We are proud of our former students and celebrate our inspiring 糖心探花 Alumni. The College has been open for 60 years and it is so important to us to continue to grow and stay connected with our alumni. Please join our Alumni database to stay updated or update your details in the form below.
In 2021, 糖心探花 commemorated 60 years of educating students from our local parishes. We invite our Community to enjoy a commemorative edition of Illuminare, our alumni magazine filled with photos, reflections and memories gathered from across our alumni, staff and students.
We would love to hear from our 糖心探花 Alumni with all that they are doing in their lives since leaving the College. If you have information about past students - births, engagements, marriages, in memoriam or outstanding achievements, please email them through to illuminare@aquinas.vic.edu.au with your contact details. We look forward to hearing from you.
HONOUR ROLL
The Honour Roll recognises former students of the College who have shown exceptional leadership and commitment in society. We trust their story will inspire future generations of young Aquinians to be the best that they can be.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Honour Roll nominations are only for former students of the College. It is expected that former students nominated will understand that 糖心探花 was their major school of secondary education. In most cases this will mean that their final year of secondary education was at Aquinas. This honour may be awarded posthumously.
PREPARING A NOMINATION
Your nomination must include:
a fully completed nomination form including the nominee鈥檚 signature of acceptance;
a response to the selection criteria (listed below) clearly articulating how these have been achieved;
a summary of a nominee鈥檚 curriculum vitae highlighting their achievements;
endorsements from two other 糖心探花 community members that verify the information provided.
You may also choose to add testimonials from others. Please limit these to no more than two pages.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The panel will consider one or more of the following criteria in determining those who will be inducted into the College鈥檚 Honour Roll
The nominee:
has a demonstrated record of achievement, recognition and community profile within their chosen career or service area;
has a record of dedication to a religious or community service organisation whose mission is consistent with the ethos of the College;
has demonstrated in his/her life, values that are consistent with the mission of the College.
ASSESSMENT OF NOMINATIONS
The assessment panel will comprise as ex-officio members the College Principal and the College Board Chair. In addition other members will join the panel with the approval of the 糖心探花 Board.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have any further questions, please contact the Office of the Principal: 9259 3008 or principal@aquinas.vic.edu.au
Paul Desmond dreamed of a future as a teacher and has spent 43 years helping shape and improve Catholic education in Victoria. Paul鈥檚 career started as an English and Religious Education teacher at Mount Lilydale Mercy College. After a number of middle leadership roles, he became Deputy Principal at the Academy of Mary Immaculate and Padua College.
In 2005 he became Principal of St Francis Xavier College, remaining at the helm of one of Victoria鈥檚 largest schools for a decade. Paul was instrumental in raising awareness of the previously taboo subject of youth suicide after experiencing tragedy in this community. In 2015, Paul reached the pinnacle of his career as Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst. He also represents CECV on the council of VIT.
"Young people will still hear the voices of their educators for the rest of their lives. I constantly remind our teachers of this and implore them to do their utmost to ensure their voice is remembered for all the right reasons.鈥�
PROFESSOR SHEZ CAIRNEY
INDUCTED MARCH 2023
AQUINAS COLLEGE 1986-1991
Professor Shez Cairney has turned her passion for people and social equality into an internationally recognised career in Indigenous neuroscience and wellbeing. She currently holds dual roles as Professor of Wellbeing at Charles Darwin University and Founding CEO of The Interplay Project, a social enterprise which empowers different cultural values, knowledge systems and worldviews.
After 糖心探花, Shez pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Biophysics and Instrumentation at Swinburne University. She studied Honours in ADHD-neuroscience before relocating to Arnhem Land, where she completed a PhD in addiction neuroscience. She then led research on: neurocognitive impacts of petrol sniffing; translating knowledge across cultures with language, multimedia and social media; culturally appropriate neuropsychological assessment; and empowering Indigenous values and knowledge in policy, science, employment and healthcare systems. In 2016 Shez delivered a TEDx Talk 鈥榃hat Aboriginal Knowledge can teach us about Happiness.鈥�
Over 22 years, she has produced over 70 academic publications, with her resources used in community development, prisons, rehabilitation programs, and national data systems.
