Ngarra Magazine Edition 15

Ngarra

Edition 15

In this issue:

O-Week 2023

Commencement Dinner 2023

Q&A dinner

National Leadership Forum

Celebrating 50 years

2022 DLC Ball Graduations

The Parisian experience

Autumn 2023

To listen (in Dharug)

Located

Acknowledgement: Dunmore Lang College acknowledges and respects the Dharug people as the traditional custodians of the land where our College is located and where our student's live. We pay our respects to elders past and present as the knowledge holders and leaders in the community.

Dunmore Lang College is committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultural and spiritual relationship to the land, waters and seas.

Welcome

Welcome to our 2023 magazine — in this edition we are celebrating student successes at the Macquarie University graduations, in national and state sports’ achievements, in the media, with past and current students leading organisations such as Women

Entering Business, a Macquarie University Academic Medal winner, the Waratahs and Wallaroos (youngest ever) Captain, students on international exchange, and of course celebrating our 50thAnniversary.

Over the past few years, we have been intentionally transitioning our providers to social enterprise, for-purpose, and Indigenous-led suppliers wherever possible. This semester we are welcoming three new partners to our operations: Blackroo (vending machines), Waddi Coffee, and Darcy St. Project (café supplier for Open Day). We feel it is important to support their work and to do good with the resources we have by adding social impact to our budget.

Black Emu vending machines are a part of Blackroo Community Indigenous Corporation (BCIC), founded by Steve Fordham a proud Kamilaroi man and the recipient of NSW Young Achiever of the Year in 2020. They are a social enterprise company providing rehabilitation services in the community, with all profits going back to programmes such as “Second Chance for Change”.

As Steve says, partnering with organisations looking to make a social difference provides Blackroo with visibility to our cause as well as creating a sustainable ecosystem for our operations. But, in addition to the financial aspects, they allow for important conversation to take place in people’s workspace and taking positive steps to Closing the Gap.

Darcy Street Project is a Social Enterprise working to break the cycle of homelessness, unemployment, and social exclusion among young people by using education, coffee, and food culture as a vehicle for social impact. They operate a café across the road from Dunmore Lang College providing employment and experience for young people looking for a career in hospitality and food.

They also provide coffee classes in High Schools and youth organisations, and every week they give away free meals to shelters, food pantries and charities in Macquarie Park and across Sydney.

Waddi Coffee is both Indigenous and women-led and is committed to building brighter futures for Indigenous Australians by strengthening partnerships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians through understanding, encouragement, and active grassroots involvement within the commercial world. Their aim is to build a successful business that “will ensure the immediate upskilling, training, and employment of large numbers of Indigenous people”.

Working together we can be the change we want to see.

Cover image: Valedictory Celebration 2022

Magazine design: Paper Monkey, papermonkey.com.au

Dr Alasdair Murrie-West Principal & CEO

Welcome new staff

Current students, Eloise Oliver and Jorja McCoy, and recent alumna, Breanna Forbes, have all held senior roles in the executive team of the

Women Entering Business (WEB) society at Macquarie University.

WEB provides opportunities and networking connections for women in business degrees, preparing them to become the transformative business leaders of tomorrow. We sat down with Breanna, Eloise, and Jorja and asked them what they gained from their experiences with WEB.

Emily Sutton

Dean of Students — BEd(Prim), MIndigenousEd

Emily joined us in September 2022 as the Dean of Students.

Emily completed a Bachelor of Primary Education at the Australian Catholic University in 2008 and a Master of Indigenous Education at Macquarie University in 2014. Emily is an Aboriginal woman living on Dharug Country. She lives on site with her partner Ram and their young family, with two children under three years old.

Emily has spent the past 10 years working in the higher education sector across a number of roles, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. Her passion has always focused on pastoral care, providing guidance and insight to assist each student to achieve their goals. She embraces diversity and inclusion, catering to the individual and ensuring that they are a part of a safe and welcoming environment.

Weston Trainee guide dog

In the next few months Weston will be leaving Dunmore Lang College for assessment and hopefully further training.

Mallika Welagedera

Reception

Mallika joined us in April 2023 as our receptionist.

Mallika has worked in hospitality for the last 11 years. She is married with one adult son and likes to read and go bushwalking in her leisure time.

Mallika is excited to work at Dunmore Lang College as she sees education as a key tool for success and is enthusiastic about providing great service and administrative support to the team.

Andrew Treacher

Catering Manager

Andrew joined us in April 2023 as the Catering Manager.

Andrew has extensive experience in the catering and hospitality field, having owned his own café in Willoughby for 18 years and then working at Knox Grammar in the cafeteria for 7 years.

Andrew is married with two adult children. He is passionate about serving good food that showcases the diversity of flavours from around the world.

