Myalla - October 2022 Edition

Elizabeth, an anchor for our age

She led a life that defined our age and, for many of us, Queen Elizabeth II is the only British monarch we've known.

I’m sure most of us were deeply saddened when we learned Her Majesty passed away on Thursday 8 September. After all, she wasn’t just our Queen, but a familiar, endearing and reassuring presence in a world of constant change.

While we may have come to terms with the loss of Her Majesty, perhaps we can reflect on her remarkable reign and what we can learn from it.

The Queen provided us an example of so many important traits - leadership with empathy, steadfast commitment to duty and the ability to endure and embrace times of difficulty and change.

Her curious nature is also an attribute we could learn from. To ask questions, to listen, be intrigued and take a genuine interest in something or someone.

Another quality in the Queen that would benefit us all is her fabulous sense of humour and occasion. What a gift. I still laugh at the idea of her meeting 007 at Buckingham Palace, and fancy Her Majesty sitting down with Paddington Bear to enjoy a cup of tea and a marmalade sandwich. Oh, doesn’t the world need more of that lovely levity?

I was intrigued when Princess Anne was asked if her mother was an optimist or pessimist. After some thought, she said her mother was a pragmatist. What a fabulous, honest answer … not to mention a handy trait for a woman who accidentally became a Queen. She also kept promises … at just 21 she pledged to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her people. Queen Elizabeth II truly was an anchor for our age. Perth was the last city the Queen visited in Australia … attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2011.

Of her seven visits to Western Australia, it was that last one when thousands packed The Esplanade for a “big Aussie barbecue”. Were you there?

Perth College is very lucky to have had two encounters with Her Majesty, the first in 1954. The Head Girl at the time, Jean (MacGregor) Bourgault (1954) , says she was

calm as she curtseyed, and Her Majesty smiled and asked her questions about being Head Girl.

The second encounter was with Mary (Bell) Smith … our gorgeous 12-year-old cover girl.

The 1987 Leaver and former boarder recalls feeling very excited to greet the Queen at Perth Airport in 1981 and says Her Majesty had a beautiful smile and made her feel “lovely”. Mary also has fond memories of her mum being very excited … driving down from Dalwallinu to make sure her Perth College uniform was perfect. Mary added, “It’s devastating that the Queen has gone. She was an absolute legend and it hits harder as she’s the only monarch we’ve known.”

Mary’s right. I think many of us are surprised how sad we are that she’s gone.

But let’s cheer up with this Myalla.

Deanne Cheuk, a 1991 Leaver, is our Kangaroo Route (a broad aboard) subject. This woman has packed a punch in New York City ... and that’s hard to do!

I truly love the story of 2007 Leaver Dr Jessica Martyn She has taken quite the journey and now loves soaring high over the desert as a doctor with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. She proves not all superheroes wear capes!

Our wonderful Sweet 16 girl is 1960 Leaver Beverley (Gordon) Ireland , who continues to enjoy a rich life, full with her loves … the theatre, travel and family. I truly admire her greatest achievement and her dad would be so proud.

Seriously, our OGs give back so much. Case in point, 1965 Leaver, Dr Betsy (House) Buchanan. As our Bush Telegraph girl, she thought boarding school was “heaven”. After reading her story, you'll realise why. But Betsy is a remarkable woman and that's been acknowledged many times ... she's received plenty of accolades for her work with Indigenous people, including an Order of Australia. However, her childhood story is truly heartbreaking. In the meantime, in the spirit of the Queen, I’d like to echo Paddington Bear’s humble words: "Thank you Ma'am, for everything.”

MIGNON (HENNE) STEWART (1988) mignonstewart@icloud.com

Old

COMMITTEE

ANGEL CHEN (2008) HEATHER GROTH (2012)

TANYA MOON (2011)

STEPH MUNRO (2012) JASGEET SINGH (2013) CHLOE SMOLENSKI (2016) ELLY ZOUNIS (2013) MARGO ZOUNIS (2016)

We want to hear from you

Tell us what you are up to, who you are in touch with and what matters to you. We’d like to tell your stories about families, careers, interests and passions. Why not be brave and share your story with your PC OG community?