After graduating from 糖心探花, Dr Daniel Norton AO achieved a number of qualifications including a Ph. D from the School of Economics and Business, North Carolina State University. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Daniel is an experienced Chairman and CEO who has worked in the transport and electricity industries, central government agencies and international commodity marketing. He has made a significant contribution to the Tasmanian community, serving as Chairman of a number of large Government business enterprises, as well as the Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment Executive Steering Committee, and the Menzies Research Institute.
In 2014, Dr Norton was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to business and finance, the energy sector particularly in the area of infrastructure development, and to medical research. The following year he was awarded the Australian Institute of Company Directors鈥� Tasmanian Gold Medal Award in recognition of his many years as a company director and outstanding commitment to Tasmania.
MR PETER GRIFFIN
Inducted October 2019 糖心探花 1970 -聽1975
Peter Griffin has played a significant role in 糖心探花鈥檚 history. Initially as a student, then as a teacher with positions of leadership from 1981 to 1990; and returning in 2003 to take on the role of Year 7 & 8 Coordinator, and later as Deputy Principal 鈥� Students, and the dual role of Deputy Principal 鈥� Staff/Students (2009-2015).
Beyond his time at 糖心探花, Peter has been dedicated to Catholic education in both rural and regional schools. As College Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown (1991-1998), Peter was the youngest principal in the state to be appointed to a Catholic secondary school, taking a financially crippled school and building enrolments by 30%.
In 1999, Peter took on the role of College Principal at Emmanuel College, Warrnambool, increasing enrolment and reversing the loss of community confidence and support for the College. At 糖心探花, as Deputy Principal 鈥� Students, Peter has been part of the Senior Executive Leadership team, responsible for student wellbeing, pastoral care and discipline.
After completing her HSC in 1974, Keryn Walshe spent the next nine years exploring the diversity of human culture, history, politics and economies by travelling outside of Australia. Her love of nature also inspired her to travel far and wide. In 1984, she returned to formal education, enrolling at the Australian National University to focus on Australian Aboriginal archaeology, having finally found a discipline that captured all her interests! By 1994 Keryn had completed her undergraduate degree with honours and submitted her doctoral thesis. Since then Keryn has applied herself in diverse areas of Aboriginal archaeology, such as consultancy and community engagement, tertiary teaching with Flinders University and as a researcher with the South Australia Museum. Keryn has produced numerous academic publications and heritage reports on Australian Aboriginal archaeology and continues to be committed to producing knowledge on Indigenous culture and history for the benefit of all Australians.
Ms Margaret Sheehan
Inducted - September 2017 糖心探花 1974 -聽1979
Margaret Sheehan completed school in 1979. She remains deeply committed to her responsibility as a global citizen. Margaret trained as a teacher, subsequently advising to the Victorian Education Department and VicHealth. From 1989 until 2000 Margaret worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Melbourne, Monash and Deakin gaining her Masters in Public Health in 1997. In 2001 Margaret was appointed Adolescent Specialist with the World Health Organisation in Vietnam. She led the first National Survey of Vietnamese Youth that resulted in Youth Friendly Health Services across the country. She was appointed Adolescent Adviser for UNICEF East Asia Region working to improve adolescent lives, especially the poorest. Margaret was Chief of UNICEF鈥檚 Office in Papua, Indonesia (2009-2011) which focused on ethnic children鈥檚 literacy and led UNICEF鈥檚 recovery response after Typhoon Hyan in the Philippines. In 2015 Margaret joined ChildFund Australia as the International Program Director.
