The Cluthan - 2026 by Geelong Grammar School

The Cluthan OCTOBER 2026

Clyde Old Girls’ Association Inc Registered Number: A0028536K

THE PRESIDENT AND COMMITTEE OF THE CLYDE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION INC (COGA) INVITE YOU TO THE COGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2026, 10.30 am at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club, 310 Williams Road North, Toorak 3142 PROGRAM 10.30 11.00 11.40 12.40

– – – –

Arrival and morning tea Annual General Meeting Guest speaker: Andrea ‘Ondy’ Laws-King (Laws) Clyde 1971-75, GGS Clyde House 1976 Old Girls’ Day lunch Cost: $65 per person Please RSVP by 9 October using the yellow form ****************************************

A Lifetime of Curiosity, Horses and Adventure

Andrea wrote a wonderful article about her life and adventures, published in the Cluthan 2020. She has a PhD in Medicine from Monash University (1981), from 1985 she worked in IVF at the Queen Victoria Medical Centre, researching the insemination of human eggs by microinjection and achieving the first human fertilisation by this method. She married and moved to a dairy farm in Kyogle, northern NSW where she resumed her love of equestrian sports, and particularly the challenge of endurance horse riding. It was here and later in South East Queensland while establishing an Equine Reproductive Centre, that she raised two children who both attended Geelong Grammar School – Jason (M’06) and Sasha (Clyde House ’05). (cont. on page 2)

(cont. from page 1) Andrea’s achievements in the world of endurance riding have been extraordinary, particularly for a grandmother in her 60s! Her home bred Heathfield’s Bin Sadaqa has competed with Andrea, representing Australia, in three World Championships in Europe and the Middle East. Andrea’s story includes remarkable adventures riding Mongolian horses into the Taiga forests to stay with the nomadic reindeer herders, volunteering at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica, and learning wildlife capture and care in South Africa.

Andrea will share her journey since leaving school 50 years ago, and show how following your passions can lead to adventures you could never have imagined. We are delighted that Andrea will be our COGA AGM Guest Speaker on Sunday 18 October 2026 at Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. Please join us to hear of Andrea’s remarkable life, her equine partnerships and her adventures on horseback around the globe. AGM 2025 PHOTOS

L-R: Anne ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook) and Deirdre Gowan (Leviny) L-R: Meg Hornabrook [Guest speaker] and Margie Gillett (Cordner)

L-R: Roslyn Allen (Wilkins), Clementina ‘Clem’ Hawker (Davies) and Anne Wyld (Law-Smith) Below L-R: Sue Home (Maberly-Smith), Felicity Dalgleish (Gardner), Ros Bromell (Gardner) and Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook)

L-R: Jane Grimwade (Rumley), Diana Whittakers (Moore) and Carol ‘Cas’ Bennetto

Clyde Old Girls’ Association Inc ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA 2026 1. 2. 3. 4.

Apologies Minutes Business Arising President’s Report

5. 6. 7.

Treasurer’s Report Other Business Election of 2026/2027 Committee

2025-2026 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Margie Gillett (Cordner) President and Light Blue Coordinator 03 9525 3698 gillett22@bigpond.com

Elizabeth Landy (Manifold) Vice President 0419 632 747 emlandy@gmail.com

Peta Gillespie Treasurer 0409 177 653 pmg252@gmail.com

Trish Young Secretary 0414 235 316 trish.young@iinet.net.au

Katrina Carr (Moore) Clyde House Liaison 07 3374 0196 ksocarr@gmail.com

Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly) Archives Coordinator 0417 371 496 baftaj@gmail.com

Julia Ponder Cluthan Editor 0411 414 126 julia@comart.com.au

Cas Bennetto 0418 410 072 casbennetto@gmail.com

Kammy Cordner Hunt (Cordner) 0409 799 795 kammycordner4@gmail.com

Sally Powe (Douglas) 0412 223 266 sallylmacgpowe@gmail.com

Di Whittakers (Moore) 02 5882 1143 burnimadeni@bigpond.com

EDITORIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION THE CLUTHAN

It’s just over thirty years ago that I created my first Cluthan using Word; I really struggled with the formatting so I started using Publisher which gave me greater control over the placement of pictures. This might be the last Cluthan in that program because Publisher is no longer supported; apparently I can now do everything in Word. Please send Cluthan contributions to me, Julia Ponder, 15/89A Bay Terrace, Wynnum 4178 (T) 0411 414 126 (E) julia@comart.com.au or (E) coganews@gmail.com. The closing date for next year’s news, reports and obituaries is 30 June 2027. If you would like a copy of your submission so that you can proofread it, I will send you the pages as they will appear in the Cluthan – corrections are due back by the end of July. My grateful thanks to the editorial team – Margie Gillett (Cordner), Peta Gillespie, Sally Powe (Douglas) and Sue Schudmak (Sproat) – for all their help with research, writing, editing, proofreading etc. Thank you to the Old Geelong Grammarians’ Association who generously fund the printing each year, to Geelong Grammar School for postage and to the Clyde Old Girls who kindly help each year with getting the Cluthan ready for mailing. LIGHT BLUE AND OGG UPDATE E-NEWSLETTER

Light Blue (the GGS magazine) and the monthly OGG Update email are other sources for COGs to receive and share information. Light Blue comes out three times a year and has a section of Clyde Old Girls’ information. If you would like to receive it (or cancel it), please contact the OGGs office (E) oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au (T) 03 5227 6241. You can send articles, photos or contributions to Margie Gillett (Cordner), (T) 03 9525 3698 (E) gillett22@bigpond.com COGA ADDRESS LIST AND DATABASE

Please contact Sue Schudmak (Sproat) for changes to names, addresses, phone numbers and new email addresses (we now include those in our data base and address booklet) and notification of COG deaths. 5 Fawkner Street, South Yarra 3141 (M) 0418 560 563 (E) susanschudmak@icloud.com or the Alumni Office at GGS (T) 03 5273 9338 (E) oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au 3

AGM MINUTES 2025 Sunday, 19 October 2025 at 11:00 am Meeting held at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club The meeting opened at 11:15 am.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS AGM

WELCOME

Having been printed in the Cluthan, these were taken as read.

The President welcomed those present to the 2025 AGM.

Motion: To accept the Minutes of the 2024 COGA AGM as printed in the October 2025 Cluthan as a true and accurate record.

PRESENT

Moved: Meg Hornabrook Seconded: Jane Grimwade All in favour: Carried

All present (list below) were confirmed as having signed the historic Attendance Book. Ros Allen (Wilkins), Georgina Barraclough (Moran), Carol ‘Cas’ Bennetto, Jenny Blencowe (Hogg), Ros Bromell (Gardner), Ann ‘Dizzy’ Carlyon (Clapham), Kammy Cordner Hunt (Cordner), Felicity Dalgleish (Gardner), Judy Emerson (Shaw), Margie Gillett (Cordner), Janet Gordon (Afleck), Deirdre ‘Dee’ Gowan (Leviny), Elizabeth ‘Lil’ Griffiths (Lobb), Jane Grimwade (Rumley), Anne Hamilton (Coy), Jenny Happell (Shaw), Clem Hawker (Davies), Sue Home (Maberly Smith), Meg Hornabrook, Elizabeth ‘Blip’ Landy (Manifold), Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly), Jill Meredith-Smith (Coy), Gay Morton (Howard), Christine Nicolas (Blackwell), Sally Powe (Douglas), Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook), Eda Ritchie (Beggs), Lou Robinson (McMillan), Liz Smart (Goode), Di Whittakers (Moore), Elizabeth ‘Bibi’ Wilkinson (Aickin), Anne Wyld (Law-Smith), Trish Young

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LAST AGM

There was no business arising from the previous minutes. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Margie Gillett read her report which is printed on page 5. Motion: To accept the President’s Report for 20242025. Moved: Kammy Cordner Hunt Seconded: Lou Robinson All in favour: Carried TREASURER’S REPORT

In Peta’s absence and having been printed in the Cluthan, this was taken as read. Motion: To accept the Treasurer’s report as printed in the October 2024 Cluthan.

APOLOGIES

The apologies received by mail, phone, email or on the day were accepted as per the list below.

Moved: Trish Young Seconded: Jackie Mackinnon All in favour: Carried

Ros Adams (Ritchie), Anna Affleck (Durham), Susanna Allen (Hogg), Katrina Carr (Moore), Elizabeth Cartwright (Cameron), Sandy Fairthorne, Tim Gillespie (Street), Peta Gillespie, Lesley Griffin (Vincent), Jayne Heard (Thomson), Sherry Henty, Mary Hildebrandt (Downie), Sally Hudson (Mercer), Valerie le Maitre, Penny Lewisohn (Weatherly), Gill Lobb, Sarah Lysaght (Bellair), Marita McIntosh (Laycock), Sylvia McLachlan (Clarke), Jocelyn Mitchell (Low), Jane Mollard (Austin), Judy Paterson (Handbury), Patricia Pex (Grieve), Prue Plowman (Manifold), Annabelle Pobjoy (d’Antoine), Julia Ponder, Ann Roche, Sue Schudmak (Sproat), Di Short (Little), Ailsa Simmie (Mason), Alison Smith (Pyper), Ann Spiden (Ross), Susie Sutherland (Finlay), Di Todd (Lewis), Anna Tucker (Kimpton), Annette Webb, Moira Westfold (Moon), Shaen Whittaker, Ann Willcock (Thomson), Jenny Yencken (Watson)

ELECTION OF 2025-2026 COGA COMMITTEE

Gay Morton thanked the committee for all their hard work before declaring all positions vacant. She read out the nominations for the 2025-2026 COGA Committee. President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Margie Gillett Elizabeth Landy Trish Young Peta Gillespie

The following have nominated for membership of the committee: Cas Bennetto, Katrina Carr, Jackie Mackinnon, Kammy Cordner Hunt, Sally Powe, Julia Ponder and Di Whittakers. There was an additional nomination from the ﬂoor of Ann Rawlins, nominated by Deirdre Gowan, seconded by Elizabeth Landy. 4

Motion: To accept the Committee nominations as received.

We are grateful to Treasurer Peta Gillespie for handling the AGM replies and payments, name tags, door lists and helping to prepare the meeting Agenda with Secretary Trish Young. Peta and Trish manage many other administrative tasks for their work and voluntary community or sporting association roles during the year, not only for COGA. Thank you both.

Moved: Ros Allen Seconded: Deirdre Gowan All in favour: Carried GENERAL BUSINESS

There was no general business.

As an alumni association, COGA’s objectives are to unite former students of Clyde School, to support approved educational projects and to maintain the spirit of Clyde School at Clyde House, GGS. Many Clyde girls keep in touch by arranging casual lunches, community fund-raising events, travel, sport and cultural outings, as well as their ‘signiﬁcant year’ class reunions.

MEETING CLOSE

The meeting closed at 11.50 am.

COGA PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2025 Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club Sunday 19 October 2025

Our COGA editorial team coordinates to collate, write and proofread our old school magazine each year. It doubles as our AGM invitation and annual report. The Cluthan was ﬁrst published in 1914, so 2025 was its 111th year of production, minus a few quiet years after Clyde closed. With a copy deadline of 30 June, Cluthan Editor (or compositor) Julia Ponder compiles and formats the ﬁnalised draft for despatch to the printing company in Geelong. Thank you to Julia for her many years of dedicated work and expertise. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed regular reports and articles, or news and photos of Clyde reunions.

On behalf of the COGA Committee, welcome to the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club for our COGA AGM 2025 and annual Old Girls’ Lunch. Thank you all for coming along today, especially to those who have travelled a long way to be here. To those who added a donation to your lunch money and to the Old Girls who sent apologies with a donation, thank you, this is greatly appreciated by the COGA Committee. We are delighted that Meg Hornabrook has agreed to be our guest speaker after the AGM today. She is the published author of four books including her outstanding history of El Questro Station in the Northern Territory. Welcome Meg and also to her sister Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins. The Hornabrooks are country girls who grew up on the South Australian border and with Meg’s adventurous travels and fresh approach to life, we look forward to hearing her entertaining stories and tales of the unexpected. Always one jump ahead of the norm, she honed her life skills at school by ﬁnding a way to climb up inside the Clyde ceiling cavities, where she explored under the rooftop among the old timber rafters and possum nests. Maybe not quite what her parents expected her to be doing!

COGA’s Golf coordinator Anna Tucker always provides an excellent golf report and photos and Jackie Mackinnon’s Archives report informs us of life at Clyde a century ago. Katrina Carr helps to produce an annual list of Clyde House girls at GGS who are closely related to Clyde Old Girls, this list has been maintained for nearly 30 years and was started by Anna Aﬄeck when she was a Clyde House parent. Thank you Treen for continuing that tradition. Anne Willcock and Cas Bennetto were among others who provided reunion reports and photos for year groups 1968 and 1974 respectively, thank you both.

Many thanks to our COGA committee members who are attending today. Last year half of us were travelling elsewhere and it’s gratifying to see a few more here. Unfortunately, Peta has hurt her good shoulder and is unable to join us today, we wish her a speedy recovery.

Many thanks also to friends and family of Clyde Old Girls who provided eulogies and information for obituaries, this special insight into the lives of Clyde Old Girls is much appreciated. Information like this may sometimes be shared with GGS for publication in Light Blue magazine.

