Old Lauristonians' Association (OLA)

 

The OLA FELLOWSHIP

"To engage, connect and provide relevant support to our alumnae and students, to foster a lasting and meaningful relationship with the Lauriston community for life."

The Old Lauristonians' Association (OLA) has established a Fellowship program to support the professional development of Lauriston alumnae.

In line with the OLA vision and mission the Fellowship program will provide a financial contribution of $5,000 to the successful applicant.

This Fellowship is to be used to support professional development, to help deliver a unique project, research or further study undertaken by an OL in her related field.   Applications for the 2024 OLA Fellowship are now open. 

Applications for the 2024 Fellowship

Applications for the 2024 OLA Fellowship are now open.  Applications will close on EOB Thursday 15 August 2024.  The successful candidate will be advised on 30 September 2024. 

Application Terms and Conditions:

  • All applications must be submitted online by EOB 15 August 2024.
  • All applicants must have completed their year 12 at Lauriston Girls' School.
  • Only one OLA Fellowship will be awarded per calendar year.
  • OLA Fellowship applicants may apply a maximum of 2 times for the OLA Fellowship over their lifetime, if unsuccessful after the first application. 
  • If submitting a subsequent application for the OLA Fellowship, the applicant will need to demonstrate a difference in their previous application. 
  • An applicant will only be awarded the OLA Fellowship once. 
  • If there is an insufficient number of applicants, and / or an insufficient quality of applications, the OLA Committee reserves the right not to award a Fellowship in a calendar year.
  • The successful Fellowship recipient must submit receipts to the value of $5,000 by 30 June of the following year, for reimbursement.
  • The Fellowship funds cannot be used towards a University or study debt.
  • The successful Fellowship recipient will be announced and presented with their Fellowship at the Valedictory Assembly, or at an occasion agreed by the OLA and School.
  • The successful Fellow will be expected to attend an agreed number of OLA and LGS events by the conclusion of their 12-month Fellowship.
  • The successful Fellow will actively participate in OLA and LGS communications initiatives including in publications, online, social media platforms including LinkedIn.
  • The OLA reserves the right to withdraw the Fellowship should the Fellowship recipient not act in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Fellowship or the values of Lauriston Girls' School and the Old Lauristonians' Association. 

Application Requirements:

  • All applications are to be submitted via online application by EOB Thursday 15 August 2024.
  • Each application must include 2 referees. One personal and one professional.
  • All applicants must include a resume (no more than 2 pages).
  • All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 30 September 2024.
  • All applications will be reviewed by a panel of 3, comprising of OLA Committee members and Lauriston Girls' School staff members.
  • Selected applicants will be invited to an interview with the panel.  The interview will take place online, and will be recorded.
  • Once the interviews have taken place, the Fellowship Committee will decide the Fellowship recipient.
 
Key Selection Criteria:

  • Demonstrates significant benefit to the wider community
  • Aligns with the Lauriston Girls' School and Old Lauristonians' Association values.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to career development and improvement.
  • Can clearly articulate the benefits, time-line and budget for their project.

We are extremely proud to be offering this opportunity to our Old Lauristonian community and look forward to showcasing the successful Fellow to the wider Lauriston community at the Valedictory Assembly.  

The recipient of this Fellowship will be required to submit an article to the Lauristonian on completion of their 12-month term, highlighting the benefits of being awarded the Fellowship including any information about any Lauriston connections involved and how the OLA assisted the Fellow (preferably with a photo), prior to 31 August the following year. 

For more information, please enquire with ola@lauriston.vic.edu.au.


THE 2023 OLA FELLOWSHIP

In 2023, the OLA received a number of applications and were delighted to short-list applications from four candidates: Binny Langler (1991), Eleanor Clifford (2016), Anna Mallard (2007) and Izzi Harris (2016). 

A selection panel, consisting of members of the OLA Committee and representatives from the School Executive, reviewed all applications in line with Fellowship selection criteria and then interviewed selected candidates before awarding the OLA Fellowship 2023 to not one, but two recipients - Binny Langler (1991) and Izzi Harris (2016).

OLA Fellowship 2023 Recipients:

Binny Langler (Lang, 1991)

Binny Langler (Lang, 1991)


Binny champions the radical idea that you can design the work life you want.
By coaching you on how to write the next chapter of your work story with YOU as the hero, and spotlighting your unique superpowers.