Angela Reed completed VCE at 糖心探花 in 1987. She then trained as a primary teacher and taught in inner city schools in Melbourne. Angela joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1994, and made her final profession in 2002. After completing a Bachelor of Theology and gaining qualifications in counselling she coordinated a women鈥檚 safe house in Melbourne for women and children escaping family violence. During this time she became a passionate advocate for women鈥檚 safety and security and worked to ensure that the issue of family violence became a public issue. In 2008, Angela was awarded a Vincent Fairfax Fellowship in Ethics and Leadership through St James Ethics Centre in Sydney. This gave her entry into Southeast Asia where she began to explore the issue of women trafficked for sexual exploitation in Cebu, Philippines. In 2010 she completed a Masters in Social Work and then moved into research on women trafficked for sexual exploitation. In 2014 she was awarded a PhD for her thesis which challenged stereotypical understandings of trafficking and gave a voice to young women trafficked both within the Philippines and Internationally. Angela continues to advocate on the issue of gendered violence.聽
Dr Paul Monk
Inducted - June 2015 糖心探花 1969 - 1974
Dr Paul Monk graduated from 糖心探花 in 1974 as Dux and was also awarded a Special Distinction for General Excellence by the Victorian Education Department. He took this outstanding academic ability with him to Melbourne University where he gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with First Class honours. His Doctor of Philosophy studies at Australian National University in International Relations set the scene for his professional life. Following recruitment by the Department of Defence he moved to the Defence Intelligence Organisation and specialised in understanding the policy and defence practices of the major Asian countries especially China providing specialist advice to the Australian Government and associated agencies. During this time and continuing up to the present he has established a strong reputation as a book reviewer and opinion writer for Australia鈥檚 major newspapers. He is an author and novelist in his own right. Paul has been described as one of Australia鈥檚 leading intellectuals by former Foreign Minister and NSW Premier Mr Bob Carr.
Noel Bayley completed Year 12 at 糖心探花 in 1971 and studied Medicine at the University of Melbourne. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and is Director of the Intensive Care Unit at South West Health Care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung diseases and sleep disorders. He is a Fellow of the Cardiac & Thoracic Societies of Australia and New Zealand. Noel鈥檚 work in assisting the medical health and welfare of the East Timorese people is much appreciated and he has worked tirelessly in this regard. Through his example and involvement many other fellow health professionals are offering similar support both in East Timor and in financing and arranging necessary and challenging surgery in Australia.
Ms Claire Cotter
Inducted - October 2013 糖心探花 1967 - 1972
Claire Cotter completed Year 12 at 糖心探花 in 1972. She was the first Year 12 Captain of 糖心探花 Girls鈥� College. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, Occupational Therapy at the Lincoln Institute Melbourne (now Latrobe University) in 1977. Her professional and life vocation has been to work in the areas of Disability and Community Service. She is the Manager and Co-Founder of the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre Melbourne, which provides high quality and enviable therapy and family support services. In 2007 Claire won the Leadership Award at the inaugural Victorian Disability Sector Awards. She is in demand for post graduate course presentations at national and international conferences particularly in the area of Cerebral Palsy. In 1995 she was awarded an Honorary Diploma in Conductive Education from Budapest in Hungary.
Alan Dupont is the foundation Michael Hintze Chair of International Security and the Director for the Centre of International Security Studies at the University of Sydney. He is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute for International Policy. He has a PhD in International Relations from the Australian National University and is a graduate of both the Royal Military College Duntroon where he graduated with the rank of Lieutenant, and the US Foreign Service Institute.
He has served on a number of national security bodies having been appointed by Ministers in the Australian Government and for a time was special adviser on foreign policy and national security to East Timor鈥檚 President, His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta.
Mr Michael Humphris FCA MAICD
Inducted - September 2011 糖心探花 1962 - 1967
Michael has worked in the Finance Industry since 1968. He specialised in Corporate Recovery and Dispute Resolution and has held senior positions in a number ofthe world鈥檚 leading financial firms. In 1991 he joined the firm of Arthur Anderson as a worldwide partner and between 1997 and 2007 was a Director of BDO Australia.In more recent years he has been principally engaged as a director of public companies some of which are 鈥榥ot for profit鈥� organisations. He spent eight years on the Board of the Richmond Football Club.聽
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, and is a member of an advisory committee to the Department of Accounting and Business at Melbourne University.
Associate Professor Barry Morphett
Inducted - September 2011 糖心探花 1964 - 1969
On completing Year 12 Barry studied Medicine at the University of Melbourne graduating in 1975. He worked at St Vincent鈥檚 Hospital Melbourne and the Royal Brisbane Hospital qualifying for membership of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 1984. Since then he has worked as consultant physician and gastroenterologist at Southwest Health Care in Warrnambool. In 2007 he was appointed to the Deakin University School of Medicine as Associate Professor and Director of the Greater Green Triangle Clinical School.聽
In 2009 he was invited to be a member of the National Examining Panel of the Royal Australian College of Physicians.
Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC
Inducted - September 2011 糖心探花 1965 - 1970
Peter Leahy matriculated from 糖心探花 in 1970 and entered Royal Military College Duntroon. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Australian Army in December 1974. He commanded at almost every level in the Army and served on exchange in Hong Kong with the famed Gurkhas and in the United States at the Army鈥檚 Command Centre and General Staff College. He was appointed Chief of Army in 2002 and on retirement in 2008 held the highest rank in the army as Lieutenant General.
Peter is now the Professor and Foundation Director of the National Security Institute at the University of Canberra.
Sr Lee Davison OLSH
Inducted - September 2011 糖心探花 1967 - 1972
Lee Davison left 糖心探花 having completed Year 12 in 1972 and trained as a general nurse. Later she gained qualifications in Midwifery. She entered the novitiate of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart religious order in 1976 and was professed in 1979. During the 1980s she worked in the Aboriginal Communities of Daly River and Wadeye. Her most recent appointment is in the Limpopo Province of northern South Africa where she works currently in the Diocese of Tzaneen.聽
She has responsibility for two medical clinics which are responding to the rampant HIV pandemic in South Africa. Sr Lee is proud of the involvement of her Order in this missionary and caring work.
LEADING LIGHTS
Celebrating Inspiring Alumni
The 糖心探花 Leading Lights program seeks to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of former students in their specific vocation. Candidates can be of all ages and at all stages in the pursuit of excellence in their chosen career. These Alumni will be invited to present to current students and will be acknowledged by family and the wider 糖心探花 Community. A number of awards will be offered and the selection panel will consider candidates in the following categories:
Academia
Arts and Entertainment
Business
Civics
Science and Technology
Service
Education
Sport
Religious Life
Health
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Leading Lights nominations are open to any former student of the College who acknowledges that 糖心探花 was their major school for their secondary education. There are no age or year restrictions on nominees - whether they finished last year or 50 years ago, the nomination will be welcomed. Nominations can be made by anyone known to the nominee including family, employers, friends, 糖心探花 Staff (former and current).
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO NOMINATE A FORMER STUDENT?
To nominate a former student as a Leading Light, please complete the nomination form and advise the nominee that you have put their name forward. If you are unsure of what category they fit in to, please nominate them regardless and provide as much information as possible about their area of expertise. A phone number and an email address are required for both the candidate and the person nominating them to enable us to make contact as required.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection panel will list all nominations and find five to be considered for the Awards in a Leading Lights ceremony year. Given the scope of the categories, we anticipate that some nominees may need to be carried over to the next celebration year, so only one nomination is required for a particular candidate. If a candidate is nominate by more than one person, that is acceptable. The selection panel will base their awards on the information provided, other recommendations and findings from their own research.
The selection Panel comprises the College Principal, Head Senior Years and two current staff members, one whom is a former student of the College.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I NOMINATE SOMEONE?
You may be contacted by a member of the selection Panel. Nominations will close in the September of the year before the Leading Lights award year.
An inspiring educator, Bronwyn Dean is recognised for her dedication to music, ministry, and service. Bronwyn combines her skills and faith through a love of music, liturgy, and social justice, to engage students and communities both locally and globally. An extremely talented musician, Bronwyn has performed with the Victorian Opera and Victorian Youth Opera, and has conducted at iconic venues including St Patrick鈥檚 Cathedral and Hamer Hall.聽Bronwyn is committed to mentorship, inclusion, and service. She has successfully led international initiatives in the Solomon Islands, Samoa, and Europe, fostering creativity, compassion, and meaningful connection wherever she works.
Owen Foxwell
Peer Year 2021 Sport
Driven by determination, talent and a strong work ethic, Owen Foxwell has already achieved remarkable success as a professional basketball player. Signing his first professional contract with the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 17 and beginning his NBL playing career at 18, Owen has now played more than 100 NBL games and received the inaugural Clubman Award. In 2025, he debuted for the Australian Boomers at the FIBA Asia Cup, where they won a gold medal. In 2026, Owen has signed with Louisiana State University to compete in the NCAA, continuing his promising basketball journey.
