Alumni News

Posted on June 8, 2021 / Alumni News, / General news

Kelly Ryan (YG 1996)

Congratulations to alumna Kelly Ryan (YG 1996) on her recent appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Netball Australia.

After graduating from Tintern, Kelly went on to study a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at RMIT and Authentic Leadership Development at the Harvard Business School, Kelly was also awarded the AFL’s prestigious Graeme Samuel Scholarship.

Kelly has extensive leadership experience, including 15 years in the Australian sporting industry, her executive roles include being a foundation Executive member of the Gold Coast SUNS, an executive member of the Western Bulldogs during the 2016 Premiership triumph and the formation of the club’s AFLW team, and more recently, an executive member of Marvel Stadium.

Katherine Gracey (O’Neil) (YG 1996)

Congratulations to alumna and current parent Katherine Gracey (O’Neil) (YG 1996) on the launch of her loungewear label Uniek Australia.

Uniek is a sustainable and inclusive loungewear label for women who often feel unseen or unrepresented by the existing offering. After Tintern, Katherine studied at ACU and completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing and Management.

Quickly moving into major marketing and management roles at HP, Harvey Norman and Mercedes Benz. Katherine was looking for something more and had always had a desire to create something tangible, her goal with Uniek is to produce classic, timeless fashion which holds that special place in one’s heart. For further information about Uniek and to view the collection, visit – https://uniekcrew.com/

Amanda Oakenfull (YG 1991)

Amanda Oakenfull (YG1991) is a Delivery Executive at IBM. IBM are offering free digital learning on the tech and skills of tomorrow. If you’d like to participate, please visit the link here.

Olivia Shying (YG 2009)

Congratulations to Olivia Shying (YG 2009) who has won the Melbourne Press Club’s ‘TAC QUILL’ 2020 award for road safety.

After graduating at Tintern, Olivia completed a Bachelor of Arts, Criminology, Media and Communications from Melbourne University and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism at RMIT. Following her study Olivia moved straight into journalism where she has worked at the Daily Advertiser in Wagga, the Ballarat Courier and is now the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Geelong Advertiser.

The Judges’ Citation commended Olivia for her excellent reporting for the Geelong Advertiser where she covered issues relating to elderly drivers’ safety and drug-affected driving. During COVID-19, when Victoria experienced the lowest road toll in years, Olivia’s reporting was a clear standout to the judges.

Jack Church (YG 2016)

Congratulations to Jack Church (YG 2016) who is the current Chief Executive Officer for Monash Motorsport. Jack is joined on the team by Maksis Darzins (YG 2016) who is the Head of Structures. The entirely student-run team designs, manufactures, tests and competes with formula style race cars in the Formula SAE and Formula Student competitions in both Australia and Europe. Within the team, students from a diverse range of faculties gain practical, and industry-relevant skills to complement the education they receive at Monash University.

Their 2019 Combustion Car, M19-C, earned Monash Motorsport the ranking of World Number 1 in the Formula Student Competition.

Leading the team of 120 people to pursue the vision and values of Monash Motorsport, Jack works alongside the Chief Technical Officer to develop their most ambitious vehicle concept yet, the M21.

“Following a challenging 2020 and an extended concept development period, we are proud to announce our most ambitious concept yet, a 4WD, autonomous integrated vehicle, capable of both driven and driverless racing – M21. This vehicle concept pushes the frontiers of autonomous technology with a more powerful and efficient electrical powertrain built from the ground up, specifically with driverless capabilities in mind.”

Jack is currently studying Mechanical Engineering and Commerce Management at Monash University.

Video Source: https://www.monashmotorsport.com/m21

Meghan McDonald (YG 2009)

Congratulations to Alumna Meghan McDonald (YG 2009) for making the 2021 AFLW All-Australian Squad.

Meghan is also the 2021 Captain of Geelong’s AFLW team!

Beverly Wood (YG 2008)

Beverly Wood (YG 2008), along with her husband Ross Witherby, have recently launched their business Cake Style Co, where they 3D print cake toppers and cookie stamps.

Ross works in IT and was an early adopter of home 3D printers, which meant they could often create custom items on a whim such as scone cutters, cookie cutters, Christmas tree ornaments and more. In response to the high demand for trendy cookie stamps and customised toppers, they decided to launch a pilot test of some products.

Happily, they have now been in production since Christmas 2020, receiving daily orders which keep them busy outside of their day jobs. Of this experience Beverly has said, “We never imagined ourselves as entrepreneurs, but it’s funny how things work out.”

You can order your custom items here: www.cakestyleco.com

Belinda Collins (Richardson YG 1991)

Belinda has spent the last 20 years connecting philanthropists with important social projects. She currently works as the Director of Advancement for Swinburne University of Technology.

Prior to joining Swinburne Belinda was privileged to occupy leadership roles in philanthropy with University the University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, DVA Navion Consulting, the AFL and Richmond Football Club.

Prior to her career in philanthropy, Belinda enjoyed a diverse career in strategic communications and private business. She led World Vision Australia’s media team through the Boxing Day tsunami period, at a time when the public donated $80m in 14 days through initiatives like the World Cup Cricket Tsunami match. This high-profile crisis period taught Belinda much about crisis communication and the importance of sound governance of philanthropic funds. She co-authored Warrior Princess, a best-selling non-fiction book on the HIV pandemic translated into four languages; and ran her own PR Consultancy Richardson Communications Group.

Belinda is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a proud Ambassador for the Burnet Institute, a recipient of the Australian Davos Connection 2011 Leadership Award and a 2002 Young Hero of Business.

Belinda lives in Melbourne with her husband Darren and three children. She’s an aspiring surfer, loves riding, hiking and being outdoors.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes of our recent video shoot with alumnae Emily Mignot (YG 2012) and Moya Zhang (YG 2015), for the 2021 Annual Appeal – the Gift of Opportunity.

A big thank you to Fluid Imagery for working with us on this project, Fluid Imagery is a video production company founded by alumni Nick Smith (YG 2015) and Daniel Smith (YG 2017).

To find out more about Fluid Imagery or to contact the team visit – www.fluidimagery.com.au

Caitlin Spears (YG 2011)

Congratulations to alumna Caitlin Spears (YG 2011) and her team for their show ‘The Music of the Night’. Presented by Spears Entertainment, The Music of the Night ran for 6 shows only at Chapel off Chapel in Prahran from the 12 to 16 May.

To learn more about Spears Entertainment visit their website: https://www.spearsentertainment.com.au

2021 Maroondah Youth Awards

Congratulations to Victoria M (Year 12), Bella R (Year 12) and Ashleigh Dowling (YG 2020) for being recognised for their excellent leadership and perseverance at the recent 2021 Maroondah Youth Awards. Victoria and Ashleigh both received the Leadership Award for their significant leadership qualities, positive direction, and their ability to empower others. Bella received the Perseverance Award for her ongoing determination and persistence whilst overcoming challenges.