Please send your photos. It is important that they are at least 1MB in a jpg format. Include captions with names (left to right) using full names - last name when you were at school, last name now and the year you were in Year 12.

And we’d like to know what you think of Myalla. Contact us at myalla@pc.wa.edu.au

Calling Old Girl Netballers!

Would you be interested in taking part in an OGA netball team? We are seeking expressions of interest from Old Girls who would be keen to participate in an alumni team at Matthews Netball Centre in 2023. Get some friends together and drop us an email and we will be in touch.

Please email Perth College OGA at oga@pc.wa.edu.au

Perth College Old Girls Association celebrates a very special birthday next year

Since its inception, the OGA has made significant contributions towards many PC building and refurbishment projects.

The OGA has also proudly assisted daughters and granddaughters of Old Girls through bursaries and scholarships. In 1932 the OGA Sisters Memorial Bursary was established to support daughters and granddaughters of Old Girls to receive a PC education. The OGA’s Bessie and Emma Cotton Bursary has also assisted many girls who would otherwise not have been able to complete their PC education.

The Perth College Old Girls’ Association is proud to acknowledge PC’s 120th birthday in 2022. We congratulate our School on 120 years of nurturing young women to espouse the PC values of being capable, courageous and caring.

As PC Old Girls we are fortunate to be beneficiaries of the founding Sisters’ belief in girls’ education and in the potential of women to achieve great things.

Next year, we invite you to join us in celebrating 110 years of the PC OGA. The OGA was formed by the Sisters in 1913 with the aim of keeping Old Girls in touch with the school and each other, and this remains our primary objective.

We are planning a special launch event in early 2023 with a year of celebrations to follow.

In 2023 our inaugural Heritage Scholarship recipient, a daughter or granddaughter of a PC Old Girl not already attending PC, will commence at PC in Year 11.

The OGA is proud to engage with Old Girls of all ages to reconnect and support each other and the School. Please update your details on the PC website to ensure you are kept up to date with news and events Visit www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au, select the COMMUNITY tab at the top of the page and click on OGA & Stay up to date; and fill in the form with your best contact details. We look forward to celebrating our 110 year birthday with you in 2023.

Once a PC girl, always a PC girl.

Stephanie (Jennings) Fullarton (1979)

President of the Old Girls' Association

Vampire diaries

I finally ticked off a small, personal goal recently. I donated blood.

Like many, I hadn’t been able to as I lived in London in 1991, during the United Kingdom’s ‘mad cow disease’ outbreak.

The ban, introduced in 2000, meant anyone who’d lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996 wasn’t allowed to donate blood amid fears of spreading the disease.

But with the ban now overturned, it was easy to make an appointment and roll up my sleeve at the Lifeblood Donor Centre … and who doesn’t enjoy a cuppa and a TimTam? It felt great to give. Perhaps you can too now? Just a thought. Mignon (Henne) Stewart (1988)

The art of the possible … from Bassendean to the Big Apple

She's a New York-based creative director with more than 20 years experience in her field, from fashion and advertising, to publishing and design.

Over the years Deanne Cheuk has been commissioned by leading brands such as Apple, Chanel and The New York Times Magazine … but life for this 1991 Leaver began at a much simpler pace.

I grew up in Bassendean with the Swan River in our backyard, I was always outside - I think that’s part of why I ended up in the opposite living situation - apartment living in a big city. I got my fill of the outdoors when I was younger, though I do miss all the fruit trees and vegetables my dad used to grow. My childhood was full of travel all around the world, my parents instilled in us the joys of adventure and being surrounded by new sights and sounds. I am still driven by this.

So you then get to Perth College. What grade and what was that like?