Thank you to Jackie Mackinnon for being our host member at the club not only today but also for our regular meetings, handling arrangements and catering. She makes sure the coﬀee is hot, the scones are fresh and that there’s a mountain Clyde atmosphere in the room with sprays of gum leaves and bracken. Thanks also to our Vice President Elizabeth Landy for pulling some fresh bracken at home in Gippsland this morning and she’s not even oﬀ honours. Bracken is an essential reminder of punishments survived on cold frosty mornings, part of our Clyde spirit.

Thanks to Elizabeth Landy and Sally Powe for their help in proofreading and to Sue Schudmak who collected the boxes of printed Cluthans, yellow reply slips, envelopes and address stickers from Geelong. Each year Sue sorts the different mail categories and destinations, follows up numerous ‘Address Unknown’s and rediscovers missing Clyde Old Girls. Thanks to Annabelle Pobjoy who joined Jackie and Margie at Sue’s house to put the Cluthan into envelopes ready for the post office. Statistics for distribution of the Cluthan reflect the profile of 5

COGA’s membership. There were 2,066 students enrolled at Clyde School between 1910 and 1976. In 2025 there were around 560 Cluthans posted throughout Australia and overseas, including the UK and Europe, the USA and Canada, New Zealand and Singapore. Sue has coordinated the Cluthan despatch process for many years, along with her valuable ongoing work on the Clyde School database. She makes the best baked oat slice and that makes helping her an easy task

needed, particularly from Sue Schudmak and Elizabeth Landy. During a committee visit to Archives in February, Jackie prepared a wonderful display of precious memorabilia and photos. There are some amazing items and curiosities. Liaison with Clyde House has been productive during 2025. On 26 February the COGA Committee held a meeting at GGS with a visit to Clyde House. We were enthusiastically welcomed for afternoon tea and a tour of the impressive dorms and facilities. Any students who had Clyde relatives stepped forward to introduce themselves. A sunny group photo in the courtyard summed up a happy visit and we thank Head of House Emily Tuechler and House Captain Sophia Clark for their warm welcome. On 12 March, Kammy Cordner Hunt and I attended an inaugural Community Relations event to welcome new students at Clyde House. We explained the history and traditions of Clyde School and Kammy read extracts from her 1975 diary, lamenting the closure of our school on Mt Macedon 50 years ago. It is always gratifying to witness and hear about the friendships, fun, adventures and achievements that current Clyde House girls enjoy during their time at GGS. In the last 50 years, at least one third of Clyde House girls have been closely related to past students of Clyde School.

Re the database: Please, if you know of any Clyde girls who have lost touch with old friends or who have changed home or contact details, remember to inform Sue Schudmak of those changes. With the retirement of Dougal Morrison, GGS Data Analyst, it will be more important than ever for Clyde membership records to be maintained. Dougal provided years of reliable and proactive management of the COGA database at GGS. He was always diligent, friendly, supportive and helpful and leaves big shoes to ﬁll. Big thanks to Sue and to Dougal in retirement. Thank you to the Old Geelong Grammarians (OGG) Association and Geelong Grammar School for their continuing support of COGA. GGS Community and Alumni Relations Manager Alex Hocking (HOGA) includes COGA in the OGG website, with reunion and event news in Light Blue magazine and the monthly OGG Update e-newsletter. Please contact Alex or inform the COGA Committee if you would like your class reunion advertised.

COGA members can support educational objectives through donations to scholarship funds at GGS, or by joining the Biddlecombe Society for bequests to the school. In the past two years, generous bequests and donations from Clyde Old Girls have added $1.7m to the Clyde School Scholarship Fund, enabling the award of full six-year scholarships with senior years at Clyde House. In particular, we acknowledge the kind generosity of the late Judy Allen and Elizabeth Turnbull whose bequests will provide life changing educational opportunities for deserving young recipients. In 2025, committee members have been invited to meet Clyde scholarship recipients on a few occasions by GGS Advancement staﬀ and these opportunities are much appreciated.

Both COGA and HOGA have representatives on the OGG Committee. As COGA President I have been in that role since 2009. Being on the OGG Committee has included serving four years as OGG President, as a Director of GGS on School Council and ex-officio on the GGS Foundation Board from 2015 to 2019. It is both rewarding and educational to be part of this exceptional school. We are grateful to the current OGG President Andrew Burgess; GGS Community Relations staff and to Principal Rebecca Cody for including COGA in the GGS alumni community. We thank them for their willingness to learn more about Clyde School and COGA and for initiating events that promote liaison between COGA and Clyde House. We are welcome at the school but please check with the school before visiting any campus independently. There are regulations for student health and safety that apply to volunteers and visitors to GGS. These may include a Working with Children certificate, signing a Code of Conduct, wearing a visitor’s pass, supervision on campus by a GGS staff member and not being left alone with a student. The Clyde School Archives are officially managed at GGS by Archivist Darren Watson, formerly from the National Library of Australia. As COGA Archives coordinator, Jackie Mackinnon oversees donations and information requests from Clyde families and we thank her for that ongoing work and for organising help when

In recognition of individual student achievements, COGA donates an annual prize to Year 12 students at both GGS and Braemar College to be presented at their respective annual school leavers’ ceremonies. At GGS it is the COGA Prize for English. At Braemar it is the COGA prize for service to the school and community and the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Trophy donated by the Handbury Foundation. At pre-school level, COGA’s commitment to the Isabel Henderson Kindergarten (IHK) in North Fitzroy will be maintained by the COGA Committee while it is ﬁnancially possible. Donations to IHK continue to be welcome. Thank you to Jane Loughnan for her loyalty and inspiration in supporting the kindergarten.

Thank you again to all COGA Committee members for their support and friendship during 2025. To Elizabeth Landy, COGA Vice President; Peta Gillespie, our ever-reliable Treasurer; to Trish Young our helpful and eﬃcient Secretary; to Julia Ponder for her work on the Cluthan; Katrina Carr for Clyde House liaison; Jackie Mackinnon for Archives; to Sally Powe, Di Whittakers and Kammy Cordner Hunt for their enthusiastic interest, loyalty and support. Our committee members are scattered far and wide, in Queensland, Gippsland, Ballarat, the Riverina, the Mornington Peninsula and Mansﬁeld. Everyone is willing to help and contribute ideas for COGA activities and our committee meetings are happy events, like all Clyde get-togethers.

Meg described her early years growing up in rural western Victoria on a sheep farm, where the family grew their own vegetables and were mostly selfsustaining. Meg and her sister Ann Rawlins (Hornabrook) Cl’1952-59 were taught by governesses until they were old enough to ride to Langkoop State School on their ponies. For secondary school they were sent to board at Alexandra College in Hamilton, where Meg met her lifelong friend Liz Smart (Goode) Cl’1953-57. This was followed by six years at Clyde where Meg revelled in the bush setting, starred in the senior hockey team, served as Clutha House captain in 1957 and as a Prefect for two years. She also survived a scare and scars after a possum scuffle necessitated treatment by Dr Lincoln at Woodend Hospital.

Looking ahead to next year, the COGA Garden and Cultural Tour to Tasmania will take place from 2327 November 2026. The tour will begin in Launceston on Monday and conclude in Hobart on Friday that week, featuring visits to private gardens, historical and cultural sites, with multiple stops and accommodation along the way. The itinerary has been arranged by experienced tour organiser Anna Aﬄeck after extensive communication and planning with Clyde Old Girls and contacts in Tasmania. Expressions of Interest for the tour are invited and must be registered with Anna or Peta Gillespie by 11 November 2025. Further details will be provided to those who have registered interest and depending on numbers available for the tour, it may be opened to the wider OGG community. Several Clyde Old Girls have already registered and paid a deposit. This tour will be a unique opportunity to connect with Clyde friends in Tasmania and explore some of our country’s most beautiful private gardens, historic country towns and landscapes. Huge thanks to Anna for the enormous work and research she has done in preparing so far and for the kind welcome and cooperation she has enjoyed with property owners and garden hosts, particularly Clyde Old Girls. Please give it serious consideration, it will be a unique and fulﬁlling adventure. (Refer to the back page of the Cluthan 2025 for Expression of Interest contact details.)

In Melbourne after leaving Clyde, Meg enrolled in a dressmaking course (Design and Cutting) while boarding at the Edith Head Hostel. Innocently displaying some railway protest placards in her dormitory led to an expulsion, and she moved to live with Judy Allen Cl’1949-56 and her mother in Toorak. Social life was booming, and Meg’s parents hosted a celebratory dinner dance in honour of Meg and Roo, attended by many of their friends and schoolmates. Meg’s love of international travel began early. In the 1960s, the Hornabrooks took Meg and Roo to Europe and UK aboard P&O’s Orion, carrying ten pieces of luggage with riding and ski clothes, ball dresses and other travel wear. A highlight in UK was staying with their aunt Edris Connell, better known as Dame Ninette de Valois, famous as a dancer, as well as the founder / director of England’s Royal Ballet Company. After their parents returned to Australia, Meg and Roo lived and worked in London at a variety of jobs including Jaeger in Regent Street, where they operated the elegant historic manual lifts, carrying well known customers, including royalty. When Liz Smart (Goode) joined them in London, the three girls embarked on a long hitch-hiking holiday through Europe, staying at Youth Hostels. Undaunted by the concerns expressed by friends, they dressed well, smiled and looked directly at drivers while holding up a hand commandingly to the oncoming traffic. They met some kind people among their host drivers, keeping up correspondence for years with a few of them. One such was Andrew Kapinski, subject of a book and film about his epic journey, escaping from prison in Siberia to trek 6,500 kms across the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas to India. In Italy the girls experienced the trials and tribulations of travelling with young Italian men. Evading them meant spending the night in a haystack, but Liz’s handbag, passport and rucksack were stolen. Other travels included in 1965 a three month overland trip from Bombay to London; a group trip to Russia, visiting Leningrad and Moscow; then Portugal; Mexico and Tahiti.

Sing a song in praise of happy schooldays... Long live COGA. SPECTEMUR AGENDO. Margie Gillett (Cordner) COGA President

COGA AGM 2025 GUEST SPEAKER MEG HORNABROOK (CL’1952-57)

The Ups and Downs of an Unconventional Life We were delighted to welcome Meg Hornabrook as guest speaker. Meg said she enjoyed sifting through her past, rediscovering long forgotten incidents in her adventurous and fortunate life. 7

While living in Melbourne and Sydney, Meg worked at RACV, and for 25 years with various international airlines including Qantas, Philippine Airlines and Thai International Airlines which gave her the benefits of free or budget air travel on holidays. Meg also met an extraordinary range of people through her employment. She specifically referred to ‘three murderers’ who had crossed her path, whether before or after committing their crimes, and one still serving a long sentence at Pentridge Prison. Meg’s descriptions of parties and nightlife, enjoyed while on business travel, show that she certainly balanced a busy working schedule with social life and fun!

Knowing little about the Kimberley, Meg asked for reference books to study and was informed they had none – and it was suggested she might ‘knock something together’ for herself and the other Rangers. She started with two books from the El Questro homestead about the Aboriginal rock art of Australia, using them to assist with an explanation of the rock art sites visited on the popular Chamberlain Gorge cruise. Several months after Meg started at El Questro, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch (Greene) came to stay at Emma Gorge and Meg was her guide for the nine days of her stay. Dame Elisabeth found the rock art of great interest and was curious to learn that Meg’s knowledge was from Grahame Walsh’s books. She was planning to visit him at Drysdale River Station where he was conducting his seasonal research amongst the art sites in that region.

Meg told of her marriage in 1977 to Derek Butterworth, a young Englishman working for Thomas Cook Travel. They were together for 12 years and parted amicably in 1985. Meg’s work in travel continued, establishing her own tourism venture ‘Town & Country Tours’ and becoming an inaugural member of the Victorian Tour Operators’ Association. With first aid credentials and a heavy vehicle driving licence, she was qualified to lead extended overland group tours, in Australia and overseas. Mostly on agricultural and rural themes, she was the bus driver for many different nationalities on about 14 trips organised by other tour operators.

Dame Elisabeth’s interest in the so-called Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) period of art led her to donate funds to Grahame to purchase two quad bikes for his field work. She chartered a light plane and invited Meg to join her on the flight to Drysdale River – some 200 kilometres to the west where they met Grahame. After lunch he drove them to view an art site, an unforgettable introduction, Meg found his passion contagious.

With extensive travel experience, and having overcome the challenges of a failed property investment enterprise, undaunted by disappointment and hard work, Meg was ready for the next exciting chapter in her life.

As Meg said, “I became hooked! On my days off I would spend my time seeking unknown art sites on the Cockburn Plateau and later, with my increased knowledge I started taking full day Rock Art Tours. Information and fascination about the ancient Bradshaw period of art was becoming more widespread. My walking tours began to offer a helicopter alternative, and I took visitors to some spectacular locations. Early in the 2000 season after 92 ml of overnight rain, I took journalists from the National Geographic Adventure crew on my ‘Dreaming’ art tour on the plateau, and their article was featured for the Sydney Olympics. Among many well-known visitors who came to El Questro as guests on my tour were Denmark’s royal Prince Frederick and Mary Donaldson. They had only recently met at the Sydney Olympics and were subsequently travelling incognito.