Breanna Forbes, Singleton, Wonnarua Country Digital Marketing Specialist at Adobe (previously Events Director and Marketing Director)

During my last year of university, I held two positions on the WEB executive team and organised numerous networking events for my fellow students. At one of these events, I met the team from Adobe and learnt about the roles they offer for university students. This led to me applying and being accepted for a Digital Marketing internship at Adobe. WEB gave me the confidence through social and professional networking opportunities to embark on my career in the corporate world.

Eloise Oliver, Orange, Wiradjuri Country Marketing Director

The Marketing Director role has assisted me to make connections with world renowned industry professionals and I have been exposed to many real-world opportunities and experiences. Every avenue of the business field is open for exploration. I am grateful for the opportunities that WEB has offered me and excited to see what the future in women’s business holds!

Jorja McCoy, Bangalee, Yuin Country Events Director

Joining the executive team has been immensely rewarding. Working within the events department involved brainstorming creative ideas to encourage attendance at our networking events. This year we have collaborated with multiple sponsors to offer insights into the corporate world and ways leading women in business have found success in their chosen field. This society inspires me as it connects female business students to feel empowered and excited for their future.

Women Entering Business Society

Eloise and Jorja

Eloise and Breanna

Farewell to Weston

Commencement Dinner 2023

A beautiful evening of new and returning students joining together to celebrate the beginning of another fabulous year at College.

The Commencement Dinner marks the beginning of each academic year by welcoming the first-year students, congratulating the scholarship and bursary recipients, celebrating the academic and university success of students at the end of the previous semester, as well as showcasing

the amazing musical talents of our students. This year, Seb Bonanno, Travis Coombes, Riley Finnane, Bridie Ingold, Lachie Moore, Dan Van Klooster, and Llaney Webb all contributed to making this year one of our most creative and enjoyable Commencement Dinners.

Congratulations to all our scholarship and bursary recipients.

Bursaries

Undergraduate Academic Bursary

Clementine Monet

Harry Gallagher

Joshua Riggien

Undergraduate Entrance Bursary

Hugh Ridley

Josh Thorowgood

Kyle Pallister

Erica Wattus

Principal’s Bursaries

Robert Kamper

Matthew Burke

Daniel Van Klooster

Scholarships

Dunmore Lang College/Country Education Foundation Scholarship

Kolby Seers

Macquarie University/Dunmore Lang College

Rural & Regional Scholarship

Claudia Torresan

Yusuf Goss

Georgia Robertson

Macquarie University/Dunmore Lang College

Indigenous Incentive Scholarship

Vivica Turnbull

Llaney Webb

Levi Van Rosi

Kristen Martin

Karakia Hepi-Te-Huia

Georgia Hughes

Georja Bennett

Academic Excellence Awards

2022 Undergraduate Academic Excellence Awards

Darcy O’Donnell

Faculty of Business and Economics

Claudia Minter

Faculty of Arts

Alice Aldersey

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Alex Russell

Dean Frost Award for overall Academic Excellence

Students recognised at Macquarie University

2022 Walanga Muru Deadly Awards

Jono Morrison

Deadly Sports Award

Isaiah Ahsee

Deadly Contribution Award

Bryson Hartle

Walanga Muru Overall Highest Academic Achievement

Jack and Tom Crofts (Port Macquarie, Biripi Country)

“Spending almost every day together, we have found living at college has brought us closer as brothers and friends.”

Jack

Eloise and Euan Oliver (Orange, Wiradjuri Country)

“Moving away from home can be a very daunting milestone, especially for country students. Making the move to the city with my brother Euan gave me a level of support that made it a smooth and easy transition.”

Eloise

Lauren and Jordan Fisher

(Broken Hill, Wilyakali Country)

“Living at DLC with Jordan provides a sense of familiarity that takes away from the isolation of living so far from home. I think moving away from home but still staying close has only made our relationship stronger.”

Lauren

Siblings report Father&daughter

“It’s so nice to have a reminder that home isn’t so far away and if I need anything I have a sister living just down the hall from me.”

Jordan

Sarah Rawson, Mae Rawson (Alstonville, Bundjalung Country) and William Burdack (Orange, Wiradjuri Country)

“Moving into college with my twin sister and my cousin made the transition less nerve racking. We have always been a close family, spending every Christmas together. Now, it is almost like it is Christmas all the time.”

Sarah

Before I even moved into Dunmore Lang College, I knew it was going to be amazing — I had first-hand knowledge, my father. Growing up I remember him speaking fondly of his days at Dunmore Lang College, which he often recalls as some of the best times of his life.

In 2014, I was visiting Sydney for my cross-country championships and my dad decided we should make a pit stop at Macquarie University. He gave me a tour of the campus and I was astounded at how homely it was, with a real sense of space and everything you needed in one place. And that wasn’t even the best part of it — then he began telling me about Dunmore Lang College, and stars filled my eyes.

A major fear of mine was always that I would struggle to make friends upon coming to university. Those fears dissipated as my dad described Dunmore Lang College to me. A home away from home and a place where the people you live with become your family. Whether it is movie nights in the commo, intercollege sports or finishing assignments late into the night, it is always in the company of friends.