I started in pre-school - I was at Perth College for 14 years! I was born at the end of the year so when I started at PC I was actually only two years old and I finished Year 12 when I was 16. I was never the new kid and instead I got to watch the new girls as they arrived each year. I think that gave me an advantage and also confidence. PC was so different back then - there were so few students in primary school that some of my grades were combined with other grades. Did you discover art at Perth College … or where did that seed of creativity come from?

My older sister Joanne, who also went to PC, inspired me with her drawings from when she was younger and my mum was always very encouraging. Also, my art teacher Mrs Wilson was particularly inspirational. She set me on the right path for my entire career. Art was the only class I really loved and felt connected to. It was Mrs Wilson who told me what graphic design was when I had no idea what I

wanted to pursue at university. I have always wanted to thank her.

I wanted to be an art teacher as my first choice but not enough people applied for it and the course was cancelled! My second choice was graphic design at Curtin University and that’s where I got my degree.

What was your first job out of university and what did it entail?

In my last year of uni I had an internship at a magazine in Perth called REVelation magazine and when I graduated they asked me to stay and be the art director so at 19 I had my first job with my degree but before then I had already had a few graphic design jobs in Perth during holidays and part time. Back then jobs were listed in The West Australian newspaper and I used to apply for everything and anything to see if anyone would hire me.

Why did you decide to leave Perth … and why New York?

Before I turned 26 I wanted to work in London while I could. I went over and stayed with friends and did various freelance graphic design jobs, never really feeling at home - it made me realise I wanted to start my business in Perth when I got back. Then one weekend I got cheap flights and flew to New York with a friend - as soon as I stepped out of the airport and breathed in the NY air and saw yellow cabs going past I just felt an intense feeling of being where I was meant to

be. I ended up staying for 12 days and four months later I moved to New York permanently. Of all the places I had travelled in the world it was the first city where I felt like I belonged. Did you have a job to go to … and how did you navigate the visa requirements?

No job! I had $5,000 in savings. I went during the dot-com boom so I literally had my pick of jobs - I got an advertising agency job within a few weeks (by this time I had an extensive portfolio from seven years of work experience) and through them I got a lawyer to get my visa and they were also the guarantors for my apartment. I remember being overwhelmed at one point at the beginning because I had no job, visa, apartment, credit, phone - and all of those things needed the other to happen but it all came together.

I was 26 in the year 2000. I landed in NYC on 4 July to fireworks! It was the greatest feeling.

You’re described in many ways … artist, graphic designer, illustrator, art director … in simple terms, what do you do?

All of those things! My day job is as an art director - this is my third year of working from home because of the pandemic. I wanted to be back in an office the first year but now so much time has passed and I love the luxury of working from home. Outside work hours, once the kids are in bed I freelance as an illustrator - I have an agent who handles those projects for me. Most recently I did two illustrations for a virtual reality story for The New York Times Magazine which ended up being reprinted in The Australian Magazine too.

"Art was the only class I really loved and felt connected to. It was Mrs Wilson who told me what graphic design was when I had no idea what I wanted to pursue at university. I have always wanted to thank her."

So 22 years later in the city that never sleeps … how has your career forged in that time?

Yes it’s been 22 very fast years! I started in magazines and have moved to fashion. I’m currently at the brand Kate Spade but for 10 years I also built the brand identity of the accessories brand Henri Bendel. I feel so fortunate to work at iconic storied brands with such rich histories and connections with their customers - I love my job!

You’re now very successful, what has been your greatest achievement?

When I was in Perth I published five issues of a magazine called mu, which

I am still very proud of, and when I moved to NY it turned into a micro zine called neomu, which was the world’s smallest magazine and the first of its kind. I published eight issues of that and all of the proceeds went to charities. Through both I met incredible artists and made great friendships. I think of those as great work achievements though it’s impossible to choose the greatest.

What would be your advice to anyone considering leaping to the USA now?