Jasmine Grierson
Peer Year 2016 Sport
A professional AFLW player celebrated for her determination, versatility, and football intelligence, Jasmine Grierson was drafted at just 17 in the inaugural AFLW season and has spent over a decade competing at the elite level, representing Melbourne, North Melbourne, GWS, and Sydney. Renowned for her strong defensive game, precise kicking, and high football IQ, she is a respected leader both on and off the field. Passionate about mentoring the next generation, she aims to leave every club, teammate, and community stronger than she found it.
Terase Lancefield
Peer Year 1995 Health
Known for her compassion, integrity, and dedication, Dr Terase Lancefield brings kindness and mentorship to every aspect of her work. As Deputy Director of Cardiology at the Austin Hospital, Terase has built a career in advanced cardiac imaging, heart failure, and cardio-obstetrics, including a PhD on cardiovascular biomarkers. Beyond her hospital role, she is a highly sought after contributor and collaborator for clinical trials and supports and mentors medical students and trainees. Terase balances professional achievement with family life, inspiring colleagues and the next generation of medical professionals through her empathy, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Nathan Linton-Owies
Peer Year 2013 Community Service聽聽
Known for his generosity, creativity, and passion for helping others, Nathan Linton-Owies has dedicated his life and career to empowering young people and communities both locally and across the Asia-Pacific. From volunteering in Laos and Bangladesh to leading youth-led initiatives with Oaktree, he has actively supported and advanced the importance of education, leadership, environmental restoration, and gender equality for all young people. Nathan currently serves as Deputy Chair at Concern Australia and is Vice President of Ashburton Baptist Community Services. Nathan works to inspire communities, mentor young people, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
Johanna Stafford
Peer Year 1993 Community Service
A Commander with Victoria Police, Johanna Stafford is celebrated for her courage, integrity, and leadership. Her distinguished career includes nursing, frontline policing, and numerous positions of leadership, including a period of Acting Assistant Commissioner. She has lead high-risk divisions including family violence response and community safety initiatives. Johanna has overseen Victoria Police鈥檚 response to the Middle East crisis and drives inclusion and leadership programs. Committed to mentoring others, Johanna continues to educate herself while guiding and inspiring those around her. Displaying resilience, compassion, and dedication, Johanna brings聽meaningful impact to people鈥檚 lives and communities.
Graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2017, Marty performed in several mainstage and independent productions. These included Spamalot, Bring It On, Rent, and In The Heights. Marty received Sydney Theatre Awards nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Newcomer, and a Helpmann Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Marty was awarded the Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Hamilton at the 2021 Sydney Theatre Awards. Marty enthusiastically participates in the development of new work, and is passionate about the performing arts.
Luke Brouwer
Peer Year 2009 Service
Understanding that infrastructure and water are critical to the wellbeing of all communities, and with a keen interest in this field, Luke studied a Masters of Engineering (Civil). Throughout university, Luke volunteered at the local St Vincent de Paul, becoming Vinnies Oceania Youth Representative, attending both the Spain and Panama World Youth Day in this capacity. With a passion for wanting to help people, Luke explored how he could best use his skills and talents. It was through volunteering internationally along with developing infrastructure skills that Luke was fortunate to join Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) as a Construction Manager in Somaliland, delivering critical infrastructure in the battle against Tuberculosis.
Rebecca Glenn
Peer Year 1998 Science
Rebecca is a Forensic Investigator with the NSW Police Force. She gained her expertise in Crime Scene Investigation and is accredited with the Australasian Forensic Science Assessment Body. Rebecca鈥檚 work involves the investigation and interpretation of a range of scenes and her expertise is called upon in numerous settings including fires, shootings, missing persons and homicides. Rebecca has committed to years of study and has further developed her skills in the field. Her list of credentials indicates her expertise in Disaster Victim Identification, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and Biological and Chemical Enhancement.