As the Director of The Inkling Effect, Binny has over 20 years of experience in helping professionals discover and apply their unique strengths to create more fulfilling and meaningful work. A certified Executive & Gallup Global Strengths Coach, with a Masters of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and multiple agile certifications.

Her mission is to be a change catalyst for curious professionals who are seeking a fresh start in their career journey. She uses a fast-track process that reveals your superpowers to enable you to script the next chapter of your work story with intention and purpose. Binny specialises in challenging the status quo and empowering her clients to embrace their potential and pursue brilliance, whether that be in their current role, or transitioning to something entirely different.

With over two decades of experience spanning large corporations, startups, and small businesses, she's honed her natural ability to accurately identify the latent talents in individuals. Her many years leading digital product teams and cross-functional delivery teams, have refined her skill in aligning talents to roles where individuals and teams can truly thrive.

Her career highlights include leading the Digital Product Team at Sensis (Yellow Pages Digital) and managing the student digital experience at Deakin University. These high profile roles have allowed Binny to fine-tune her strengths coaching and team-building prowess. 

Coaching options:

- Elevating individuals through a group coaching program
- Personalised private 1:1 coaching
- Transforming teams via tailor-made coaching programs

Izzi Harris (2016)

Izzi Harris (2016)


Since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Masters in Film and Television (Directing) in 2021, Izzi has dived into writing fiction, directed multiple theatre pieces at the Melbourne Fringe, created several short films, and recently foraged into producing music videos.  

For her graduating film she was thrilled to make it into multiple festivals, including The Sydney Women's International Film Festival and The Australian Independent Film Festival, and has gone on to be a finalist in various Australian pitching competitions, spoken at festivals, and is now currently in production of her next short film, titled "Little stars", due to shoot in November.

Izzi hopes that by telling honest, impactful stories, she can create unique relationships between audiences all over the world.  Her aims are to connect with Screen Australia and gain a director's attachment, be able to work with a wider degree of festivals, and one day direct a feature film. As a woman in a hugely male-dominated industry, Izzi is working on building her credits and portfolio, is constantly evolving her creative process, and is trying not to be so self-critical.

Recently she's been honing her camera department skills in shows for the ABC and Channel 10, playing hockey, and is looking forward to making even weirder stuff come out of her head in the future.


Anna Mallard (2007)

Anna Mallard (2007)

Anna Mallard (2007) is an experienced advisor at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

She is passionate about global action to address climate and environmental challenges and has a particular interest in the nexus between climate action and rights for people with disabilities.  Currently, Anna leads on progressing disability equity and rights across multilateral fora including the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Previously, Anna led on Australia's engagement with the Global Environment Facility, an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector which helps to address pressing environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change and wildlife conservation. Anna has represented Australia as a negotiator at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), focusing on capacity building in developing countries and action for climate empowerment. She has also worked on integrating climate resilience across Australia's aid program.

In the summer of 2020, Anna was seconded to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet's National Bushfire Recovery Agency. As the liaison point for Victoria, she worked as the conduit between the Federal and State Governments, coordinating recovery efforts.

Anna also managed DFAT's relationship with 10 large NGOs to support community-based projects in the Asia-Pacific through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.

Anna graduated from the Australian National University in 2012. She attended Howqua in 2004 which sparked her interest in protecting the environment and caring for nature. 

Eleanor Clifford (2016)

Eleanor Clifford (2016)

Eleanor founded Cancel Culture Consulting (CCC), which launched in March 2022. CCC was built from a desire to help businesses navigate the intricate landscape of cancel culture and foster authentic, inclusive communication. Her journey began when she was selected to assist a social enterprise called Unlabelled in 2021, where she applied her expertise in psychology and gender studies to refine the organisation's communications, focusing on supporting LGBTIQA+ youth and reducing youth suicide.

With an extensive background in psychology and a passion for equality, Eleanor identified an unmet need for expert communication consulting in the market. CCC aims to mitigate the risk of being 'cancelled' by helping businesses embrace a rapidly evolving socio-political environment. The scope of her work encompasses conducting workshops, assisting in strategic decision-making, and providing expert consulting services. Eleanor's mission is to empower individuals and organisations to promote kindness, inclusivity, and social responsibility through language and behaviour at a systemic level.