I think it’s important to find where you are meant to be in the world. I grew up always knowing I wanted to leave Perth and it wasn’t because of any one thing, for me it was an innate knowledge that I was meant to be somewhere else and it took me a while to find that place. I didn’t come to NY knowing I was going to move there until I really landed. … and on the family front?

I have a 16-year-old daughter Lake (who is cooler than I ever was) and I have identical twin toddlers who are almost three, Enzo and Rio. The juggle of work and two toddlers is not easy – thank goodness for day care and a very supportive husband. When I go to Perth, I visit my dad, one of my brothers, my cousins and friends. I hope I can come back and visit soon!

We hope you can visit too Deanne … and breathe in some fresh WA air. But wow, what an incredible career.

Congratulations! You’re doing PC proud.

Kate Milligan wins 2022 Schenberg Music Fellowship

We are so proud of Old Girl Kate Milligan (2013), who was awarded the 2022 Schenberg Music Fellowship. The Fellowship, overseen by the University of Western Australia’s Conservatorium of Music, is a prize for composition awarded to high-performing tertiary students at a recognised WA institution to allow them to undertake further study in composition interstate or overseas. This fellowship, as well as support from the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, is allowing Kate to complete a Master of Art the Royal College of Art, London, in interdisciplinary practice.

The Schenberg Art and Music Fellowships are prestigious awards made possible by a generous UWA philanthropic supporter medical doctor, art collector and accomplished jazz pianist the late Dr Harold Schenberg, who died in 2000.

Kate Milligan is a composer, conductor and researcher. Her works are experimental and evocative, drawing on influences from many disciplines. Kate’s most recent work, Lux Levis, was commissioned by the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) for violinist Josef Hanna (Victoria). She has also written for the Summers Night Project, Perth Orchestra Project, Decibel New Music Ensemble, and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (Young and Emerging Composition Project). Kate regularly conducts the Perth Symphony Orchestra (PSO), having been appointed as the inaugural Conducting Fellow in 2020-21.

Kate’s current course of study is Master of Art, Information Experience Design, at the Royal College of Art. This is an interdisciplinary design course with a heavy focus on

collaboration. Kate hopes to improve upon her digital audio literacy, as well as her skillset in graphic/animated scoring and sound installation.

Kate holds a MMus (musicology) and a BA (Hons) (composition) from the University of Western Australia. Her prior research on gender an aesthetics in new opera is published in TEMPO: A Quarterly Review of New Music, Cambridge University Press.

News about Kate has featured in Resonate Magazine, Seesaw Magazine and Limelight Magazine and her work has been aired on ABC Classic FM.

Minna (Mitchell) George (1962) dropped in to organise her 60-year Reunion and noticed a hat an Old Girl had donated. She saw it had her sister's name signed on the brim - Joy (Mitchell) Rogers (1955) (dec.). This was a touching moment for Minna who had not seen the hat before!

Kate, we're so proud and excited for you!

Flying Doctor has even wider horizons in view

If you’re a certain vintage, you’ll recall the 1980s television series The Flying Doctors. It was a show about gorgeous doctors flying around remote Australia to patch people back together.

Dr Jessica Martyn, 2007 Leaver, could have stepped straight off the set … she’s capable, kind and uber-smart. But Jess didn’t take the stock standard path, she chose the wild ride!

You’re a doctor with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. That must be a spectacular job. What do you like the most about it?

I really enjoy the unpredictability and the excitement. Sometimes you’ll fly off to an outback cattle station for a child who’s fallen off a motorbike or perhaps to a remote Aboriginal

community for an adult having a heart attack. Other days the on-call phone rings non-stop while we provide advice to remote South Australians and nurses or paramedics working in isolated small communities and mine sites spread out all over the State. No two shifts are the same.

I imagine some of the scenes you’re presented with are quite confronting. Can you share some of the tougher moments?

