Emily Passlow and Emma Osborne-Laverty

Emily Passlow and Emma Osborne-Laverty individually and together have worked tirelessly on several projects to benefit Radford College students and the wider community. In particular, they have contributed to the sustainability of community resources through their leading of initiatives that have promoted environmental responsibility and resource conservation within the school and in doing so have demonstrated outstanding Australian citizenship. Emily and Emma are dedicated to building community and enhancing the lives of those within the Radford College and Canberra communities. They are thoughtful, resilient and considerate individuals, well regarded by staff and students. These attributes along with their ability to both take initiative and work with others make them worthy applicants for Citizenship awards. 

One of the initiatives Emily and Emma have led is in ensuring equitable access to essential hygiene products in the College. Through this initiative of introducing a free period product scheme they have demonstrated leadership, empathy and essential project management skills. In this instance, Emily undertook the necessary research, wrote a proposal and responded to feedback form the senior management of the College. When the proposal was accepted by the school leadership, who allocated a budget, she oversaw the ordering and installation of period products in several bathrooms throughout the school.  In addition to introducing the scheme Emily has shown commitment to sustained change to benefit others by taking the responsibility for monitoring the appropriate use of the products and managing regular top-ups. Their dedication not only supports the wellbeing and dignity of their peers but also raises awareness about the importance of removing barriers to participation and learning. Their efforts are a powerful example of student-led action making a meaningful impact in the school community. 

In addition, Emma and Emily together as Sustainability Captains of the College have led efforts to promote sustainability and responsible rubbish management within the College community. Through organising and leading “Clean Up” events, they have encouraged their peers to take pride in their environment and understand the impact of waste on our planet. They have actively raised awareness about the importance of positive habits, such as taking responsibility for one’s own rubbish and correctly sorting waste into appropriate bins. Their leadership has fostered a greater sense of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship among students, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable campus. 

A recent event of our “Clean Up” week was promoted to the students by Emma and Emily at a whole school assembly as a way to:

“contribute to the nationwide movement aimed at inspiring students to understand the impact of rubbish on our environment and to take on active roles in preserving it. Participating in a school wide clean-up fosters environmental stewardship and community responsibility. By dedicating time to clean our school grounds, we not only enhance our immediate surroundings but also join millions across Australia in a collective effort to protect and restore the environment.”  

Using the College publications to promote the student “Clean Up” event has also had a positive impact on the whole community given the broad readership of our online bulletin with many Collegians still living in Canberra and also far and wide.

Both Emma and Emily have also been involved in many other groups and initiatives demonstrating their concern for those in need in our Canberra community. They are committed to improving the lives of others and are passionate in promoting events at the College and being involved together or individually with groups outside the College. Together they have been members of ‘Radford Awareness and Service’, (RAS), a group which raises money for organisations and run events to positively enhance students’ experience at school. Emily has volunteered for many charitable initiatives including the Anglican Schools Embracing Ministries holiday program, a program for children with disabilities, undertaking the training that was required and supporting children throughout each day of the program to ensure they had a safe and enjoyable time. Emily has also volunteered at the Lifeline Bookfair and at the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Homework Help Program. She is an outstanding Australian citizen as evidenced by her serving as a Cadet at ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies, honouring national heritage and exemplifying respect and responsibility and through her consistent leadership and dedication across diverse community service activities. 

Emma has also been involved in many initiatives to improve the lives of others including as RAS and Service Captain in 2025, organising bake sales and competitions to support the RSPCA, showing leadership that benefits animal welfare. She has engaged in Radford’s Calvary Connections service program, providing regular companionship and assistance to elderly community members and also in the Eden Canoes project in December 2024, collaborating with indigenous communities to promote cultural understanding. Emma has even been recognised by the Australian Marine Conservation Society with a certificate for her impactful CAS IBDP project work.