2021 Inaugural Alumni Award recipient

There is no greater honour than to receive an award in the name of our Patron, John Bede Polding. For the first time, in our 35 Year history, the College will inaugurate such an award to a member of our distinguished alumni. Indeed, the thousands of young men and women who have passed through these halls have gone into our world and made a demonstrable difference.

The award honours and celebrates the exceptional achievements of a Bede Polding College alumni. It recognises a person who exemplifies the qualities of John Bede Polding, who is an inspiration to others. The recipient has made a significant contribution to the community or society and one who has reached a high level of accomplishment in his or her field.

Our inaugural winner is one such person. Our inaugural award winner:

• attended Bede Polding College from 1990 to 1995
• completed Bachelor Degree in Science and Law (Hons) from the University of Sydney
• completed a Masters Degree in International Law and International Relations (with Distinction) from the University of Kent, Brussels School of International Studies
• currently works at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in the Department of Peace Operations/Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions
• previously worked in the Office of the President at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (in the Hague) and in the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (also in the Hague)
• started her legal career in commercial law for law firms, specialising in intellectual property litigation. She worked in Sydney, Melbourne and London
• is trained in mediation and is a volunteer mediator at the New York Peace Institute.

Our award winner, as you can see, has made a difference and has lived the motto of 'Called to Bring Peace'. As a graduate from the class of 1995, currently residing in New York and unable to join us in person, but joining us live via zoom it our my great honour and privilege to announce that the inaugural John Bede Polding Award for Alumni recipient is: Kirraley Bowles!

Accepting the award on behalf of Kirraley were her proud parents David and Lynette.