Celebrating Our 2025 Notable Alumni

The recipients of the 2025 Notable Alumni Awards — HH. Mag. Trieu Huynh (Class of 1997) and Katie “Monty” Dimond (Class of 1999) — have been announced, recognising two outstanding graduates who have each made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.

Introduced in 2017 during the school’s sesquicentenary year, the Notable Alumni Awards publicly celebrate the achievements of past students whose professional and personal accomplishments embody Westbourne’s values of courage, creativity, community, and scholarship. The initiative is proudly led by the Westbourne Alumni Association.

This year’s awards were announced at Westbourne Celebrates on Monday 13 October, where Trieu Huynh attended in person to accept his award and deliver a moving speech reflecting on his journey from refugee to Magistrate.

Mag. Trieu Huynh (Class of 1997)

At just one year old, Trieu and his family arrived in Australia as refugees from Vietnam. From these humble beginnings, he went on to earn a scholarship to Westbourne Grammar School, later completing a double degree in Law and Science (Honours in Genetics).

Trieu’s 15-year legal career has spanned both sides of the justice system — beginning as a Prosecutor at the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions before joining Victoria Legal Aid. His work has encompassed some of the state’s most complex criminal cases, and he has been a passionate advocate for reform and education within the legal profession.

In 2019, Trieu was appointed a Magistrate, and today serves in the Loddon-Campaspe region, based in Djarra Country and supporting communities across Central Victoria. He takes particular pride in his work with the Assessment and Referral Court, a therapeutic initiative designed to address the underlying causes of offending among people with significant mental illness or cognitive impairment.

From escaping Vietnam in the middle of the night to presiding as a Magistrate in Australia, Trieu’s story is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Katie “Monty” Dimond (Class of 1999)

Katie “Monty” Dimond is a familiar voice and face in Australian media, known for her warmth, wit, and honesty across radio, television, and digital platforms.

Her media career began unexpectedly — driving promotional vehicles for Austereo — before evolving into a successful national radio career. Monty went on to co-host major programs including Ryan & Monty, Merrick, Dools & Monty, and The 3PM Pick-Up on KIIS FM alongside Kate Langbroek and Yumi Stynes. Her candid, relatable storytelling has resonated deeply with audiences across the country.

In 2013, Monty co-founded Show + Tell, a digital media platform and podcast dedicated to unfiltered conversations with inspiring Australian women. Known for its humour and emotional honesty, the platform continues to highlight stories that make audiences feel seen, heard, and understood.

Beyond radio and podcasting, Monty has appeared on television programs including The Project, Have You Been Paying Attention?, and Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, and was a team captain on Tractor Monkeys.

Her career is defined by authenticity, adaptability, and resilience — qualities that continue to inspire connection and confidence in others.