After several years of planning, the Lourdes Hill College Past Pupils' Association was delighted to launch the inaugural PPA Centenary Grant as part of our Centenary celebrations. 

Established to support recent Past Pupils pursuing meaningful service initiatives, the annual $5,000 Grant assists graduates from the past 10 years to undertake projects that reflect the Lourdanian spirit through service, leadership, community engagement and social justice. Inspired by the three stories of Lourdes Hill College and our Benedictine values, the Grant encourages Past Pupils to make a positive impact in communities both locally and globally. 

Applications closed on 30 April 2026 and were considered by members of the Review Panel. At the College's final Whole School Mass for Semester 1 on Thursday 18 June 2026, we were proud to announce Ellen Reid (Class of 2022) as the inaugural recipient of the PPA Centenary Grant and present her with the award. 

Ellen is in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Catholic Theological Studies and English. She plans to use the Grant to undertake a month-long, full-time community development mission with International Volunteer HQ. Her project will support initiatives including shelter assistance, food accessibility, educational programs and community development. Due to the changing nature of global events, the final location of her placement will be confirmed closer to her departure. 

Ellen will remain in close contact with the PPA Committee throughout her mission and will share her experiences with the College community upon her return. 

We wish Ellen the very best in her venture and are excited to follow her journey, hear her stories and see the impact of how, as Past Pupils, we have supported one of our own in providing compassionate service to communities experiencing poverty and disadvantage. Ellen is an inspiration to her peers and the current students of the College, and her commitment to serving others is a wonderful example of the Benedictine values in action.  

We encourage all eligible Past Pupils who have graduated within the past 10 years to apply for this annual Grant. Set your sights high, embrace opportunities to serve others, demonstrate the independence, personal and community responsibility, compassion and integrity that have long defined our Lourdanian spirit, and continue to shine as you make a difference in the lives of others.