The most stressful part is managing the patient and their loved ones over the phone until we are on the ground. Trying to explain life-saving medical advice to those experiencing the worst day of their lives can be difficult. I remember one mother was able to look after her unconscious son who had a brain bleed for several hours until we arrived after he had a high-speed car accident. She saved his life with basic first aid. The remote area nurses and mine site paramedics do a spectacular job often with limited medical equipment.

It must be incredibly rewarding, to fly in and hopefully ‘save the day’ … or is that picture way too ‘Hollywood’?

Haha! People are always so incredibly grateful when we land –this makes you really proud to be wearing the RFDS uniform. Yes,

it’s definitely a boost to the ego to feel appreciated!

However this moment always marks when the real work begins for the flight nurse and doctor – we’ve often spent the flight planning how to manage the patient, drawing up medication, preparing and doublechecking equipment and, of course, making a game plan for the worstcase scenario should the patient deteriorate.

When you’re not flying through the outback, what are you doing?

I live in Port Augusta, a small town four hours north of Adelaide, where the northern end of the Spencer Gulf meets the Flinders Ranges and the outback. It’s a beautiful place but terribly short-staffed with doctors. I work at the local hospital in emergency and am currently doing anaesthetics training. I also run a small GP clinic.

Whenever I can escape from work, I spend the days hiking or camping in the Flinders Ranges with my girlfriend Annabel or we just relax at home with our two dogs and a very naughty pet magpie.

Your father was a rescue helicopter pilot. Did his exciting career influence you?

Definitely – I have fond memories of Dad coming home from work, not telling my brother or me how his day was and then watching the nightly news only to find he’d spent the day

subjects at the local high school and remember seeing a boy with blue hair fall out of a classroom window then the next day

I had the PC scholarship exam … at this nice-looking school with a fancy theatre, a pool and no one falling out of windows!

however my favourite day of school was the last day of Year 12. I couldn’t wait to leave!

You went to Townsville then the Northern Territory to study medicine … such a big move for a young person. Were you liberated or homesick?

Liberated, for sure. I was excited to leave Perth and explore a different corner of Australia.

For the last two years of the degree, I was based in the NT, mainly in Darwin and rural placements in Katherine and tiny Aboriginal communities. This was where my interest in Indigenous health began. After completing your six-year degree and then junior doctor years you chose to work for the Australian Defence Force. Why the Army … and where did that take you?

The Army sounded like a good place to get some experience in emergency medicine in remote locations and it seemed like it would be fun!

Some highlights were tactical evasive manoeuvres in an MRH-90 helicopter half hanging out the doors at low altitudes in the Whitsunday Islands, getting lost with no food and no comms on a random island in East Timor where no one spoke English and observing Anzac Day in Baghdad, Iraq.

What’s next in your career?

After finishing anaesthetics training next year, I plan to juggle RFDS, emergency and anaesthetics work for the next few years while finishing a Masters in critical care. Then, fingers crossed, I’ll be off to Antarctica for a year. The doctor there also functions as the nurse/ paramedic/pharmacist/psychologist and assistant wildlife statistician so this would be an incredible experience.

Any advice for a girl who might be reading this thinking ‘I want to do that, but I can’t.’

You can do anything you want. There’s so much pressure on adolescents to make their long-term plans by 15 or 16 years old. How is anyone supposed to know what they want to do for the next 40 or 50 years? It's just stupid.

On the personal front, are you happy?

I am – I have an incredible girlfriend, a close group of friends and a very satisfying career that’s already taken me all over the world.

We’re thrilled for you Jess and wish you all the best.

Blazing a trail: goal umpire Neve

Neve Worthy (2016) made her league debut as a WAFL and AFLW Goal Umpire in July! Neve, who is in her final year of law at the University of Western Australia, is one of five female goal umpires. There are roughly 40 goal umpires in total. Neve made her league debut in the Swan Districts v East Perth clash at Steel Blue Oval. The WANFL Umpires Association says Neve started her journey at the WAFL after being highly recommended by Rick Payne and quickly showed people why she was worthy of a spot at WAFL level. “With her humour and energetic attitude, Neve has quickly become a beloved member of the group,” the WANFL Umpires Association says.

