BRONTE CONTADOR-KELSALL - Class of 2015
What is one lesson, value, or tradition that has stayed with you in life beyond school?
One thing that has stayed with me is the sense of community and social responsibility. Being encouraged to engage with the world beyond the school gates - its history, its people, its complexities - have shaped how I move through life. To pay attention to the place I’m in and make an effort to understand the stories that sit beneath it, and consider how my work and perspective can contribute to the bigger picture.
What have you been up to since graduating from Vinnies?
It’s been a mix of study, work, travel and plenty of exploring - and not always a smooth journey!
I studied political and social sciences at USYD and later completed a Master of Design at UNSW, combining my interest in systems and social impact with design-led ways of thinking and working. I then moved to Canberra (a city I love) and spent two and a half years with a large consultancy, using co-design and collaborative approaches with clients.
Most recently, I’ve left Canberra to start a PhD at the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF). Here, I’m exploring how small fashion businesses navigate industry pressures while pursuing values-driven approaches aimed at creating alternative, life-affirming fashion systems. It’s early days, and I expect my research focus to continue evolving over the coming years. I’m excited by the passionate people I’ve met at ISF and across the sustainable fashion space.
When you think back to your time at Vinnies, what memory still makes you smile? (fondest/funniest)
I loved the small everyday moments - walking (or running) down leafy Victoria Street with my commute buddies, spontaneous chats with friends between classes, and connecting with teachers who genuinely cared.
A memory that still makes me laugh is our Year 10 PDHPE dance. Greta, Phoebe, Tess, and I donned flamboyant, colourful costumes and danced and lip-synced our hearts out to I will survive - Priscilla Queen of the Desert style. Both rehearsals and the performance were so much fun, and we loved celebrating such an iconic cultural touchstone. I’m ready to get the gang back together for an encore.
How has being part of the Vinnies community shaped who you are or the way you see the world?
Being part of the Vinnies community showed me how central relationships are to meaningful change. The School’s connections with local and international communities gave us the chance to build long-term, reciprocal relationships rather than one-off, tokenistic interactions. We learned so much by engaging with people, exchanging stories, and forming genuine connections. The Tanzania trip was a personal highlight and a great example of a powerful experience rooted in relationships that the Vinnies community continues to nurture today.
What do you think has changed most since you left school?
Maybe it sounds a bit cliche, but one of the biggest changes is how digital technology now permeates life, both in and outside of school. While there are incredible opportunities, I don’t envy students today who are navigating the constant competition for their attention and the rapid pace of change. These are things we didn’t have to contend with in the same way at that age.
What advice would you give to current students or your younger self walking the halls of SVC?
Building on my previous response, I would say to ground your learning and curiosity - both in and beyond your school years - in the real world. In nature, in community, in conversations, and in relationships with people. The most joyful and meaningful experiences I’ve had have grown from these connections.