This award, the Esprit du Chevalier (Spirit of the Knight) Medal is conferred on a person, persons or group with a connection to Chevalier College or its community, in most cases a past student, but it could also be a current or former staff member, current student, or current or past parent. In exceptional cases it might be awarded to an outstanding person or dignitary without a prior existing connection to Chevalier College but who embodies the ethos being celebrated by the award and in recognition of their contribution to the wider community.
The award is to be based on recognition of a person who has lived their life, much like the knights of old, with a “sense of mission” – a quality much prized by the MSC founder, Jules Chevalier. That sense of mission results in a positive record of achievement, service, representation or impact and ideally exhibits the following characteristics of the MSC ministry:
• A spirit of family and a spirit of brotherhood
• Formed by kindness and understanding
• By compassion and mutual forgiveness
• By gentleness, humility and simplicity
• By hospitality and a sense of humour
Extract from MSC Constitution #10
To be attentive to all human needs and aspirations such as, the need to be respected as persons, the need for love and peace, for freedom, justice and truth, and the search for meaning in life.
Extract from MSC Constitution #24
These qualities are also described by former Chevalier College Rector Fr Tyson Doneley OAM in his letter to future scholars (26th October 2012):
Chevalier College with its ideal setting is where you can dream of those future years, then make your dream come true by living the qualities of the Chevalier – courage, compassion, energy and effort – as you follow your dreams with real action…”
The award is to be based on recognition of a person who has lived their life, much like the knights of old, with a “sense of mission” – a quality much prized by the MSC founder, Jules Chevalier.
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon in recognition of
Fr Tyson Doneley msc OAM the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
• A life of outstanding service and integrity true to the ideals of Jules Chevalier and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
• International missionary and teaching work performed during the course of a long career, particularly in Asia and the Pacific
• Educational leadership as Rector of Chevalier College Bowral and St Johns College Darwin as well as Director of Studies at Downlands College
• Mentoring generations of students and fellow clergy through teaching, sport and wise counsel
• Inspiring the first perpetual scholarship endowment attained by the Chevalier College Foundation
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 21st day of July 2014
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Chris Topp Chairman Chevalier College Board
Fr Tyson Doneley msc OAM †
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Trevor Bouffier
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
awarded posthumously in recognition of
• Chevalier Past Student - Class of 1948 commencing in 1946 as one of the first students and College Dux in 1947
• Founding member and inaugural treasurer of the Chevalier Old Boys
Continuous active involvement in the Chevalier Old Boys / Chevalier Past Students association, including the role of President and other executive positions for more than 60 years
• A donor to the College by way of bequest
• A valued friend to many and a great champion of Chev
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 21st day of July 2014 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Chris Topp Chairman Chevalier College Board
Trevor Bouffier (cps 1948) †
Received by wife Shirley Bouffier
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Brigadier Damian Roche CSC
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
awarded posthumously i in recognition of
• Chevalier College Vice Captain 1973
• Chevalier College Cadet Platoon Leader and Captain First XI and Vice Captain First XV
• Distinguished and decorated military career in the Australian Army including being awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for commanding the Australian Medical Support Force to Rwanda in 1995 as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission
• In 2005 appointed Chief of the Defence Force Liaison Officer to the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington DC and was the Military Attache to the US Army
• In 2008 commanded the Australian forces in Iraq as part of the coalition known as the Multi-National Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom
Awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States of America
• Appointed Defence Director-General for the Centenary of ANZAC
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 21st day of July 2014 a and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Chris Topp Chairman Chevalier College Board
Brigadier Damian Roche CSC (cps 1973) † Received by wife Tess Roche and son Bede Roche
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Sir John N. Dawanincura Kt. OBE
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
awarded in recognition of
• Chevalier Past Student - Class of 1964 and a renowned College sportsman of that era excelling in rugby, cricket and athletics as well as cadets.
• Together with Albert Boga, in 1968 donated the Boga-Dawanincura Trophy, still awarded to this day to the most outstanding sportsperson at the College
• A lifetime of outstanding and dedicated service to the development of sport in Papua New Guinea
• Secretary General of the Papua New Guinea Sports Federation & Olympic Committee for more than a quarter of century and represented on numerous national, regional and international sports bodies, Olympic and South Pacific Games delegations and committees
• An international career in sports administration acknowledged by many awards and honours including the International Olympic Order (Silver) in 2005, Order of the British Empire in 1992 and a Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) in 1999
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 20th day of October 2014 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Sir John Dawanincura Kt. OBE (cps 1964)
Chris
McDermott Principal Chevalier
Chris
College
Topp Chairman Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Dr Thomas Vincent Kubu the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
• A life of outstanding service to society that was true to the ideals of Jules Chevalier
• Being the sole provider for seven years of all medical and surgical services to a population of 40,000 people living in the remote Papua New Guinea / Irian Jaya border region.