David Powell
Peer Year 2009 Sport
David is a two-time member of the Australian Olympic Team having represented Table Tennis at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. After graduating, he represented clubs throughout Poland and Germany. He has been the Oceania Cup Champion multiple times, achieved No.2 in Australia and a World Ranking of 110, and represented Australia at two Commonwealth Games. He has been inducted into the Table Tennis Victoria Junior Hall of Fame and is the youngest inductee into Victorian Senior Hall of Fame. David holds a Bachelor of Education and is an influential leader who uses his positive attitude to encourage the young players to work hard and follow their dreams.
Ruby Tribe
Peer Year 2014 Service & Health
While undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing studies, Ruby was encouraged to apply for a cadetship program at St Vincent鈥檚 Hospital. Offered the role of Cadetship Coordinator for the Aboriginal Health Unit, Ruby became the youngest person to chair this position. During the pandemic, Ruby worked on the front lines with the homeless and indigenous population. She is currently a Registered Nurse at the medically safe injecting rooms. Ruby aspires to work with rural indigenous communities to gain access to adequate healthcare to close the gap. She is proudly carrying on the passion ignited in her during her time at 糖心探花 in her role as a FIRE Carrier.
Angela Wood
Peer Year 1995 Community Service
Angela always had big dreams and an inherent drive to seek opportunities to help those in need. As a mother and a teacher, it was witnessing women doing it tough in her neighbourhood that called Angela to respond as she had years before as part of the 糖心探花 social justice outreach program. Angela decided to start up an organisation that donates baby and parenting goods to disadvantaged families, and Big Group Hug was born. As Founder and Program Director, she has appeared on numerous podcasts and television programs raising awareness for the charitable organisation which has helped thousands of families and is assisted by over 200 volunteers.
Andrew was the youngest person in Australia to be appointed CEO of a public entity and has played a direct role in shaping corporate regulation. He has represented Australia at international events including APEC, the G20 and World Trade Organisation summits. He was recognised for his contribution to accounting and finance regulation with his appointment as Professor of Accounting at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Andrew is the Director of a not for profit community broadcasting body and was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001 through the Order of Australia for community service.
Daniel Kickert
Peer Year 2000 Sport
Over the 14 years of his career as one of Australia鈥檚 finest basketball players, Daniel had played for eight different teams across five countries. Graduating in 2006 from Saint Mary鈥檚 College in California as the all time leading scorer in the program鈥檚 history, Daniel went on to become the sole member of the elite basketball shooting club with the first eligible 50-40-90 season in NBL history. He has competed for the Australian Boomers and helped his team win gold medals at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He most recently signed a deal with the Sydney Kings.
Jessica Lye
Peer Year 2002聽 Science & Technology
Jessica鈥檚 management of the AUSVEG Vegetable and Biosecurity program sparked a passion for agriculture, taking her to rural areas across Australia. Focusing on biosecurity in Victoria鈥檚 potato and vegetable industry she often worked with growers from non-English speaking backgrounds to help ensure the Victorian horticulture industry is safeguarded against pests and disease.
In 2016, Jessica received the AgriFutures Rural Women鈥檚 Award (Victoria), which identifies emerging women leaders who have the desire, commitment and leadership potential to make a greater contribution to primary industries and rural communities.
Ben Roche
Peer Year 2006 Health
Born with Cerebral Palsy, which affects his balance, muscle control and fine motor skills, Ben discovered soccer at a young age but struggled to be included. Feeling isolated and bullied,聽 he chose to embrace his disability and lead from the front. At 12, he got the opportunity to train with the Australian Paralympic Football Team. Since then Ben has represented Australia, competed in 3 World Cups, won a Silver Medal at the FESPIC games and been nominated for numerous awards. Ben is most proud of the programs he has launched which help kids focus on physical and mental health, community and inclusion.
Patrick Thomas
Peer Year 2001 Service
Patrick manages World Vision Australia鈥檚 Africa and Middle East Grants Team, which oversees community development initiatives across some of the world鈥檚 most fragile countries. He has held roles within international NGOs, and worked alongside EU and UN agencies as well as various Ministries within the Afghan Government. His work has involved establishing human rights curriculums for women; programs to improve agricultural practices, including water technology; and the provision of opportunities for vulnerable groups to engage in meaningful work. In 2017, Patrick was awarded a Community Service commendation by Afghanistan鈥檚 Ministry of Women鈥檚 Affairs.