El Questro Station, East Kimberley, WA Following a telephone interview in 1995, Meg was employed for seasonal work from April to October as a Ranger at El Questro Station, a marginal cattle station with minimal grazing land, on a million acres of rough but stunning country. It has four rivers, spectacular gorges, a couple of mountain ranges, rain-forested areas and mud flats. Its history is associated with well-known early pastoralists such as Osmond and Panton from Victoria (1887 lease); PM Durack (1890s lease); Charles Kidman, (1894 lease); and Leonard Overhue. Modern El Questro began in 1991 when 23-year-old Englishman Will Burrell and his partner Celia Shelmerdine fell for its magic and developed it into the award-winning tourist destination it became. Meg spent five years based at the environmentally sensitive, safari-style Emma Gorge Resort in the Cockburn Ranges. After only a few weeks she was rostered to take a couple on a Birdwatching Tour. Being unfamiliar with the birds of the Kimberley, she insisted the boss should not charge the clients. This became the beginning of an ongoing friendship, touring and camping with Jann Barnes over the years since leaving El Questro.

Curious visitors often asked me what took me to the Kimberley and in reference to my financial misadventures, I would say that I had become much richer for being poorer and it was difficult to regard my daily activities as work. There was pleasure to be found every day – nature-based tourism, wonderful colleagues and visitors, amazing landscapes – I truly loved my 11 years at El Questro. At one time I was appointed the Wilderness Park Officer with responsibility for environmental issues on the property. I had concerns regarding the welfare of the popular thermal springs and clashed with management over my protective proposal. At the end of each season, I flew to Queensland to do voluntary 8

work with Grahame Walsh at his rock art research centre at Carnarvon Gorge and, on my return to Victoria, Dame Elisabeth always wanted an update on his research.

mortality, Meg was relieved to sip her first drink! A huge thank you to Meg, who was presented with a native bouquet, a bottle of wine and Hanging Rock – A History (Chris McConville, 2017).

I retired from El Questro at the end of the 2006 season, having made many great friends. Over the years I collected information relating to El Questro and by the time I returned to Melbourne, I had gathered sufficient material for a non-fiction book, and thus began the writing of The El Questro Story. This writing was occasionally interrupted with trips to Bali, Kenya, Flinders Island and camping around our continent, and I also enjoyed Kimberley coastal cruises with the professional fisherman who supplied El Questro and the East Kimberley with barramundi and other fish.

TREASURER’S REPORT 2025-2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 18 October 2026 This report refers to the Financial Statement of the Clyde Old Girls Association Inc. for the year ending 30th June 2026. It is with pleasure that I again present the Treasurer’s Report to the members of the Clyde Old Girls Association. NOTES TO THE 2026 BALANCE SHEET

Being a two-finger typist I spent hours at my computer, losing fitness, so I joined the local gym and later the Y-Rowing Centre on Albert Park Lake. After 15 months of walking to the gym each morning on the far side of busy Malvern Road, my luck ran out in 2011. I was knocked over by a car, my foot was dislocated necessitating surgery and I could no longer do 110 star jumps!

Our bank account is looking very healthy at the moment, but that of course is due to the payments received for the Tasmania Garden Tour which will happen in November this year – it will be a different story next year when all the payments will mean that we will show a loss for the 2027 year! Again, our Old Girls have been very generous with donations to the Association with over $2,000 received; this is how we fund the IHK donation and prizes for GGS and Braemar College each year. Thank you so much for your support.

Recovery from the accident provided a great opportunity to finish the book which was published in 2012 – and later updated in 2018. The accident also gave rise to me inventing my ongoing practice of putting my knickers on – without taking my feet off the floor! It was worthy of promotion, so I made a small pamphlet of instruction and I recall giving a demonstration to some of you at a previous COGA AGM.

AGM 2026

We are pleased to say that we have been able to maintain the cost of the AGM lunch this year. You will again be greeted with morning tea/coffee and a drinks voucher for lunch as well. Please ensure you reply by the RSVP date, it makes our life much easier when providing numbers to the venue.

Following the publication of The El Questro Story – Jann Barnes (by now a widow) and I jointly purchased a second-hand campervan. We set off on a four-month trip through Central Australia to launch the book in the Kimberley at the Kunnunurra Museum. During our return journey down the West Coast and across the Nullarbor, I was contacted by an English cousin who was seeking details of my life for inclusion on the family tree that he was researching. Once I was home again, I compiled a chronology of my life, which unintentionally became an autobiography – Sunshine and Showers – published privately in 2015.

CLUTHAN

Thank goodness GGS and the OGGs are still supporting us with the production and distribution of the Cluthan. This does save us an enormous amount of money – last year it cost over $8,000 for printing and postage – and means we can continue to provide you with all the news of COGA happenings over the past 12 months. DONATION AND SCHOOL PRIZES

The Big Swim

Unfortunately, the donations for 2026 do not show in the Balance Sheet presented here today. I apologise, but I lost three months of this year due to Mum going into full-time care. However, we have donated $1,500 to the Isabel Henderson Kindergarten for the 71st consecutive year and $300 to both Braemar College and GGS for the COGA Prizes. These payments were made in July and will show on our 2026-2027 Balance Sheet.

Meg described a terrifying ordeal in her final anecdote. After 20 years of budget camping tours and four coastal cruises, her last cruise ended in a dramatic rescue as Meg and three fishing trip companions swam for their lives in the Timor Sea, 40kms off the Kimberley coastline. Their boat was sinking, they were among towering waves crashing onto a reef and, after several hours in the water struggling towards shore, they were picked up by their fellow fishermen in a dinghy and returned to safety on board. Shocked and having faced her own

Peta Gillespie Honorary Treasurer, June 2026 9

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2026 ASSETS

2025-2026

2024-2025

NAB (Opening Balance) 01 July 2025

25,173.85

24,432.83

NAB (Closing Balance) 30 June 2026

67,807.54

25,173.85

0.00

67,807.54

25,173.85

0.00

O/S Deposits TOTAL ASSETS

O/S Cheques

0.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES

67,807.54

25,173.85

AGM Lunch

2,130.00

2,520.00

AGM/General Donations

2,195.00

3,290.98

Garden Tour 2026

45,280.00

Sale Books – Joan Mackenzie

0.00

300.00

Sale – Pins

0.00

50.00

198.13

203.60

49,803.13

6,364.58

AGM Expenses

2,000.00

2,400.00

Meeting Expenses

95.81

76.36

IHK Donation

0.00

1,500.00

Golf Cups (Fun and Interschool)

540.00

English Prize to GGS and Braemar

0.00

600.00

4,255.00

0.00

Refund Books – Joan Mackenzie

0.00

160.00

Refund Jackie – Brooch

0.00

50.00

Incorporation Fee

56.52

49.00

Archives

222.11

203.20

0.00

45.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

7,169.44

5,623.56

SURPLUS / LOSS FOR YEAR

42,633.69

741.02

NET ASSETS

INCOME & EXPENSES 2025-2026 INCOME

Interest TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES

Garden Tour 2026

Joan Lindsay Book – Syd Sixpence

COGA ACTIVITIES GOLF REPORT WOMEN’S INTERSCHOOL GOLF CHALLENGE

This was the 97th year this event has been held. Sorrento Golf Club on March 16, a beautiful but challenging course on a rather damp morning was the venue of choice. The day was full of excitement, nerves, tension but after all the shots are hit and the puts are sunk, the dining room comes alive with the chatter of over 120 voices. A great day was had by all. Money raised from a raffle and produce stall going to a new charity You Matter.

L-R: Anna Tucker (Kimpton), Ann Rawlins (Hornabrook), Prue Plowman (Manifold), Jane Gordon (Affleck), Sylvia McLachlan (Clarke), Deb Middleton (Noall) and Kate Robinson (Richardson) and catch up with friendships that go back for more than 50 years; a women’s golf competition with amazing history. We look forward to 2027 when we will be at Barwon Heads Golf Club at a similar time of year. Hopefully we’ll have a full team of players!

For the first time in many years the result was a tie for 1st place. St Leonards and Tintern on 133 points. Clyde on 123 points finished equal 14th with Lauriston , PLC and Fintona. All four team members scores count towards the result, making it a very challenging event. We congratulate Deb Middleton, Kate Robinson, Prue Plowman and Janet Coombes for their very respectable results. We thank them for their participation and enthusiasm. Thank you COGA for continuing to support our team and contribute the entry fees for the day; your support is greatly appreciated.

Please pass on the invitation to any interested players and ask them to contact me for details. For enquires please contact: Anna Tucker (Kimpton) COGA Golf Coordinator annatucker8@outlook.com Mobile 0408 540 252

GGS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMALGAMATION On Sunday 1 March, Principal Rebecca Cody and GGS/OGG staff hosted and organised a magnificent event to celebrate 50 years since the amalgamation of Clyde and The Hermitage schools, and the establishment of Clyde House and Jennings House in 1976. In 1993 Jennings House was renamed The Hermitage House. COGA and HOGA members were warmly welcomed by school and house staff members, and by students of both houses for afternoon tea. The day started with a chapel service which included some old favourite hymns and readings; followed by drinks and refreshments in the Hawker Library where past students from both

L-R: Janet Coombes (Dalrymple), Kate Robinson (Richardson), Prue Plowman (Manifold) and Deb Middleton (Noall) FUN CUP 2026

The morning of Monday 11 May was second to none. The sky was blue, the grass was green and the sun was shining at the Sorrento Golf Club. The coffee was hot, the Proshop was full of wonderful specials and the golf course waiting for the hit off. Just a pity for Clyde we were very short on numbers. Just one of those days when there were other things on! However not to be deterred everyone did an amazing job and the scores were very respectable. Four scores from each school constitutes a team. Prue Plowman had a great score of 36 points and was runner up in A Grade, Deb Middleton did us proud with a Nearest the Pin prize. Our four best scores on the day were Prue Plowman, Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins, Deb Middleton and Kate Robinson. Results: 3rd Clyde, 120 points; 2nd St Catherines, 136 points; 1st Toorak College, 145 points.

COGA President Margie Gillett (Cordner), Cl’1971; HOGA President Elizabeth Bennett, The Hermitage 1966 and Rebecca Cody, GGS Principal

An enjoyable day was had by all. A delicious lunch 11

schools mingled and the noise level rose to remind us all of school-day hilarity and laughter. We were treated to an excellent lunch in the dining hall, where Principal Rebecca Cody interviewed 1976 Clyde and Hermitage first heads of houses and ‘transition students’ Janet Ryle (HOGA) and Ros Adams (Ritchie) Cl’1975 who described some quirky and challenging situations of settling in to coeducation. School captain Mimi Bradley (Clyde House Yr12) delivered a moving description of her own and her family’s generational connection with GGS and how important it has been in her journey of personal growth, education and understanding of the world. Chartwell’s catering team, led by Julia Chin, presented superb cakes for afternoon tea at the respective Clyde and Hermitage boarding houses, where students and old girls enjoyed house music entertainment, school songs, and tours of the dormitories and facilities. It was a sensational day, reminding us of Old Girls Days of yore. A huge thank you to Alex Hocking and Hannah Battista of Alumni and Community Relations; to Heads of House (Emily Tuechler at Clyde House); to Chaplain Rev Gordon Lingard; to Principal Rebecca Cody; to all staff and students who showed HOGA and COGA guests such a warm and sincere welcome to the school. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into organising the day, and attention to detail and care of elderly guests in particular was noted and much appreciated. Thank you all.

Susan Trethewie (Harrison) Cl’1968 with Clyde House girls

L-R: Amanda Elliott (Bayles), Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly) and Victoria d’Antoine (Hughes) – all Cl’1969

L-R: Kresha Jaiswal Yr12, Clyde House Captain; Margie Gillett (Cordner), COGA President; Elizabeth Bennett, HOGA President; Rebecca Cody, GGS Principal; Janet Ryle (Bone) The Hermitage 1975; Rosalind Adams (Ritchie) Cl’1975; Mimi Bradley Yr12 Clyde House, School Captain; Lucy Barlow Yr12, The Hermitage House Captain

L-R: Brigid Robertson (Gordon), Georgina Bett (Richardson), Elisabeth ‘Lil’ le Plastrier (Edgar), Jill Broun (Finch) and Jane McMicking (Turnbull) – all Cl’1975

L-R: Janet Ryle (Bone) He’1975, Rosalind ‘Ros’ Adams (Ritchie) Cl’1975) and Rebecca Cody

The dessert table in Clyde House 12

Group photo of Clyde Old Girls and Clyde House girls at the GGS 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation

The new replacement Clyde School memorabilia cabinet which has been donated by the Clyde Old Girls’ Association. It’s now in a prominent position outside the office of the Head of House in the main corridor of Clyde House. Many thanks to Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly) and Sue Schudmak (Sproat) who have spent so much time collecting and collating the contents.