My dad helped me move into DLC in February 2021, admittedly ditching mum, and I during the unpacking stage so that he could go and see the rooms he used to live in and the music room he used to jam in with the college band. He left me with a piece of advice: you get out what you put in, and so I should make the most out of college life and get involved as much as possible.

I’ve stuck to this advice as best as I could during these past three years at Dunmore Lang and I think it has certainly paid off in the lifelong friendships I have made and the experiences that I will cherish forever. It warms my heart when I think about how lucky my father and I have been to have both found ourselves at DLC, at different times but still with the same bricks surrounding us.

Over the years Dunmore Lang College has been home to several siblings and relatives but it’s not always at the same time. In 2023 we have multiple students enjoying their College experience with family!

Talissa, Griffith, Wiradjuri Country NSW

For many, the process of growing up is intertwined with hearing tales from your parents’ youth.

Sarah Rawson, Will Burdack and Mae Rawson

Eloise and Euan Oliver

”A home away from home and a place where the people you live with become your family.”

Lauren and Jordan Fisher Jack and Tom Crofts

O-Week 2023

Our new students arrived as always with a slightly nervous sense of expectation but also excitement and ready to begin their university college experience at Dunmore Lang College, a place where memories are made, and lifelong friendships are formed. The ADS (Student Association) Executive team planned an exciting Orientation Week (O-Week) to welcome our new students with the theme Summer-to-SnO-Week, with students starting the week off with all things summer and ending up with a series of winter-themed activities. Students jumped into a range of activities designed to help them meet other students, become familiar with college life and the Macquarie University campus as well as travelling into the city to see the best Sydney has to offer. From running around the city to the College Quest and courtyard events, students worked in different teams as well as celebrating as a floor group ensuring new students had opportunities to meet students from around the college and to become a part of our community.

Eliza Trenerry, Nowra, Yuin Country NSW President of the ADS

dinner Q&A

Unique to Dunmore Lang College, the annual Q&A dinner was a night of joy, inclusivity, and pride.

ACON Director, Teddy Cook shared an inspirational speech that touched on some of his personal story, explored the impacts of identity and queer acceptance, and shared some excellent and accessible resources. The night concluded with a musical performance by Grace McCulloch and a vibrant gathering where students were able to get to know more about Teddy and the transgender community.

Dunmore Lang College values embody diversity and acceptance, and the Q&A dinner is a special acknowledgement of our LGBTIQA+ community and allies.

Celebrating student success

Dunmore Lang College provides full scholarships each year for two students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the year, thanks to the generous legacy of the late Mr John Almgren AM and Mrs Yvonne Almgren.

Each year, Dunmore Lang College nominates two students to attend the National Leadership Forum in Canberra which is hosted by a multi-party group of Federal Parliamentarians.

Over four days attendees listen to reflections from a wide range of community, political and industry leaders followed by opportunities to discuss what this meant for their personal leadership aims and values.

Brooke Tierney, a Ngarrindjeri woman (Wilberforce), and Jade Bunt (Dubbo) were selected to attend in 2022. Gathering with other equally talented and passionate young leaders can be daunting but the programme is intentionally inclusive of difference and a diversity of voices and group facilitators to ensure there is space for all contributions.

Reflecting back, Jade remembered initially feeling unsure, however the balance of hearing from incredible individuals, getting to know other young leaders through the small group sessions, as well as enjoying some frivolity through the infamous barn dance and sport competitions broke down any barriers and provided space for creative thinking and opportunities to reflect on the how and why of leadership.

Brooke and Jade both nominated the session from The Honourable Dr Anne Aly MP as their highlight of the Forum. Brooke recalled her message around leadership: “Having the privilege to listen to Dr Aly speak was the most insightful session. She really summed up the reason why we were all there, that we each have something great to offer, and that we are both inspirations and leaders to ourselves and to others.” Jade was particularly inspired by Dr Aly’s message of ‘looking in the rear-view mirror’ and that as much as forward thinking is important, it is equally as important to acknowledge and appreciate the journey that got you to where you are today, and this message has become part of her regular reflections.

A further highlight for Jade was a keynote address from Leila Abdallah who graciously shared her experience of losing three of her children and her niece to an accident involving a drunk driver, and especially how forgiveness played a significant role in her mourning and journey.

“One of my biggest takeaways was ‘seek to serve’, encompassing the idea that leadership is a privilege, and that having an opportunity to serve others is something that should not be taken lightly. It is so simple yet has the power to completely change how you approach and perceive leadership. After hearing ‘seek to serve’ I immediately applied this to my Resident Adviser role and was reminded of what a privilege it is to be able to serve those on my floor, my fellow RA’s, and the College more generally. Late nights in the tutor flat, busy RA Duty Shifts, or helping at events no longer became a chore or worry, but rather a way for me to serve my community. In 2023 I am now a member of the Senior Duty team, and these concepts support how I approach the role and I anticipate the idea of ‘seek to serve’ will continue to underpin much of how I view my leadership positions in the future.”

