by the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), recognise leadership, innovation, best practice, professional commentary, research, and emerging talent across the international education sector.
Sponsored by IDP Education,TOEFL and Pearson, this year’s awards showcased the depth and diversity of talent shaping Australia’s global education reputation.
IEAA President Professor Ren Yi said the 2025 winners reflected the breadth of excellence from all corners of our sector.
“The winners demonstrate how international education connects to our communities, uplifts professionals, boosts English language learning, embraces data, supports students, and reaches out to the world,” Professor Yi said. “The whole international education community should be proud that such outstanding individuals and teams represent us.”
IEAA Chief Executive Hon Phil Honeywood said the achievements were even more impressive given the challenges the sector continues to face.
“Despite policy turbulence and a challenging financial environment, the international education community continues to innovate and inspire,” Mr Honeywood said. “Each award winner is a reflection of the passion that has always driven international education in Australia.”
The winners are:
Best Practice in International Education
Winner ‘OC’s Education with Purpose: Learning that Builds Communities’ by Orange College
Distinguished Contribution to International Education
Winner Saskia Loer Hansen
High Commendation
Eve Ollerenshaw
Excellence in Leadership in International Education
Winner Sophie O’Keefe
High Commendations Dr Alek Voninski
Caryn Nery
Innovation in International Education Award
Winner ‘Passport to Maths (P2M)’ by the P2M Project Team, Monash College
Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis
Winner Dr Elena Williams
Excellence in Professional Commentary Related to International Education
Winner Keri Ramirez
Tony Adams Rising Star Award
Winner Georgia Hooper
Life Memberships were also awarded to sector leaders Melissa Banks and Janelle Chapman, both honoured for decades of service and leadership across government, higher education, and vocational training.
From community-building initiatives and data-driven research to cross-border partnerships and student advocacy, the 2025 IEAA Excellence Awards celebrated the people and programs ensuring Australia remains a global leader in international education.
The Koala congratulates all the award winners and thanks them for their hard work and dedication to the sector, past, present and into the future.
For the full list of winners, visit https://www.ieaa.org.au/IEAA/excellence-awards/excellence-awards
