Spirit of Clayfield Awards

Overview

The Spirit of Clayfield Awards recognise members of our College family - staff, students, Old Collegians and community members, for embodying our College values and inspiring others to let their light shine. Each year, these awards are presented at our Foundation Day Assembly.

This week, we are celebrating and recognising our Spirit of Clayfield Award finalists and Winners in the Community and Old Collegian categories. You can read more about the nomination and application process here.

OVERALL WINNERS

The Spirit of Clayfield Award - Community

John Robbins

John first joined our College community in 2016, when his daughter, Mackenzie, commenced in Year 6. During that same year, he enthusiastically took on the role of President for the Primary Support Group. The subsequent year John was appointed as P&F President, a significant responsibility given that, at that time, the P&F oversaw both the College Tuckshop and the College Uniform Shop. Serving as P&F President until 2021, John then transitioned to the role of Past President/Vice President in 2022, taking on a mentoring and supporting role for the incoming P&F President. Throughout his tenure as President, John dedicated himself to tirelessly raising funds to contribute to the College and to ensure events such as the many Fairs, LUX Exhibitions and Jazz on the Green were a success. Even after stepping down from the Executive, John remains an active member of our College community, offering ongoing support to the P&F Association and volunteering at many events. He has inspired many others to be active members of our Clayfield family!

The Spirit of Clayfield Green Award - Old Collegian

Claire Harris (Class of 2014)

Acceptance Speech

In addition to studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Biology and Agriculture and becoming agricultural journalist, Claire recently co-founded Hoedowns for Country Towns, teaching line dancing in rural communities and raising money for rural charities. In 273 days on the road, she and a boot-scootin' buddy ran 75 hoedowns across seven states and raised close to $40,000 for seven charities. This trip was largely designed around community engagement, meandering across each state following word of mouth recommendations and flexible, on the spot logistics and planning.

Claire has since appeared on an episode of ABC Backroads, is currently writing a book about the venture, and has received many accolades including:

2022 Shine Youth Award Winner
2023 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year – Connecting Communities Award
2023 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons Australia Honouree – Humanitarian/Voluntary Leadership category.

Now based in Adelaide as a freelance writer, Claire writes for a number of agricultural publications and provides communications assistance for a variety of rural businesses.

In the relatively short time since she has graduated from Clayfield College, Claire has certainly shone her light brightly in, and for, the community.

The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award - Old Collegian

Deidre Brandon (Class of 1957)

Deidre Brandon (nee Martin) has forged a profound connection with Clayfield College, starting in 1946 and continuing into 2024. Deidre has certainly embraced the College’s motto, Let your light shine, as her guide for her life’s journey.

Deidre, who attended the College from 1946 to 1957, is proud to be known as one of ‘Ashie’s girls’ (Head Mistress Nancy Ashburn). Beyond academic achievements, Deidre enjoyed participating in singing, drama, swimming and competing in Andrews Cup in Tennis during her time as a student. She was also Campbell House Captain.

After completing Year 12, Deidre pursued a career in education, graduating with a Certificate of Teaching from Teachers Training College in 1958. As the demands on the teaching profession advanced, so did Deidre, who extended her qualifications with a Diploma of Teaching, a Bachelor of Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Reading with a special interest in Special Needs Education. Her passion for teaching led her to many schools, including Clayfield College, from 1965 to 1968.

Deidre’s has also served in various volunteer capacities, including President and Guardian of the Clayfield College Old Collegians’ Association and has been instrumental in developing the Clayfield College Archives and Museum. Deidre’s love for the school’s history can be seen whenever she is asked to share memories and information about the College, either speaking directly to students, staff or contributing to publications and key events. Alongside her long-term friend, Annette Fifoot (Class of 1957), Deidre helps lead the much-loved annual Year 3 Archives Incursion, as well as writes the scripts for the Foundation Day presentations each year.

Beyond the College gates, Deidre’s shining influence extends to her commitment to the Uniting Church and to living a life guided by Christian values, resulting in her appointment as a Church Elder. Over the years, Deidre’s service to the community has been highlighted through multiple volunteering roles and Uniting Church initiatives. These have included supporting refugee families and leading a very successful fundraiser to provide ongoing resources to a remote school in Papua New Guinea. Deidre’s quiet dedication and desire to help others illuminates her genuine respect and compassion for everyone she encounters.

Throughout her life, Deidre has let her light shine before others in many ways. Through her generosity, humility and service. Her journey from student, to teacher, to Old Collegian, demonstrates her deep connection to Clayfield College for 78 years. Deidre is truly a gift, enriches the lives of so many, and embodies the heart and spirit of Clayfield.

FINALISTS

The Spirit of Clayfield Green Award - Old Collegian

Lilly Steinberg (Class of 2017)

For service to her profession.