• Managed the establishment as Chief Executive Officer of a new 200-bed hospital in a busy provincial centre of Papua New Guinea; responsible for planning, directing and managing the activities of some 250 clinical, nursing and administrative staff.
• Over a long career in many remote locations providing general medical services as well as general surgery and obstetrics and gynaecological services while also managing a special roving provincial maternal health care program.
• Being involved in the research into tropical diseases, especially malaria, and the programs for investigating, treating and managing HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea.
• One of many students from Papua New Guinea whose presence enriched and enlivened the school community over several decades during Chevalier’s boarding days.
• Remembered by his Chevalier classmates as one of life’s great enthusiasts with a huge personality, full of humour, generosity and warmth. Also as one who loved being a doctor, always showing great compassion, and treating all his patients with equal care and concern, despite the work taking an enormous toll on him both physically and emotionally.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 16th day of November 2015
Chris McDermott
Principal
Chevalier College
Chris Topp
Chairman Chevalier College Board
Dr Thomas Kubu (cps 1975) †
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Tony Herlihy the Esprit du Chevalier Medal awarded posthumously in recognition of
• Chevalier Past Student – Class of 1954
• Elected Secretary of the Chevalier Old Boys association in 1957-59, Vice-President in 1963, and President in 1964-65 and being continuously active in committees over subsequent years
• Editor for many years of the quarterly COB magazine for Chevalier alumni and other associated newsletters
• A prodigious and persistent advocate for the cause of the Chevalier Past Students and the College over some six decades becoming renowned as the preeminent source of knowledge on Chevalier alumni
A volunteer with the 1st Mosman Scouts from 1978, becoming a Group President in 1980, Group Leader from 1980-85, District Leader (Administration) from 1985-1997 after which he served almost a decade in the role of Regional Adviser; he was also a lead organiser for the 1st Mosman Scouts centenary celebrations and over many years the camping logistics manager for the Sirius Cup, the largest sailing, rowing and canoeing regatta for the Scouts in Australia
A long career as a consulting mechanical engineer in which he displayed diverse knowledge and endless curiosity in a wide range of areas
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 18th May 2015 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Matt Waugh Chairman Chevalier College Board
Anthony (Tony) Herlihy (cps 1954) †
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Fr John Franzmann msc
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
in recognition of
• A life of outstanding service and integrity true to the ideals of Jules Chevalier and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
• National missionary and teaching work performed during the course of 50 years as an ordained priest and 50 years of teaching
• Educational leadership as Headmaster of Chevalier College Bowral and St Johns College Darwin as well as Deputy Headmaster at Daramalan College Canberra
• Dedicated work as archivist and historian for Chevalier College over many years, including authorship of its definitive history This Many Faceted Gem: Chevalier College 1946 – 1995
• Mentoring generations of students, fellow clergy and lay associates through teaching and wise counsel
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 19th day of October 2015
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Matthew Waugh Chair Chevalier College Board
Fr John Franzmann msc
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Christopher Topp the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
in recognition of
• 35 years of exemplary service to Catholic MSC Education
• Outstanding Leadership as the first lay Deputy Principal of Chevalier College
• Generous and selfless contributions to wider community initiatives in the Southern Highlands and beyond
• Transformational Leadership in the role of Chairperson of the Chevalier College Board
• Instrumental in the development of and participation in many of the long lasting co-curricular activities of Chevalier College
• Everlasting positive impact of the lives of thousands of people taught
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 16th day of November 2015
Chris Topp †
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Matthew Waugh Chair Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of
the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Bishop Emeritus Patrick Percival "Pat" Power DD DCL
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal awarded in recognition of
• Chevalier Past Student – Class of 1958
• Consecrated fifth Auxiliary Bishop of Canberra-Goulburn in 1986 and served in that role for more than 25 years
• Secretary of the Committee for Justice, Development, Ecology and Peace
• Member of the Australian Social Justice Council and chaired a major enquiry into poverty in the Australian Capital Territory
• First Catholic co-chairman of AUSTARC, the national Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue
• Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2009
• A courageous champion for the marginalised people in both society and the church who was willing to challenge authority if needed to try and bring about change
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 16th May 2016 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Pat Power (CPS 1958) †
Matt
Waugh Chairman
Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
