2024 Burgmann Alumni Award Recipients

Congratulations to our 2024 Alumni Award Recipients

These awards recognise, encourage and celebrate alumni excellence across a broad range of criteria, for endeavours both inside and outside the College community, and at different levels of accomplishment and life stages. The awards also recognise our outstanding volunteers and staff for their commitment and contribution to the Burgmann community.

Distinguished Alumni Award
FIONA SIMSON (1983 –1985)

'Make the most of every opportunity. Put your hand up for things you feel passionate about, even if you don't think necessarily you're the right person to be doing it.'

Fiona Simson, together with her husband Ed and their family, owns and manages a rural property on the Liverpool Plains in New South Wales. Originally from Armidale, Fiona attended Burgmann College in the 1980s. She has demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing the growth and sustainability of agriculture and supporting the national interest.

While Fiona has been in agriculture for almost her entire career, her advocacy work began in 2008, when she joined a community group and successfully opposed a large coal mining project proposed by BHP under the Liverpool Plains. Despite feeling uncertain about how she could help, she quickly realised the importance of her background in helping to shape agricultural policy.

'I realised how important it was that we had policymakers who understood the importance of our industry, and the importance of the sustainability of the environments on areas like the Liverpool Plains,' Fiona said.

Her involvement in policy and advocacy work grew, and in 2016, she became the first female President of the National Farmers' Federation (NFF), where she established a highly respected profile.

During her tenure at the NFF, Fiona achieved several significant milestones, including the promotion of sustainable farming practices, leadership in climate change mitigation initiatives, and fostering a greater understanding of the importance of food and fibre to both Australians and the national economy. She also played a key role in amplifying the voice of women in agriculture, empowering a new generation of farmers, graziers, and pastoralists, and educating school leavers about rural career opportunities. Additionally, Fiona spearheaded efforts to grow the farming sector to $100 billion by 2030.

Fiona concluded her presidency at the NFF in October 2023 and was subsequently elected as Australia's inaugural board member and Vice President of the World Farmers' Organisation, a prominent global entity that collaborates with the World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, and the United Nations to shape agricultural policies.

Fiona's distinguished career is marked by her thoughtful, engaging, and collaborative leadership style, complemented by her esteemed skills in policy development and governance, as well as her exceptional communication abilities. She also holds numerous board positions, including Chair of Future Food Systems CRC, Chair and Commissioner for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Director of Australian Made Australian Grown, Director of NRMA (NSW), and Patron of the National Rural Press Club.

Outstanding Alumni Award
SEVE DE CAMPO (2018–2020)

'Cross-country skiing is important to me because it's taught me so much in life, more than just sport. It's my daily philosophy; it's embracing the struggle, for really no reason other than that's what life is.'

Seve de Campo is recognised for his exceptional achievements in cross-country skiing and his significant contributions to his community, particularly through the Olympics Unleashed Program, where he has inspired both young and older Canberrans to pursue their dreams.

At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Seve demonstrated remarkable performance by qualifying to compete in all five events available to him. Notably, he partnered with three-time Olympian Phillip Bellingham in the team sprint, where they secured 11th place in their semi-final. Seve emerged as the top-performing Australian in Beijing, finishing 72nd out of 95 competitors in the 15km Classic, 62nd in the skiathlon, and in the Olympic Marathon on the final day of the Games, Seve crossed the line in 51st place, surpassing his ranking expectations.

His performance in these challenging events, conducted in temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius, was particularly commendable. A striking image of Seve completing the marathon has become one of the iconic moments of the Games.

While the pursuit of gold medals is often highlighted, Seve’s journey through the demanding realm of cross-country skiing, requiring upwards of 900 training hours annually to remain competitive against elite athletes, exemplifies extraordinary dedication and resilience. His ability to overcome numerous setbacks to reach the Olympic starting line is a testament to his remarkable discipline and commitment.

Since relocating to Canberra after a gap year in Norway, where he embraced the local culture and earned a reputation as the "skiing kangaroo," Seve has actively engaged with his community. He has conducted ski training classes at Canberra Grammar School and participated in roller ski groups. Through his scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport (ACTAS) and connections at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Seve was invited to contribute to the Olympics Unleashed Program, where he leads hour-long presentations to schoolchildren from Years 3–4 up to tertiary ages and beyond, sharing his journey and encouraging others to maintain a positive outlook and to pursue their dreams.

