The Tintern Grammar Avenue of Excellence has been established to formally celebrate and honour the outstanding achievements and contributions of extraordinary Alumni in their field of endeavour. It is our vision to inspire current and future students to pursue excellence in a wide range of areas including:
Arts
Commerce and industry
Community or public service
Sciences
Sport
The Avenue of Excellence further embodies the triumphs and sacrifices of extraordinary Alumni who have proven their abilities at a national or international level; the dedication and self-sacrifice of individuals who persevered to achieve at the highest level of excellence.
Inductees into the Avenue of Excellence have proven their abilities at a national or international level in a wide range of sectors, and the Avenue serves as an inspiration for current and future students to pursue excellence. Previous inductees include Helen Reddy, Scotty James, and Penelope Thwaites.
This year, we inducted Kate Jenkins AO, Class of 1985, into the Avenue of Excellence. Kate was nominated by various community members and exceeded all criteria in the Community and Public Service category at a ceremony on 7 September 2024.
Kate is a champion of equal rights and a transformational leader who has led cultural reform and advanced diversity, inclusion, and performance in Australian workplaces, sports, parliament, the arts, education, and the security sector. Kate is Chair of the Australian Sports Commission and Chair of the Creative Workplaces Council. She was previously the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, and an employment lawyer with Herbert Smith Freehills. Additionally, Kate has served on the boards of Berry Street Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Play by the Rules, and Carlton Football Club.
Avenue of Excellence inductees
Helen Reddy
(YG 1958)
Grammy Award Winning Artist
Helen Reddy (YG 1958) – Grammy Award Winning Artist
Inducted in 2017
1972 Grammy Award winner for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for I am Woman
Fifteen Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart throughout the 1970s
Starring role as Nora in the Disney musical, Pete’s Dragon in 1977
Recipient of a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1974
Born into a well-known Australian showbiz family, Helen Reddy was destined to have her name in lights. Helen started at Tintern Hawthorn in 1948 in the Junior School, but moved to a local Hawthorn secondary school when Tintern relocated to East Ringwood; then leaving school at 15 to join a travelling theatrical company. In her early twenties she sang on television and radio, before winning the Australian pop music television talent contest Bandstand in 1966, which landed her in New York City pursuing a singing career.
Helen secured a record deal and her first Top 40 hit in 1971. From there Helen’s career skyrocketed with 15 singles appearing in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, with three reaching No. 1, including the iconic I am Woman, which Helen co-wrote. This signature hit secured her a Grammy Award in 1972 – the first Australian recipient of the prestigious music award.
In 1973 Helen returned to television as host of The Helen Reddy Show, a one-hour weekly primetime variety show on NBC. Nicknamed ‘the 70s Queen of Pop’, Helen’s popularity in the USA saw her awarded Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist at the inaugural American Music Awards and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1974.
Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Helen continued to perform live, starring in musicals in London’s West End and on Broadway in New York City, along with performances as a solo artist at Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as The Royal Albert Hall and The Palladium in London. After retiring in 2002, Helen returned to live performances in 2012, treating audiences to songs from her vast catalogue she had never before performed live.
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Cr Kate Redwood AM
(YG 1966)
Community Service Advocate
Cr Kate Redwood AM (YG 1966) – Community Service Advocate
Inducted in 2017
2013 Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the people of Victoria
Recipient of the Centenary Medal for services to local government and community in 2001
Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council in 2014/15
Two terms as a Councillor for the City of Melbourne
A passionate advocate for others, Cr Catherine (Kate) Redwood AM (Blaubaum) is dedicated to helping people. With a long and distinguished list of community and public service contributions, serving in local government and holding Chair, Director and Board positions at many outstanding community groups and committees, Kate has significantly contributed to the people of Victoria.
During her time at Tintern, Kate was a Prefect and Brook Editor in Year 12. After finishing school, Kate completed a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work graduating with honours. Kate went back to studying in 2010, completing her MBA at the Melbourne Business School.
In 1989 Kate established her own consulting firm, specialising in governance, strategic planning and program review for the human services. Kate’s firm has undertaken more than 100 projects for government and non-profit organisations in Australia and the Pacific. During this time Kate has also held a number of Director and Board positions, including former chairwoman of the Melbourne Disability Advisory Committee, Director of Melbourne Health, President of Berry Street Inc., Director of State Trustees Limited, Director of MacKillop Family Services and Director of Hepburn Wind. Kate has also worked in local government as an elected councillor, serving two terms for the City of Melbourne and was Mayor of the Hepburn Shire Council in 2014/15.