The Hon John Joseph Fahey AC
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
IN RECOGNITION OF
Chevalier Past Student - Class of 1962 (1958-1962)
For a dedicated, courageous, accomplished and highly principled career of public service at regional, state, national and international levels including appointments as
•Premier of New South Wales 1992 – 1995
•Treasurer of New South Wales 1992-1993
• NSW State Government Minister in various portfolios
• Federal Minister for Finance and Administration 1996-2001
•Parliamentary Member for State seats of Camden and Southern Highlands
• Parliamentary Member for Federal seat of Macarthur
•Bradman Foundation Chairman and Director 2001-2007
•Chairman – Australian Rugby League Development Board 2002-2012
•National Director – Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
•Many other corporate and charitable boards and advisory roles
• Awarded the highest Australian honour as a Companion in the Order of Australia in 2002
For other services to Chevalier College as an advocate, adviser and friend
A Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 16th day of May 2016
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Matt Waugh Chairman Chevalier College Board
John Fahey AC (cps 1962) †
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Bruce McDiarmid
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
Coming to Chevalier College on a bursary, he matured into a much-admired leader and sportsman during his years as a student at Chevalier College from 1951 to 1955
College Captain 1955, Rugby First XV Captain 1954 and 1955, Senior Cadet Leader 1955
Over almost three decades from 1969-1996, grew the building firm Marksman Homes into a highly successful enterprise in the Illawarra that employed dozens of staff and hundreds of contractors with a reputation for integrity and fairness
President of the Illawarra Division of the Master Builders Association from 1982-1984 and also a committee member at Wollongong Golf Club responsible for the construction of a new clubhouse
As significant philanthropists, Bruce McDiarmid and his wife Val, have supported a range of organisations over many decades such as Centacare (now known as CatholicCare), St Francis Xavier Cathedral, St Vincent de Paul Society, Wollongong Hospital (by sponsoring the Isolation Room in the Children's Ward) and funding the Orange Sky mobile laundry van for the homeless in the Illawarra
As one of the first Chevalier Foundation Ambassadors, donated the Bruce McDiarmid Bursary to enable a student to enrol at the College and complete senior school in 2014-15 and has supported other appeals over the years as a loyal past student
As a significant contributor to the economy and social justice environment in the Illawarra region, while raising a family of his own, Bruce McDiarmid has been a quiet achiever and an exemplar to all our College alumni on the Chevalier ethos.
Awarded by decree of the decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 21st day of July 2014
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Chris Topp Chairman Chevalier College Board
Bruce McDiarmid (cps 1955) †
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
The Dulhunty / Williams Family
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
IN RECOGNITION OF
A long association with Chevalier College over many decades that has embodied the MSC spirit with a record of dedicated service and extensive volunteering for the school, the Moss Vale parish and Hartzer Park, as well as many other organisations in the Southern Highlands . While the family members themselves never seek or expect acknowledgement for their work, this award marks the deep appreciation for their contribution to our communities across several generations.
A Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 18th day of June 2018 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Dulhunty/Williams Family
Matt Waugh Chairman Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Eliza Stankovic AM the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of her
• Courage and resilience to rise above the adversity caused by meningococcal disease inflicted in 1997 while a 16-year-old student at Chevalier College
• Being, in 2003 named Young Citizen of the Year in Newcastle, NSW
• Positive record of achievement, service, representation, and impact on an Australian and international scale, including her long career as a champion sportswoman and Paralympic athlete, achieving Australian representation at:
IPC Athletics World Championships Commonwealth Games of 2002, 2006 and marathon silver medal winner of 2018 Olympic Games of 2004 and 2020 (2021)
• Being awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her significant service to community health, and her Paralympic athlete status
• Ongoing advocacy for Meningococcal Australia, working tirelessly to raise global awareness about the disease, educating communities on symptoms, and campaigning for vaccinations
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 7 December 2022
Eliza Stankovic (Ault-Connell) (Mowle) (cps 1999)
Chris McDermott Chris Merlino Principal Chevalier College Chair Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Greg Walsh the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
awarded in recognition
for decades of dedication to community causes in the Jamberoo district and almost a quarter of a century of service to the Chevalier Past Students association and Chevalier College:
•Chevalier Past Student - Class of 1968, Prefect 1968
•Captain Rugby First XV 1968
•Team member of the First XV 1966 and 1967 and Cricket First XI 1968
•Joined the Chevalier Past Students Union committee in 1995 becoming Vice President in 1996 and Secretary in 1998, serving for nine years and became its second longest serving Secretary.