CLYDE HOUSE GIRLS WITH A CLYDE SCHOOL CONNECTION – 2026 Student

Relationship

Clyde Old Girl

Married Name Clyde Years

Yoyo Allen (Yr10)

Grand-daughter Great-niece

Elisabeth Gutteridge Patricia Gutteridge

Allen Walford

Cl’1942-48 CL’1934-42

Florence Baillieu (Yr11)

Grand-daughter Great-niece Great-niece Great-niece Great-niece

Sybil Barr Smith Joanna Baillieu Rhoda Barr Smith Anne Barr Smith Joanna Barr Smith

Baillieu

Cl’1962-68 Cl’1958-64 Cl’1958-63 Cl’1959-65 Cl’1963-69

Grand-daughter Great-niece Great-niece Great-niece Great-niece

Sybil Barr Smith Joanna Baillieu Rhoda Barr Smith Anne Barr Smith Joanna Barr Smith

Baillieu Handyside Cochran Armytage

Cl’1962-68 Cl’1958-64 Cl’1958-63 Cl’1959-65 Cl’1963-69

Lucy Danckert (Yr12)

Grand-daughter Great-niece

Diana Moore Deborah Moore

Whittakers Calvert

Cl’1958-63 Cl’1960-65

Olive Kimberley (Yr10)

Grand-daughter

Helen-Mary Sawyer

Charlotte Langdon (Yr12)

Great-grand-daughter

Winifred Bakewell

Langdon

Cl’1918-19

Charlotte Lehman (Yr11)

Grand-daughter Great-niece Great-niece

Susan Harrison Louise Harrison Phillippa Harrison

Trethewie Gatenby Leake

Cl’1964-68 Cl’1966-69 Cl’1962-67

Molly Millard (Yr11)

Grand-daughter

Margaret Tyson-Cohen Millard

Cl’1951-56

Aerin Murdoch (Yr10)

Great-grand-daughter Great-niece Great-niece Great-niece

Elisabeth Greene Janet Murdoch Helen Murdoch Anne Murdoch

Murdoch Calvert-Jones Handbury Kantor

Cl’1922-26 Cl’1950-56 Cl’1942-46 Cl’1947-52

Charlotte Nikakis (Yr12)

Grand-daughter Great-niece

Clementina Davies Pamela Hawker

Hawker Prowse

Cl’1958-64 Cl’1964-65

Alaia Poole (Yr10)

Great-grand-daughter

Margot Law

Bunning

Cl’1930-31

Jane Whinney (Yr10)

Great-great-granddaughter Grand-daughter Great-great-niece Great-grand-daughter Great-great-niece

Elisabeth Greene

Murdoch

Cl’1922-26

Judy Handbury Janet Murdoch Helen Murdoch Anne Murdoch

Paterson Calvert-Jones Handbury Kantor

Cl’1973-74 Cl’1950-56 Cl’1942-46 Cl’1947-52

Grand-daughter

Jenny Watson

Yencken

Cl’1952-57

Rose Baillieu (Yr10)

Zara Yencken (Yr10)

Handyside Cochran Armytage

Cl’1953-56

REUNIONS ‘Fern’s Lunch’ in Melbourne by Elizabeth ‘Blip’ Landy (Manifold) On Wednesday 3 December 2025, a group of 1950s Clyde school friends enjoyed what has become an annual get together in memory of our friend Fern Henderson (Welsh) who died suddenly in 2021. The lunch was organised by Annie Hamilton (Coy) at the Observatory Cafe in the Botanical Gardens. There were ten of us altogether, and on a hot day we were able to sit outside in a well shaded courtyard area. Fern’s daughter, Anna Henderson – although not an old Clyde girl – joins us each year as our Guest of Honour, and another special guest was Barry Philp who brought Belinda ‘Billy’ Philp (Morieson/Laidlaw) with him. Her company was especially rewarding for us as she’s been unable to join in many of our activities in the last few years. We all had a very enjoyable afternoon catching up with each other’s news and, as we’re now at the ‘remember when’ stage of our lives, we can also happily boast of our grandchildren’s various plans and achievements! As we all come from various parts of Victoria, ‘Fern’s Lunch’ is a lovely excuse for us all to get together – and it’s a special treat always to have her daughter Anna with us.

ARCHIVES REPORT The 2025-2026 Clyde Archives year has been busier than ever, involving various projects. Archives Board at Clyde House: After two years negotiation and the original COGA Archives display board disappearing from the Head’s office at Clyde House, a new framed archival board was ordered. On 22 April 2026, a meeting was held at Clyde House with Emily Tuechler, Head of Clyde House; Darren Watson, Geelong Grammar School Principal Archivist; Margie Gillett COGA President; Jackie Mackinnon and Sue Schudmak, COGA Archives

coordinators. Agreement was reached about the size, style and location of a new Clyde history board to be ordered by GGS and paid for by COGA. Delivery and installation to follow. Its chosen location is in the main foyer of Clyde House, outside the Head’s office, alongside existing Clyde School memorabilia such as a painting of the Tower, two original Clyde sofas, and a mirrored sideboard and mantle from Mt Macedon. The Clyde School commemorative bronze plaque was another item that went missing during the recent redevelopment of Clyde House; it was originally paid for and installed on behalf of COGA. A replica plaque has been ordered and will be installed beside the main front entrance doors to Clyde House. The COGA Archives are a treasure trove of many school memorabilia items and documents. Visitors to Clyde House and the Hawker Library at GGS will be rewarded by viewing the displays organised by COGA’s hardworking volunteers. Some treasures on display include a whole corridor of Clyde school honour boards; the early silk House flags in beautiful colours; early gold-embossed leatherbound Bibles or sets of Shakespearian works (direct from London printers); pieces of school uniform and hats not seen before; superbly preserved photo albums featuring black and white vintage shots, for example rare images of the unwieldy ‘long drive’ golf club; an original copy of Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (Weigall) Cl’1911-14, and her ‘secret last chapter’ published posthumously, plus copies of her four other popular books. After her husband Sir Daryl Lindsay died, Joan took up painting again, and was invited to advise Peter Weir in direction of the film Picnic at Hanging Rock. In recent years there have been donations of original Clyde School prize books, and precious keepsakes like a pocket size red leather-bound bible from Sue Monger (Crooke) Cl’1966; original Cluthans especially from its first publication year in 1914; thank you to Sue Leask (Varcoe-Cocks) Cl’1958

At ‘Fern’s Lunch’ L-R: Eda Ritchie (Beggs), Lesley Griffin (Vincent), Anna Henderson, Elizabeth ‘Lil’ Griffiths (Lobb), Elizabeth Landy (Manifold), Ann Carlyon (Clapham), Anne Hamilton (Coy) and Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook) 15

for donating her well bound collection of Cluthans; to Deirdre Gowan (Leviny) Cl’1954, Sue Schudmak (Sproat) Cl’1964, Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook) Cl’1959 and Meg Hornabrook Cl’1957 who have donated books by or about Clyde Old Girls, bags of memorabilia, a Firsts team white woollen scarf, and various other items. All very much appreciated, so please never discard anything, please check with COGA Committee or Archives representatives first.

a local artwork to the Drury Court, the first Bendigo Art Gallery’s collection entitled ‘For the Delight of the People’, as much as to support her father whose works were not lauded by the critics. Mr and Mrs Charles Allen were prominent Bendigo philanthropists and art patrons, primarily remembered for donating this oil painting (created 1903) to the Bendigo Art Gallery in 1923 It now remains a significant work in the region’s cultural collection. Thank you to Meg Hornabrook Cl’1957 who has worked diligently to help with archives, both at the Fisher Library and at Jackie’s home on a variety of projects. One delightful discovery was that Meg recognised her own father Keith Hornabrook, aged eight or nine years old, in a student line-up photo taken at Faireleight in Alma Road, East St Kilda. Recognition was confirmed by her sister Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook) Cl’1959. His enrolment records remain elusive but the sisters are sure their father attended Clyde with a couple of other boys in its very early years.

Revitalising items of memorabilia: Over a century ago, a rare gold and sapphire blue enamel Clyde brooch was ordered by Joyce Inglis Cl’1917-20. Joyce was a founding member of COGA in 1921-22 when members banded together to purchase shares in Clyde Girls Grammar School to alleviate financial pressure on Miss Henderson. In 2023/24, connections of the Inglis family offered the brooch to COGA for $115. It will be worn by the COGA President, and handed down in perpetuity as a COGA emblem to be worn at Clyde events. Old school hat badges have been converted into brooches, sewn on original Clyde tartan grosgrain ribbon, backed by metal clips and purchased for $25 each by COGA Committee members; in 2025, the leftover Clyde summer uniform fabric was used to make cushions for the Clyde House common room and foyer.

A special thank you to Sue Schudmak (Sproat) who has been an invaluable help in sorting and cataloguing our collection, maintaining records, liaising with the GGS Clyde database, and with GGS Archivist Darren Watson to create a new display for the Clyde House archives board. There are always fascinating archival research projects to pursue. Volunteers to help, and donations of books, documents or memorabilia are always welcome. Please contact me for information.

Clyde School Song: As Clyde House has never held a copy of Sing our song in praise of happy schooldays, 70 copies of the lyrics and music were laminated, bound and presented in an attractive arty box to Head of House Emily Tuechler, for students to learn and sing when required.

Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly) Archives Coordinator (M) 0417 371 496 (E) baftaj@gmail.com or jackmack@bigpond.net.au

Clyde School History Book: We always welcome back copies of the history book as donations. It is hoped that every year the Clyde House Captain and new Clyde School Scholarship recipients can each be presented with a copy of the book to retain as a personal possession. Permanent copies are kept for viewing at GGS Main Reception, the Head’s office at Clyde House and in the Hawker Library.

100 YEARS AGO – 1926 CLUTHANS

Synopsis by Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly) Part of the June Editorial. “Let us hope and work always for that which is a little beyond our grasp, but do not let us disregard what lies at our feet, for to us only do we gain a stepping-stone to what lies beyond. We can then make of ourselves not impractical dreamers, but forceful personalities who, with the things about us under our control, may turn our eyes and thoughts to the gigantic possibilities which lie always a little further—always a little higher.”

Mollie Turner Shaw Cl’1916-22: A sad story has emerged about her valuable collection of papers and memorabilia which were lost in a shed fire on a property in Ararat where they were stored. The collection was inherited by professional librarian Wanda Ventijo who had been a personal assistant to Mollie Turner Shaw during her days as a prominent architect .

Our Clyde History book, Chapter four, is entitled Purer Lives and Better Thoughts, based on a quote by Miss Dorothy Tucker, Clyde’s headmistress 1923-36.

A mystery solved – who was Mrs C Allen? We have often wondered about the identity of a ‘Mrs C Allen’ who donated to the Bendigo Art Gallery William Short’s atmospheric painting of the road to Mt Macedon, which featured on the cover of our Clyde history book. It turns out Mrs Caroline Allen was one of the ten children (five daughters and five sons) of the artist, William Short Snr. (1834-1917). It appears she was keen to be among the first to donate

Dorothea ‘Dorothy’ Cecily Tucker was born in England in 1878, arriving in Australia with her parents in 1880. Her father had been an itinerant Catholic minister. She was educated in New Zealand and later taught domestic sciences (how to be a better housewife) in NZ girls’ schools. One school 16

was similar to Clyde at Mt Macedon, which prompted Miss Henderson to choose her as interim headmistress during her own long service leave overseas from 1923.

Despite its isolated country location, Clyde attracted loyalty from its staff and Old Girls, who liked to give back “something gained from experience in the big world beyond”. Long-serving and well-loved staff included Sister Neville and Miss Field who were at Clyde from the 1920s-50s.

Under Miss Tucker many of the freedoms enjoyed by the girls with Miss Henderson were discontinued. Picnics and afternoon mountain walks were banned, and instead she drew up strict timetables for sport and activities, with a program of coaching and interschool matches. A new junior library was built, and with the help of families, Old Girls and Council members a worthy senior library was developed which she named in honour of Miss Henderson in 1926. A ‘School Mothers’ scheme (seniors looking after juniors) was introduced and birthday parties were highlighted. Despite some of her cliches being quoted for years, Miss Tucker was respected, her piety was kindly tolerated, and the school was running well.

In 1926 there were several donations: a silver cup for Camera Club competitions from Nancy Millear; a board for Faireleight House Captains from Mrs WM Fleming – mother of three Clyde girls: Thelma Fleming Cl’1910-13, Helen Fleming Cl’1915-19 and Betty Fleming Cl’1915-26; a beautiful grandfather clock from Valerie Oak-Rhind; and the Webb-Ware Cup for interhouse work from Elinor Webb-Ware. School entertainments and outings were many and varied: Boat Race weekends; salmagundi games in the Nursery; a fancy-dress dance with prizes; a Shakespearian recital written up by M. Maberly Smith; a French play in the Nursery under the stage management of Mademoiselle Prévost, described by Betty Fleming and a Woodend Public Performance (September 24) was staged to raise funds for levelling a new school sports field.

In 1925 she had advanced from acting headmistress to full responsibility for the role. Student numbers increased from 53 in 1922 to a record 103 in first term 1926, including the first day girl at Country Clyde, Elsie Wise (Cl’1923-28). The increase in student numbers required improved accommodation and facilities. The east verandah was enclosed to form ‘Sleepout’ for an extra 13 beds. A fourth school house was added, called Faireleight, with red and white colours. It was named to honour Town Clyde in East St Kilda which had closed down in 1923. A new classroom was added, converting the old office, and a music room built adjacent to it. Over in London Miss Henderson was relieved to hear that the school was operating well under Miss Tucker, particularly with its official sale to the Clyde Old Girls.

There were articles about rabbits destroying the gardens; communications from Miss Henderson sharing her educational insights and news of her travels with Miss Daniell.

AN ADVENTUROUS FRIENDSHIP Jean Ochiltree Beatson (Robertson) Cl’1917-19 1904-1981 Kathleen Gardiner (Howell) Cl’1912-19 1903-2001 Jean Robertson was born to a Western District pastoral family in Goroke, Victoria. Her parents were Emma Ochiltree and Francis Robert Gordon Robertson. Jean attended Clyde in Alma Road, East St Kilda where she met her best friend and future motoring partner, Kathleen. Kathleen Howell was born in Richmond, Victoria to Elizabeth Mary Irwin and Frederick Thomas Howell. At Clyde she and Jean discovered their mutual love of mechanics and motoring adventures. After leaving school in 1919, Jean and Kathleen joined a small group of women who embraced the freedom and independence offered by the motor car – still a fairly new form of transport in the 1920s. Jean obtained a motor maintenance qualification at Alice Anderson’s Motor Service – Australia’s first female-run motor garage workshop. By 1927 she and Kathleen were well known in the motoring community, having gained prizes in the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s 24-hour reliability trials.

