Alumni recognised for national service and leadership

CQUniversity alumni from across Australia were recognised in the 2026 Honours List for their outstanding contributions to public service, health, infrastructure, community leadership and national security.
Chief Inspector David Neville APM
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Biology) graduate was recognised with an Australian Police Medal for his distinguished service with the Queensland Police Service. With more than 35 years’ experience in policing, Chief Inspector Neville has played a pivotal role in strengthening forensic services, particularly in DNA analysis, helping shape the integrity and capability of forensic policing in Queensland and beyond.
Dr Felix Ho ASM OAM
The Graduate Certificate in Tactical Medicine graduate received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health. A medical practitioner and community leader, Dr Ho has been a strong advocate for emergency and volunteer health services and has held national leadership roles with St John Ambulance. His work has been recognised nationally, including being named Northern Territory Australian of the Year.
Ms Gillian Miles AM
The Master of Letters in Cultural Studies graduate was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the transport and infrastructure sectors. As Commissioner of Infrastructure Australia, Ms Miles has made a lasting contribution to national infrastructure planning and policy, supporting long-term economic and community outcomes.
Ms Sarah Nixon
The Bachelor of Nursing graduate received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in warlike operations, serving as a medic with Task Group Taji during deployment in Iraq as part of Operation OKRA. Her service has highlighted the vital role of Australian Defence Force medics in complex and high-risk environments.
Mr Peter Roach OAM
The Master of Letters graduate received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through a wide range of organisations. A business leader and philanthropist, Mr Roach has supported numerous community initiatives and continues to contribute to projects with regional, national and international reach.
CQUniversity Deputy Director Alumni Relations and Advancement Service Anthea Cuddihy said the achievements of the alumni recipients demonstrated the University’s strong connection to community impact.
“Each of these alumni has made an extraordinary contribution in their field, improving lives and strengthening communities locally, nationally and globally,” Ms Cuddihy said.
“We are incredibly proud to see CQUniversity graduates recognised at the highest level for their leadership, service and commitment to making a difference.”
CQU Honorary Master of Business Administration recipient, Mr Bob Blair AM was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for significant service to the Indigenous community of Queensland. As General Manager of the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Mr Blair has played a key role in promoting Indigenous culture, education and tourism, strengthening community engagement and cultural understanding.
The full 2026 Honours List can be found on the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General website.