•Elected President of the Chevalier Past Students in 2007 and has continued in that role until 2018, becoming the association’s longest serving president
•After completing his on-field football career at Gerringong and Jamberoo, Greg joined the Jamberoo Football Club's committee and held various positions including President for many years, achieving a Club life membership
•Established a Jamberoo Combined Sports Committee and has been the committee’s President for many years. For these efforts he received the 1997 Australia Day Municipal award for Outstanding Community Achievement and the 1998 Australia Day award on behalf of the Jamberoo Combined Sports Steering Committee for Renovation and Restoration
•Chairman of the Bicentennial Weekend celebrations at Jamberoo
•Served many years on the St Matthews Jamberoo Social Committee as President and was involved in restarting the debutante annual balls from approximately 1989 to 1997
• Establishing a successful and well regarded insurance brokerage from 2000 working closely with various insurance companies including the Steadfast Group to formulate better rural policies for customers
•Obtaining grants from Landcare for planting and watering trees, clearing lantana and the restoration and regeneration of land near the Minnamurra Rainforest
•Recognised as “Outstanding Sports Administrator” at the 2018 Kiama Electorate Community Recognition Awards
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 20 August 2018 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Greg Walsh (cps 1968)
Matt Waugh Chairman Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon the
Consunji Family
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
awarded in recognition of
• Over 60 years of outstanding business development inspired by Mr David M. Consunji who created a leading engineering, agricultural and mining enterprise in the Philippines, contributing substantially to the economic prosperity of that nation
• Consistently promoting excellence in education, professional and technical standards, and ethical, responsible and sustainable business practices
Inspiring and supporting children to follow academic pursuits by building schools, and funding supplies, meals and educational programmes in regional and under-privileged areas
• Mentoring generations of students and academics providing universities and schools with equipment, laboratories and financial support in all areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Outstanding international contributions to the Catholic Church through the funding and construction of churches and other religious facilities
• Ongoing commitment and responsibility towards corporate social responsibility, supporting local communities and the environment, as well as the arts, especially through the patronage of Mrs Fredesvinda A. Consunji
• Significant ongoing benefactors to Chevalier College especially through Isidro Consunji (CPS 1965) and Victor Consunji (CPS 1968)
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 21 May 2018 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Matt Waugh Chairman Chevalier College Board
Consunji Family
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon the Southern Highlands Team
NSW Rural Fire Service the Esprit du Chevalier Medal awarded in recognition of
• The outstanding service, bravery, skill and dedication of this team, comprising professional and volunteer members, which protected the communities of the Southern Highlands and nearby regions during the catastrophic bushfire conditions experienced in the extended fire season of 2019-20.
• Members from the Southern Highlands Team were actively fighting fires during the long fire season that commenced in August 2019 and into the summer of 2020. Over 100 volunteer firefighters and staff were deployed to areas around Northern NSW for rotating periods of up to seven days.
• On Thursday 27 November 2019 the Wollondilly Local Government area was declared, under Section 44 of the Rural Fire Act, to be in a bushfire emergency. Following weeks saw the Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, parts of the Blue Mountains and Oberon joined to the S44 declaration.
• For over seventy days between three hundred and five hundred firefighters per day from the NSW RFS, NSW Fire and Rescue, Police, SES, Ambulance, National Parks, Forestry, Councils, Victoria, Canada and the USA worked around the clock on the Green Wattle and Moreton Fires.
• The fires razed 84 homes and 265 out buildings, with over 150 houses and out buildings damaged and, incredibly, over 1,000 homes in direct threat of the fires were saved. The Green Wattle and Moreton Fires burnt out over 330,000 hectares of National Park, Catchment, State Forest, Crown and private land.
• Two fire fighters from nearby Cumberland District sadly lost their lives supporting the firefighting effort. Several firefighters were also injured and hospitalised during the operation.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College on 17 February 2020 and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Matt Waugh Chairman Chevalier College Board
RFS Southern Highlands
Esprit du Chevalier
"Spirit of the Knight"
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Michael Kennedy OAM the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
• Outstanding service to society that is true to the ideals of Jules Chevalier.
His dedication, commitment, and action for people with disabilities through various roles, to provide real support and value to many.
• Service to the Catholic community in the Wagga Wagga Diocese as a recognised leader and member of the Diocese Finance Committee.
• Contribution to society through his professional life as a well-respected lawyer.
