Shining Light Award winners unveiled

OLD Scholars, staff, friends, family and members of the Tenison Woods College Board came together at The Henty to celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Shining Light Awards earlier this month.

The Shining Light Awards recognise outstanding alumni, former students of Marist Brother’s Agricultural College, Mater Christi College, Tenison College and Tenison Woods College, who have made remarkable contributions to the community. By recognising these outstanding citizens, the College hopes to inspire current and future students, as well as celebrating the rich history of Catholic education in the South East of South Australia.

This year, the awards were presented to three exceptional recipients:

• Elina King – Elina’s lifelong commitment to helping others was shaped by the strong values instilled by her parents and the enduring influence of the Sisters during her time as a boarder at Mater Christi College, continuing through its transition to Tenison College. It was in these formative years that Elina began her charitable work, a dedication she has passionately sustained throughout her life.

• Julia Dangerfield – Julia’s deep passion for wildlife rescue began with volunteering to help possums and responding to emergency calls. What started as a volunteer role has grown into a full-time career with a wildlife rescue organisation. Alongside her professional work, Julia continues to care for many orphaned animals simultaneously, one of which, a wombat she raised, now lives at the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic.

• The Lynn Family – Brian and Tony Lynn, founders and directors of Majella Wines, have made a significant and lasting impact on the Coonawarra region. After attending Marist Brother’s Agricultural College, they returned to their family property where in 1968 they planted six acres of grapevines. This was the beginning of a journey that has influenced both the local wine industry and the wider community.

The evening was filled with joyful reunions, heartfelt stories and warm celebration, reflecting the strong bonds within the Tenison Woods College community.

Over the coming weeks, the inspiring journeys of this year’s recipients will be shared on the Tenison Woods College Facebook page, giving everyone the chance to learn more about their remarkable contributions.