Even so, at 35 years old, the buildings and infrastructure were beginning to deteriorate. Plaster crumbling, paint peeling, water leaks, plumbing outdated, taps running dry, hot water supply erratic and unreliable, old fashioned interior decor. There were concerns about fire safety of the timber buildings in the surrounding bushland, with kerosene stoves, candles and open fires still in constant use. The fire hazards could not be ignored. Finally in 1926, Clyde had its first fire drill and two horse-drawn Furphy water carts were bought for emergencies.

Jean and Kathleen took several extensive road trips around Australia and the world. Jean’s father was 17

traction on the soft surface. When out of matches for the campfire, they short-circuited the car’s headlights to produce sparks. The girls dressed in jodhpurs, long boots and slouch hats and packed a rifle for protection against wildlife. They camped out under the stars between towns, visiting isolated communities and indigenous settlements when possible. On the last leg they turned eastwards through Queensland before heading home across NSW. Jean’s collection of photographs documenting this trip is available at the State Library Victoria (SLV). During the Melbourne to Perth return trip (1928) Jean and Kathleen tried to break the land speed record for the journey, but were unsuccessful as they became bogged in South Australia and later in Victoria. They did set a new record for Perth to Adelaide of two days and ten hours, racing the transcontinental express train across the Nullarbor Plain. This was an unparalleled effort over 2,400 miles at the time, with an average seventeen miles to the gallon. The sight of two young women in a convertible Italian sports car, streaking swiftly across the desert beside the train, attracted considerable public attention and newspaper stories.

supportive of her interest in motoring and gifted her a Lancia Lambda, an Italian sports car which could carry them thousands of rugged miles across the country. The girls’ main motor tours were from Melbourne to Darwin (1927), Melbourne to Perth (1928) and Melbourne to England (1931-32). The Melbourne to Darwin trip in 1927 was supported by the Shell Oil Company. Jean and Kathleen mapped the route for Shell in exchange for petrol. It was the first time large areas of central Australia were mapped for road tours. Departing from Melbourne with their dog Barney on board, they crossed the centre of Australia, through Mount Gambier, Adelaide, the Central Desert to Oodnadatta and Alice Springs and on to Darwin. There were no proper roads, so they often followed telegraph wires along the Overland Telegraph Line. Along the way they encountered Gladys Sandford (Coates) MBE 1891-1971 – a pioneering driver and aviator from New Zealand – and her companion. Together they disrupted the telegraph line* to bring assistance in flooded road conditions.

In 1930 the pair set off again, planning to drive all the way to England, at least 18,000 miles, sponsored by the British Riley Company. First leg was crossing Australia to Darwin, then on through Malaysia, India, Iraq, Syria, Egypt and into Europe. They stopped in Sicily to compete in the 1932 Monte Carlo car rally, driving Riley Nine cars as part of a team of four women. Jean and Kathleen placed fourth in the Ladies Cup. They reached England in February 1932. While in the UK, Jean and Kathleen did some recreational flying in Yorkshire. They were both keen aviators and held a pilot’s licence obtained as pupils of the Larkin Company at Coode Island. Kathleen held an A class certificate in Australia, and was hoping to gain a commercial licence.

* Emergency Tapping: travellers or boundary riders in distress would physically cut or clip onto overhead wires using portable line-tapping kits to tap out Morse code calls to the nearest repeater station. Confident in their mechanical skills, Jean and Kathleen devised clever ways to navigate difficult terrain like the large areas of loose sand encountered in central Australia. They carried two long strips of coir matting, rolled and strapped to the car. These were laid out over the sand to give the wheels some

In 1932 Jean married Robert Beatson, the representative of Riley cars in Australia and New Zealand, who had participated in one of her motoring adventures. In January 1938 Kathleen married Dr Cecil Alexander Gardiner. In later years, Jean Beatson competed in sheepdog trials and was a plane spotter for the Australian Volunteer Air Observers Corps during WWII. In 1955 she won the National Maiden Championship for sheepdog trials at Manuka Oval with her home bred dog Firrhill Bob. She died on 28 September 1981 in Undera, Victoria. Kathleen Gardiner died on 18 November 2001 in Toora, Victoria. Their wonderful friendship had led to adventures around the world, across uncharted territory, tackling extreme conditions with intrepid courage, facing endurance and dependability trials with gusto, fun and a sense of style. 18

1927 Lancia Lambda: A postscript to Jean and Kathleen’s story. Phillip and Sue Schudmak (Sproat) have an almost identical Lancia Lambda, 100 years old next year, which they purchased in 1990 from the Lowensterns in the Western District. This family owned it for many years and had converted it to a farm fire truck complete with water tank. Lancias were very popular in country Victoria in the 1920s. They were sporty, fast and reliable, and mechanically very advanced. Phillip had the 1927 Lancia Lambda restored and in 2001 took the car to Italy for the 80th anniversary of Lambdas in Fobello, Northern Italy. Part of the celebrations were drinks at the Royal Palace in Turin (see photo below). Phillip and Sue have subsequently taken the car overseas a number of times and competed in many events including the famous Mille Milglia which is a 1,000-mile race from Brescia through Rome, Florence and Sienna in 36 hours.

Throughout her life, Dallas Kinnear (Heath) has been recognised as a teacher, environmentalist, community leader, innovator, farmer, lifelong learner and advocate for social and environmental justice. She has promoted eco-village living, sustainable communities, climate action and regenerative agriculture throughout later life and is still active in her community and in contacting politicians. In October last year she sent an email called ‘Build More Save More with Smart Housing’ suggesting an affordable housing plan to every federal and state Housing Minister and to 96 Senators as well. She was recently featured in the Habitat Australia Journal , Vol. 53 issue 1 Sept 2025 Pg 8-9, “We gave them something to do”: How Dallas Kinnear ignited a generation. Byline Melissa Spurgin. https:// www.acf.org.au/magazines/habitat-september-2025 During her years at the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Dallas lit a spark in young people that spread far beyond the classroom. By giving them the tools to lead, she helped shape a generation of activists and changed the face of environmental advocacy around the world. She helped open the eyes of a generation of Australians to the dangers of ozone depletion and a warming planet. She showed them they had the power to act.

Below: Sue Schudmak driving in Australia 2016

Elizabeth Landy (Manifold) COGA Vice President is a very proud grandmother. Son Tony’s daughter, Sophia Hill, has been named in the Australian Eventing Team for the World Championships to be held at Aachen 11-13 August 2026. Sophia has been ‘knocking on the door’ of international selection since 2023 with her incredible ex-racehorse, Humble Glory, known as Hughie. They have been overseas competing at the world-famous Badminton 3DE (UK) and also in the US at Lexington, Kentucky, where they finished in the top 10 and clinched their place in the Australian Team. Sophia has also been named as a reserve on her second horse, Tulara Baltango, who is new to this level. He was bred in Mansfield by Mark and Anna Jane Fraser (Baillieu), niece of Clyde Old Girls Anne Cordner (Baillieu) and Barbara Bostock (Deasey/Baillieu).

OLD GIRLS’ NEWS From Rosalind ‘Ros’ Adams (Ritchie) Cl’1971-75. “We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news – Ros Ritchie Wines has been awarded two gold medals for our newest releases! Our 2025 Pinot Blanc shone at the Rutherglen Wine Show, while our 2024 Riesling took home gold at the Canberra International Riesling Challenge. These awards are a testament to the care and passion behind every bottle we craft.” 19

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING AWARD WINNER

GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL COUNCIL, COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2026

At the GGS AGM 2026, Margie Gillett (Cordner) Cl’1971, was appointed to continue as a Company Member of GGS ‘in recognition of outstanding service and significant contribution to the welfare of the School’. Margie has served as COGA President 2008 – present; she joined the OGG Committee in 2008, serving as President of the OGG Association 2015-19; a Director of GGS Council 2015-19, and a Member of the School Company 2019-26.

Janet Calvert-Jones AC Congratulations to Janet Calvert Jones (Murdoch) Cl’1950-56 who was honoured as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), Australia’s highest civilian order, for decades of eminent service to philanthropy, to the arts, to medical research organisations, to the community, and to children and youth. For Janet, the greatest reward for helping others is seeing sick and disabled children blossoming in better health, artists creating exceptional works, and families enjoying the public gardens she has invested so much of her life in supporting.

Margie was joined by Dr Peter Chomley (Ge’63), former OGG President (2010-14), and John McInnes OAM (Cu’58) former Chair of GGS School Council (1998-2003) in accepting the honour conferred by GGS School Council and Members. Congratulations Margie from the Clyde Old Girls’ Association community.

The youngest child of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch (Greene) AC DBE Cl’1922-26 and Sir Keith Murdoch, Janet Calvert-Jones follows the family tradition established by both of her parents and her sisters Anne Kantor (Murdoch) AO Cl’1947-52 and Helen Handbury (Murdoch) AO Cl’1942-46 of being involved in business and philanthropy. When one of Janet’s sons was born with a hearing impairment, she co-founded the Advisory Council for Children with Impaired Hearing and served as its Chairman 1973-95. She was a Director of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute from 1988, of which her mother was Patron. Janet was chairman of The Herald and Weekly Times Limited 19892009, the same company her father ran from 192952. She was also a member of the State Library of Victoria Foundation Business sub-committee.

CLYDE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION PRIZE FOR ENGLISH 2025 The COGA Prize for English, awarded at Leavers Celebration Day in October 2025, was shared between two recipients. Baran Karakas (Allen ’25) was one of two GGS Proxime Accessits in the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams of 2025. He achieved an IB score of 44 which converts to an ATAR of 99.7. From Point Cook in Victoria, Baran joined the School in Year 7 as a day boarder. He earned an array of academic awards in Year 12, including the Clyde Old Girls’ Association Prize for English (shared), the ANZ Prize for Industry, and the Westpac Bank Prize for Economics, in addition to a Distinction Prize for Geography. Baran played First XV Rugby in Year 12 and also represented the School in Swimming.

Janet’s significant support and contribution to Cabrini Research has enabled Cabrini Health to pursue improvements and strive for excellence in patient care. In previous recognition of her charitable work Janet was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on 8 June 1998. On 26 January 2006, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to the community through philanthropy and support for medical research, access to education in rural areas, the development of significant cultural and botanical collections, and to the print media.

Isabella Cameron (Allen ’25) was the top VCE student at GGS in 2025, with an ATAR of 99.4. From Newtown in Geelong, Isabella joined GGS in Year 7 and excelled in many areas of school life, earning several distinctions and prizes for academics and service, leadership and sport. In 2025 she was a School Prefect and House Captain of Allen House, was awarded a Business Management Prize, GGF Prize for Service, Westpac Bank Prize for Economics and the COGA Prize for English (shared). She represented GGS in First Tennis and Netball teams. She played Piano and loved studying in the library which she found very motivating.

L:R: Elisabeth Murdoch (Greene) and Janet Calvert Jones (Murdoch)

COGA extends sincere congratulations to Baran and Isabella for their fine achievements, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours. 20

Captain for 2025 and Deputy in 2024, she has shown remarkable perseverance and commitment, achieving her Bronze (2023), Silver (2024) and Gold (2025) Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Her ongoing service and leadership reflect a deep personal commitment to helping others and fostering positive change.

CLYDE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP Dear Clyde School Donors My name is Rosie Curtain and I am currently in year 7 and I have received the Clyde School Scholarship for year 8 in 2026. A little bit about me is that I have two younger siblings called Charlie and Olive, I also have a dog named Simba and he is a mini groodle.

Beyond the College, Siena serves as a Senior Squad Leader with St John Ambulance Sunbury Division, where she assists in teaching first aid to youth members, coordinates weekly training sessions and volunteers to provide first aid and CPR services at community events. Over the past three years, she has contributed more than 400 hours of community service; demonstrating compassion, professionalism and teamwork.

I do many different sports like running, track & field, football, dancing, netball, diving and others at my current school. In my spare time I like to cook things like bread and cakes, I also like to spend time with my friends and family. I am looking forward to going next year because I am really excited to meet new friends and try out many different types of new sports that I haven’t yet learned. I am also excited to weekly board and meet other teachers.

Siena’s dedication to service extends further through her fundraising efforts, raising over $4,000 for local and international charities through initiatives such as the Act for Peace Ration Challenge and Canteen Bandana Day. Her contributions were previously recognised with the Macedon Ranges Youth Award – Good Deeds (2021).

This Scholarship is really special to me because my mum and her two sisters were in Clyde House. My great-grandmother and her two sisters went to Clyde School and now I’m going to also have the opportunity to go to Clyde House in Senior School.

Through her leadership, volunteerism and unwavering compassion, Siena truly embodies the values of the Clyde Old Girls Prize for Service. Her connection to Clyde School carries special meaning – Siena is the granddaughter of Paul Handbury, one of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s grandsons, creating a unique and enduring link between Braemar College and Clyde School.