Jade, Dubbo, Wiradjuri Country NSW

“My biggest takeaway from the forum was that as an individual, we make more impact than we think and that any small thing can be a great example of positive leadership. I don’t think the forum is about changing my leadership style but rather, I found it opened my mind to think critically about my leadership and find what I will use as a foundation on which to build in the future.”

Brooke, Ngarrindjeri Woman, Wilberforce, Dharug Country NSW

National Leadership Forum

Brooke Tierney and Jade Bunt

It’s a time to honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

50 years

Dunmore Lang College 50th celebration highlighted the importance of our founding mission and the ways in which this informs who we are today.

It was a year late due to the Covid hangover, but in May this year, Alumni, Board members, staff and students celebrated the first 50 years of Dunmore Lang College. The occasion was marked with a tree planting ceremony on the same day by Lady Hasluck, wife of the then Governor-General, Sir Paul Hasluck led the first planting in 1972. Unlike then, we were treated to sunshine and fine weather and not decamped to a marquee to escape the rain.

The ceremony included presentations by Mr Scott Atkins, alumnus and immediate past Chair of the College Board, incoming Board Chair and alumna, Ms Belinda Howell, and Mr Martin Mansfield representing his late father, Professor Bruce Mansfield. Professor Mansfield was a pivotal early contributor to the College’s foundation, at the same time as he was designing the Faculty of Arts teaching programme for the emerging Macquarie University.

Ms Belinda Howell spoke of her time as both a pupil at Pymble Ladies College where Dorothy Knox was Principal and well as her years as a student at Dunmore Lang College. Belinda spoke of Miss Knox’s passion for education, noting her tenacity and long commitment to the establishment of Dunmore Lang College, beginning as it did with her vision for a residential college for young women studying at university 75 years ago (in May 1948). Miss Knox’s commitment of time and unwavering passion for this mission is one that we are unlikely to see again given today’s fast pace and more dispersed worlds. In addition, she spoke of Miss Knox’s warmth and care for students at both PLC and Dunmore Lang.

Mr Martin Mansfield spoke of the long connection his father and his family had with the College. Martin recounted how Professor Mansfield’s own experience as a scholarship student and being the first in his family to attend university drew him to the founding vision of the College and his work both at its beginnings as well as on the Board of Directors. The Mansfield family have continued their association with the College through their ongoing sponsorship of the Bruce Mansfield debating trophy.

Mr Scott Atkins began by reflecting on the College’s clear vision of: Enriching students’ lives and creating futures, and the ways in which the College’s commitment to leadership and service has shaped both the community and individual students throughout its history.

“You might say the foundations for the College’s vision to enrich students’ lives and create futures, through leadership and service, can be traced to our namesake, Rev. Dr John Dunmore Lang. It was Dunmore Lang's pioneering work in education and the establishment of his Australian College in 1831, offering tertiary education to men and women that was honoured in selecting the College's name.”

Scott Atkins, alumnus and member of the Board for twenty-four years, including fourteen as Chair.

Scott noted to those present, “in choosing to be here today, you are helping us to celebrate our community which is grounded in personal responsibility and mutual respect, and where we welcome all people for what they bring and believe deeply that diversity enriches everyone’s experience and world view”.

He concluded by highlighting the selfless commitment and determination of the hundreds of people over the past 50 years that have shaped and sustained the life and community of the College, enabling it to pursue its vision of enriching students’ lives and helping to create their futures, every single day.

Celebrating 50 years of leadership, service and enriching the lives of others.

“I arrived at the College in February 1989 from Newcastle, only the 5th time that I had visited Sydney. Yes, 34 years ago. I had my Sony Walkman, a manual typewriter, a bar fridge and a microwave oven. I was set.

Diana Gammon took me under her wing — as all Principals have done for all of us, whether you know it or not.

Along the way, I survived a year in the dungeon on 1 East, I formed friendships that will be lifelong, I ate the chef’s speciality that we called harpic pineapple because it was dyed blue or green depending on his mood.

I found my wife Lara in room 242 — or maybe she found me. Today I pay tribute to Lara and my family because this has indeed been a joint enterprise.

Somehow along the way I have ended up as the global Chair of one of the largest law firms in the world. None of this is an accident. I believe it is in large part due to the opportunities presented to me by the College.

I became an alumnus of the College in 1992 and I guess I never really left. On 26 October 1999, I joined the College Board at the invitation of the then Chair, the Rev Dr John Pender.

I became the Chair of the College in 2010 upon Phillippa Graham’s retirement.

Throughout that time, we have endured the Y2K bug, the global financial crisis and a global pandemic. At no point has the College faltered: indeed, it has flourished.