“Neve's dedication, commitment, and coachability saw her vastly improve over the past few seasons and resulted in her umpiring the 2021 Colts Grand Final and she was named as the Talent Academy Goal Umpire of the year.

“This season Neve was selected to umpire at the 16s State Championships and has being appointed to the AFLW umpiring team for the 2022/2023 season all of which have contributed to her selection at league level this weekend.”

When we briefly touched base with Neve, she told us how much she is enjoying blazing a trail as one of 20 female umpires of the 200-strong umpiring cohort. As well as her legal studies and her goal umpiring duties, Neve is working at a community legal centre. Brilliant effort, Neve.

The Celestial Project raises awareness about homelessness

Eva Staude (2021) and Amelie Boulden (2021) with Izzy (Year 10) have been working on a not-for-profit venture to help the homeless. Eva says...

The Celestial Project will produce ethically and environmentally friendly non-profit streetwear with some of the proceeds going to homeless support service 55 Central in Maylands

Eva, Izzy and Amelie are pictured here with their hoodies designed to keep everybody warm this winter. They are on Instagram.

SWEET SIXTEEN

For this Myalla’s 'Sweet Sixteen' subject, we throw a little spotlight on

Bev (Gordon) Ireland (1960)

Nothing’s impossible, grasp your opportunities

1. Do you have a favourite memory of growing up?

My favourite childhood memory is growing up, until I was 13, in Bunbury, one block from the beach. There were children in every house and we all spent so much time at the beach. It was a very carefree and fun lifestyle.

2. What about your greatest adventure?

My husband was a ship's captain and I spent many holidays on ships with him, initially around England and Europe and, later, often with our children, around Australia. This particular ship was in the Lighthouse Service and the children and I would take a picnic lunch and visit many out-of-the way places. Once we watched baby turtles hatching and another time we sat on the rocks watching mother seals playing with their newborn pups in a cove. I might add getting to Eclipse Island was an adventure in itself as there was no beach landing - just sheer cliffs. We went down a rope ladder into a work boat and were then winched ashore in a basket put into the boat. We had many amazing experiences.

3. What is most important to you?

Family and friends are important to me. I still have many friends from PC days and also from Bunbury. We meet regularly.

4. Who do you most admire?

The living person who I admire the most is Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. She works tirelessly for so many causes with so little fuss.

5. How did you meet your husband Richard?

My marriage is important to me. I married Richard in 1963, having met him on a ship travelling between Fremantle and Singapore where he was third officer and I was a passenger. I became very independent as Richard was away for long periods of time but we share a love of theatre, travel and family. We lived in Richard's home town of Stratford-Upon- Avon for nearly three years before returning to Australia. Stratford, of course, is Shakespeare country and, in fact, my first job was as a guide at Shakespeare's birthplace before I began teaching. This was in 1964 and it was Shakespeare's quartercentenary so many exciting

things occurred, including Royal visits, a special dinner and, of course, the theatre.

6. Describe your perfect day. My perfect day would be seeing family, walking our cocker spaniel Leela and reading. I am fortunate that both of my sisters live reasonably close by so we see each other quite a bit.

7. What did you most enjoy about PC?

The best thing about Perth College was EVERYTHING. I loved school and particularly enjoyed the monthly Music Club concerts which I helped to organise. I was made a Senior Prefect, which was a great honour.

8. What influence did your parents have on you?

My parents were amazing. Dad was involved in the local Repertory Club mostly as a director and I loved sitting in the theatre watching rehearsals. I was fascinated by the art of staging, which served me in good stead later. Dad died when I was 16 but my mother, also a PC girl, was always there for us all our lives. She was quite incredible. 9. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I feel that my greatest achievement was producing a musical every year when teaching (my father's influence coming though!) The students really loved this and several went on to achieve more in music and drama. I might add that many of the costumes came from the PC Costume House.