• Acknowledgment by his Chevalier College classmates for his commitment to maintaining connection and support of the Chevalier Past Student association.
Leadership skills focusing on inclusion, which was evident as Chevalier College Captain 1960 and continues through all his endeavours.
• Being described simply as a man of, for, and with the people.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on the 19th day of November 2022.
Chris McDermott
Principal Chevalier College
Chris Merlino
Chair Chevalier College Board
Michael Kennedy (cps 1960)
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Matthew Waugh PSM
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
IN RECOGNITION OF
decades of dedicated public service and governance roles across a wide variety of organisations, including Chevalier College and the Chevalier Past Students, but especially the City of Wollongong and the Illawarra region.
• Chevalier Past Student Class of 1961 (attending 1956-1961)
• 1961: Prefect, Cadet Under Officer, Young Catholic Students’ Leader
• Captain First XI Cricket 1961, First XI 1960, First XV Rugby 1960, 1961
• Longtime member of Chevalier Past Students and its antecedent organisations serving on its executive committee
• Silver Knight, Chevalier Round Table Society
• Chevalier College Board member 2007-2020, Deputy Chair 2008-14 and Chair 2015-2020
• A career spanning four decades with Wollongong City Council in a variety of roles culminating in the appointment from 1992 – 2003 as the city’s Corporate Relations Manager, a key role in the economic revival of Wollongong after the downsizing of BHP through attracting major new enterprises and rejuvenating the central business district
• Awarded the Public Service Medal in 1999 in Queen's Birthday Honours
• Director & Chair of Australian Health Management Group,
• Director - City Coast Credit Union, Australian National Credit Union
• Director - St Mary Star of the Sea College, Centacare Wollongong
• Director/Life Member - Rotary Club of Wollongong - Paul Harris Fellow
In gratitude for your principled leadership, wise counsel, life-long loyalty and being among us "Strong in Faith"
A Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on 16th day of November 2020
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Mark McGinnity Director - MSC Education On behalf of the MSC Provincial
Matt Waugh (cps 1961)
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Peter Anthony Haertsch AM the Esprit du Chevalier Medal
IN RECOGNITION OF
Chevalier Past Student - Class of 1961 (1956-1961)
For a dedicated, highly accomplished career with national and international impact as a surgeon, medical academic and researcher, health administrator, philanthropist and international volunteer
• Clinical associate professor at the University of Sydney
• Clinical associate professor at the University of Wollongong
• Director of Burns Surgery, Department Head, Senior Surgeon - Concord Hospital
• Multiple international appointments and roles in burns treatment and surgery
• Awarded Medal in the Order of Australia in 2004 for management and treatment of 10 victims of the 2002 Bali bombings
• Awarded Member in the Order of Australia in 2018 for significant service to medicine in the field of plastic & reconstructive surgery as a clinician and administrator, and to medical education
• More than 50 voluntary missions with Interplast through SE Asia and Pacific, as well as Nepal, Pakistan and Tanzania
• Extensive international publication and conference presentation record
• Advancing the dairy farming industry and introducing the Renita Holstein Friesians breed into Australia
• Fundraiser for medical research and generous benefactor to Chevalier College
• For other services to Chevalier College as an advocate and loyal alumnus
Awarded by C Chevalier College in April 2021 a and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal
Chris McDermott Principal Chevalier College
Chris Merlino Chairman Chevalier College Board
A/Prof Peter Haertsch (cps 1961)
Esprit du Chevalier “Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Br John Gerard Burke msc (known as “Br Gerry”) the Esprit Du Chevalier Medal
In recognition of his lifelong dedicated service to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, especially to its schools, along with his other pastoral work in the community, particularly working with the indigenous people of the Northern Territory.
• Chevalier Past Student (Class of 1952)
• Extended periods of service at Downlands College in Toowoomba QLD, Monivae College in Hamilton VIC, Chevalier College in Bowral NSW, and as Deputy Principal at St John’s College in Darwin NT
• Missionary work on Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory and later Port Keats (Wadeye), Garend Point (Pirlangimpi) and Daly River (Nauiya)
• Chaplaincy work in the prison system and locations such as Royal Darwin Hospital, Mater Private Hospital Mackay and Calvary Hospital Canberra
• Caring for Vietnamese refugees at the Hy Vong home in Bowral
• An advocate in numerous arenas for social justice and social inclusion
• An exceptional sporting coach, particularly in rugby and other football codes
• An unassuming humble person of great generosity even with minimal access to resources
• A dedicated cadet commander
• Remembered fondly by many former students at Chevalier College for his compassion and advocacy, his humility and good humour
• Greatly admired and valued by Chevalier College staff and students for his unconditional support and reciprocity love of all
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on the 5th day of August 2022
Chris McDermott Chris Merlino
Principal Chair Chevalier Board
Chevalier
Br Gerry Burke msc †
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Chris McDermott the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
• Contribution to the education of young people for 44 years, with 36 of those years in Catholic education at St Patrick’s College, Emmaus Catholic College, Terra Sancta College, and Chevalier College.