I pay tribute to the Principal, the board, and the staff (especially Melissa Clohesy and Carolyn McKenzie) for their support, courage, and collective determination to keep the College open and operating during the pandemic. We did not have a rule book. Our north star was simply to support our community and deliver our vision of enriching the lives of others. We did the right thing.

So today I say thank you, and farewell as I retire as Chair of the College.

Thank you to the Principals with whom I have served: Diana Gammon, Greg Eddy, Lewis Rushbrook, and Alasdair Murrie-West. And to the Chairs who have forged the path for me during my time on the Board: the late Rev Dr John Pender, the late Allen Tingey, and Phillippa Graham.

I wish Belinda and the Board every success as the College moves forward into the next chapter of its remarkable life.”

A personal reflection from Mr Scott Atkins, alumnus and past Chair of the Board

Naomi Fenton

A incredible journey

When

found out

was

recipient

Now, four years on, Naomi was awarded the University Medal, the highest postgraduate honour awarded to a student and is proof that finding your passion, having financial stability and being a part of a supportive, vibrant community leads to success! We sat down with Naomi and asked her to share a little about her journey.

Why don’t you introduce yourself?

My family are farmers originally from Moree, although I spent a lot of time on the Central Coast about an hour from Sydney. I struggled with mental health while growing up and dropped out of high school before eventually feeling I was ready to study again and applied to Macquarie University.

Why did you study Psychology?

Because it would enable me to make a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives. I was also influenced by my volunteering experience in Uganda and by the positive impact of psychological therapy when I was younger.

How did the accommodation scholarship assist with your study and access to education?

It was life changing — being around other students meant I always had friends to study with and motivate me. It also meant I could afford to study in Sydney plus having meals provided saved time and money as did the five-minute walk to class (somehow still managed to be late!).

What were the highlights from at DLC?

DLC is a super supportive environment with a lot of diversity in culture, sexuality, gender, and ability. College fostered an atmosphere that celebrated, welcomed, and respected those differences.

I held several leadership roles through student committees and becoming a Residential Adviser where I supported other students and helped to shape the culture of the college.

Any advice for students starting university?

Stay balanced, prioritise study and down time — take care of yourself and be self-compassionate. Don't lose sight of your values and goals. And remain persistent, even in the face of adversity.

Central Coast, Darkinjung Country

Naomi

she

the

of a Dunmore Lang College/Macquarie University Regional and Rural Scholarship she couldn’t believe she was about to embark on a university degree after dropping out of high school.

Ms Louise Mason, Deputy Chancellor Macquarie University presents the Macquarie University Medal for Academic Excellence Ms Naomi Fenton

2022 DLC Ball

Dockside dancing, food and fireworks

The 2022 DLC Ball at Dockside had it all, delicious food, awards, endless hours of dancing and a fireworks display to top off the night.

Despite the extra competition from the fireworks display this year, celebrating our fellow students who received awards on the night remained the overall highlight. Some of the awards presented on the night included ball royalty, ray of sunshine, most wholesome floor and college mum. These awards acknowledge students who embody Colleges values, care for others and strive to create a culture of belonging at DLC.

Many thanks to all the staff and students who attended the 2022 Ball — it was an absolute honour to organise such a memorable event. The love shown by our supportive community made all the hard work worthwhile.

Eloise Oliver, Orange, Wiradjuri Country NSW and Alex Emerson, Borenore, Wiradjuri Country NSW. 2022 Ball Committee

Jack Croake, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Shashank Thigulla, Bachelor of Information Technology

Alexandria Emerson, Bachelor of Clinical Science

Nicholas Morrison, Bachelor of Business Leadership and Commerce

Emily Behan, Bachelor of Secondary Education and Teaching

Emma Weatherall, Bachelor of Media and Communications

Breanna Forbes, Bachelor of Commerce, Finance and Marketing

Naomi Fenton, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) First Class, University Medal

Samuel Grant, Bachelor of Clinical Science Cecelia Mooney, Bachelor of Security Studies Laura Snaidero, Bachelor of International Commerce and Economics

Kolby Seers

Beelbangera, Wiradjuri Country Country Education Foundation Scholarship

Reaching for the skies

During high school Kolby had a goal, he was striving towards a career in mechanical engineering, with an ultimate goal of reaching the Air Force. For a country kid in Beelbangera facing the HSC, the journey towards university was a daunting one. Kolby worked hard in Year 12, and with the support of his maths teacher Dad, he excelled.

Being selected for the Dunmore Lang College and Country Education Foundation Scholarship was the helping hand Kolby needed to boost him into university. The financial burden of College and University was a heavy one for Kolby and his dad so, to be awarded such a generous scholarship was a ‘huge relief’.

Kolby has made his family proud and is still aiming for a career in the Air Force as he embarks on a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. This scholarship has allowed university studies to become the priority for Kolby, making the transition into student life a smooth one. “Coming to college made everything easier. The support you get here, you can’t get anywhere else”.

