Celebrating the Exemplary Service
of Our Outgoing Chair of Council Emeritus Professor Lesley Parker AM On 22 February, Professor Lesley Parker stood down as MLC Chair of Council after four years of service to the College. “On behalf of our school community, I extend warm appreciation to Professor Parker for her judicious leadership and inspiring example,” said Principal Cody. “Her insight has blessed the direction of our College, and undoubtedly her significant influence will remain. It has been an absolute honour to work alongside such a celebrated and skilful leader.” Professor Parker commenced her professional life as a researcher in microbiology and then became a teacher of science and mathematics in secondary
schools. Since then she has lectured in education, guided graduate students through various programs, written numerous books, chapters, articles and reports, held roles and advocacy positions in state and national governments and international organisations, received several prestigious awards and been fiercely committed to social justice, particularly in gender equality. Professor Parker is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. In 1997, she was awarded an Order of Australia for services to education, particularly the education of girls in science and mathematics, and in 2003 she received a Centenary Medal for leadership in secondary and higher education.
She has been closely involved with Uniting Church schools for many years, as a teacher, researcher, council member, parent and grandparent. “Professor Parker’s character and intellect are renowned in Australia,” said Ms Cody. “She has been my benevolent and charming mentor for the past two years and offered distinguished service and acts of love as MLC’s Chair of Council since 2008.”
Welcoming Our
New Chair of Council Dr Penelope Flett MLC extends a warm welcome to incoming Chair of Council, Dr Penny Flett. Since moving to WA in 1985, Dr Flett has held substantive positions as Medical Officer to Mount Henry Hospital, Consultant to the Health Department, and Deputy Executive Director and Director of Clinical Services, Homes of Peace (now Brightwater Care Group). In 1995, she was appointed CEO of Brightwater, which provides a wide range of services for elderly and young disabled people. Currently, Dr Flett is Pro-Chancellor at the University of Western Australia, in
addition to being a member of the Senate. She is also Chair of the WA Aged Care Advisory Council, the WA Centre for Health and Ageing Advisory Committee and the Australian Bravery Decorations Awards Council. She was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Board from 2004 to 2011. During that time she became the first woman President of CCI, and chaired the board for two years. “Dr Flett’s outstanding reputation as an innovative and compassionate businesswoman is inspiring,” said Ms Cody. “I am confident that her leadership of
Council and advice to me as Principal will be wise.” Dr Flett has been recognised for her work through the 2003 Centenary Medal for services to the aged and people with disabilities, and induction into the 2000 Business Women’s Hall of Fame and the 2011 WA Women’s Hall of Fame. She was declared Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 1998, and WA Australian of the Year in 2009.