In 2001, Kate was recognised by the Australian Government with a Centenary Medal, an award created to commemorate the centenary of the Federation of Australia and honours those who have made a significant contribution to Australian society or government. Kate was also made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013, for significant service to the people of Victoria.
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Mavis June Robertson AM
(1930-2015) (YG 1946)
Superannuation Leader and Social Justice Campaigner
Mavis June Robertson AM (1930-2015) (YG 1946) – Superannuation Leader and Social Justice Campaigner
Inducted in 2017
Instrumental in the development of compulsory superannuation for all Australians
Member of the Order of Australia for services to Peace and Disarmament and to Industry Superannuation in Australia in 1994
Honoured by the United Nations in 1998 as one of the hundred Australian international ‘Defenders of Human Rights’
Australian Human Rights Commission named her among their 50 Great Australians
Co-founder of the Australian Mother’s Day Classic breast cancer fundraiser
Mavis June Robertson AM (Moten) (1930–2015) was a social activist, an organiser, a feminist, a driver of economic justice, civil, political rights, peace and security initiatives. Her legacy will live on as the fighter for the rights of many.
Mavis started at Tintern in 1943 and as a young woman was an ambitious social and political activist, fighting for countless causes both in Australia and overseas. Moving into the world of commerce in 1984, Mavis was instrumental in the development of one of Australia’s largest industry superannuation funds, as well as promoting the legislation that resulted in compulsory Superannuation for all Australians. Holding CEO and Director positions in industry, she was able to lead from the top, supporting and mentoring women working in superannuation. Mavis founded Women in Super, an organisation that supports and empowers women to take control of their finances.
Mavis also co-founded the Mother’s Day Classic, which is the largest fundraising event for breast cancer research in Australia. To recognise Mavis’ significant contribution to breast cancer research, the National Breast Cancer Foundation established the Mavis Robertson Fellowship in 2011, an award given annually to a female applicant considered a leader in breast cancer research.
Mavis passed away in 2015. Her ashes are buried on the playing field at Punt Road, a rare honour offered to her family due to her support of the Richmond Football Club and her work in encouraging training for indigenous children.
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Cheryl Batagol PSM
(YG 1970)
Environmental and Sustainability Leader
Cheryl Batagol PSM (YG 1970) – Environmental and Sustainability Leader
Inducted in 2019
Awarded a Commonwealth Government Public Service Medal (PSM) in 2018
Chair of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria
Inaugural Chair of Monash University’s Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities
Cheryl Batagol PSM is committed to social and environmental justice and leads change in preventing and reducing the impacts of pollution and waste on human health and the environment. Much of her commitment to the environment and social justice was born through her years spent at Tintern, where the environment is such an integral part of the school and Tintern’s education program.
Born on a dairy farm in South Gippsland, Cheryl started her career in 1970 working in a family waste collection company. This was the start of a long career in the waste management industry, working for over forty years in both private and public companies, retiring from her management and executive career from Brambles Australia Ltd Cleanaway division in 2000.
Cheryl has served the Victorian community on numerous government, industry association and not-for-profit boards, including Chair of the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Board Member of the Fishermans Bend Development Board, inaugural Chair of the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities based at Monash University and recently appointed to the US-based Advisory Board of the litter App, Litterati. Cheryl was formerly Chair of Melbourne Water, Deputy Chair of Sustainability Victoria, and member of the Victorian Catchment Management, City West Water, Southern Rural Water and as Chair and Deputy of EcoRecycle Victoria Council. Cheryl also served on the Tintern Board from 2008 to 2010.
Cheryl is a recipient of the Centenary Medal for her services to the water industry and sustainability, and the John Guice award for service to the waste management industry. In 2017, Monash University awarded Cheryl an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa) and she received a Public Service Medal in the 2018 Australia Day Honours, recognising her outstanding public service to environmental protection and sustainability in Victoria.
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Janine Kirk AM
(YG 1970)
Business, Education, Health and Community Leader
Janine Kirk AM (YG 1970) –Business, Education, Health and Community Leader
Inducted in 2019
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006 for services to Melbourne and Child Welfare
Honorary Doctor of Laws from Monash University in 2007
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellows Award for contribution to business, education and the community
Janine Kirk AM has had a long and distinguished career giving back to the community, having held numerous leadership positions across the private, government and not-for-profit sectors. She has worked for organisations of all sizes at state, national and internationaI levels, including establishing severa I successfu I start-up social enterprises.