George Kazolis, Master of Chiropractic Science

Hadi Johari, Master of Cyber Security Analysis and Master of Intelligence

Nicholas Hadisurya, Master of Accounting

The Parisian experience My semester

Buried between the high-rises of South Paris the university had a great mix of French and fellow exchange students. The units I took were insightful and complimented my degree well, but the people I met and our experiences together are what made it worthwhile.

In class, I met many other exchange students in the same boat as me, living far away from home with no knowledge of the local language. This made making connections a bit easier as we could all share stories and learn about each other’s life experiences and culture and I formed friendships with people from all over the world, including Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Asia and the United States.

During my time outside of class, I saw Messi play for PSG, witnessed the hype of Paris Fashion Week, and experienced the highs and lows of FIFA World Cup with the French football fans. My friends and I were able to visit and explore famous sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, as well as experience Parisian nightlife.

These unique experiences also extended to travel outside of Paris. Living in the heart of Europe made it easy to take a train or a short flight to several extraordinary places including Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Manchester, and Geneva.

Embarking on this experience was a big decision — especially leaving everything here at home to move across the world. Despite my initial nerves, I was met by friendly people in an amazing city and now have a long list of great experiences. I can’t speak highly enough of my experience, and I strongly recommend everyone should include an exchange in their studies. It certainly opened my mind to new perspectives, enhancing my personal and academic growth.

Nate Astridge, Singapore

Last year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to embark on a semester exchange at the Paris School of Business.

abroad

The Valedictory Celebration celebrated the achievements of the 2022 Valedictorians, Graduands and Leadership teams.

The College was joined by special guests including Board Members, Macquarie University Staff, and friends for an afternoon of refreshments, acknowledgements, and awards before heading into the city for a boat cruise around Sydney Harbour.

Congratulations to all our Graduands, Valedictory and Award winners of 2022.

Dr Hugh McCredie Sports Award

Piper Duck, Gadara

Campbell Duff, Manildra

Dorothy Knox Bursaries

Bree Todd, Shell Cove

Bridie Martin, Moore Creek

Liam Blanch, Griffith

Louisa Gilmour, Inverell

Rose Hedlund, Canberra

Tutor of the Year

Naomi Fenton, Central Coast

Graduands

Alex Emerson, Borenore

Bachelor of Clinical Science

Sam Grant, Quirindi

Bachelor of Clinical Science

Zak Murray, Summer Hill

Bachelor of Clinical Science

Dom Reed, Matcham

Bachelor of Security Studies

Margaret Saville Prize

Grace Ellis, Duri

John Dunmore Lang Senior Scholar

Naomi Fenton, Central Coast

Valedictorians

Grace Beavis, East Maitland

Bachelor of Psychology

Bronte Charles, Redfern

Bachelor of Marketing and Media

Grace Ellis, Duri

Bachelor of Law and Media

Naomi Fenton, Central Coast

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Cecelia Mooney, Dubbo

Bachelor of Security Studies

Bella Riolo, South Coogee

Bachelor of Marketing and Media

Phoebe Sumpter, Gunnedah

Bachelor of Anthropology and Media

Shashank Thigulla, India

Bachelor of Information

Technology

Brooke Tierney, Wilberforce

Bachelor of Education and Indigenous Studies

Emma Weatherall, Warialda

Bachelor of Marketing

Veronica Wessell, Lithgow

Bachelor of History

Valedictory Celebration

Marcus Ryan , Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country NSW Swimming

Marcus is a distance swimmer, with his strengths being the 800 and 1500 metre pool events and the 5km open water race. Marcus is currently training for the Australian National Open-water Championships in 2024.

Marcus says, “the cold pool, chlorine bleached hair and early mornings and even earlier nights are hard, but

Tom Plasto, Lindfield, Dharug Country NSW Athletics

Tom is an athletics competitor in the 400m track event. Tom is training hard for Nationals in December and is aiming to place so that he progressing to Internationals. Tom says:

Piper Duck, Gadara, Wiradjuri Country NSW Rugby Union

Piper is a Macquarie University Elite Sports Scholar, captaining both the NSW Waratahs and Australian Wallaroos Women’s rugby teams, the youngest person ever to be named captain for both teams. Piper’s position is flanker, and she is currently in preparation for the World Cup in England in 2025. Piper says, “It is such an incredible honour to be named captain of the Wallaroos — it’s a dream-come-true.

Clementine Monet, Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country NSW Swimming

Clementine is a distance swimmer who has completed in the 5km National Open-water Championships. Clem has recently qualified for the 2023 University National Championships.

Claire McGuirk, Gunnedah, Kamilaroi Country NSW

Cricket

Claire is a cricketer currently playing in Premier Cricket for the Northern Districts with a goal of gaining a contract in the Women’s Big Bash League and Women’s National Cricket League

Claire says “my dad has always been

inspiration in

Sport

Heath Crossingham, Hanwood, Wiradjuri Country NSW

Football

Heath is a football player currently playing for SD Raiders Football Club in the National Premier League One. Heath is a Macquarie University Elite Sports Scholar, and his goal is to take his football career as far as possible.

