The OWCA ‘Dare To Be Wise’ Award
Celebrating Wesley Alumni Who Make a Difference

Are you a Wesley graduate making waves in your field, driving change in your community, or leading with values that inspire others?

The Old Wesley Collegians Association invites nominations for the OWCA ‘Dare To Be Wise’ Award - an initiative that shines a light on remarkable Old Wesley Collegians and their ongoing impact in the world.

The OWCA ‘Dare To Be Wise’ Award honours exceptional alumni who embody the values, spirit, and traditions of Wesley College through their achievements and service.

Who Should Apply or Be Nominated?

We’re looking for alumni who:

  1. Graduated from Wesley College
    You must have completed your studies at Wesley to be eligible
  2. Have made significant achievements
    This could be in your profession, in community service, or through a personal project - locally, nationally, or internationally. We’re seeking excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contribution.
  3. Live the values of Wesley
    Excellence, respect, integrity, compassion, inclusivity, and innovation aren’t just words - they’re ways of being. You should exemplify these values in how you live, lead, and serve.
  4. Serve the wider community
    This award recognises those who give back - whether through volunteering, mentoring, charitable work, or any initiative that improves lives beyond Wesley College and the OWCA.
What You’ll Receive
    • Recognition and presentation at Founders’ Day, including a commemorative certificate and feature story in The Lion magazine
    • Opportunities to stay involved and inspire others - whether by sharing your journey, mentoring future nominees, or presenting next year’s award
How to Nominate

Nominations close Wednesday 9 December 2026, 5pm AEST
Submissions must be made via the online nomination form below.
Anyone from the Wesley community can nominate - fellow OWs, current staff, or other community members.

Each nomination must include:

  • A completed nomination form
  • A statement (up to 500 words) explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria and how they live Wesley’s values
  • At least one letter of support (ideally from a fellow OW)

Apply Here

How Recipients Are Chosen

A selection panel, including the OWCA President and Head of the OWCA, will review all nominations. The Principal of Wesley College will also provide feedback, and final approval will be granted by the OWCA Board.

Nominees are evaluated using a transparent scoring framework based on:

  • Significant achievements
  • Inspirational human values
  • Community service
What Happens Next

The award will be announced and presented at Founders’ Day each year. The recipient will be invited to attend as an honoured guest, and we’ll share their story widely across the OWCA and Wesley networks.

After receiving the award, recipients are encouraged to stay connected - whether through speaking at a future event, or mentoring the next generation of Old Wesley Collegians.
This award is one way we celebrate and strengthen the incredible impact of our alumni community.

By spotlighting those who continue to ‘Dare To Be Wise’, we hope to inspire, support, and stay connected with the people who showcase Wesley pride.

Please Note: The OWCA Board reserves the right not to award the prize in any given year if no suitable nominee is identified. All decisions will reflect the mission and values of the OWCA.