The Caroline Amy Award recognises an alumna whose sustained achievements and leadership have created significant impact across professional, community, cultural, sporting or service endeavours. Recipients exemplify excellence, inspire those around them and embody a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

Cecile will be formally recognised at our Aidan's Celebrates Awards Evening in Term 4, alongside our other distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

About the Caroline Amy Award

Named in honour of Caroline Amy Balguy (1833-1915), later known as Sister Caroline Amy and Mother Caroline, this award celebrates leadership, service and a lasting contribution to society.

Mother Caroline founded the Society of the Sacred Advent in Australia in 1892 and dedicated her life to supporting women and children through education, care and opportunity. Under her leadership, the Sisters established schools and children's homes across Queensland, creating a legacy that continues to inspire the St Aidan's community today.

The Caroline Amy Award recognises alumni who carry forward these values through lives of purpose, service and achievement.

A Distinguished Career of Leadership

Cecile Wake's career spans three decades of leadership across the energy, resources and legal sectors, both in Australia and internationally.

Since May 2023, she has served as Country Chair of Shell Australia and Executive Vice President Integrated Gas Australia, overseeing key aspects of one of the country's most significant energy businesses.

Prior to these roles, Cecile served as Chief Executive Officer of Arrow Energy and held a number of senior commercial leadership roles with Shell and BG Group. Earlier in her career, she spent nine years as a corporate partner with leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in London.

Her expertise spans liquefied natural gas, oil and gas development, mining operations, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law, reflecting an exceptional breadth of experience and influence across multiple industries.

A Passion for Education and Service

Alongside her corporate leadership, Cecile has maintained a deep commitment to education and the opportunities it creates for future generations.

A proud member of the Class of 1987, she has remained closely connected to St Aidan's and its mission. Cecile served on the St Aidan's Council for nine years, including as Chair from 2017 to 2019, before concluding her service as a Director of Council in 2021.

Her commitment to education extended beyond the School through her appointment to the Senate of The University of Queensland, where she served from 2020 to 2025.

Throughout these roles, Cecile has championed the transformative power of education and has worked to support future generations of students and leaders.

Excellence Beyond the Boardroom

Cecile's achievements extend beyond her professional and community leadership.

From 1995 to 2001, she represented Australia in Modern Pentathlon, competing in seven World Championships and demonstrating the discipline, resilience and commitment that have characterised her career.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to both industry and education, Cecile was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2026 for service to energy supply and education.

A Worthy Recipient

Cecile Wake's career is distinguished not only by professional success, but also by her commitment to service, leadership and creating opportunities for others.

Whether leading major organisations, supporting educational institutions, representing Australia on the world stage or giving back to the St Aidan's community, her achievements reflect the spirit of the Caroline Amy Award and the enduring values of the Society of the Sacred Advent.

Cecile continues to draw inspiration from her time at St Aidan's and the Sisters' ethos of courage, compassion and service to others.

We warmly congratulate Ms Cecile Wake (1987) on being named the 2026 recipient of the Caroline Amy Award and look forward to celebrating her remarkable achievements at our Aidan's Celebrates Awards Evening later this year.