About our 2024 Finalists
Lilly Steinberg (Class of 2017)
The Spirit of Clayfield Green Award – Old Collegian
For service to her profession
Lilly distinguished herself as an exceptional student during her time at Clayfield, showcasing leadership in both academic and athletic domains as the College Dux and Swimming Captain. After securing a Vice Chancellor's Elite Scholarship for admission to Bond University to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, followed by a Doctor of Medicine, she consistently attained remarkable academic achievements, earning frequent placement on the Vice Chancellor's and Executive Dean's lists. Lilly also actively participated in community endeavours, serving on a conference organising committee and holding a special interest vice president role at the University. Her commitment to excellence extended to her involvement in swimming, earning her a spot in the Queensland Development Squad in 2018/2019 while representing the Bond University Swimming Club team.
Lilly has recently commenced work as a doctor for the Sunshine Coast Health Service. She shared that one of her main inspirations is one of her sisters, Phoebe, from the Class of 2015, who was also the Dux of the College and works as a Doctor on the Sunshine Coast.
Dr Anne Bennett (Class of 1978)
The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award – Old Collegian
For service to Clayfield College
Anne Bennett (nee Day), who was College Captain and Dux of the College in 1978, dedicated nearly nine years to the Clayfield College Council, with a six-year tenure as its Chair. Additionally, she served as Chair of the Clayfield College Foundation, playing a pivotal role in revitalising the Foundation and shaping its strategy. Throughout almost nine years on the PMSA Board, Anne demonstrated unwavering commitment during uncertain and challenging periods, serving both Clayfield and the PMSA.
Today, Anne continues her medical career at the Wesley Breast Clinic and generously offers her time and expertise as a doctor to mentor and provide valuable advice to students exploring their career paths.
We acknowledge and are extremely grateful for the energy, grace, wisdom and dedication Anne brought to all roles she assumed on behalf of our College.
Jan Deane (Class of 1956)
The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award – Old Collegian
For service to Clayfield College
Jan Deane (nee Munro) is affectionately known for her honesty, loyalty and humility. She has been a been a steadfast advocate for Clayfield College ever since her graduation in 1956.
Jan attended the College for twelve years as a student. She was on the School Committee and was appointed the Captain of Youngman House and Swimming. While in Year 10, she was a member of the 4 x 100 metre freestyle record-breaking Australian relay team, a record which stood for another two years. In 1956, she became the College’s first Olympian as part of the 1956 Australian Olympic Swimming Squad. Jan’s passion for and support of swimming at the College has never diminished.
Jan is also a past parent, with her daughter Susan attending the College from Year 4 to 12, as well as a past-grandparent. She has held many positions on the Clayfield College Old Collegians’ Committee, including three terms as President.
A proud member of the Emerald Club, which honours our Old Collegians who are older than 70 years of age, she regularly supports and attends College events.
Jan is a font of knowledge, and through the meaningful connections she maintains, keeps the College informed of the latest updates on past students across the eras. She also generously shares her insights on the history of the College and makes valuable contributions to the Archives.
Jan has been letting her light shine since she joined Clayfield College as a Year 1 student, 79 years ago. We celebrate and recognise the significant contribution she has made, and continues to make, to our College.
Nicola Baker (Class of 1989)
The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award – Old Collegian
For service to the community
Nicola Baker (nee Thompson) established Moyamoya Australia in 2019, spurred by her own son’s first stroke at 11 months of age and subsequent diagnosis of Moyamoya Disease some years later. In addition to raising awareness, the foundation offers emotional and financial support to Moyamoya Disease patients, along with funding for research, training and general support.
Nicola authored the book ‘The Thing About Jed,' a memoir recounting her experiences with her son. She is also set to release a documentary to further amplify awareness.
Pictured: Nicola’s friend and 1989 classmate, Susan Brown, attended the Foundation Day Assembly to accept the award on her behalf.
Leith MacMillan (Class of 1979)
The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award – Old Collegian
For service to her profession
Leith MacMillan (nee Packer) obtained her nursing registration in 1981. Her passion for working in the operating theatre ignited her career in designing and developing clinical pathways throughout hospitals.
At the age of 23, Leith was given the opportunity to develop the first day surgery and gastroenterology unit at the Wesley Private Hospital and went on to lead this unit as Nurse Unit Manager for nine years. In 1994, Leith was presented with another opportunity to develop one of the first stand-alone day procedural units in Brisbane, leading to her instrumental role in setting up the Montserrat Hospital Group. She led the hospitals for 22 years, having developed and managed four of the group’s private hospitals. In 2004, Leith joined the Australian Day Hospital Association and later became the Executive Director for the Association.
Over the course of her distinguished career, Leith has established two companies, contributed to over 130 health projects, has held various Committee and Board Member positions within the Private Hospital Sector, and is adept in commissioning private health facilities on a national level.