Alumnae

We are proud of our 160-year history educating successful, capable young women. Our alumnae have gone on to achieve great things in many different fields, including medical research, aeronautics, the performing arts, politics, business and much more.

We invite all past students of St Mary's College to join our alumnae association. Please email lanam@stmarys.qld.edu.au for more information.

Mercy Medallion

Each year, St Mary's College honours an outstanding member of our alumnae community with the awarding of the Mercy Medallion. Established in 2015, the award recognises an individual who has displayed and acted with a commitment, duty or personal ethos that epitomises the Mercy tradition. Congratulations to these former students who have been recipients of the Mercy Medallion.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Mercy Medallion Recipient. Nomination form can be found below. Nominations should be received by St Mary's College Ipswich no later than Friday 31 July 2026. Nominations may be emailed or posted or delivered to College reception addressed to The Principal, St Mary's College Ipswich: lanam@stmarys.qld.edu.au or 11 Mary Street, Woodend Qld 4305. 

2026 Mercy Medallion Nomination Form

Past Recipients

The inaugural Mercy Medallion recipient, Annastacia Palaszczuk graduated from St Mary's College in 1986. She has been a member of parliament since 2006, representing the Inala electorate, and was sworn in as Premier of Queensland on 12 November 2020. Ms Palaszczuk is an advocate for women in politics.

Astrophysicist and NASA scientist Dr Jessie Christiansen specialises in the search for and discovery of exoplanets. Jessie has published multiple exoplanet discoveries and co-authored discoveries on thousands more. Her love of science and astronomy began in high school.

Olympic swimmer Leah Neale graduated from St Mary's College in 2012. Leah was a silver medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games, and a bronze medallist at the 2020 Olympic Games. Honouring her legacy as a champion swimmer, the College presents the Leah Neale Cup at its Swimming Carnival each year to the winner of the 100m challenge.

Sr Mary Lawson has been a Sister of Mercy since 1966. She has worked extensively to improve the quality of life for children with a hearing impairment. A former national secretary of the National Association of Australian Teachers of the Deaf, Sr Mary has worked in Brisbane Catholic Education, the Mater Hospital, Centacare and Queensland health. In 2011, she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for service to education and to the Catholic Church of Australia. She continues to support families of young people with a hearing impairment.

Carmel has spent her professional life working in rural and remote towns throughout Queensland. Her drive to help those outside the big cities access medical treatment has seen her work in Mt Isa, Coory, Bamaga, Ayr and Longreach. In 2018, Carmel received the Meritorious Award from the Rural Doctors Service of Queensland.

Judith has worked for 25 years as a palliative care physician. A well recognised expert in her field, Judith is an advocate for dignified, compassionate palliative care for patients who are dying.

Lawyer Angela Lynch is an advocate for women's safety, and the CEO of Women's Legal Service. Throughout her 27 years in the Queensland domestic violence legal sector, Angela has developed a deep understanding of the issues confronting women who have experienced domestic violence; translating practical legal knowledge and experience into significant law reform, policy, community legal education and safer outcomes. In 2019, Angela was awarded an AM for her service to victims of domestic and family violence.

Hannah Hyatt is an experienced national mental health advocate, Lived/Living Experience Worker and Peer Worker. Her aim is to draw on her lived/living experience to advocate for and contribute to improved services, as well as to support people to learn how to manage their mental health effectively and achieve their goals. She is committed to using her experiences and knowledge to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, champion lived/living experience engagement and leadership, and contribute to the development and integration of the lived/living experience workforce. Hannah has turned her personal experiences into a passion for helping others, and a driving force behind her chosen educational path and career.

Claire has demonstrated excellence in Performing Arts, performing at local, State, National and International level. Claire is an emerging artist, specialising in dance. Claire has experience in teaching, choreography and performing professionally. Currently Claire is a cast member of the hit musical 'Hamilton'.

Steph has inspired and empowered St Mary’s College students through her dedication and remarkable qualities. She attended the college from 1945 to 1956, then trained as a nurse, specialising in midwifery, maternal, and child health. She worked as a pediatric nurse in Darwin, Ipswich, and beyond, becoming well-known nationally and internationally for her work with sick children, Indigenous children, and families from non-English speaking backgrounds.

She was also a member of the Ipswich SCAN team, supporting victims of child abuse, and led groups for abused girls through Protect All Children Today (PACT). Upon retirement, she volunteered at Hilda’s House Bereavement Centre, where she created and published a children's grief support program, "Listen to the Children," used across Australia.

Her career is marked by compassion, a deep understanding of others, and a proactive approach to improving systems and support for those in need.

Mary is a proud alumna of St Mary’s College as are several generations of her family. Her journey after graduation led her to a career in physiotherapy, where she has demonstrated excellence, compassion and unwavering commitment. Mary’s professional life has been marked by her dedication to caring for others; working in hospitals, nursing homes and community health, always ensuring that her patients received the support they needed, even going so far as to visit those unable to travel.

 

Her impact extends far beyond her professional achievements. Mary has tirelessly volunteered her time to support the local parish, college committees and fundraising efforts. She has played a vital role in organisations focused on human rights, women, and children and has been a leader in local sporting and community groups. Her advocacy for the revitalisation of our local community, especially in times of hardship, has inspired many.

 

Mary’s qualities of kindness, empathy, resilience and generosity — shine through in everything she does. She has balanced a demanding career, community service and family life with grace and determination. Her values are closely aligned with the Mercy tradition and she continues to inspire those around her — her family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community.

 

Mary’s story is one of service, leadership and compassion. She is a role model for current and future generations of St Mary’s College, showing us all what it means to live with mercy and make a positive difference in the world.