Lighthouse Award

Successful selection will be based upon combinations of the following criteria:

1. The nominee is a graduate of, or received a portion of their education at Trinity College.
2. They have a distinguished career and made a significant contribution to their chosen field. Evidence may include positions held; career achievements; additional qualifications; national and international awards; prizes and/or scholarships; they are recognised by peers as leaders in their particular field or community and have a sustained record of achievement over a substantial number of years.
3. A demonstrated commitment to social justice and Christian ethics is evident alongside the success in their chosen field.
4. Their contribution to the local, state, national or international community and/or the Trinity College community. These efforts may be recognised by prominence, accolades, awards or honours.
5. The College will contact the nominee to gain their consent.
6. Self-nominations are permitted.

Successful recipients will be presented with a framed Old Scholars Lighthouse Award. Their profile will be published on an honour board at the College and they will be interviewed by the Head of the College. The interview will be filmed and available publicly on the College website. 

Additionally, after presentation of the award, winner's citations and photographs will be published on the College website as well as on social media platforms. 

Impact in advanced medical research and healthcare

Damian’s academic and professional journey exemplifies excellence and dedication. After graduating top of his class with a Bachelor of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (UniSA), he completed First Class Honours and a PhD in Molecular Biology (University of Adelaide). 

Between 2008 and 2013, Damian conducted advanced research at the University of Copenhagen, receiving the prestigious EU Marie Curie Research Fellowship and representing Australian scientists at the HOPE Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Tokyo. Returning to Australia, he earned his Doctor of Medicine with distinction from Flinders University, ranking among the top students and excelling in Psychiatry. 

In 2022, Damian achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice and has since contributed significantly to healthcare, particularly in rural and remote settings. With over 20 published scientific papers and more than 1,000 citations, his research has impacted molecular biology and plant science. Damian’s career embodies lifelong learning, applied creativity, and commitment to community service.

Impact in community service within the healthcare sector

Since her graduation from Trinity College, Nicole has demonstrated unwavering commitment to community service within the healthcare sector, specifically in Trauma Service delivery. With over 23 years’ experience in emergency and trauma nursing, she has played a pivotal role in the development of the South Australian Major Trauma System and has been a pioneer in establishing the Trauma Nursing Career Pathway and service delivery models across the state. 

Currently serving as the Trauma Service Nursing Director at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Co-Lead of the South Australian Trauma System & Committee, Nicole also holds leadership roles with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Committee, and the Board of the Australian and New Zealand Trauma Registry.

Her leadership in projects such as the inaugural Statewide Trauma Verification Project in 2023 was instrumental in benchmarking Trauma Services across South Australia and achieving Level 1 Verification for the Royal Adelaide Hospital Trauma Service. Nicole’s dedication extends to advancing statewide trauma education and multi-agency collaborations on injury prevention. 

Her distinguished service has been recognised through multiple prestigious awards, including the 2024 SA Nursing & Midwifery Award for Excellence in Leadership and Governance.

Impact in the field of local leadership

Glenn has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the local government level and has had a significant impact on the Northern suburbs of Adelaide.  Elected to the Playford Council in 2003, he served as Deputy Mayor until 2010 when he was elected as the third Mayor of the City of Playford, a role he has held ever since.  During his tenure, he has overseen the creation of the Stretton Centre, the Playford Sports Hub and led the Playford community through a profound expansion in housing, community development and business enhancement.  In 2001, Glenn was awarded a Centenary Medal for his service to the community through St John Ambulance, Playford Youth Council and the SA Youth Parliament.

Impact in the field of entrepreneurship at a state and national level

Sheree has made a significant and inspiring contribution to the South Australian business community as an entrepreneur.  Since her graduation, Sheree has emerged as a leader and innovator in various professional roles. Transitioning from an instrumental teacher to a cheesemaker, she developed the Udder Delights cheese brand in Australia. Her entrepreneurial ventures include Grünthal Brew, a prominent hospitality venue in the Adelaide Hills.  Sheree mentors and provides business coaching through Behind Closed Doors, an organisation dedicated to leadership development for women in business. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Impact Awards, which recognise South Australian-based companies with the greatest potential to impact global markets.

Impact through living their faith in the Trinity community

Dave’s steadfast dedication to the Christian faith and its values saw him become an ordained Minister in the Anglican Church.  His faith journey inspires many in the Trinity Community. Since his graduation, David has contributed significantly as a Chaplain and as a volunteer to the wider College community.  His dedicated service through the First Gawler Scouts Group, Operation Flinders, and the Trinity2Cambodia Service trips exemplify his commitment to Faith in Action throughout Trinity College and beyond.   In addition to his volunteer work, Dave is an accomplished performer, involved and highly acclaimed with several community-based theatre groups, as well as, broader state-wide productions.

Impact through the arts at a national & international level

Libby has become a world-renowned and versatile cabaret artist, musician, and performer, earning extensive credits and accolades in cabaret, theatre, and recording. Libby is also an Ambassador for the Pinnacle Foundation, Australia's LGBTQIA+ education charity, which offers educational scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities for young LGBT Australians to realise their full potential. An outstanding musician and vocalist, Libby's talent, stage presence, extraordinary voice, and ability to captivate an audience were evident from an early age. In 2022, Libby was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to Jazz and Cabaret.