“You can’t be what you can’t see,” is a quote attributed to Marian Wright Edelman, a US activist for the rights of children. She believed that young people are less likely to be inspired for their future if they don’t have visible role models.

2024 Nominations are now being considered

Spirit of Mercy Award Guidelines

Spirit of Mercy Award

Nominees must have received a substantial portion (4 years minimum) of their secondary education at Catholic Regional College or Mercy Regional College and meet a combination of the following criteria:

Excelled in their career or made a substantial contribution to their chosen field of endeavour;

Recognised by peers as leaders in their particular field or community and have a sustained record of achievement or service over a substantial number of years.
Demonstrated that a commitment to social justice and Mercy Regional College values is evident alongside success in a chosen field.
Contributed to the local, state, national or international community and/or the Mercy Regional College community or its predecessor.

Young Spirit of Mercy Award

Nominees must: have received a substantial portion (4 years minimum) of their secondary education at Mercy Regional College and:

Be under the age of 30; have demonstrated excellence or received recognition in their chosen field of endeavour or
Exemplified the best attributes of giving and community spirit and model strong social and Mercy values, which is inspiring to others.

Call for Nominations

Anyone can make a nomination for the Spirit of Mercy Award.

Nominations will be sought by Mercy Regional College from the College and local community via:

College social media platforms
Other College publications, such as the newsletter
Local media

Process

Nominations to be called.
Nominations must be submitted on the prescribed electronic nomination form (see bottom of page). A receipt of the nomination will be acknowledged in writing.
The College Leadership team in conjunction with a selected panel will review nominations against the specified selection criteria.
Successful candidates will be contacted by the Principal and advised of preparations for the event.

Removal Clause

Inductees into the ‘Spirit of Mercy’ alumni will remain members of the ‘Spirit of Mercy’ alumni, unless they are removed because of conduct detrimental to the ideals, objectives and values of Mercy Regional College, and the ‘Spirit of Mercy’ alumni.

Spirit of Mercy Award Inductees

2023 Inductees

Jocelyn Bignold OAM

Jocelyn Bignold is the CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women - an organisation that is known for innovation in providing support for women and their children who are experiencing family violence, and women who are homeless. Jocelyn has over 25 years’ experience in community services, policy development, management, and advocacy. Jocelyn was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service to the community through social welfare organisations and her leadership and commitment to making lives better for women and children who have faced family violence and homelessness. Jocelyn has also been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for community services. “I know we won’t be done with our dreams until homelessness and family violence are eradicated from our community.”

Rose Henry

Rose Henry exemplifies community spirit and is inspirational in her commitment and leadership in serving her local communities. Rose volunteers for many organisations within the Camperdown community, including Mercy Regional College, and Rose, along with the committees she has served on, has won state awards for exceptional contributions to community. “Be part of your community. Put your hand up and put your name down. When you see a need, challenge yourself to contribute the best way you are able.”

Joshua Hose OAM

Joshua Anthony “Josh” Hose, OAM is a wheelchair rugby player who has won gold medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Paralympics and competed at the 2020 Summer Paralympics. Josh models resilience. A car accident in 2005 left him with serious spinal cord damage, swelling on the brain and two collapsed lungs. Josh is a motivational speaker with a nation-wide audience and he also visits local schools and community groups to tell his story and motivate others around the country. Josh has also volunteered his time at the Alfred Hospital trauma ward helping give the patients hope for something more. “We may not always be able to choose our circumstances, but we do have a choice about how we face them”

Greg O'Shea

After completing an apprenticeship with Australian Airlines and going on to work at some of London’s best hotels and restaurants, Greg went on to teach at Homesglen TAFE and was appointed Manager of the Moorabbin Campus. Greg later undertook a Masters Degree in Business Management and was appointed to head the introduction of the world famous Le Cordon Bleu method of catering into Australia. Greg has given exceptional service to the community, especially through his Presidency of a Rotary branch where he initiated and led a project to provide a safe house in Frankston for victims of domestic violence. “Identify your values, identify your goals and take some calculated risks in order to achieve them.”

Mark O’Shea

A champion young footballer in Camperdown, Mark completed an apprenticeship as a chef and worked at leading hotels and restaurants in Melbourne. Mark then went onto a very successful hotel management career. Mark, together with his wife Ky, established TKC -Team Kill Cancer - an organisation that provides support to families needing help to cope with cancer. So far TKC has raised over a million dollars. Mark also provides significant support to Vinnies and a variety of local sporting and community groups. “You learn from mistakes. Lead a healthy lifestyle and educate yourself about financial matters. As soon as you are earning, start putting money aside, it adds up.”

Professor Mike Ryan

Dr Michael Ryan is Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at Monash University. His research focuses on mitochondrial biology and disease and he heads the Mitochondrial Biology and Disease Laboratory in the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Michael was awarded the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2023 Lemberg Medal and he sits on a variety of university committees and external bodies including the Scientific and Medical Advisory Panel for the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. “Reach for the stars and don’t hold back. Back yourself and don’t question whether you are good enough just because you are from a small school in a small town.”

Ella Gleeson

While at MRC was a Rural Youth Ambassador and the College Captain (2019). Ella went on to study at Australian Catholic University and in England at St Mary’s University Twickenham. Ella was awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Politics, International Relations and History) and a Bachelor of Global Studies. At ACU Ella served as Secretary of the International Relations Society. Ella is now an Electorate Officer at Parliament of Victoria for The Hon. Melissa Horne, Member for Williamstown. Ella continues to advocate for rural youth as an Engagement Leader at Youthrive Victoria / The Rural Foundation. “You’ve got this, there are many paths in the world for you to choose – you just have to start.”