Lilly distinguished herself as an exceptional student during her time at Clayfield, showcasing leadership in both academic and athletic domains as the College Dux and Swimming Captain. After securing a Vice Chancellor's Elite Scholarship for admission to Bond University to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, followed by Doctor of Medicine, she consistently attained remarkable academic achievements, earning frequent placement on the Vice Chancellor's and Executive Dean's lists. Lilly also actively participated in community endeavours, serving on a conference organising committee and holding a special interest vice president role at the University. Her commitment to excellence extended to her involvement in swimming, earning her a spot in the Queensland Development Squad in 2018/2019 while representing the Bond University Swimming Club team.

Lilly has recently commenced work as a doctor for the Sunshine Coast Health Service. She shared that one of her main inspirations is one of her sisters, Phoebe, from the Class of 2015, who was also the Dux of the College and works as a Doctor at the Sunshine Coast.

The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award - Old Collegian

Nicola Baker (Class of 1989)

For service to the community.

Nicola Baker (nee Thompson) established Moyamoya Australiain 2019, spurred by her own son’s first stroke at 11 months of age and subsequent diagnosis of Moyamoya Disease some years later. In addition to raising awareness, the foundation offers emotional and financial support to Moyamoya Disease patients, along with funding for research, training and general support.

Nicola authored the book ‘The Thing About Jed’, a memoir recounting her experiences with her son. She is also set to release a documentary to further amplify awareness.

Pictured: Nicola’s friend and 1989 classmate, Susan Brown, attended the Foundation Day Assembly to accept the award on her behalf.

The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award - Old Collegian

Dr Anne Bennett (Class of 1978)

For service to Clayfield College.

Anne Bennett (nee Day), who was College Captain and Dux of the College in 1978, dedicated nearly nine years to the Clayfield College Council, with a six-year tenure as its Chair. Additionally, she served as Chair of the Clayfield College Foundation, playing a pivotal role in revitalising the Foundation and shaping its strategy. Throughout almost nine years on the PMSA Board, Anne demonstrated unwavering commitment during uncertain and challenging periods, serving both Clayfield and the PMSA.

Anne continues her medical career at the Wesley Breast Clinic and generously offers her time and expertise as a doctor to mentor and provide valuable advice to students exploring their career paths.

We acknowledge and are extremely grateful for the energy, grace, wisdom and dedication Anne brought to all roles she assumed on behalf of our College.

The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award - Old Collegian

Jan Deane (Class of 1956)

For service to Clayfield College.

Jan Deane (nee Munro) is affectionately known for her honesty, loyalty and humility. She has been a been a steadfast advocate for Clayfield College ever since her graduation in 1956.

Jan attended the College for twelve years as a student. She was on the School Committee and was appointed the Captain of Youngman House and Swimming. While in Year 10, she was a member of the 4 x 100 metre freestyle record-breaking Australian relay team, a record which stood for another two years. In 1956, she became the College’s first Olympian as part of the 1956 Australian Olympic Swimming Squad. Jan’s passion for and support of swimming at the College has never diminished.

Jan is also a past parent, with her daughter Susan attending the College from Year 4 to 12, as well as a past-grandparent. She has held many positions on the Clayfield College Old Collegians’ Committee, including three terms as President.

A proud member of the Emerald Club, which honours our Old Collegians who are older than 70 years of age, she regularly supports and attends College events.

Jan is a font of knowledge, and through the meaningful connections she maintains, keeps the College informed of the latest updates on past students across the eras. She also generously shares her insights on the history of the College and makes valuable contributions to the Archives.

Jan has been letting her light shine since she joined Clayfield College as a Year 1 student, 79 years ago. We celebrate and recognise the significant contribution she has made, and continues to make, to our College.

The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award - Old Collegian

Leith MacMillan (Class of 1979)

For service to her profession.

Leith MacMillan (nee Packer) obtained her nursing registration in 1981. Her passion for working in the operating theatre ignited her career in designing and developing clinical pathways throughout hospitals.

At the age of 23, Leith was given the opportunity to develop the first day surgery and gastroenterology unit at the Wesley Private Hospital and went on to lead this unit as Nurse Unit Manager for nine years. In 1994, Leith was presented with another opportunity to develop one of the first stand-alone day procedural units in Brisbane, leading to her instrumental role in setting up the Montserrat Hospital Group. She led the hospitals for 22 years, having developed and managed four of the group’s private hospitals. In 2004, Leith joined the Australian Day Hospital Association and later became the Executive Director for the Association.

Over the course of her distinguished career, Leith has established two companies, contributed to over 130 health projects, has held various Committee and Board Member positions within the Private Hospital Sector, and is adept in commissioning private health facilities on a national level.