I am really excited for Timbertop because I’ve heard so many great things from one of my cousins who is currently there. I feel like Timbertop is going to be really fun for me because I love running and enjoy challenges. And finally. I’m very grateful and thankful that you have donated money so that I can go to this amazing school. I am very excited for this opportunity and I look forward to writing to you when I start at the School.

DAME ELISABETH MURDOCH AWARD DONATED BY THE HANDBURY FOUNDATION

Thanks, Rosie Curtain

Braemar College 2025 Prizegiving

Rosie’s Clyde connections Relationship Clyde Old Girl

Married Name

Clyde Years

Great-granddaughter Great-greatniece Great-greatniece Great-niece

Helen Leary

Finlay

1925-30

Patsy Leary

Finlay

1925-30

Peggy Leary Wallace

1933-35

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch (Greene) AC DBE Cl’1926 who passed away in 2012, was a valued patron of Braemar College. In recognition of her outstanding service to the community and ongoing support of Braemar College, this award has special significance and has been endorsed by the Clyde Old Girls’ Association. The award carries the Clyde School motto Spectemur Agendo – By our acts, we are judged. Zoe Kucic has been a highly visible and respected leader within Braemar College, demonstrating outstanding commitment through her extensive involvement in sport and her role as College Captain. She has represented the College with pride, integrity, and consistency, always leading by example and supporting others with generosity and humility. Zoe’s actions reflect the true spirit of By Our Acts, We Are Judged, making her a worthy recipient of the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award.

Susan Finlay Sutherland 1954-59

CLYDE OLD GIRLS’ PRIZE FOR SERVICE Braemar College 2025 Prizegiving The Clyde Old Girls Prize for Service is presented annually to a Year 11 or 12 student who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to serving the local community. Siena Payne is an inspiring example of empathy, initiative and leadership. As Duke of Edinburgh 21

VALE WE RECORD WITH REGRET THE FOLLOWING DEATHS

Joanna Darling BAILLIEU 24 December 1947 – 9 July 2026 Clyde 1958-64

Deborah Rutherford MCNAB (Grimwade) 12 May 1936 – 1 July 2025 Clyde 1948-54

Victoria Louise ‘Sally’ COOK 26 March 1957 – 9 November 2025 Clyde 1971-73

Rosemary Ann PARKER (Holt) 28 April 1940 – 30 May 2025 Clyde 1954-57

Julia Anne ‘Anne’ HOWARD (McPherson) 1 January 1952 – 27 July 2026 Clyde 1965-69

Elizabeth Marianne RANICAR (Scott) 4 January 1942 – 6 June 2026 Clyde 1955-59

Pamela Georgina ‘Georgie’ MATYEAR (Bright) 10 June 1942 – 25 January 2026 Clyde 1951-59

Sheila Irene RODECK (Thonemann) 16 August 1925 – 15 September 2025 Clyde 1936-41

Janet MCCULLOCH (Low) OAM 22 August 1934 – 9 January 2026 Clyde 1949-51

Melissa Anne ‘Milly’ YOUL (McEacharn) 22 July 1956 – 20 March 2026 Clyde 1967-73

Joan MACKENZIE (Bloomfield) 20 October 1935 – 12 August 2025 Clyde 1944-52

Sari Elizabeth WAWN 18 April 1942 – 8 June 2026 Clyde 1953-58

Deborah Rutherford McNab (Cunliffe/ Grimwade) 12 May 1936 – 1 July 2025 Clyde 1948-54

their paternal grandparents at their home Marathon, a beautiful house high on the cliff at Mt Eliza, overlooking Davey’s Bay on the Mornington Peninsula. Debo’s sister Bardie described visits there: “Our parents stayed at the big house, and we children stayed in a charming little old cottage near the stables with our nurse and a maid. Each day we visited our parents and grandparents as we passed the big house on our way to the steep path that led to the beach.” After a while, principally because of its proximity to Urara, but also because the journey was not as exhausting for their mother as travelling to Mt Eliza, the family started holidaying at the Affleck family cottage at Peterborough on the Great Ocean Road, beginning a lifelong love and interest in that part of the Victorian coastline.

Deborah ‘Debo’ Grimwade was born on 12 May 1936, the youngest of three daughters born to Harold Thornton Grimwade and his wife Ruth Grimwade (Affleck) Cl’1915-17. Debo was the fifth in her family to attend Clyde, following her mother Ruth, her aunt Gwen Kelly (Affleck) Cl’1915-16, and then her sisters Rosemary ‘Posy’ Durham (Grimwade) Cl’1941-46 and Virginia Winifred ‘Bardie’ Mercer (Grimwade) Cl’1943-47). In turn she was followed on the mountain by her nieces Sally Hudson (Mercer) Cl’1966-71, Anna Affleck (Durham) Cl’1966-71 and Cara Durham Cl’1975, (1963-82). To complete the line her daughters Tamsin Cunliffe and Sophy Blake (Cunliffe) attended Clyde House at GGS Corio, as did her great -nieces Georgie Mercer (2006-08), Celia Tucker (Affleck), Virginia ‘Pin’ Affleck, Sophie Weeding (Affleck) and Edwina Clatworthy (Affleck). Debo was proud of her Grimwade and Affleck family history and connections, and shared many ancestral stories with her close relatives and grandchildren.

Debo’s early education was at home with a series of governesses. She started secondary school at Clyde, aged 12, in 1948. Debo was a popular all-rounder who excelled at sport, schoolwork, debating and was a natural leader. She was Dux of IVA in her first year; a member of the Junior Library Committee 1949-50; she was Form captain of VA, and passed Intermediate in 1951; between 1952-54 she served on the Art Club, Camera Club, Cluthan and Dramatic Club committees; she was Debating Club Secretary; Library Committee Treasurer; CWA Vice President; member of the Sports Committee and Athletics team; she matriculated in 1953 and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship for university entrance. In her final year 1954 Debo was Editress of the Cluthan, Captain of Clyde First Hockey XI; a School Prefect and House Captain of Faireleight. On Speech Day she was awarded the Dorothea Cecily Tucker Memorial Prize and the Henderson Prize for English. That year Faireleight’s

Debo’s early years, pre-Clyde, were spent at her parents’ property Urara south of Lismore, in Victoria’s Western District. The Grimwade sisters had a wonderful carefree life among their pets and farm animals, visiting neighbours and cousins in the district, riding out to see friends and swimming and playing in the waterhole below the house. All supported by loving parents, greatly involved in the local community, and domestic staff, particularly nurses and governesses, many of whom became lifelong friends. Childhood holidays were spent with 22

house entertainment was a colourful and spirited affair with Debo featuring in several skits and songs. After leaving Clyde, Debo enrolled in a Commerce degree at Melbourne University, living in residence at Janet Clarke Hall. In the late 1950s, while travelling in England, she met the Hon. Merlin Cunliffe (b1935), son of Rolf Cunliffe, 2nd Baron Cunliffe and Joan Catherine Lubbock of Furneux Pelham Hall, Hertfordshire UK. Debo and Merlin were married in Lismore, Victoria on 23 April 1960, then returned to live in UK for three years, where they were inspired by Terence Conran’s Habitat furniture and design stores in London. After the birth of their first daughter Tamsin Elizabeth (1963-82) they returned to Australia with ideas to open a retail and design business. An English friend Duncan McNab had also immigrated to Australia, and took up farming in Lismore. Together the friends chose the name Thesaurus for their new store. Merlin and Debo moved to Armadale, near Malvern where they began negotiating deals to import furniture and fabrics.

worked with sheep and goats but abandoned cashmere because the goats were too naughty! Forming the company was her attempt at value adding. Appalled by the floor price of wool at auction, Debo decided to get a portion of their wool clip spun into yarn which she then dyed herself. She had the best clothesline in Anakie, with dozens of colourful wool skeins drying in the breeze. The next logical step was to start knitting, and then selling both skeins and knitted garments at markets around the country. When she and Duncan sold the Anakie farm in 2000, Debo needed to find a replacement “wool and colour heaven”.

Thesaurus opened on 1 July 1965 at 252 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, and their second daughter Sophy was born in 1966. Thesaurus inspired profound cultural change in home styling, with colourful contemporary merchandise and fabrics from Italy, France, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. In 1966 after a trip to Finland, Merlin introduced the Marimekko brand, founded by Finnish entrepreneur Arti Ratia. Marimekko products included household articles, furnishing textiles and clothes, best known for brilliant colour printing and the deceptively simple cut of expensive cotton dresses. Merlin and Debo’s innovative business ideas attracted widespread media attention. In a Newsday interview (1969) Merlin described Debo as the chief buying consultant, influencing most of the items they bought. She was the business brain behind the creative enterprise. In the store you could find Marimekko fabrics, plastic and cardboard furniture, huge lamps, wildly coloured sofas, massive rugs hanging on walls, vibrant yellow and purple tablecloths, wooden horses for coffee tables, French saucepans in bright colours – exciting paraphernalia for everyone. After nine years, Thesaurus closed in 1974. Merlin and Debo’s marriage ended in 1975, and she later married their close mutual friend, Duncan McNab who had been making furniture to Merlin’s designs at his farm in Lismore.

In 2009, she was the COGA AGM guest speaker with her talk entitled Of Wool and Colours. Debo arrived at the Glamorgan Centre for her talk with an armful of fabulous colours. It was a variety of knitted garments which she hoisted on display, from baby size jumpers to the dazzling ‘Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat’, a huge multi-coloured pullover which Debo had grown, dyed and knitted herself. Debo described how she had found her heaven! She became a well-known and much-loved creative knitting instructor at the Victorian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne (later called the Australian Tapestry Workshop). Her winter knitting classes focussed on flexible patterns that were suitable for beginners, or could become extension projects for advanced knitters. She had the skill and imagination to transform the everyday knitting experience for her students into the thrill and satisfaction of creating a handmade masterpiece. Part of Debo’s magic was her repertoire of nifty knitting tricks, and another was the Tapestry Workshop itself. Debo explained the history and activities of the Tapestry Workshop, with a description of fleece types and yarn dyes used for knitting, weaving, embroidery and tapestry. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch (Greene) AC DBE Cl’1922-26 was an Emeritus Trustee of the Tapestry Foundation of Victoria which supports the Workshop.

In 1982, Debo and her family faced immense tragedy when a country road car accident claimed the lives of beautiful young Tamsin and her first cousin Cara Durham, Posy’s daughter. In later years, Debo developed a career and business out of her love for design, using colourful wool and fibres. For many years Debo ran a sheep farm at Anakie and a successful business called the Avago Wool Company (as in “avago ya mug!”). She

For decades Debo was a staunch supporter of the annual Clyde Jumble Sale, she was greatly loved by her numerous old friends in COGA. Always helpful 23

and hard-working with a great sense of humour and comedy, you had to admire her choice of flowery hats and accessories on Jumble Sale Day!

Georgie boarded at Clyde from 1951 to 1959, representing the school in several sports teams. In 1953 she was on the Junior Library Committee; 1955-56 played in Junior Hockey, Baseball and Tennis teams; 1957-59 in the Senior First Baseball IX; 1958 she was Leaving Form Captain and Art Club Secretary; 1958-59 in the Senior Firsts Tennis VIII and the Dramatic Club Committee; In her final year, 1959, she served on the Camera Club, Cluthan and Sports Club Committees, she was a prefect and Clutha House Captain. Under Georgie’s leadership, Clutha won the Stawell Cup and the Austin Cup for Sport, winning the inter-house running, baseball and hockey.

Debo’s granddaughter Eliza, Sophy’s daughter, described her as ‘the queen of adventures’ who loved travelling. Debo doted on her animals, including sheep, chooks, dogs, goats and horses. She was a true creative, a talented artist and an avid knitter with a remarkable spirit and zest for living. She loved the English language and poetry, could recite poems like the Man from Snowy River by heart. She described jasmine flowers as a fairy’s paintbrush. She possessed a curiosity and wonder about life, pondering life’s big issues with philosophy and was interested in other people’s opinions and ideas. Eliza said Debo had presence, kindness, gratitude, a happy ‘madness’ and was determined to leave the world a better place.

After leaving Clyde, Georgie moved to Melbourne in early 1960 and shared a flat in Lambert Road, Toorak, with two school friends. They lived there from 1960 until the end of 1962. She found a job working at Myers in their Miss Melbourne Shop and then later worked as a receptionist in the office of Australian law firm Russell Kennedy.

Her grandson Finn said that Debo lived with an unapologetic sense of style. She was exploring new cultures into her 80s, visiting Morocco where her great-niece Pin Affleck lives. She exuded energy, wore glasses with enormous red frames, maintained a firm presence and spoke clearly, she was not vague or imprecise in her sense of self. Known as ‘Dots’ to her grandchildren, he noticed a big van passing by close to the date of her funeral, with “Dot Express” written on the side. He knew Debo would be chuckling and saying “Don’t take life too seriously!”

In 1963 she decided on a change of scene and moved to Perth WA where she initially stayed with family friends. Soon after arriving in Perth, she met and then married Tom Matyear in 1964. Tom was quite a few years older than Georgie and the father of two young children. He was a past President and Life Member of the Master Builders Association WA and the successful manager of a major building company. During the early years of their marriage, he and Georgie travelled overseas on cruises and holidays before settling in Perth at 3 Pearson Street, Floreat Park and having two sons together.