Georgia Hughes, Bradbury, Dharawal Country NSW Athletics Official

Georgia is a track and field athlete official and a Macquarie University Elite Sports Scholar. Georgia is the youngest Aboriginal woman to represent Australia as an official in the results and antidoping management at the World Championships in Bathurst this year. Georgia is working towards making the Olympics as a results manager. She says

it has given me the opportunity to develop strong connections and disciplinary habits that will take me beyond my sporting career.”

“365 days, 23 hours and 59 minutes of work for 1 minute of utter euphoria racing.”

my

sport — training sessions with my dad are some of the best memories

I have in cricket, along with the network of lifelong friends I will cherish forever.”

I feel a great responsibility to these remarkable young women that I take the field with.”

“I love playing Football and the challenge it brings, and Arsenal are the best team in the Prem.”

This year Dunmore Lang College has some amazing athletes competing at high levels in a range of sports and including three Macquarie University Elite Sport Scholars. Here is a snapshot of our talented sportspeople.

“I have always loved being in the water, my dad was the swim coach in Tamworth and my siblings swam too. I started competitive swimming at 8 years old and never looked back.”

“I’m so proud to represent Australia and my beautiful culture as I continue to smash my goals.”

Alumnae success

Dunmore Lang College

Alumnae, Taylor McCoy, Sophie Cant,

Taylor McCoy, Bangalee, Yuin Country (2019–2020)

Bronze in Mooting World Championships — Macquarie University Team

What have you been up to recently Taylor?

I was selected for Macquarie University’s 2023 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition Team. Jessup is the largest mooting competition in the world, with roughly 700 law schools from 100 countries participating each year. This year’s Competition problem simulated a fictional dispute between two countries being heard before the International Court of Justice.

Our team worked tirelessly over several months and were rewarded by being placed in the top three teams for the Grand Final in the High Court of Australia. We appeared before Her Honour Chief Justice Kiefel and became the first team from Macquarie University to win the Australian Rounds of the Jessup Competition.

This is an amazing achievement, what happened next?

Our team embarked on a lifechanging journey to Washington DC to represent Australia in the International rounds of the competition. There are two components to the competition, the written memorials followed by the oral arguments, and we placed 10th in the world for our combined memorial scores. We thought preparing for our oral argument was overwhelming however appearing before renowned pre-eminent barristers, judges and academics was absolutely mind blowing. While we did not come away with the ultimate title in Washington DC, we did rank third in the world after the conclusion of the preliminary rounds which is an extraordinary achievement and absolutely worth the hard work.

Mooting sounds very rewarding, would you recommend it to others?

Mooting Competitions are an incredible way to gain practical experience in legal advocacy and a unique challenge you will not otherwise get in your tertiary studies. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to meet remarkable practitioners and gain mentoring from a fantastic coach and academic supervisor. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that mooting has afforded me, and I would implore current and interested law students to consider participating in these competitions.

“As a student with ambitions to go to the Bar, having the opportunity to advocate before judges in the District and Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia has been lifechanging.”

Taylor McCoy

Sophie Cant, Bathurst, Wiradjuri Country NSW (2019–2021)

Maddocks Law Firm Graduate position

When were you at Dunmore Lang College and did you hold any leadership positions?

I lived at for three years at DLC from 2019 — 2021 and over that time I was an O-Week leader, Ball Committee Head and a Resident Adviser for 4 West.

While living at DLC you got a summer clerkship with Maddocks Law firm. How did that come about?

I hosted a Women in Law virtual seminar for our female law students in 2021 and that’s where I met Vanessa Andersen, a Partner in the Employment team at Maddocks. Vanessa’s genuine kindness and bubbly personality drew me to Maddocks and from that moment there was no looking back! Over the summer of 22/23, I was one of 14 students selected to complete a clerkship at Maddocks. I fully emersed myself in the Maddocks life, playing sport for the firm and attending social events. I asked to attend as many client meetings as possible to get exposure to the different types of matters which Maddocks handle. I learnt so much about myself, my peers, and the world of law during my clerkship and I am so grateful for this experience.

What’s next?

I was fortunate to be offered a graduate lawyer position at Maddocks commencing in March 2024. For 12 months the Maddocks graduate program will support me as I complete my Practical Legal Training and provide me with invaluable learning experiences.

Sophie Cant

Elinor Bowman, Stanhope, Wonnarua Country NSW (2018–2019)

Gilbert + Tobin, Banking + Projects team member

When were you at DLC and did you hold any leadership positions?

I lived at DLC for two years from 2018–2019 and immersed myself in every opportunity available. I was a Social Committee Head, Senior Vice President of the ADS and a College Ambassador.

What are you doing now?