Seve's warmth and enthusiasm extend to public speaking and media engagements, where he passionately advocates for the Australian team and promotes a broader appreciation of the sport. His contributions continue to benefit both his chosen sport and the wider community.

Burgmann Volunteer Award
STEPHEN McNAMEE

'When they [Doomadgee youth] meet the [Burgmann] uni students, and they see that they're becoming young lawyers and other things, the young people are seeing that there is opportunities outside...We really enjoyed their [Burgmann residents'] company.'

The Doomadgee-Burgmann Community Partnership (DBCP) was established in 2008 as a collaborative initiative within Burgmann College. The primary mission of the DBCP is to foster enduring and meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, particularly through the connection between Burgmann College and key members of the Doomadgee community in remote northwest Queensland. A cornerstone of the DBCP is its annual program of events, which includes a yearly visit to the Doomadgee community and, when feasible, hosting members of the Doomadgee community at Burgmann College.

Stephen McNamee has been a dedicated volunteer for the Doomadgee-Burgmann Community Partnership since its inception in 2008. Alongside his wife, Kumanjayi McNamee, Stephen has annually hosted a group of Burgmann residents in Doomadgee, often providing accommodation in their front yard during these visits. Stephen has consistently made himself available to support the program, staying in Doomadgee throughout the residents' visit, arranging a secure area for camping, and offering valuable insights and cultural education. He has facilitated introductions to various organizations and community members, and has guided residents in experiencing local culture through activities such as harvesting bush honey and fishing.

Throughout the existence of the partnership, Stephen and his family have been strong advocates, dedicating significant time to enhancing the understanding between the two communities. Stephen has also accompanied members of the Doomadgee community on visits to Burgmann College, where he created and gifted a painting to the College, which is prominently displayed in the Deputy Principal’s office.

Following a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, former Principal Sally Renouf and Director of Advancement Amelia Zaraftis visited Doomadgee in 2023. This visit was facilitated by Stephen, who once again provided crucial connections within the Doomadgee community and assisted with introductions to key individuals and organisations. Stephen arranged to be present during the Burgmann staff visit, supporting their interactions with the community and suggesting opportunities for further engagement and partnership development.

The impact of Stephen’s contributions and generosity on both residents and staff who have engaged with him and the Doomadgee community is profound. Many Burgmann alumni now working in fields related to Indigenous communities attribute their career interests to their experiences with the Doomadgee-Burgmann partnership and Stephen's involvement. Alumnus Max Kirkby (2019–2021), a 2023 Rhodes Scholar, said, “If there was one experience, it would have to be the Doomadgee-Burgmann Community Partnership, which ignited my passion for First Nations health and illustrated how far we still have to go with Indigenous affairs in this country. This transformational experience was a highlight of my time at Burgmann and I could not recommend it enough to other students.”

Stephen is fondly remembered by numerous Burgmann alumni whom he has hosted and supported over the years. He is a highly deserving candidate for the Burgmann Volunteer Award for his exceptional service to Burgmann College, continuing his long-standing commitment to the Doomadgee-Burgmann Community Partnership.

Staff Recognition Award
PAUL MILLYN

'Follow your dreams, and follow your path. Never give up what you want to achieve, even though it might be difficult. Go out there and enjoy what you're doing, and make the opportunity of it.'

Paul Millyn has dedicated 20 years of service to the Housekeeping department, consistently performing tasks that are both physically demanding and repetitive, while maintaining a positive attitude and warm relationships with Burgmann residents, family, alumni, and staff.

Paul takes great pleasure in participating in the daily trivia held during morning tea, possesses an exceptional memory, and is frequently able to recall a wide range of sports-related trivia, and is a steadfast supporter of all aspects of Burgmann College, including Burgmann Sports. Paul’s background includes notable achievements as a talented cricket player during his school years, as well as a high proficiency in mathematics.

His contributions to our Burgmann community are invaluable, and he has cultivated strong relationships with both residents and staff. His presence has undeniably enhanced the environment at the College, and he in an invaluable member of the Housekeeping team.

In acknowledgment of his dedicated service to Burgmann College over the past 20 years, Paul has been awarded the 2024 Staff Recognition Award for his exemplary work ethic, his ability to earn the respect and admiration of both residents and colleagues, and his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care and effort in his role.