 

THE 2022 OLA FELLOWSHIP

In 2022, the OLA received a number of applications and were delighted to short-list applications from four candidates: Steph Parsons (2011), Eleanor Clifford (2016), Trinity Ross (2017) and Lauren Swann (Wilson, 2009)

A selection panel, consisting of members of the OLA Committee and representatives from the School Executive, reviewed all applications in line with Fellowship selection criteria and then interviewed selected candidates before awarding the OLA Fellowship 2022 to Steph Parsons (2011).

Steph Parsons (2011) - OLA Fellowship 2022 Winner

After leaving Lauriston in 2011, Steph completed a Bachelor of Film & Television at the VCA and a Juris Doctor at Monash University. Through her work as a lawyer and in the film industry, she has been given the opportunity to join the board of Channel 31, Melbourne's long-running community television broadcaster. Channel 31 is a registered charity. 

Though Steph has experience with corporate governance through her work as a commercial lawyer, she does not have any practical experience working as a company director. Steph will be using the funds provided by the OLA Fellowship to further her understanding and education in the field of corporate governance, in particular with a focus on the governance of not-for-profits. 

Steph keenly feels the responsibility she has as board director to manage Channel 31 in accordance with its principles, as well as the responsibility Channel 31 has to the broader community of creators and viewers. Assistance from the OLA Fellowship will be invaluable in helping Steph to fully understand her role and how to maximise her effectiveness in the charities space.


Eleanor Clifford (2016)

Eleanor Clifford (2016)

Eleanor Clifford (2016) submitted a wonderful application and was a finalist of this year's OLA Fellowship. 

 Eleanor founded Cancel Culture Consulting (CCC)  to help businesses and brands be authentically inclusive and equitable. Whilst businesses and brands strive to avoid offence, Eleanor recognised many lack the skill, experience, and technical knowledge to achieve that outcome. 

As someone who is passionate about equity and inclusion, her drive to assist corporates in this space inspired the establishment of Council Culture Consulting.  

For more information, go to https://cancelcultureconsulting.com.au or @cancelcultureconsulting 

 We look forward to watching Eleanor's success going forward.

Trinity Ross (2017)

Trinity Ross (2017)


Lauren Swann (Wilson, 2009)

Lauren Swann (Wilson, 2009)

The OLA would like to acknowledge a terrific application that was received from Lauren Swann (Wilson, 2009) , who applied for the OLA Fellowship 2022.  

What Lauren is doing, to impact the health and wellbeing of her clients, is truly impressive. 

In 2021 Lauren opened her own Osteopathic Wellness Clinic: Appy Movement. As an Osteopath and qualified Pilates instructor, Lauren's goal was to create a calm, inviting and inspiring environment for the community to receive holistic healthcare.  

 At Appy, clients can switch off from daily stresses and relax while receiving the highest quality osteopathic clinical care and pilates experience. Appy offers that care in an inspiring space where clients are supported to achieve their health, fitness and rehabilitation goals.  Appy's services are needed more than ever in our changing environment. 

Through Lauren's practice she has seen the significant impacts that pregnancy has on women's physical and mental wellbeing. Expanding Appy's holistic care model to meet women's pre- and post-natal care needs would represent a significant growth to their current treatment offerings.  

 We congratulate Lauren on an outstanding and impressive Fellowship application - yet another alumna making an impact!


THE 2021 OLA FELLOWSHIP

In 2021, the OLA received a number of applications and were delighted to short-list applications from 3 candidates: Sophie Tissot (Riddell, 2006), Krisha Changrani (2014) and Kathryn Elliott (1990).  All three applicants are outstanding examples to the current student body and Old Lauristonians across the world, of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, perseverance, a strong sense of community spirit and connection. 

A selection panel, consisting of members of the OLA Committee and a representative from the School Executive, reviewed all applications in line with Fellowship selection criteria and then interviewed selected candidates before unanimously awarding the inaugural OLA Fellowship to Dr Sophie Tissot (2006).

Dr Sophie Tissot (Riddell, 2006)

Inaugural OLA Fellowship Winner 2021

Dr Sophie Tissot (Riddell, 2006)

Sophie Tissot (nee Riddell) is a Urology Surgical Trainee and Robotics Fellow at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne.  Sophie completed her medical degree at the University of Adelaide after which she returned to Melbourne to work at St Vincent's Hospital. In her pre-surgical training years, she completed a Master of Surgery (University of Sydney), became the inaugural Chief Surgical Resident of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (2017-2018) and gained a position on the Urology Society of Australia and New Zealand surgical training program which she commenced in 2019. 

