Class Notes - OGA eNews Issue 4, 2026

1986
Peta Bistany (nee Dee)

Congratulations to Peta Bistany (’86, nee Dee), who was awarded The University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for her influential leadership in global sport, strengthening governance and community impact at the highest levels of international football.

Peta has built a distinguished career in international sport, culminating in her appointment as Executive Director of the English Premier League. During her 15-year tenure with the Premier League, she helped guide strategy and business operations during a period of substantial international growth, with revenues increasing from approximately £500 million to more than £3.3 billion.

Since retiring from the Premier League in 2023, she has continued to advise sporting organisations on strategy, international growth and major events while supporting medical research and children’s
health charities.

"I love the power that (successful) sports have to make a difference, through investment in community sport and charitable purposes. Sport can be so inspirational and such a driver for change."

2005

Grace Tobin

Congratulations to Grace Tobin (’05), the winner of the Health & Science Reporting category at the Queensland Clarion Awards alongside Kirsten Robb.

Grace’s investigation explored a major IVF clinic scandal, revealing a lack of accountability and transparency.

Congratulations, Grace!

2009
Doctor Mikaela Seymour

Congratulations Doctor Mikaela Seymour (’09), the 2026 winner of the Griffith University Young Alumnus Award, Health (and overall winner). Mikaela is a medical doctor and public health registrar with expertise in global health, tropical medicine, and health equity. Recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree, she has led health initiatives across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific while serving in the Australian Army as a Medical Officer.

You can read Mikaela’s winner profile here: https://www.griffith.edu.au/advancement/notable-alumni/2026-alumni-award-winners2/dr-mikaela-seymour

Congratulations, Mikaela!

2018
Xanthe Lowe-Brown

Congratulations to Xanthe Lowe-Brown (’18), who was the winner of the University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information PhD Lab to Launch competition, pitching her app, “MoodDJ”!

MoodDJ is built on 3 1/2 years of Xanthe’s PhD research and creates personalised music journeys to help listeners move from how they’re feeling now to how they want to feel, using science-backed techniques and music they already listen to and love.

2020
Eloise Matyear

Congratulations to Eloise Matyear (’20), who has been awarded the 2026 ACM CRC RISE Fellowship for the outstanding talent and potential she's shown in her mechanical and aerospace engineering career so far.

The RISE Fellowship is awarded to early-career women who demonstrate exceptional potential for a future STEM career at management level.

"What excites me most about a career in STEM is the opportunity to push the boundaries of what's possible. I'm grateful to contribute to the technologies shaping the future of advanced composites to fly faster,” shared Eloise.

Congratulations, Eloise!

Vale

1952

Vale Beverley Mort (nee Cameron)

The Old Girls' Association is sad to advise that Beverley Joan Mort ('52, nee Cameron) passed away peacefully in Pindara Private Hospital on Monday 24 August 2026. Our thoughts are with Beverley's family and loved ones. 

1977
Vale Susan “Sue” Margaret Patrick (nee Cranstoun)

Our dearest Sue passed away on 26 November 2024 after a long battle with breast cancer. Sue leaves behind husband Bill, daughters Kate and Anna and seven grandchildren as well as a sister, Jayne Kinley and brothers Ross and Bruce Cranstoun. Sue was a wonderful, loving and involved mother, grandmother and sister and amazing, talented and creative musician, teacher and composer. So much loved and very sadly missed.

1997
Vale Louise Stannard

Louise Stannard (’97) passed away peacefully, after a short illness, on 21 April at the age of 46. Most recently of Buderim, Louise lived in Sydney for many years, working as a special needs teacher. She will be deeply missed by her family members in both Sydney and on the Sunshine Coast and especially by her beautiful three-year old daughter, Lucy.