Janine began her time at Tintern in the Junior School in 1960. It was evident during her school life that Janine enjoyed working with people, having held several Form Captain and Sports Captain positions, and Cross House Captain. Janine was also a keen sportswoman favouring Baseball, Hockey and Swimming.
Janine has a Bachelor of Economics (B.Ec) and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Monash University in 2007. She was appointed a Monash Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow from 2012 – 2015 and in 2016, Janine was awarded a Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellows Award for her contribution to business, education and the community.
She has received a number of awards in recognition of her contribution to the community, including a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Melbourne and Child Welfare. Janine is a recipient of The Centenary Medal, a British Chevening Scholarship winner and a VESKI Fellow. She has been awarded Life Memberships of Berry Street Victoria, the Committee for Melbourne and The BioMelbourne Network.
Janine was founding Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust Australia. She currently serves as the Chair of Phoenix Australia, Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Chair of The Melbourne Prize Trust and Management Committee and is Deputy Chair of the Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service.
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Professor Emeritus Charlotte Morrison Anderson AM
(YG 1932) (1915 – 2002)
Paediatric Gastroenterologist
Professor Emeritus Charlotte Morrison Anderson AM (YG 1932) (1915 – 2002) –Paediatric Gastroenterologist
Inducted in 2017
Established Paediatric Gastroenterology as a specialist field
Identified gluten as the ingredient responsible for Coeliac Disease
Improved the survival rate and quality of life of children suffering Cystic Fibrosis
1997 Member of the Order of Australia, in recognition of service to Medicine
Professor Emeritus Charlotte Morrison Anderson AM (1915–2002) was a pioneer in the field of Paediatric Gastroenterology. Her ground-breaking research into Cystic Fibrosis and Coeliac Disease brought her international acclaim and improved the lives of children suffering from these illnesses.
Charlotte widely known as Charlo, completed her education at Tintern in 1932 as dux. She continued her studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Science with honours from The University of Melbourne in 1936. Working as a Research Biochemist for five years, she completed a Master of Science in 1937. Charlo then studied Medicine, graduating with honours in 1945. After a two year residency she took a position as Registrar and Research Fellow in the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Clinical Research Unit, and began her work on Cystic Fibrosis and Coeliac Disease.
In 1951, Charlo moved to the UK to work at The University of Birmingham. Here her team identified gluten to be the ingredient responsible for Coeliac Disease which could be managed through a gluten-free diet. Returning to Australia in 1953, Charlo was appointed to a senior research position at the RCH and established the first Cystic Fibrosis Clinic in Australia. Charlo’s research increased survival rates and quality of life of Cystic Fibrosis patients. In the following years, Charlo continued her research while progressing to the Head of the Gastroenterology Research Unit at the RCH in 1962, then accepting an invitation to the Leonard Parsons Chair of Paediatrics and Child Health at The University of Birmingham in 1968.
Honouring Charlo’s significant contribution to Medicine, Tintern named the Senior College building The Anderson Centre in 1995. In 1997, Charlo was made a Member of the Order of Australia recognising her service to Medicine in the field of Paediatric Gastroenterology.
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Louise Hearman
(YG 1981)
Archibald Prize Winner
Louise Hearman (YG 1981) – Archibald Prize Winner
Inducted in 2017
Winner of the 2016 Archibald Portrait Prize
Winner of the 2014 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize
Shortlisted for the Basil Sellers Art Prize 2012
Winner of the 1992 R. M. Ansett Art Award
Celebrated Victorian artist, Louise Hearman was awarded one of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes; the Archibald Prize for her portrait of Barry Humphries entitled Barry in 2016. An admirer of Barry Humphries since she was a child, Louise was thrilled to befriend the man she refers to as a brilliant individual and have the opportunity to paint his portrait. Louise’s talent for portraits also saw her awarded the 2014 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize.
Louise’s passion and talent for the arts was evident during her time at Tintern, commended for her work in Art classes, she was awarded first prize for an original graphic print at the Royal Melbourne Show when she was in Year 11. Following her schooling,
Louise furthered her education completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts. Working as an artist for a number of years, in the early 90s Louise rejoined the world of education, this time sharing her talent and experience with students, working as a Painting Tutor at the Victorian College of Arts and a Drawing Teacher at RMIT University.