Refs: Cluthans 1954-55; Cluthan 2010 “Of Wool and Colours”; Cluthan 2019, obituary for Virginia Winifred ‘Bardie’ Mercer (Grimwade); The Lord, The Lady and The Reject by Peter Wilmoth (Hardie Grant 2022), chapter on Merlin Cunliffe; Eulogies by Finn Blake, Eliza Blake; with special thanks to Sophy Blake (Cunliffe).

After Tom’s death several years ago, Georgie stayed on in Perth with their children. More recently, as the children grew up and left home, she worked as a weekly volunteer in Perth’s Kings Park for many years, looking after the gardens and pathways. Home to the WA Botanic Gardens, displaying over 3,000 species of WA’s native flora, Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks and a rich cultural heritage site. Georgie also volunteered and worked in a Nursing Home for aged care. For several years she enjoyed singing in a choir but retired when they started singing in German and Latin which she considered too difficult!

Pamela Georgina ‘Georgie’ Matyear (Bright) 10 June 1942 – 25 January 2026 Clyde 1951-59 Georgie Bright was born in 1942, the first of three children born to Reginald Charles Samuel Bright (1910-74) and Beatrice Neetif (nee Behan 1915-83). She had a younger sister Hilary Primrose ‘Prim’ de Steiger (Bright) Cl’1957-63 and a brother Reginald Simon Thomas Bright. Her early years were spent living on their farm, Garfield, in the Strathbogie Ranges near Euroa, Victoria. Georgie’s school days began at the local State School where she was one of only eight children.

During her marriage to Tom, she became a very keen golfer and for some years served on their local Golf Club Committee. She also joined a walking group, doing many long hikes in Western Australia over the years.

Owing to the lack of students the school had to close at the end of 1950 and therefore, in 1951, Georgie was sent to board at Clyde at the age of eight. She was the youngest child at the school in 1951, although there were a couple of others aged only eight or nine to keep her company, including Fern Henderson (Welsh) Cl’1951-59 and Anne Hamilton (Coy) Cl’1951-58 and the three of them remained lifelong friends.

After her husband Tom’s death, she visited Victoria annually – until Covid – and enjoyed staying with family and friends. During some of these visits she and a group of her old school friends would arrange walking adventures. These walks were initially organised to celebrate each other’s 70th birthdays. There was a four-day trip to Tasmania which 24

and Brocklesby in the southern Riverina. An only child, she began her education by correspondence before later attending school in Myrtleford and then Clyde, where her love of music, drawing, and drama flourished. Her Valete reads Art Club President 1951, Birthday League Committee 1951 however she also won the following prizes during her school years: the Maud Weigall Memorial, Sight Singing, Singing, Art and Music. Her academic results included the Leaving Certificate and a Singing Exhibition, Grade V. She participated in a school play The Door Opens, Clutha Entertainments and won a singing solo. After her family moved to Buffalo River in Victoria’s High Country, Janet travelled regularly to Melbourne for singing lessons while helping on the family dairy farm. The district remained close to her heart throughout her life. She joined the University Conservatorium Opera School and began performing semi-professionally in 1960. Following the sudden death of her father in 1961, however, her life took a different course. In July 1962, aged 28, she joined Victoria Police and graduated as dux of her squad. Serving in Ballarat from 1966, Janet earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and resolve. At a time when women officers were often assigned especially difficult and sensitive matters, she was respected for her compassion, discipline, and effectiveness.

included a three day walk along the East coast. After that, they all met for a scenic walk every couple of years, with one along the surf coast of the Great Ocean Road, another from Halls Gap in the Grampians and a very enjoyable couple of days in Lorne, walking in that area. On Georgie’s final trip before Covid lockdowns in 2020-22, she joined the group to stay in Wangaratta with an old school friend for some lovely country walks in that area.

Alongside her police work, Janet maintained her passion for music and theatre, performing leading roles with Ballarat Lyric Theatre and the Ballarat Light Opera Company. One of her best-known performances was as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, a role she played several times, including at Melbourne’s National Theatre.

With Covid her annual trips to Victoria came to an end, although sometimes Melbourne friends would visit her in Perth where she was an excellent tour guide and generous hostess. Sadly, Georgie who had always seemed to enjoy good health, suddenly became ill in late 2025. She died after two or three weeks in a Perth Hospital on 25 January 2026. We will sadly miss our old friend in Perth.

After returning to Melbourne in 1972, she was involved in the investigation of the Faraday School kidnapping. During those years she met Henry George Arthur McCulloch, known as Jock, whom she married in November 1974. She resigned from Victoria Police in 1981 and the couple made their home in Linton.

Refs: With special thanks to Hilary Primrose ‘Prim’ de Steiger (Bright) and Ann Hamilton (Coy) for their tribute to Georgie; to Elizabeth Landy (Manifold); plus Cluthans 1959-60; Master Builder WA Journal; Kings Park WA website.

In Linton, Janet immersed herself in community life through theatre, arts, education, and volunteering.

Janet McCulloch (Low) OAM 22 August 1934 – 9 January 2026 Clyde 1949-51

Janet devoted her life to public service, the arts and her Ballarat community; she died after a life marked by determination, generosity, and creativity. She was widely admired for her work as a police officer, performer, volunteer, and mentor. Born in Albury, New South Wales, to William Alexander and Mabel Low, Janet spent her childhood on family farms at Culcairn, Corryong, 25

After Jock’s death in 2003, she returned to Ballarat, where she continued to give generously of her time and energy, mentoring young people and supporting many local organisations. Her volunteer work included Breezeway, BRACE, the Ballarat Art Gallery, and Her Majesty’s Theatre, and she remained a familiar public presence as a performer and speaker. In 2011 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the arts, aged care, and disability services. She was also named Ballarat Senior Citizen of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.

1951-52; in her final year 1952 Joan served on committees for the Music Club (Librarian), the Arts Club, Clyde Social Service (CSS), and Sports Club. She was a school Prefect and House Captain of Ingleton, with Ingleton awarded the Webb-Ware Cup for Work that year. As a member of the Dramatic Club, she acted in the School play Nine Till Six performed at Adamson Hall, Wesley College. Joan fondly recalled her mother bringing picnics to Clyde for Visiting Sundays, driving up in a little Austin Ten to take her out with friends. She appreciated her brother inviting her to GGS dances and social events. It was wartime, with coupons and shortages a part of daily life. She made lasting friendships at Clyde and was loyal to the school and to the Clyde Old Girls’ Association for her lifetime.

Diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in September 2024, Janet faced her illness with characteristic independence and courage, remaining in her own home until the final days of her life. She was remembered as forthright, principled, and deeply caring – a woman whose loyalty and wisdom touched many lives. Janet McCulloch’s legacy lives on in the communities she served, the people she encouraged, and the cultural life she enriched over many decades.

Joan passed her Matriculation and qualified for university entrance. She enrolled at Melbourne University in 1953 for a fine arts and music course, but instead started working as a secretary for her father in his role as Member for Malvern. The family had bought a house in Mercer Road, Armadale and Joan rode her bicycle around Malvern, enjoying a vibrant social life. She went to night school at Stotts College to master secretarial skills, and became involved in the Malvern Young Liberals. By 1955 she was working for the Caltex Oil company, and soon after became a medical secretary to the dean of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Dr Norman Wettenhall.

Refs: Cluthans 1949-51; based on the eulogy delivered by her godson Bruce Roberts; with special thanks to Peta Gillespie. Joan Madge Mackenzie (Greig/Bloomfield) 20 October 1935 – 12 August 2025 Clyde 1944-52

Her first overseas travel was a grand ‘European Tour’ in 1956 with her mother, sailing to England, Europe and Ireland, meeting up and touring with Janet Clarke (Armstrong) Cl’1948-52, Robin Root Cl’1946-52 and Janet Campbell Cl’1947-52. Joan and Jennifer Mackenzie (Hyde) Cl’1951-54

Joan Bloomfield was born on 20 October 1935, the daughter of Beatrice Madge ‘Madge’ Bloomfield (Taylor) Cl’1915-20 and John Stoughton C Bloomfield QC KBE (1901-89; GGS 1920). John Bloomfield was knighted in 1967 for his government roles as Minister of Labour and Industry 1955-56 and as Minister of Education 1956-67. Joan had a brother Peter John Bloomfield (b1932, dec.). From 1938 Joan was raised at her family’s historic Scottish style manor house Overnewton near Keilor, built in 1848 by her maternal great grandparents, pastoralists William Taylor and Helen Taylor (Fisken). It was a rural upbringing and Joan developed a love of gardening, dogs, sheep farming, horse riding and racing. She learned to dress stylishly, went to the races and played golf at RMGC Sandringham. She and her brother Peter enjoyed picnics by the Maribyrnong River and freedom to roam. They were fond of their uncles, aunts and grandparents who often gathered at Overnewton. It had also been the childhood home of her mother Madge, and aunt Aileen Ruby Stewart (Taylor) Cl’1914-17. Joan’s early education was with a governess, Miss Blackstock, who taught her to spell and write neatly before she was sent off to boarding school at eight years old. Peter was sent to Glamorgan and GGS. Joan attended Clyde from 1944-52. In 1947 she was captain of Form VC; junior Golf champion in 1948; served on the Golf Committee and as Golf Secretary

The 2005 Jumble Sale – L-R: Jane Nevile (Lewis) and President Joan Mackenzie (Bloomfield) 26

were presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Court in London. The girls travelled home in time for the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956.

she developed an English style garden with many roses and perennials, Alister Clark’s Madge Taylor rose, and the original sundial from Overnewton.

Back in Melbourne, Joan was employed as secretary to Crosbie Morrison, Director of National Parks. She met and married Charles Ian Greig, known as Ian, a former ADC in India who was working for the Lands Department in Naracoorte, South Australia. Her bridesmaids were all Clyde friends and the wedding was at St Georges Anglican Church, Malvern.

Joan continued her farming enterprises, leasing extra land for grazing sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows. In 1977 she purchased 10 Poll Dorset stud ewes, followed by two Tattykeel stud rams from NSW, and started her own Overnewton Poll Dorset Stud. She joined Lambplan which helped her to select the right breeding stock and by the 1980s she was winning ribbons and championships at agricultural shows. She exhibited successfully at the Royal Geelong and Melbourne Shows until the early 2000s, building a loyal clientele and selling stock through agents to overseas buyers including Russia and China.

Joan and Ian started married life in the old shearers’ quarters at a property in Naracoorte. Conditions were basic, summer was hot, fires raged and smoke was thick when her first child Fiona was born. They had several house moves and relocations in remote western Victoria, and then to Casterton where their house was burnt to the ground; Joan always made the best of her circumstances. Within the next few years, three more children were born – Andrew, Kate and Debbie. Isolated with no phone connection or electricity, using a diesel generator, kerosene lamps and candles, Joan managed a frugal and healthy household. Surrounded by red gums and grey kangaroos, she nursed children, milked cows and sold cream and butter to a dairy company. She learned to knit and sew to make the children’s clothes and curtains, DIY for home improvements, and she cooked home grown produce. The children loved their ponies, ducks, cows, cocker spaniels, wildlife and learned how to avoid snakes. By the mid-1970s they had lived in nine different homes from Casterton, to Brolga Flats, Killara, Dowsland and Tanybryn in the Otways.

Joan managed a busy life alongside involvement in her children’s education and school commitments. She and the children made many friends in the Winchelsea district, including the Hopkins at Wormbete, Kininmonths at Mt Hesse, and the Crosbies at Murdeduke. They worked with neighbours to revive the Winchelsea Pony Club, hosting club rallies at Kalimna and fundraisers for the Whoorel Auxiliary, Lifeline, and other community charities. Joan maintained a lifelong interest in COGA activities, joining the COGA Committee in 1999 and serving as President for five years 2005-09. She was a wonderful contributor, inspiring the association to continue when it almost closed down, and being a dedicated worker on the Clyde History Book committee 2004-06. She represented COGA at the book launch of Clyde School – an Uncommon History by Melanie Guile, held at GGS Hawker Library and, as COGA President, addressed over 600 people at Corio when GGS celebrated 30 years since amalgamation with Clyde School and The Hermitage. In 2010 she attended the Clyde School Centenary held at Nine Darling Street, and was a generous contributor over many years to Clyde Jumble Sales with her excellent jams and preserves.

