Excellence Awards Application Form

Nomination Guidelines

Launched in 2025, the Excellence in Life Awards is an Old Flinderians’ Association (OFA) initiative and forms part of Matthew Flinders Anglican College's Alumni Awards program. These Awards recognise and acknowledge outstanding graduates who have accomplished outstanding success in their respective professions and have made significant contributions to their community. 

In 2025, two award categories are open for application by the closing date of Friday, 1 August 2025.  

Award Categories:

• Old Flinderian of the Year | Recognises alumni individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in their field (professional, academic, research or community) and shown leadership and innovation.
• Rising Star | Recognises alumni individuals under the age of 35 who have demonstrated success and potential in their field, along with evidence of career growth and development.

Key Dates:

• Nominations for 2025 Awards open in June 2025 and close at 11:59pm on Friday, 1 August 2025.
• The 2025 Excellence in Life Awards will be presented (along with the Old Flinderians’ Fellowship Award) at a dinner ceremony at Flinders on Thursday, 11 September 2025. 
• The Awardees must serve as ambassadors for the OFA and engage with current students, with the capacity to participate in the College Valedictory Night (Note: The 2025 Valedictory Night is on Thursday, 23 October at Flinders).

Eligibility

• Nominees must have completed their final year of schooling at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.
• Nominees must have graduated at least two years before the nomination date (e.g. in 2025, the nominees must be from the Class of 2023 or earlier).
• Nominations must reflect achievements after graduation.
• Self-nominations are allowed but must include a letter of recommendation from an industry representative (for example, an employer).
• Nominations must have the nominee's permission.

Selection Criteria 

Matthew Flinders Anglican College aims to recognise our most outstanding alumni. Our judges follow a broad range of selection criteria to find and celebrate the most deserving nominees. Here is what our judges are looking for:

Old Flinderian of the Year Award: 

• Demonstrated and sustained excellence in their field (professional, academic, research or community)
• Demonstrated leadership and innovation
• Evidence of contribution to and recognition by their profession or community at a local, national or international level

Rising Star Award: 

• Aged 35 years or less on the due date of the nomination
• Demonstrated success in their field (professional, academic, research or community)
• Evidence of career and/or personal development activities
• The nominee's future goals and their potential impact. 

Nomination Process

• Nominations can be made online by filling out the Nomination Form and attaching the supporting documents.
• Please read the award guidelines and conditions of entry detailed in this document.
• Nominations for multiple categories are allowed if they meet the specific criteria for each award.
• Nominations must include: a current resume or biography of the nominee; and a written statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why the nominee deserved the award and how they meet the criteria; and may include supporting evidence, such as awards and media clippings.
• Nominees will be notified about the status of their nominations and may be asked for additional information.
• Late submissions will not be accepted and no changes can be made to applications once the deadline has lapsed.
• The final selection is made by a judging panel consisting of the Old Flinderians’ Association Management Committee and Matthew Flinders Anglican College staff, including the College Principal.
• Nominations must be submitted to the Old Flinderians’ Liaison, Matthew Flinders Anglican College via email ofa@mfac.edu.au. 
• For assistance, please contact the OFA Liaison via email ofa@mfac.edu.au or phone 07) 5477 3200. 

Conditions of Entry

• An alumni cannot receive more than one award in any calendar year and cannot receive the same award category more than once.
• Alumni, Matthew Flinders Anglican College staff and external members of the community may nominate potential candidates.
• Alumni may self-nominate for an award; however, they will need to supply two letters of recommendation from their industry peers to verify their achievements.
• The College Principal’s decision is final on all matters relating to the nomination process and the selection of award recipients.
• The OFA Committee reserves the right to hold candidates over if they have not been successful. If they have not been successful, the nominator will be contacted by the Old Flinderian Liaison and asked to re-nominate and provide an updated application.
• The OFA Committee reserves the right not to award in a category.
• Personal information provided in relation to the awards will be provided to the College, OFA Committee and the Principal.
• The Excellence in Life Awards will be presented at a dinner event at Flinders on Thursday, 11 September, where winners will receive their awards. They may also be featured in promotional activities.
• Nominators of unsuccessful candidates will be informed. 

Organising Group

The award nominations are reviewed by the Old Flinderian Association (OFA) Management Committee. The Management Committee consists of alumni from a range of professions and alumni classes. Recommendations are then made to the College Principal for consideration and endorsement.

Presentation 

The 2025 Excellence in Life Awards will be presented (along with the Old Flinderians’ Fellowship Award) at a dinner ceremony at Flinders on Thursday, 11 September 2025, where winners will receive their awards. The awardees may also be featured in promotional activities. 

The Awardees must serve as ambassadors for the OFA and engage with current students, with the capacity to participate in the College Valedictory Night (Note: 2025 Valedictory Night is on Thursday, 23 October).