• Leading Catholic schools as Principal, over 28 years at Emmaus Catholic College, Terra Sancta College, and Chevalier College.
• Epitomising the way of Jules Chevalier and the ethos of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart throughout his 15 years at Chevalier College, with heart spirituality underpinning all his relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Always making heart-led decisions with his love of the students at the forefront, evident as a Home Room teacher and generously giving his time, out of hours, to support the students in college activities.
• Developing the infrastructure of Chevalier College to ensure contemporary, purpose-built learning spaces are available to support and enhance learning, whilst maintaining a beautiful campus.
• Conducting himself with great compassion while navigating Chevalier through the global COVID pandemic, keeping the community safe and informed, while maintaining a high standard of education.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on the 7th day of December 2022
Chris McDermott
Mark McGinnity Chris Merlino Director MSC Education Chair Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Dr Andrew Browning AM the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
• A life of outstanding service and integrity that is true to the ideals of Jules Chevalier and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, showing compassion, mercy and kindness through his life-changing medical work in Africa.
• International missionary work as an obstetrician-gynaecologist, devoting his life to improving maternal health in Africa, with a particular focus on fistula surgery.
• Training local surgeons in Malawi, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Chad, Uganda, Congo and Togo in surgical practices to reduce the high maternal death rate.
• Co-founding the Barbara May Foundation, of which the primary focus is to provide free access to maternal healthcare in rural and poor communities in Africa
• Consulting on global maternal healthcare issues to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on the 18th day of November 2023
Dr Andrew Browning (cps 1987)
Greg Miller Chris Merlino
Principal Chevalier College Chair Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit
of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon
Fr. Robert Irwin msc
the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
• A lifetime of dedicated service and commitment to the MSC and MSC Education as a teacher, principal, faith formator, founder of the Chevalier Institute, Director of MSC Education and MSC Provincial.
• Being a visionary educator with an innate ability to understand the changing needs of society and to respond and adapt educational philosophy, governance and structures accordingly while always ensuring that the distinctiveness of the MSC spirit is retained.
• His leadership of MSC schools as Principal for fourteen years between 1983 and 1998, at Daramalan College, Chevalier College and St John’s College and as Assistant Principal at Downlands College for one year. His leadership has significantly contributed to the great success of our MSC schools.
• Being a person of integrity and authenticity, who has lived his life true to the qualities of Jules Chevalier and who has had a profound and positive impact on the lives of countless individuals over several generations.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on the 14th day of June 2024.
Fr Robert Irwin msc
Greg Miller Sarah McKinnon Principal Chevalier College Chair Chevalier College Board
Esprit du Chevalier
“Spirit of the Knight”
The Board of Chevalier College hereby confers upon Dick Simpson the Esprit du Chevalier Medal in recognition of
• A lifelong connection with Chevalier College, beginning as a student from 1963 to 1968, and later as a director on the College Board from 2008 to 2023 making him one of the longest serving Board Directors in Chevalier College history.
• An outstanding career in the telecommunications and computing industries, where he held Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair roles in major various companies in Australia, Asia and the USA.
• Being instrumental in establishing the Chevalier College Foundation Council, serving as its inaugural Chair until 2023.
• His dedication to strengthening alumni engagement, helping to establish pathways for alumni to reconnect with Chevalier College.
• His leadership in launching financial donor campaigns which have enabled the development of scholarships and bursaries for students who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend Chevalier College.
• His foresight in initiating a Gifts In Wills program to provide future donations for Chevalier College.
• Initiating the Esprit du Chevalier award to recognise the achievements of people who epitomise and live the MSC ethos.
• His generosity of time and spirit, matched by his philanthropic contributions to the college, qualifying him to be a member of the Chevalier Round Table Society as a Knight at the highest level.
Awarded by decree of the Board of Chevalier College and confirmed by this signed certificate under seal on the 24th day of October 2025
Greg Miller
Sarah McKinnon Principal Chevalier College Chair Chevalier College Board