Caroline Tran
Peer Year 1988 Broadcasting & Journalism
Caroline Tran is a music radio broadcaster, program producer, podcaster and writer with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She is a passionate champion of Australian music and has worked within the ABC network for almost 20 years. Caroline first dabbled as a volunteer at a Sydney jazz community radio station and worked her way to hosting and producing programs on Triple J, Radio Australia and Radio National. Since 2014, Caroline has hosted weekly programs on the ABC Digital station, Double J. While music is her passion, connecting with and learning from people through radio gives her the biggest buzz.
Acclaimed artists, multi鈥搃nstrumentalists and brothers, Jack and Pat are taking聽the music industry and the world by storm. With irresistible energy and a聽world class live show, they are playing sell out venues around the globe and聽have sold over 50,000 EPs independently from busking and touring alone. The聽Pierce Brothers share their talent and the stage with big name performers聽and have signed record deals with Warner, Sony and a publishing deal with聽Mushroom. They have enjoyed success in the ARIA charts in 2014 and 2015聽and are about to release their debut album.
Renae Sayers
Peer Year 2003 Science & Technology
A love of performing, storytelling, star gazing in her backyard as a child, and
an email to NASA fuelled Renae鈥檚 fascination and passion for Science. Now
a much sought after International Science Communicator and professional,
Renae shares the wonders of Science in an energetic and exciting way,
travelling the world, collaborating, performing and teaching. Renae鈥檚 r茅sum茅
includes Theatre and Events Coordinator at Scitech in Perth, Science
Communications for the Edinburgh International Science Festival and Science
Circus Scholar at Questacon. She is employed by Curtin University to assist in
growing the Australian Planetary Science Community with NASA.
Liam Shiels
Peer Year 2009 Sport
A talented professional sportsman drafted by Hawthorn Football Club at
the age of 17, Liam has played over 120 games AFL games聽up to the start of the 2016 season. Liam鈥檚 awards include Best First Year
Player and Most Improved Player. He has also represented Australia in the
International Rules Team. Liam is a valued senior player at Hawthorn and
has played an important role in each of their consecutive premierships won
in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Michael Sukkar
Peer Year 1999 Civics
Leadership through service defines Michael in his life and his career as a
Federal Member of Parliament. Before entering politics, Michael practised as
a lawyer and consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ashurst Australia. In
2013, Michael received his party鈥檚 endorsement to be the candidate for the
federal seat of Deakin, which he won at the 2013 election. As the Federal
Member for Deakin, Michael has championed many local causes by delivering
funding for better roads and transport, community facilities and public safety
and support for small business and families.
Louise Swinn
Peer Year 1993 Arts
From an early age, Louise displayed a talent for writing and a voracious
appetite for reading. Her passion for publishing began as a child when
she would write, illustrate, bind and catalogue books for her own pleasure
and that of her younger sister. Louise is co-owner and Editorial Director of
Sleepers Publishing House. A much sought after literary professional, Louise
freelances as a book reviewer for newspapers including The Age and The
Australian. She is a founding member of the Stella Prize, a major Literary
Award celebrating the writing of Australian women.
Silvana Tedesco
Peer Year 2000 Business
A leading fashion designer in Australia with her own label and business,
Silvana is sought out by celebrities and socialites for her exquisite gowns.
A creative and entrepreneurial woman with a firm belief she was born to be a
leader, Silvana began designing at the age of 17. She has explored the fashion
world and worked in numerous industries, from skate labels to high-end bridal
wear. Silvana is thriving in the bridal industry and is passionate about ensuring
every woman who invests in her pieces feels fabulous, instilling a feeling of
beauty and confidence within.
AQUINAS OLD COLLEGIANS FOOTBALL CLUB
The 糖心探花 Old Collegians Football Club is an Australian Rules football club for past students of the College and anyone else who wants to enjoy their footy in a great environment. Open to both men and women, the club competes in the VAFA.
AQUINAS ARCHIVES
The 糖心探花 Archives preserve and maintain the history of the College for future generations. Containing over fifty years of College history, the Archives serve as a vital record of everything that we value as a community. The Archives cover the history of both the original Boys鈥� and Girls鈥� Schools, from the foundation of the College in 1961.