10. What advice do you have about ageing well?

My advice for getting older is to keep active, both physically and mentally. This is so important.

11. Are you a morning or night time person?

I am definitely a morning person. When studying at school and university, I would get up at 5 am as, by about 8 or 9 pm, I was beyond taking anything in.

12. What is your least favourite thing?

The thing I dislike most is people who are pretentious.

13. Do you have any regrets about your career?

If I had my time again, I don't think I would do anything differently. I had originally thought of studying law but absolutely loved teaching so it was a great choice.

14. Can you pinpoint the happiest time of your life?

The happiest time of my life was, and always has been, NOW.

15. What would you like to change?

If I could wave a magic wand, I would remove poverty and hunger throughout the world.

16. What advice would you give your sweet 16-year-old self?

If I could speak to my sweet 16-year-old self I would say: "Grasp every opportunity and make the most of everything which comes your way. In our world, nothing is impossible if you really want it."

Bev is from a long line of capable, courageous and caring PC women. Her mother was Joan (Firth) Gordon (1934) and her sisters are Heather (Gordon) Ward (1957) and Kay Gordon (1968).

How Betsy’s troubled upbringing sparked Indigenous advocacy

Dr Betsy (House) Buchanan (1965) has a swathe of awards behind her, most for her tireless work with First Nations people.

But there's a fascinating backstory to those awards … a story that started with her troubled childhood as a farm girl and eventually led to a lifelong bond with the local Noongar people.

Perth College, too, played a huge role in helping shape this remarkable Old Girl.

a rich culture, they would talk to me and tell me their stories.”

She said her mother (who served as had Munchausen syndrome by proxy … a mental illness that manifests in a

symptoms or causes real symptoms

It’s heartbreaking to hear Betsy say,

Like many farmers in Gnowangerup at the time, the family relied on the

a Country Party member of Parliament and a celebrated war veteran.

She grew up on a farm in Gnowangerup with her parents, an older brother and two younger sisters.

But behind the farm gate things were bad.

labour … and that’s where Betsy’s childhood salvation came from.

“The Noongar women who lived across on the reserve used to come and be my nannies for about four years. I think they sort of saved me from the cruelty and abuse and rejection,” Betsy says matter-offactly.

"They would take me on long walks and get me out of the firing line. I developed a very deep, subconscious bond with them. And they have such

Betsy says she can still recall those stories vividly and believes that’s what sparked her love of literature.

She also recalls how unfairly the Noongar people were treated, being forced to live in crowded huts with no running water or electricity, and she’s haunted by memories of the children being forcibly removed from their families.

But at 12, Betsy’s life changed radically when she was sent to boarding school, a place she describes as “heaven”.

"Perth College helped me incredibly because it was away from my mother for a start and I also liked the structure. It helped me mentally and also the Sisters of the Church, I really admired them,” Betsy says.

"Sister Shirley encouraged me to take a path academically. Perth College was a tremendous help.” Sister Shirley’s nurturing paid off. Betsy studied law at the University of WA and then worked in the Crown Solicitor's Office but left to volunteer

as a legal and social welfare advocate for Aboriginal people.

Dr Buchanan and her late husband David established WA’s first Community Law Centre in 1976 and she committed herself to work as a volunteer as reparation to the Noongar people she’d grown up with.

She and David lived simply … with no holidays or cars, but Betsy maintains it wasn’t a sacrifice.

"If you think that I was suicidal and had no self-esteem, well then I think what they (the Noongar community) have given me is huge."

This Old Girl, who also has a degree in comparative literature, adds that PC and her favourite literature teacher Mrs Lynne remained strongly supportive of her work long after she'd left school.

"We were doing something with such marginalised people. We got a huge amount of flak, as you can imagine, but Perth College was always unfailingly supportive."

Since then Betsy has worked on cases involving housing evictions, the Handicapped Children's Allowance, the Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody and she prepared nearly 1,000 submissions to the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse.

