About our 2024 Winners

Deidre Brandon (Class of 1957)

The Spirit of Clayfield Gold Award – Old Collegian


Deidre Brandon (nee Martin) has forged a profound connection with Clayfield College, starting in 1946 and continuing into 2024. Deidre has certainly embraced the College’s motto, Let your light shine, as a guide for her life’s journey.

Deidre, who attended the College from 1946 to 1957, is proud to be known as one of ‘Ashie’s girls’ (Head Mistress Nancy Ashburn). Beyond academic achievements, Deidre enjoyed participating in singing, drama, swimming and competing in Andrews Cup in Tennis during her time as a student. She was also Campbell House Captain. 

After completing Year 12, Deidre pursued a career in education, graduating with a Certificate of Teaching from Teachers Training College in 1958. As the demands on the teaching profession advanced, so did Deidre, who extended her qualifications with a Diploma of Teaching, a Bachelor of Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Reading with a special interest in Special Needs Education. Her passion for teaching led her to many schools, including Clayfield College, from 1965 to 1968.

Deidre has also served in various volunteer capacities, including President and Guardian of the Clayfield College Old Collegians’ Association and has been instrumental in developing the Clayfield College Archives and Museum. Deidre’s love for the school’s history can be seen whenever she is asked to share memories and information about the College, either speaking directly to students, staff or contributing to publications and key events. Alongside her long-term friend, Annette Fifoot (Class of 1957), Deidre helps lead the much-loved annual Year 3 Archives Incursion, as well as writes the scripts for the Foundation Day presentations each year.

Beyond the College gates, Deidre’s shining influence extends to her commitment to the Uniting Church and to living a life guided by Christian values, resulting in her appointment as a Church Elder. Over the years, Deidre’s service to the community has been highlighted through multiple volunteering roles and Uniting Church initiatives. These have included supporting refugee families and leading a very successful fundraiser to provide ongoing resources to a remote school in Papua New Guinea. Deidre’s quiet dedication and desire to help others illuminates her genuine respect and compassion for everyone she encounters.

Throughout her life, Deidre has let her light shine before others in many ways. Through her generosity, humility and service. Her journey from student, to teacher, to Old Collegian, demonstrates her deep connection to Clayfield College for 78 years. Deidre is truly a gift. She enriches the lives of so many and embodies the heart and spirit of Clayfield.

Claire Harris (Class of 2014)

The Spirit of Clayfield Green Award – Old Collegian


In addition to studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Biology and Agriculture and becoming agricultural journalist, Claire co-founded Hoedowns for Country Towns, teaching line dancing in rural communities and raising money for rural charities. In 273 days on the road, she and a boot-scootin' buddy ran 75 hoedowns across seven states and raised close to $40,000 for seven charities. This trip was largely designed around community engagement, meandering across each state following word of mouth recommendations and flexible, on the spot logistics and planning.

Claire has since appeared on an episode of ABC Backroads, is currently writing a book about the venture, and has received many accolades including:

    • 2022 Shine Youth Award Winner
    • 2023 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year – Connecting Communities Award
    • 2023 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons Australia Honouree – Humanitarian/Voluntary Leadership category.

    Now based in Adelaide as a freelance writer, Claire writes for a number of agricultural publications and provides communications assistance for a variety of rural businesses. 

    In the relatively short time since she has graduated from Clayfield College, Claire has certainly shone her light brightly in, and for, the community.

        John Robbins

        The Spirit of Clayfield Award – Community


        John first joined our College community in 2016, when his daughter, Mackenzie, commenced in Year 6. During that same year, he enthusiastically took on the role of President for the Primary Support Group. The subsequent year John was appointed as P&F President, a significant responsibility given that, at that time, the P&F oversaw both the College Tuckshop and the College Uniform Shop. Serving as P&F President until 2021, John then transitioned to the role of Past President/Vice President in 2022, taking on a mentoring and supporting role for the incoming P&F President. 

        Throughout his tenure as President, John dedicated himself to tirelessly raising funds to contribute to the College and to ensure events such as the many Fairs, LUX Exhibitions and Jazz on the Green were a success. Even after stepping down from the Executive, John remains an active member of our College community, offering ongoing support to the P&F Association and volunteering at many events. Significantly, John has inspired many others to be active members of our Clayfield family!