Kilvonian Profiles

Michelle Crawford (nee Sainsbery), Class of 1988

Michelle Crawford is currently CEO of Concern Australia, an organisation that works with vulnerable young people and children in the areas of education; housing and homelessness; and youth justice (www.conceraustralia.org.au).

Prior to her current role, Michelle worked in the areas of education, employment and training; and microfinance collaborating with purpose-driven organisations addressing injustice and inequality, work she sees as fundamental and necessary for fairer and inclusive communities of today and tomorrow.

Michelle currently serves as a Director on the Boards of First Nations Foundation and Specialisterne Australia. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Alumnus of Leadership Victoria’s Williamson Community Leadership Program, Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, Workforce Innovation & Development Institute, Harvard University, and the John F Kennedy School of Government. Michelle holds a Masters in Social Science, a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Business.  She is also an active Rotarian.

Q: What have you been up to since leaving Kilvington? 

A: It’s hard to believe that it’s been 34 years since I was at Kilvington. Life has been rich and full since that time. 

Professionally, a highlight was living in Greenwich Village, New York while working for The Salvation Army for 12 months.  More recently, I oversaw the growth of a domestic microfinance response resulting in a 500% increase in access to safe, fair and affordable credit and my current CEO role is challenging and rewarding in equal measure.

Personally, I am married to Alan, a 6’7” Scottish birdwatcher!  This hobby takes us to lots of exciting places both within Australia and around the world.  We split our time between our homes in Preston and Hepburn Springs.

Q: What is your favourite memory of Kilvington? 

A: I’m getting old and the memories are fading!  I do however fondly remember the friendships formed, the encouragement of the teaching staff, and the opportunities that the environment offered, allowing me to be my authentic self. 

Non nobis sed omnibus, our school motto, is a sentiment I strongly identify with, as it aligns with my own values, and in many ways has guided me personally and professionally.

Q: Any funny stories? 

A: Oh dear!  Probably more embarrassing than funny. I remember taking on the persona of a male teacher (Mr Tudball) and impersonating him, along with personating David Attenborough! I remember how much fun we had on our last day of Year 12 as we took to the streets as Hares and Hippies. And of course, the mischief we got up to both in and out of the classrooms.

Q: Did you end up where you expected you would when you finished school? 

A: I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, and to be honest, I still don’t!  I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities and doors open that I couldn’t have imagined would be possible.  The only thing I knew then, and I know now, is that I am drawn to work that makes a difference. 

Q: How did your time at Kilvington prepare you for what you are doing now? 

A: The encouragement and belief in me as an individual was very powerful.  As I reflect, I am grateful for teachers who didn’t make me ‘fit a mould’, but rather nurtured a confidence in my natural abilities. I wasn’t sporty, or musical, or particularly academic, however this wasn’t seen as a barrier to success at school or my sense of achievement.  I enjoyed debating, and public speaking, and was encouraged to continue studying.  I am the first generation in my family, along with my brother, to have attended university, and I am sure that this was because of the faith that the Kilvington community had in me.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face to get where you are now? 

A: Perceptions of others – I’ve been told I’m “too nice” and at times encouraged to behave in a way that is not authentic. I’ve also encountered the egos of others, and the ‘glass ceiling’.

Q: What advice would you give to others who might be faced with similar obstacles? 

A: Believe in yourself.  Be authentic. Be open to opportunities and the unexpected.

Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far? 

A: Seeing the difference that my work and tapping into my own skills, knowledge, and experience, can have in the lives of others.

Q: What excites you about the future? 

A: Retirement!  In all seriousness, I’m thrilled to be able to travel after what has been a very difficult three years, and I will never take for granted quality time with family and friends. 

Q: How did what you learnt at Kilvington help make you the person you are today? 

A: When others believe in you, it’s easier to believe in yourself. 

Q: Any advice for our current Year 12 students as they embark on the next stage of their journey? 

A: Listen and ask questions - there are so many people around you who want you to enjoy life in all its fullness.  Be open to possibilities.  Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.  Have fun!!

Q: Finally, what are you passionate about? 

A: My faith, family and friends – and making a difference. 

George Crossingham, Class of 2017

Q: What have you been up to since leaving Kilvington? 

A: Since leaving Kilvington, I began studying a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminal Justice full time at Swinburne University of Technology. During my time at University I have studied a wide range of subjects including minors in Global Politics and Forensic Psychology. I have also had the opportunity to work in the construction and hospitality industries whilst completing my studies. 

Q: What is your favourite memory of Kilvington? 

A: My favourite memory from Kilvington would have to be achieving House Co-Vice Captain for Burman in 2016 and winning the house swimming cup that same year.

Q: Any funny stories? 

A: I have so many good memories from my time at Kilvington. I remember I gave an ANZAC day speech and tripped on stage in front of the whole school. That gave my friends and I a good laugh, even to this day. 

Q: Did you end up where you expected you would when you finished school? 

A: Definitely not! During my learning at Kilvington I wanted to join the Defence Force, however during my senior years I learned a lot more about the talents I have such as public speaking, written expression and reading comprehension. This led me to apply to university and then Law School afterwards.

Q: How did your time at Kilvington prepare you for what you are doing now? 

A: Kilvington provided a learning environment that was very nurturing. I found that as I grew older this type of education was more suited to my learning style. Kilvington helped identify my talents through the Ainger Public Speaking Awards where I represented the school and placed 4th in the State. This experience enabled me to explore other areas of interest.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face to get where you are now? 

A: At first the academic pressure from Law School was quite intense, similarly, arguing legal points before a moot court for Australian competitions was also challenging. However, with the right combination of perseverance and determination these challenges were overcome and turned into positive learning experiences. 

Q: What advice would you give to others who might be faced with similar obstacles? 

A: With any academic study there is a fair amount of research and writing involved. If one prepares well and learns the balance of time management as well as prioritisation, these obstacles will fade away. For those who may be looking to study Law in the future, I would recommend practicing reading and writing as much as possible. Keeping up to date with current issues in the legal field is also helpful when consolidating the subject material.

Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far? 

A: My biggest highlight so far has been receiving empanelment for jury service at the County Court of Victoria. Experiencing a trial up close at a time when the courts were closed to the public due to COVID-19 was great timing due to my present studies in Law. The experience itself showed me a great insight into the intricacies of the Victorian Legal System, and most importantly, learning the art of impartiality. 

Q: What excites you about the future? 

A: The future holds so many untold possibilities and the rewards from creating solid foundations are something I am looking forward to.

Q: How did what you learnt at Kilvington help make you the person you are today? 

A: Working in teams is something that is very prevalent in today’s workforce. Kilvington provided a learning approach that encouraged me to work in groups as well as individually and this skill is something that I use on regular basis.

Kilvington’s community culture has taught me the importance of responsibility, leadership, and respect. 

Q: Any advice for our current Year 12 students as they embark on the next stage of their journey? 

A: To the current Year 12 students I would say enjoy your last year of Senior School. Keep an open mind as to the future because there are multiple pathways to achieve your goals. Be strong, be confident and believe in yourself.

Q: Finally, what are you passionate about? 

A: There are so many things that I am passionate about! I often enjoy being creative with my spare time, either through creating music works of art, including detailed drawings and modelling projects. I am also passionate about a career in Criminal Law and hope to one day become a Barrister.