Louise came to prominence in 1986 when she spent a year painting a mural, The Elephant Room, on the inside of the concrete dome at the Mission to Seafarers building in Flinders Street, Melbourne. Following her first solo exhibition in 1987 Louise has consistently displayed her work at both solo and group exhibitions throughout Australia, exhibiting at galleries including The National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney and The National Gallery of Victoria.
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Scotty James
(YG 2013)
World Champion Snowboarder
Scotty James (YG 2013) – World Champion Snowboarder
Inducted in 2017
2018 bronze medallist at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games
2015 & 2017 gold medallist at the FIS Snowboard World Championships
2016 bronze medallist, 2017 gold medallist and 2018 silver medallist at the Winter X Games
Australian Olympic team debut at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games and competed at a second Winter Olympics at the 2014 Sochi Games
Scotty James has been skiing almost as long as he has been walking, and snowboarding since the age of 3. He began competing at 6 and by 10 was defeating his older competitors.
Scotty debuted on the international circuit as a 14-year-old at the 2008 Europa Cup in Switzerland, and at 15, while most teenagers are busy juggling school, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, Scotty was making his Olympic team debut as Australia’s youngest male competitor in 50 years, competing in the Halfpipe at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Scotty joined Tintern in Year 2 on the Southwood campus. In 2011, Scotty moved to the East Ringwood campus juggling school in between his training and competitions. Scotty finished at Tintern at the end of 2012 to move overseas and gain the full benefits of training and competing at the highest level.
At the 2013 World Championships, Scotty notched up a career-best performance to place sixth in the Halfpipe, and while competing at the final event of the 2013/14 season before the Sochi Games, Scotty won his first World Cup medal, a bronze in the Snowboard Halfpipe. The medal, in addition to two top 10 finishes at the other World Cups meant Scotty finished the season with the most points, earning him the Overall World Cup Title for Snowboard Halfpipe,his first Crystal Globe. These successes secured Scotty’s place at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, in the Halfpipe and the inaugural Snowboard Slopestyle competition.
The 2015 FIS Snowboard World Championships were a breakthrough tournament for Scotty, winning gold in the Halfpipe, and then defending his title to win gold again in 2017. Scotty saw more medal success at the Winter X Games, securing bronze in the Superpipe in 2016, then going two better with gold in 2017, as well as bronze in the Dual Slalom.
The 2017/2018 season ended well for Scotty, placing second in the SuperPipe at the Winter X Games. Scotty then represented Australia at his third Winter Olympics. The Australian Olympic committee acknowledged his dedication and success in snowboarding naming him the Australian Flag Bearer for the Opening Ceremony. Scotty competed extremely well in the PyeongChang Games winning a bronze medal in the Snowboard Halfpipe against tough competition.
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Professor Emeritus Helen Quinn AO
(YG 1959)
Acclaimed Physicist
Professor Emeritus Helen Quinn AO (YG 1959) – Acclaimed Physicist
Inducted in 2017
2018 Franklin Institute recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics
First female recipient awarded the Dirac Medal and Prize in 2000
2005 Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia for service to scientific research and education
First female recipient to receive the Oskar Klein Medal in 2008
2013 J. J. Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Particle Physics
Karl Taylor Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics 2016
Professor Emeritus Helen Quinn AO (Arnold) is a Theoretical Particle Physicist. Throughout her career she has made many significant contributions to Theoretical Physics, and more recently to education, leading the way in reforming Science education for students in the USA.
Helen completed her schooling at Tintern in 1959, enrolling in a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. In 1962, moving with her family to the USA, she transferred to Stanford University in California, where she completed her Bachelor, Masters and PhD degrees in Physics. Helen worked at DESY (German Electron Synchrotron) in Hamburg, followed by seven years at Harvard University before returning to Stanford as a staff scientist and, later, Professor at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.
Helen’s contributions to Particle Physics, including work on Grand Unified Theories and a conundrum known as the Strong CP Problem, are widely recognised, including an Honorary Doctor of Sciences from The University of Melbourne.
Elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2003, Helen was invited to join its Board on Science Education (BOSE). Since her retirement in 2010 her efforts are dedicated to Science education advocacy and leadership. She co-chaired the BOSE-appointed committee developing, ‘A Framework for K-12 Science Education’. This Framework, underlies the Next Generation Science Standards which have been adopted in 18 US states and influenced many others.
