“Curtin Commons is an online storytelling space for Curtin alumni, staff, students and friends. Featuring a series of thought-provoking articles intended to inspire and enlighten, Commons celebrates the many amazing contributions of our Curtin community and how they are striving to create a brighter future for us all.”
– Carmelle Wilkinson, Editor-in-Chief
If you suggested to a young Gavin Aung Than that he would one day, be crowned a “New York Times Bestselling cartoonist,” he likely would have brushed it off with a polite laugh.
Rebecca Nadilo (Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing and Advertising) is a formidable leader in the world of marketing and brand creation.
As CEO of Iris in Singapore, Rebecca’s key focus is empowering and leading a high-performance team to success.
Founder of Mediavation, Paul Christian has always had a camera in his hand. Growing up, Paul spent most of his time writing scripts on his dad’s work computer. Fast forward to now, the Mass Communications and Journalism graduate is living out his childhood dream.
Abbey Cullen was 19 when she had her first seizure.
Now, the morning Triple M radio announcer and journalism graduate is using her media platform to raise awareness and bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Lindy Fitzgerald, has always been driven to make a difference. Inspired by her parents, she pursued higher education and now leads groundbreaking research at Curtin University.
Captain Ian Cheng, a seasoned pilot with Singapore Airlines, continues to find awe in the skies after 28 years. As Vice President and Chief Pilot for Boeing 777s, he oversees a fleet of 27 aircraft and 450 pilots. His passion for aviation remains undimmed, a testament to the enduring thrill of flight.
This month, our Editor-in-Chief, Carmelle Wilkinson, interviewed James Chen, PBM, President of the Singapore Alumni Chapter.
James is a finance and marketing alumnus with a fascinating career. He’s currently the CEO of Athena Best Financial and co-founder of Every Little Helps charity.
A Curtin University speech clinic is helping brain injury survivor Jordan Bowling regain his voice. Two years ago, Jordan fell 13 meters down a cliff, leaving him paralyzed. The clinic offers hope on his long road to recovery.
Whether it was working on old cars on his family’s farm in Albany or taking apart computers with his older brothers – making things better and finding better ways of working fuelled his passion and curiosity.
In 2015, Tom Johnston swapped his business suit for a wetsuit – opening his own surf school – Perth Go Surf.
Since then, Tom now has the rewarding task of helping people with autism find enjoyment in catching their own waves, through a new partnership – Ocean Heroes.
After winning Curtin’s Talent for Tomorrow Competition in 2023 – there is a name that has become quite popular at our graduation celebrations – 3NA.
For the past two years, brothers Matt, Dan and Nate have been treating our graduation audiences to a finale most universities would be envious of. Dan (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery) and Nate (Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy) are both proud Curtin Alumnus, and together with their brother Matt, are fusing the unlikely worlds of rap and academia together.
After years of working as a freelance designer around the world, Curtin Commerce graduate Emilie Otto became burnt out and exhausted.
Fast forward to 2024, she is now the owner of House of Hobby, which is a space that helps people find a creative hobby while supporting and empowering local artists and makers to share their skills.
Former Head of English and current Head of Academics and Innovation at Wesley College Adam Kealley understands the power of words.
With a recent PhD in creative writing and cultural studies from Curtin, the avid reader and writer shares his top tips on improving your writing skills.
For Creative Spotlight, WA Institute of Technology (WAIT) graduate Tony Jones AM shares his most treasured sculptures, many of which are situated around Perth.
Since graduating from WAIT in 1975 with an Associate Diploma in Art Teaching, Tony has become widely known for his iconic public artworks representing local WA history, including Eliza which stands in the Swan River and C.Y. O’Connor at Coogee Beach.
For Tony, carving a successful sculpting career has come down to his passion for the craft and years of hard work, self-belief, and determination.
“Creating new sculptures makes me happy and over the years has become a part of who I am. Through a long period of work, I’ve ended up in quite a privileged position, where I have been able to create out of my own studio with my own materials.
“The rewards weren’t always there to begin with, but for me, I’ve always been focused on the long term,” Tony said.
Tony’s impressive career has spanned five decades, including 20 solo exhibitions, over 100 group exhibitions, and more than 60 public art commissions. Last year, he was honoured with the 2024 State Cultural Treasures Award for his outstanding lifelong contribution to WA’s visual arts.
As Founder and Honorary Patron of Sculpture at Bathers, Tony has been instrumental in successfully elevating the talents of WA sculptors for over a decade. Since its inception in 2013, Sculpture at Bathers has featured over 300 artists, including the exceptional talent of many Curtin alumni.
See more of Tony’s work here. Learn more about Sculptures at Bathers 2025 here.
Tony’s favourite sculptures from L-R: Eliza, C.Y. O’Connor, Sunset Gateway and Port and Starboard.
Subscribe to our Curtin Commons Noticeboard newsletter, and you’ll receive the latest news, profiles and in-depth essays in your inbox every month!
If you’re already a Curtin graduate, update your details to receive our newsletter automatically.
What do you think about Curtin Commons and the stories we’re sharing? Have any ideas or a story you think we should cover? We want to know.
A ‘commons’ is a space that is shared by and benefits a community.
Our commons is a cultural and virtual one, reflecting the ideas and experiences shared by a proud and distinct Curtin community living in Western Australia and around the world. We hope that this space will inspire us to stay connected in ways that are beneficial to our lives, families and communities.