WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

The St Mary’s Old Girls’ Association Women of Distinction Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements and contributions of former students to their profession and community. The Awards were established by the Old Girls’ Association as part of their 85th Anniversary Celebrations in 2010 and are awarded on a five-yearly basis. The 2020 Awards were announced at the Centenary Dinner in February 2021. The three categories of Awards (Career, Community and Young Woman of Distinction for the under 30) attracted entries of an exceptional calibre. Congratulations to the winners and finalists.

congratulations

Congratulations and well done to our amazing and selfless Old Girls! We are extremely proud of all our winners, finalists and nominees. You are all an inspiration to our St Mary's community. The Women of Distinction Awards will be held again in 2025 as part of the Old Girls’ Association 100th Anniversary. Applications will open during 2024.

THIS AWARD ACKNOWLEDGES AN OLD GIRL, AGED 30 OR UNDER, WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED OUTSTANDING INITIATIVE AND DRIVE IN HER CHOSEN FIELD. NOMINEES SHOULD DEMONSTRATE A FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS, SUCH AS COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OTHER PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

WINNER JEMMA COLLOVA (’10)

In recognition of her distinguished academic achievements and career in science, as well as her commitment to mentoring other young women.

Jemma is passionate about pursuing an academic career in science, where she can use psychological principles to make evidence-based decisions. Her academic achievements since graduating from St Mary’s are impressive. She has completed a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Western Australia and received a Research Training Program Scholarship worth more than $75,000 to complete her PhD thesis in Psychology, which she submitted in December 2019. In 2020, Jemma worked as a post-doctoral research associate at UWA, leading her own research projects. More recently, inspired by her passion for applied research, she has taken on a role working in the Data Science and Analytics team for WA Police. Jemma’s research has been published in various journals and she has received multiple awards for these publications, most notably an Excellence in Research Student Award from the Australian Research Centre, Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders. She has led international collaborations on research projects (for example, with the University of Hong Kong) and was selected for a competitive industry internship, where she applied her scientific skills to work on a national project for the Australian Federal Government in Canberra. Throughout her academic pursuits, Jemma also worked as a research assistant in various studies and projects and was selected as a mentor for a female high school student in the national mentoring program, Curious Minds. Jemma credits St Mary’s for helping to establish the foundation for her passion for science and female education and is determined to encourage other girls to pursue STEM careers.

FINALISTS

HANNAH JAGO

In recognition of her exceptional achievements in jewellery design and making, as well as her dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh program and volunteering.

STELLA SHIPWAY

In recognition of her work in conservation and wildlife research, and with Indigenous rangers and traditional landowners.

WOMAN OF DISTINCTION CO mmu N i TY

THIS AWARD ACKNOWLEDGES AN OLD GIRL WHO HAS SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MEMBERS OF HER COMMUNITY BEYOND THAT EXPECTED IN HER USUAL OCCUPATION.

WINNER

DENISE LANE (MARSHALL ’79)

In recognition of her extensive volunteer work and exceptional service to St John Ambulance and her community.

In 2004, Denise responded to a call for more volunteer ambulance officers for the Esperance Sub Centre, which receives more than 1300 triple zero calls per year. She saw this as a wonderful opportunity to serve her community, something she continues to do to this day. Her involvement within the Esperance Sub Centre has been wide and varied, including being a committee member for 15 years, Treasurer, Vice Chairperson and Chairperson, all of which are volunteer roles. By 2012, Denise had completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and started to deliver the first of many first aid training courses to the public. That same year, she was awarded a Commendation from St John Ambulance Australia for her service to the Esperance Sub Centre and community. In 2016, Denise was admitted as a Member of the Order of St John, a recognised honour within the Australian Honours System, for her exceptional service to both St John Ambulance WA and the Western Australian community. In 2017, Denise was formally awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for WA as part of the Australia Day Honours. One of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects for Denise is being able to provide a service to the Esperance community. Interacting at schools, being a part of the duty crew at community events, such as the Esperance Agricultural Show and Australia Day celebrations, and volunteering through St John’s, provide Denise with some of the best opportunities to make a genuine contribution to her community.

FINALISTS

CAROLYN BAIRD

In recognition of her devoted work to support hospitalised children and their families.

LYNETTE BAKER

For her commitment to advancing the interests of her hometown of Corrigin and the wheatbelt region.

WOMAN OF DISTINCTION C ar EE r

THIS AWARD ACKNOWLEDGES AN OLD GIRL WHO HAS ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT AND SUSTAINED SUCCESS IN HER CHOSEN CAREER.

WINNER JENNY SHAW (’76)

In recognition of her outstanding success and prominence in fisheries and marine science. Her work in areas of applied research, academia, and policy and management has gained international attention.

Jenny received a scholarship to attend St Mary’s, which afforded her a life-changing opportunity. During her years at St Mary’s, Jenny took on many challenges presented to her and was elected Head Girl in her final year. After earning a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Western Australia, she pursued her lifelong passion and began a career in fisheries and marine science. Over the course of her 35-year career, Jenny has distinguished herself in areas of applied research, academia, policy and management in both government and private sectors in Australia and overseas. She completed a PhD at Curtin University, where she instigated and led a project to increase knowledge of climate change in the commercial fishing industry. Her work received international acclaim and was highly awarded. Jenny, who has been a member of multiple state and national boards, was ministerially appointed as one of the first women on the influential Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee. In 1998, Jenny became a founding member of Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA). In recognition of her service to the organisation, she was inducted onto its inaugural Honour Roll and became one of only four WISA Life Members. Jenny has been a mentor to a number of highly successful women in the industry and has worked tirelessly to give women a voice in a male-dominated sphere. For her long and outstanding service to the seafood industry, she was recently inducted into the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame. Jenny is currently Research Director at the Western Australian Marine Science Institution.

LYBBIE HILLMAN

For distinguishing herself in the field of gastroenterology, combining clinical excellence, academic research and community involvement, including the mentoring of students.

SOPHIE SPARTALIS

In recognition of her achievements and long-standing career success in the traditionally male-dominated industries of investment banking and mining.

MADGE THOMAS

In recognition of her passion for and devotion to improving human rights through her legal work.