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Professor Melissa Southey
(YG 1984)
Molecular Geneticist
Professor Melissa Southey (YG 1984) – Molecular Geneticist
Inducted in 2017
Research findings leading to the identification of people at high risk of developing cancer
Fellowship of the Human Genetic Society of Australasia
Fellowship of the Faculty of Science, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Fellowship of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia
Awarded Old Bronze Medal, The University of Melbourne in 2011
Professor Melissa Southey has dedicated her career to cancer research. Through her findings she has made significant contributions to the identification and management of breast cancer, particularly in young women with a family history of the disease.
During her time at Tintern, Melissa was actively involved in musical and sporting pursuits, holding the leadership position of Music Captain in Years 11 and 12 and she received a Valedictory Award for outstanding contributions to the School community. Following Year 12, Melissa studied a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne majoring in Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, followed by honours in Pathology, graduate studies in Law and a PhD in Medicine.
In her 25 years as a Research Scientist, Melissa is best known for her work with multiple-case cancer families and heritable cancer risk factors. Melissa’s research has been published over 450 times in peer-reviewed journals. She has led multidisciplinary teams in several research areas in Australia and internationally, involving the National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), The National Cancer Institute (USA), The International Agency for Research on Cancer (France) and the European Commission.
In 2010, Melissa was promoted to the position of Professional Fellow in Pathology, the first woman to be appointed to this prominent role at The University of Melbourne.
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Penelope Thwaites AM
(YG 1960)
Concert Pianist and Composer
Penelope Thwaites AM (YG 1960) – Concert Pianist and Composer
Inducted in 2017
Composed music for the Tintern Psalm
Recipient of the Ormond Exhibition from Melbourne University
Concerto soloist with the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonia, the BBC Concert Orchestra and other international orchestras
International Grainger Society Medallion
A Member of the Order of Australia in 2001 for services to music
Penelope Thwaites AM leaves a lasting legacy at Tintern as the composer of the music for a setting of the School’s Psalm, Psalm 121: I will lift up mine eyes to the hills. She composed this music in recognition of Miss Constance Wood’s completion of 25 years of service as Headmistress. First performed at the Annual Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in October 1964, it remains the School Psalm to this day.
During her time at Tintern, Penelope was School Pianist and a member of the Madrigal Group from 1958–1960 and Somner House Captain in 1960. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne, winning the Ormond Exhibition, and being placed first in her final year. Further studies in London led to her concert debut at the Wigmore Hall 1974. Since then Penelope has performed and broadcast in over 30 countries, in recitals and as a concerto soloist with the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonia, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and other leading orchestras in Australia, Europe and the USA.
She has composed extensively for the theatre and other genres, and her musical Ride! Ride! was produced in London’s West End. A committed advocate for Australian composers, regularly including Australian repertoire in her programs, she founded and chaired the Performing Australian Music Competition (London 2001 and 2008) attracting participants from 20 countries. She is recognised worldwide as a leading exponent of the music of Percy Grainger.
Penelope was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2001 for services to Australian music and currently serves as Chairman of the Order of Australia Association UK/Europe.
Gold medallist in the Road Race and silver medallist in the Pursuit at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain
Winner of three gold medals in the Road Race, Pursuit and Road Team Time Trial at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada
Gold medallist in the Road Race at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand
Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2012
Sport was always in Kathy Watt’s OAM blood. With her father a marathon runner, she originally pursued a career as a runner, but an achilles tendon injury caused Kathy to switch disciplines to compete in run/cycle duathlons, before settling on cycling.
Kathy made history at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona as the first Australian to win an Olympic Cycling Road Race gold medal, also winning a silver medal in the Pursuit at the same Games. To honour Kathy’s Olympic success, in 1993 Tintern added a fifth House – Watt, with gold as its colour.
Along with her Olympic medals, Kathy
has won four Commonwealth Games gold medals and 24 National Championships in road, track and mountain bike racing. These successes over Kathy’s 20-year international cycling career saw her included as one of the inaugural inductees into the Cycling Australia Hall of Fame in 2015, as well as a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, inducted in 2012. During her time at Tintern, Kathy was Captain of Athletics and Cross Country, as well as Vice-Captain of Mansfield.
A lesser-known fact about Kathy is that she is an award-winning photographer, with her photographic works featured in a number of exhibitions and magazines, as well as other printed publications. Versatile in her choice of photographic subjects – life drawings, landscape, portraits, and of course documentary sports photography. Kathy’s first solo exhibition at Chez Olivier, featured over 70 photographs from the 2010 Tour de France.