 Sophie is a latin dancer and passionate volunteer surf life saver. As Club Captain of Portsea Surf Life Saving Club (2014 – 2017) Sophie was awarded a Life Membership for her contribution to the organisation. 

 Sophie is currently involved in a project which is a validation study of hydrogel anatomical models to train doctors in robotic surgery.  There has been a recent uptake of robotic surgery in favour of open or laparoscopic methods which has resulted in an all-time high demand for robotic surgical training. Surgical trainees like Sophie only work within the public system which limits the accessibility to robotic training, but with the OLA Fellowship funding, Sophie will now have access to robotic surgical training through the Australian Medical Robotics Academy (AMRA). The financial support from the OLA fellowship, will allow Sophie to be the first novice surgeon in Australia to complete hydrogel prostatectomy model training through AMRA, under the supervision of Professor Tony Costello AM, CEO of AMRA. 

 AMRA's objective is to change the current approach to teaching robotic surgery, to reduce the overall surgical complication rates that currently sit at 17% at 30 days postoperatively.  Sophie and her colleagues believe that virtual simulation and then operating, repetitively, on life-like hydrogel models is a safer, more efficient, and more ethical way to teach robotics. 

 As a woman in a male-dominated field, there is often intrinsic doubts about one's skills and preparedness to undertake roles in the medical industry.  Sophie continues to build her skills and experience by seeking non-traditional educational techniques, which she strongly believes are the way of the future. 

 The OLA is proud to award the inaugural OLA Fellowship to Sophie and is thrilled to provide the support she needs to further her medical training. 

Krisha Changrani (2014)

Krisha Changrani (2014)

Krisha Changrani is about to finish her medical degree and will be completing her internship at The Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2022.  Krisha plans to pursue a career in general practice, with a special interest in child and adolescent health. Krisha will soon be completing the Sydney Child Health Program, an internationally recognised professional development program of study in paediatrics to be completed over the next year.  

 The Sydney Child Health Program provides recognised training experience for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner trainees, which will help accelerate her journey to becoming a qualified GP. 

 Krisha is a believer that in a COVID-19 world, health awareness is key and completing this program will enable her to deliver evidence-based and up to date health information to our youth. 

 In addition to her medical studies Krisha has played a key role in establishing the not-for-profit organisation ASHA Lectures, with funds raised going towards the ASHA Charity, which is also known as Australian South-Asian Healthcare Association.  Her involvement has included the development of a program called 'Bodyworks' which delivers health promotion workshops to primary school students.  

 Krisha hopes that she can continue reaching out to other Lauriston alumnae in the medical field, as well as work with both Lauriston students and recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in medicine. 

 The OLA wishes Krisha all the very best in her future endeavours.

Kathryn Elliott (1990)

Kathryn Elliott (1990)

Kathryn Elliott used her traumatic experience with breast cancer in 2019 as the inspiration to make positive changes in her life and start her new business, My Breast Friend.   

 Kathryn is passionate about generating more awareness around the importance of developing a regular breast self-check routine in young women's lives. They are their own best breast advocates, and Kathryn is passionate about incorporating breast checks into each woman's regular weekly routine. 

 In August 2019 Kathryn left her corporate PR role to pursue her passion project, 'My Breast Friend', a range of self-care products that encourage women to connect with their bodies and conduct regular self-checks. The products are currently in production and will be available for sale online in October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Kathryn has formed a partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and will be donating $2 from each sale to BCNA.  

 Kathryn is determined to add more products to the range for the breast cancer community, including developing a self-check education video, specific products for chemo and radiation therapies and pursuing opportunities to secure retail stockists for the range.  For more information about the products, you can go to Kathryn's website www.mybreastfriend.net and follow her Instagram account @mybreastfriendaus.   

 In addition to starting My Breast Friend, Kathryn has recently launched an alcohol coaching business and dedicates time each month to the cancer community as a trained peer-to-peer support volunteer. Kathryn has also agreed to become the official ambassador for the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Lauriston Girls' School.     

 The work Kathryn has done in her community to support others diagnosed with breast cancer together with her new business shows her heart, her passion, and her determination to make her community a better place.