I am currently working as a graduate lawyer at Gilbert + Tobin in their Banking + Projects team. I started at the firm in 2020 and it has been an incredible opportunity to grow from law student to lawyer whilst at the firm.

Any advice for law (or other) students?

The clerkship application process is very competitive and once you’re in a firm it can be easy to compare yourself to other people at your level or in different teams, but I had to learn to recognise that I'm running my own race and the only person I need to beat is the person I was yesterday.

Elinor Bowman

Taylor McCoy

and Elinor Bowman,

are all kicking goals in the field of law.

We sat down with them to hear about their time at Dunmore Lang, and the exciting things they have been up to since graduating!

“ The best way to learn is to be curious, put yourself out there and throw yourself in the deep end.”

“...to recognise that I'm running my own race and the only person I need to beat is the person I was yesterday.”

Elinor Bowman Sophie Cant

Vale to College friends

The Rev. Dr John Pender OAM (24 October 2022)

Dr John Pender served on the Dunmore Lang College Board from 1983 and was elected as Chair from March 1995 until his retirement in 2002. His twenty years of service and his extraordinary legacy was recognised in November 2002 when he was appointed as an Honorary Fellow of Dunmore Lang College.

Dr Pender was an inspiring Chair and leader, leading by example from his deeply held values, his commitment to inclusivity, co-operation and trust as well as his focus on the wellbeing of students. He quietly and emphatically reinforced the ethos of pastoral care and inclusion.

During his tenure, the college embarked on a major a major building project derived from the Strategic Planning processes which Dr Pender supervised during the 1990s. Dorothy Knox House, the Margot Doust and Charles Miller Wings (aka New Wing) and the Almgren Centre all opened in September 2002, not only greatly enhancing student facilities and capacity of Dunmore Lang College but have ensured the college could meet the needs of future generations.

At the time of Dr Pender’s retirement, the Board noted: “The period of Dr Pender’s leadership will be long remembered and respected as a period through which growth and development was achieved not only in a physical sense but also in a cultural context with immediate and long-lasting benefits for the College community. It is to be hoped that Dr Pender will continue to take a keen interest in Dunmore Lang College.” And, this he did for many years.

Ms Jill Jolliffe (2 December 2022)

Jill was a distinguished investigative journalist and foreign correspondent who covered several conflicts in Africa, the hunt for Nazi gold in Portugal, and the European sex slave trade, but her deepest concern was the fight for the independence of East Timor which became the core focus of her energies and career. In 2012, Jill was welcomed as a John Dunmore Lang Achievement Fellow and was the Dunmore Lang College Writer-in-Residence for a year.

Mrs Jan Land (24 April 2023)

Jan was a loyal supporter of the College, serving on the Board from 1995–2002. Jan will be remembered for her vibrant personality and her thoughtful comments regarding the College, students, and staff which she shared at the many events she attended up to 2022.

In Jan’s last email to the College, two months before her passing, she wrote: “Thinking back on my time on the board, it was such a special time, and I did and do enjoy the company of the Dunmore Lang College fraternity.”

We recently discovered Jan became a member of Mensa at the age of 8 and was enrolled at Sydney University to study medicine at the age of 15. Jan had an incredibly successful and varied career in broadcasting, science, space, and technology — such as writing the technical bid documentation for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, being contracted to the World Health Organisation for pioneer work in technological advancements in surgery around the world and being jointly responsible for Australia’s first domestic satellite.

Mrs Joan Mansfield (23 May 2023)

Joan joined the Company in 1975 and, along with her husband Emeritus Professor Bruce Mansfield, had a long association with the College.

While Bruce was more formally involved with Dunmore Lang as a Board member, Joan was a keen supporter of the College attending many events and activities especially the inter-college debate to which they donated the Mansfield Shield.

Joan studied at the University of Sydney graduating with a Master of Arts in History and went on to publish three history books.

Mrs Margot Doust AM (24 May 2023)

Margot worked tirelessly for Dunmore Lang College for over 50 years from 1968 until her retirement in 2021. She was a founding member of the Dunmore Lang College Building Fund Appeal Committee from 1968 and later established the Scholarships Committee in 1979. For her service to Dunmore Lang, Margot was awarded a Member of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2019.

As a graduate of the University of Sydney (BA 1946–1949), Margot understood the value of a tertiary education. She was committed to helping young people, especially from rural areas needing a supportive college community that would enable them to study at Macquarie University and achieve their dreams.

As a foundation member of the Scholarships Committee and during her forty-two years as a member, Margot read hundreds of applications from students. Each one was read thoroughly and meticulously annotated to ensure every student was given the best chance of success. She was passionate about the scholarship programme and maintained a close interest in scholarship students’ progress, following up and celebrating their achievements at the annual Commencement and Valedictory Dinners.

Margot was deeply compassionate, a staunch advocate for educational access, and had a joyful sense of humour which she shared with staff during her regular visits to the college.

Jill Jolliffe Jan Land

Out ‘ n ’ about