Griffith University is proud to honour three exceptional women with Honorary Doctorates in recognition of their outstanding contributions in social policy reform and the Arts.
Dami Im (DUniv), Brianna Casey (DUniv), and Natasha Edwards (DUniv) have each made a significant impact within their communities and continue to strengthen their connection with Griffith through their inspiring work.
Australian music star Dami Im was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her distinguished service to the Arts.
The graduating AEL cohort (Mid-year) was treated to a special performance with her 2016 Eurovision song Collide, to represent the new chapters of the graduates’ lives.
Born in South Korea, Ms Im immigrated to Australia at the age of nine and immersed herself in music by studying piano at the Young Conservatorium of Music from age 11.
She completed a Master of Music in Contemporary Voice majoring in Jazz at the Queensland Conservatorium.
“It’s very special to be back here full circle, wearing this very special gown and my whole family watching,” Ms Im said.
“I can’t believe it, I have to stop and think, wow, this is pretty awesome.”
Ms Im gained national recognition by winning the fifth season of The X Factor Australia in 2013, becoming the first Asian Australian to do so, with her debut single and album both topping the ARIA Charts.
A dedicated advocate for vulnerable children, Ms Im works with Compassion Australia and Destiny Rescue alongside her husband, sponsoring eight children globally and has performed charity concerts to raise funds and inspire sponsorships.
In 2016, Ms Im was named Griffith’s Arts, Education and Law Young Alumnus of the Year.
She continues to engage with the Queensland Conservatorium, providing mentorship opportunities for students and alumni, and credits the institution for shaping her as a seasoned performer.
Co-founder, Curator and Artistic Director of the SWELL Sculpture Festival, Natasha Edwards received an Honorary Doctorate for her distinguished service to the Arts, and to the southern Queensland community.
Ms Edwards founded SWELL, a nationally and internationally recognised free outdoor art event on the Gold Coast in 2002 and has since generated more than $7.8 million for the region.
She grew SWELL from 23 installations and 6,000 visitors to more than 125 artworks and 1.5 million visits, with more than $21 million worth of sculptures being exhibited free to the public.
Ms Edwards continues to foster strong ties with Griffith as she takes on interns, board roles, and collaborative initiatives such as Altered Tides with the Griffith Climate Action Beacon.
Brianna Casey was honoured for her distinguished service to food security advocacy and social policy reform.
She graduated from Griffith in 1999 with a Bachelor of Australian Environmental Studies, forging a remarkable career at the intersection of agri-politics, social justice, and public policy.
Ms Casey has more than 14 years in agri-politics and has held several high-impact roles including Policy Director at New South Wales Farmers and, interim CEO of the Queensland Farmers Federation at just 23 years old.
Upon returning to New South Wales Farmers, Ms Casey led both the Rural Affairs policy team focusing on social policy in regional and remote areas, and the Environment policy team addressing critical issues such as water policy, land use conflict, and landholder rights.
Her commitment to public welfare extended further when she became CEO of the Australian Childcare Alliance New South Wales, where she spent three years advocating for access to quality early childhood education.
In July 2016, Ms Casey was appointed CEO of Foodbank Australia, leading the country’s largest hunger-relief organisation.
Under her leadership, Foodbank sourced the equivalent of 92 million meals in 2024 alone.
Ms Casey’s contributions have been widely recognised, with accolades for her transformative leadership, civic service, and policy influence.
In 2024, she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to social welfare, environmental conservation, and the community.
By Paige Borell
