If you’re seeking a bit of inspiration in your life, look no further than Southern Cross University’s Alumnus of the Year, Lisa Blair.
A three-time world record-holding ocean sailor, Ms Blair is also an environmentalist, keynote speaker, teacher and a published author.
Lisa set her first world record in 2017 when she sailed solo around Antarctica with just one stop.
Ms Blair then followed that up with a solo, non-stop, unassisted voyage around Australia, becoming the fastest monohull to do the trip and the first woman in history to complete the voyage.
And she is about to set sail again – this time for Antarctica where she is seeking to break yet another world record, circumnavigating the icy continent at record speed.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Art and Bachelor of Education from Southern Cross University (SCU), Lisa has a talent for combining creativity with an engaging, educational message.
Her 50-foot yacht is wrapped in a colourful design of post-it note messages from the community about environmental action.
Her goal is to inspire individuals that they have the power to create change, it just starts with one small action.
‘My friends at uni, they all helped me grow into the person I am today and without that experience I don’t think I would be sitting here accepting this award or having set three world records,’ Ms Blair said.
The ocean sailor and teacher was one of five alumni who were recognised as part of SCU’s 2021 Impact Awards.
Joining her was Young Alumnus of the Year, Nic Brown, Early Career Alumnus of the Year, Dr Cooper Schouten, and International Alumnus of the Year, Neelkamal Darbari.
A Community Impact Award was also given to Hank and Sue Bower for their incredible ecological regeneration work on Lord Howe Island.
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