In May 1975 Joan and her family moved to Kalimna, Winchelsea, a spacious Victorian home on 102 acres bordering the Barwon River, 30 miles from Geelong. Winchelsea offered local school buses, a primary school, hospital, swimming pool, footy club, tennis courts and a golf club. Perfect for a growing family of six children, with Susie born in 1968, and John James in July 1975 joining Fiona, Andrew, Kate and Debbie. Kalimna needed restoration and redecoration which Joan delivered over the years, making it a beautiful family home. Starting with a mature oak, poplar and fruit trees,

Later in life, Joan married OGG Kenneth William Mackenzie (1928-2017) of Trawalla, near Beaufort. Kenneth was the widowed husband of the late Jennifer Mackenzie (Hyde). Joan and Kenneth had several happy years together, including travels to England and Scotland, visiting her close friend Margie Robinson (Begg) Cl’1947-52. After Kalimna was sold, Joan moved to live in Drysdale on the Bellarine Peninsula where she created another beautiful garden and set to work on her family history. Joan’s work ethic was extraordinary. After twenty years of research, she wrote and published a book about her maternal great-grandfather’s life after arriving in Australia from Scotland in 1840. William Taylor of Overnewton and beyond – Pioneer and Pastoralist (2023). The book was launched at 27

Overnewton in November 2023, with Beverley McArthur (Murch) MP Cl’1961-65 as key speaker. Beverley later presented the book to Parliament House and congratulated Joan on her twenty years of diligent research on an “important history”. Known as ‘Gigi’ by her family, Joan is remembered as “a much-loved beautiful elegant woman and a fabulous friend, admired for her great strength and independence”, she held a quiet steadfast faith in the Anglican Church and Christian values and was an inspiring matriarch to her extended family of six children: Fiona, Andrew, Kate, Deb, Susie and Johnny Greig, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Refs: Cluthans 1952-53; Joan’s memoir ‘Earliest Memories’. Sari Elizabeth Wawn 18 April 1942 – 8 June 2026 Clyde 1953-58 Sari Wawn was born in Narracoorte, South Australia. Her parents, Alan Reginald Wawn (19142003) and Dorothy Wawn were farmers near Langkoop in the Wimmera region of Victoria. She had a younger sister Susan Hayne (Wawn) Cl’1955 -61. Generations of the Wawn family farmed in Western Victoria and bred Walers, the horses used in the Great War. Her paternal grandparents were Dr Royle Newton Wawn, an eminent surgeon in Melbourne, and Lucy Annabella Wawn (Syme, 1883 -1966), making Sari the great granddaughter of George Francis Ebenezer Syme of The Argus / Age newspaper family.

dux of Leaving, Clutha’s CSS representative, and a Music Club committee member in 1957; she was elected a Prefect, served on the Senior Library, Cluthan and Camera Club committees; was awarded an Honours Prize and matriculated in 1958, aged 16 with a Commonwealth Scholarship for university entrance. Her writing skills were put to good use in the Cluthan, reporting on events, outings and the 1958 Senior School play, I Have Five Daughters (adapted from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice). Sari’s descriptions of the five sisters and their ‘gentleman’ callers was very entertaining! Sari was fond of her Wawn cousins who also attended Clyde, Angela Wawn Cl’1950-54 and Jillian Inglis (Wawn) Cl’1950-51. Sari stayed connected with her Clyde friends for many years, with Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook) remembering happy visiting Sundays at the Wawns’ place Moondal in Tylden.

In the late 1940s Sari’s family moved east to Tylden, near Mt Macedon. and later moved to Melbourne where her father worked in real estate. In later years, Sari would tell stories of her rural life shaped by horse riding, bushfires and big landscapes. She had a lifelong independent streak, expressed early with her decision to attend boarding school at Clyde, starting in 1953 before she was a teenager. Her sister Susan joined her at Clyde two years later in 1955. Sari joined the Junior Debating Committee in 195455; was captain and dux of form VB in 1955; dux of form VA and in the Junior Basketball team 1956;

After leaving school, she enrolled in a Law degree at Melbourne University, initially living in a hostel, and then in residence at Janet Clarke Hall. She met many people including Peter Nicholls (1939-2018) an Australian academic, literary critic and left wing intellectual whose publication The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction remains the definitive reference work for the genre. Sari and Peter were married in 1963, and had two children, Sophie (1964) and Saul (1966) while living in Sydney where Peter was working at Sydney University. In 1968 the whole family moved to Boston USA, but not long after they arrived the marriage ended. Aged 26, with two young children, Sari returned to Australia. By 1969 she was living in Melbourne and

L-R: Sari Wawn, Meg Hornabrook, Susan Wawn and Ann ‘Roo’ Hornabrook 28

had returned to university to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree and Diploma of Education. During this time, she met her second husband, an architecture student named John Cunningham. Sari said her parents did not believe education was important for girls and, at school age, her only options seemed to be journalism, modelling or teaching, whereas her primary interests were in painting and writing. Sari’s Diploma of Education set her on a lifelong career as an educator. She taught Humanities subjects at many secondary schools, including JH Boyd in South Melbourne, Prahran High School, Swinburne Community School and Jordanville Tech in Ashwood. She also served stints out of the classroom, in curriculum development jobs with the State Education department. Sari was also active in the local branch of the Australian Labor Party, and in the Victorian Secondary Teachers’ Association (VSTA) which in the 1970s became an effective industrial trade union, demanding better professional conditions for teachers.

meant that she and Bernie returned to their urban life in North Melbourne, where she continued to write, cook, paint and read. She lived independently as long as possible, despite multiple sclerosis and cancer, and spent her last 18 months in Rathdowne Place Aged Care, not far from the university she attended as a teenager. Sari and Bernie shared a great love story, he was her greatest ally, supporter and friend. She died on 8 June 2026, a few days before their 45th anniversary, remembered with love by Bernie, her extended family and many close friends. Refs: Cluthans 1958-59; With special thanks to Sari’s children, her daughter Sophie Cunningham AM, for sharing her tribute to Sari, adapted from the eulogy by Sari’s son Professor Saul Cunningham of ANU; Art Quill Studio, ‘Six Memos’ Art Cloth Review. 28 Jan 2012; The Granite News, Vol1/12, 23 April 2007 (Interview with Sari Wawn). With thanks to Ann ‘Roo’ Rawlins (Hornabrook) and Elizabeth ‘Blip’ Landy (Manifold).

While teaching in the 1980s she met her partner Bernie McMahon, with whom she shared the rest of her life. Bernie was a fellow teacher, who became principal of Footscray Secondary College. In the late 1990s they started looking for a rural retreat within two hours’ drive of Melbourne. They bought a property on the Black Range at Terip Terip with an old hut on it then, using their own chain saw, built a shed. Gradually this developed into a charming and creative dwelling and they began spending more time there. In 2002 they moved to live full time at Terip Terip for several years.

Note: Sophie Cunningham was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2019 Queens Birthday Honours in recognition of her ‘significant service to literature as an author, editor and role model’. Professor Saul Cunningham is Director of the Fenner School of Environment & Society at ANU.

Victoria Louise ‘Sally’ Cook 26 March 1957 – 9 November 2025 Clyde 1971-73

Bernie taught English at Yea Secondary College, while Sari taught creative writing at the Euroa Community Education Centre. She also focused on her artistic life and garden, wrote short stories and poems and worked on her watercolours and linocuts. She published a book of poetry with Euroa Arts, and in the holidays, she wrote a journal on ‘Landscapes’ which she loved to capture in words. Her writing and art reflected her love of Australia’s landscapes, flora and birdlife.

Victoria ‘Sally’ Cook was born on 26 March 1957, the daughter of Victoria ‘Vikki’ and Alexander ‘Alec’ Cook of 26 Grange Road, Toorak. She shared the name Victoria with her mother, and was known as Sally by her family. At Clyde she was enrolled and was known to her friends as Victoria, Vicki or Vix, and she is remembered by all these names. Victoria had a happy childhood at Grange Road, with her sister Jenny. In 1961 Victoria attended GGS Glamorgan, Toorak for pre-school. For part of her secondary education she boarded at Clyde from 1971-73. At Clyde she played in the Junior Firsts Baseball team in 1971; in

Through her involvement with The Edge Contemporary Art Collective, in 2012 Sari collaborated with textile artist Susan Fell-McLean and photographer Peter Ward to create an exhibition ‘Six Memos’ celebrating the work of Italo Calvino, shown at Shepparton Art Gallery. Sari wrote the catalogue captions for the stunning images of textile works presented as land art. Her essay entitled Travelling in Calvino’s Landscapes was placed alongside a striking work called Consistency, a large corner frieze of six images. Sari and Bernie’s secluded rural retreat, with their two beloved whippets, hundreds of books and beautiful surroundings became a drawcard for their combined family of four children and seven grandchildren. In 2010, Sari’s health challenges 29

1972 she was form captain, and passed six Leaving subjects; in her final year she served on the Art Club Committee, was captain of Senior Seconds Baseball and played in Senior Seconds Hockey; she was cocaptain of Braemar House with Melissa Youl (McEacharn), and qualified for university entrance with five Higher School Certificate (HSC) subjects. Described by classmates as a beautiful and popular student, she kept in touch with a number of old Clyde friends after leaving school and attended a number of class reunions.

Victoria loved farms, animals, gardens, travel and art. She enjoyed striding the streets of Toorak with her beloved dog Soames, a beautiful Irish Setter by her side. She inherited an artistic sensibility from her mother; an instinctive eye for beauty and a talent for painting. Her intuitive understanding of colour was expressed in her painting and in the beautiful gardens she created. As a child she learned to appreciate gardening when visiting her Aunt Meg at Kalorama where there were towering trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, ducks, geese and a flowing creek. When Graham bought a property at Taradale in rural Victoria, he and Victoria created a superb garden together. It blended English, Italian and Australian influences with herbaceous borders, vegetable garden, fountains, parterres and an elegant rose arbour. It was a ‘work of art’.

In her twenties, Victoria made friends with the Rowe family of the historic Western District property Naringal, near Lismore. She enjoyed visiting the property with its sheep, horses and large homestead. She loved nature and being connected to the land. In 1986 Victoria married the well-known Melbourne antiques and antiquities specialist Graham Geddes (b1935), 22 years her senior, with a daughter Lilly from a previous marriage. Victoria and Graham had two children Olivia Geddes (b1988) and Augustus (Gus) Geddes (b1990).

Friends remember Victoria’s love of celebrations. Christmas, birthdays and children’s parties were organised with imagination and enthusiasm. One year she organised a children’s party at Grange Road, transforming the sitting room into a grand department store. With theatrical flair, she became a lift attendant, announcing each imaginary floor to the children. Victoria was an instinctive host. She and Graham welcomed an eclectic mix of friends to their social gatherings and the conversation was “lively, intelligent and full of laughter”.

From 1972, the Graham Geddes antiques emporium at 877 High Street, Armadale attracted local and international collectors of fine art, antiques and antiquities. It was also the scene of colourful parties and philosophical debates, thanks to its gregarious proprietor. By 2015 the business incorporated adjoining galleries and workshops housing a range of Asian and European antiquities, early European and English furniture and objets d’art. Since dispersing the major collection in 2015, Graham Geddes’ business has continued under family management, with Lilly Geddes (statuary and antique hire) and Olivia Geddes (Director). At 899 and 914 High Street, Armadale, it is still a treasure trove of extraordinary antiques and artefacts.

Victoria ‘Sally’ was defined by her warmth, vitality and her delight in the world around her. She was creative, artistic, exceptionally beautiful and she had an ability to connect with people. Her natural joie de vivre made others feel at ease. She was deeply affectionate to her children and her extended family who, along with many friends, will treasure their memories of her.

Victoria’s life with Graham opened a new world for her. He encouraged her curiosity, and they shared a sense of enthusiasm and discovery. For a time, she studied ancient Greek and Italian vases at university under Professor Arthur Dale Trendall (1909-95), a world-renowned classical art historian. She embraced the study and developed an appreciation of antiques and the ancient world, while retaining a broad range of other interests.

Refs: With special thanks to Olivia Geddes for sharing her tribute; Cluthans 1971-73; Trendall obituary by Ursula Hoff, Art Journal 36, 13/06/2014, NGV; Geddes Collection auction summary, Joels Auction Catalogue 2015; Interview with Graham Geddes by Jamie Neville Smith, Dealing in Design podcast E3 17/12/2020.

Editor: Deaths are recorded when notice is received from a variety of sources. Please note that obituaries are published when information for a tribute is made available or when circumstances permit and this may not be in the year of death. We are very grateful for any information, tributes or photos provided at any time. Please send your eulogies or other information to coganews@gmail.com or contact a committee member. 30

COGA TASMANIA GARDEN TOUR 23-27 NOVEMBER 2026 The 23-27 November COGA Tasmanian Garden and Cultural Tour, organised by Anna Affleck (Durham) Cl’1971, is fully booked. Enthusiastic travellers including Clyde Old Girls and local hosts will enjoy Tasmania’s beautiful landscapes, historic villages, private gardens and properties, while discovering some cultural and artistic specialties in the region.

LUNCH INVITATION THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2026 COGA AND CLYDE HOUSE TASMANIAN REUNION LUNCH

The COGA Committee and Anna would like to invite Tasmanian-resident Clyde Old Girls and former students of GGS Clyde House to join the tour group for a casual lunch at Sophie Weeding (Affleck)’s historic property Woodbine in Oatlands on Thursday 26th November, and for afternoon tea in nearby Oatlands village. If you are travelling to or visiting Tasmania during that week, you are very welcome to attend. Date: Thursday 26 November, Time: 12.00-2.00pm (Lunch served 12.30pm) Venue: Woodbine, 124 Sandy Lane, Oatlands, Tasmania

Hosts: Nick and Sophie Weeding (Affleck) Cost: $40 pp (includes picnic lunch, glass of wine, refreshments) RSVP: 30 October: COGA Treasurer, Peta Gillespie, PO Box 311BK, Black Hill, VIC 3350. Email: pmg252@gmail.com Payment: $40pp by transfer to bank account Clyde Old Girls’ Association Inc BSB 083-526 ACC 830035253 Reference your name and 26Nov Woodbine All proceeds will be donated to the GGS Clyde School Scholarship Fund. Note: • Please advise your dietary requirements or restrictions. • Local guests are asked to self-drive or arrange their own transport to the lunch and the village afterwards. Enquiries: Garden Tour – Anna Affleck, 0419 890 128 Address: PO Box 55, Warrnambool, VIC 3280 Email: a.affleck17@gmail.com Enquiries: 26 November Lunch – Sophie Weeding, 0409 036 877 or Anna The ‘COGA Tasmania Cultural and Garden Tour 2026’ brochure and itinerary is available on request.