We are excited to announce that the nominations for the Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Awards program, designed to recognise the outstanding achievements of our Old Michaelians and the contributions they make to the wider world, are open for 2026. For 130 years, Old Michaelians have been making a difference, and we want to celebrate and acknowledge their work. Shine a light on an Old Michaelian you know by nominating them for an Award today.
St Michael’s Grammar School is renowned for our exceptional wellbeing and academic programs and our commitment to innovative and holistic approaches to teaching, learning and caring. We empower our students to approach their lifelong learning journey with courage, confidence and a strong sense of social justice so that they leave us with the skills, knowledge and character to be contributing citizens of the world.
Our graduates leave with the determination to follow their passions, the confidence to lead and the wisdom to live balanced and meaningful lives inspired by a commitment to making the world a better place.
The Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Awards formally recognise and celebrate Old Michaelians who are making, or have made, a significant contribution to the community, and in doing so, inspire our students to strive to do the same.
If you know an Old Michaelian who is making or has made an exceptional contribution to the world, we would love to hear their story. We encourage you to nominate Old Michaelians who you believe are deserving of an Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Award as they have demonstrated:
1. A Positive impact on, and contribution to, the local, state, national or international community and/or the St Michael’s Grammar School community above and beyond employment duties or formal responsibilities.
2. A Positive impact in one or more of the following: Leadership, Volunteerism, Innovation, Sustainability, Advocacy, Social Change or Education.
3. Adherence to high ethical standards, integrity, transparency and the St Michael’s values of Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion.
We are seeking nominations (posthumous nominations are welcome) in the following two categories:
1. Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Award
2. Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Young Achiever Award for Old Michaelians under 35 years old.
To make a nomination for the 2026 Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Awards please complete the online or the printable nomination form below and return it to our Alumni Relations Coordinator, Lauren Ellis (0385 303 292)
All the information you need to make a nomination including the current Selection Criteria and Terms and Conditions are included in the Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Awards Guidelines and can be downloaded here:
On Thursday 23 October, it was with great excitement that we held our Old Michaelian Contributing Citizen Awards presentation – a celebration of the outstanding achievements of our Award recipients.
A callout to our community for nominations earlier this year was rewarded with a diverse list of nominees who have made outstanding contributions to the wider world in many and varied ways. The calibre of the nominees was very impressive and the Judging Panel deliberated for some time to choose this year’s recipients.
Col Pearse
OM 2021
For his achievements in Paralympic sport and advocacy for disability inclusion. A Paralympic and World Championship medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Col has represented Australia with distinction, inspiring others through his athletic excellence and public outreach.
The Hon. Philip Dalidakis
OM 1993
For his leadership in public service and advocacy for vulnerable communities. As a State Government Cabinet Minister and global policy advisor, Philip championed justice and equity. His work with VoiCSA reflects his commitment to child protection, while his role on the Administrative Appeals Tribunal ensured fairness for those navigating complex systems.
Duncan McLean
OM 1998
For his humanitarian advocacy and commitment to inclusive sport and innovation. Duncan founded the One Funky World Foundation to support disadvantaged communities with initiatives like wheelchair delivery in Tonga and inclusive sports scholarships. His commitment to grassroots sports is reflected in this long-standing sponsorship of Swimming Victoria.
Marjorie McQuade
OM 1949
For her achievements as Australia’s youngest Olympian and a trailblazer in women’s sport. At just 13, Marjorie represented Australia in the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games and won three gold medals at the 1950 British Empire Games. A triple sports captain at St Michael’s, she exemplified excellence, leadership and humility. Her legacy endures through school prizes in her name and her lifelong advocacy for women in sport.
Grace Lock
OM 1918
For her pioneering contributions to photography and arts education in Australia. As custodian of the Australian Photographic Society (APS) Permanent Collection— now the Grace Lock Memorial Collection—Grace curated and exhibited thousands of works, making photography accessible nationwide. A recipient of the British Empire Medal and Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society she empowered women in photography and inspired generations through her leadership and vision.