Sadly, Betsy’s husband David passed away recently.

“I’m sure I would have taken my own life if I hadn’t met him,” she says.

“He was a social worker and had a very good grasp of what was wrong.”

For now, Betsy says she’ll continue to volunteer at the Daydawn Advocacy Centre offering legal and welfare assistance.

When I ask Betsy if she is proud, she ponders and says, "I don’t suppose so, I think my self-esteem is too damaged. I’m pleased if I can be of some use.”

I tell her she has been of tremendous “use” and I reel off just some of her accolades.

In 2017 Betsy was inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame and last year she was awarded the Order of Australia. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by a London University for her volunteer work with First Nations people and we’re also proud to note she was Old Girl of the Year in 1982, also for her charity efforts.

But there are three things that put a sparkle in Betsy’s eyes … receiving the distinguished Non-Indigenous Award from NAIDOC in 2000 and winning a case to allow the first Indigenous woman the right to a war veterans widow’s pension.

Her proudest moment though was when she was made an honorary Noongar two years ago.

"That's in incredible privilege that I am absolutely proud of because it was the people from Gnowangerup who organised it,” Betsy says. “I think it shows their incredible character. They couldn’t have done anything more beautiful than that."

Betsy, sincerely, we couldn’t be more proud of you. You are a truly remarkable woman.

Sharing wit and wisdom: Acacia Daken (2011)

Old Girl Acacia Daken (2011) who played Lauren in the Black Swan Theatre Company’s The Glass Menagerie met this year’s Perth College Drama Captains Sophie (Year 12) and Cara (Year 12) after a recent performance. Sophie and Cara were thrilled to take part in the post-performance Q&A session and to present Acacia with flowers!

Revisiting her former Perth College home

We were delighted to have Old Girl Jacqueline (Johnson) Todaro (1951) visit us in August at Perth College in our 120th year. Mrs Todaro, who lived with her family in a house across the road from the School (now our Community Development Office), started at Perth College in 1938, before her fifth birthday, and left in 1950 to work in what is now known as Landgate. We found Mrs Todaro's brick in the Chapel Quad and paid a visit to the Chapel.

Sisters’ emblem emerges in the East

Old Girl Evi (Wise) Ferrier (1960) reminded us again that the positive impact of the work of the Community of the Sisters of the Church was felt around the globe – including in Melbourne, where her grandson Asterix, (Year 6) attends St Michael’s Grammar in Chapel Street, St Kilda. Evi, an artist specialising in mosaic, says she was struck by the fact the St Michael’s School emblem was exactly the same as that of her school Perth College on the other side of the country and from decades earlier! The only difference is that St Michael’s which also started its life as a school for girls is the only one in Australia that is now coeducational.

The ordination of Reverend Joanna Colgan (1994)

Reverend Joanna, currently Perth College Assistant Chaplain, was ordained at St George's Cathedral on Sunday 10 July by Perth’s Archbishop, the Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, one of the first 10 women in Australia to be ordained an Anglican Priest 30 years ago. Congratulations Reverend Joanna!

Following In Their Footsteps

Following in their Footsteps assemblies celebrate the heritage and strength of the Perth College OldGirls’ Association (OGA) with current students. It’s an opportunity for the Perth College community to be inspired by those who have gone before them, and to forge stronger ties. Last year our guest speaker was Dr Betsy (House) Buchanan (1965). Betsy had recently been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community, particularly the Noongar community.

In 1982 she was Perth College Old Girl of the Year and, at the time, an article in the Myalla referred to her commitment to the poor and disadvantaged … work she continues today. Betsy is a tireless advocate for the Noongar people and sat down for a very honest interview with Mignon (Henne) Stewart (1988) that features in this issue's Boarders’ Bush Telegraph segment. Dr Buchanan is third from the left in the group photograph of the Old Girls taken on the day.

Old Girl returns as guest judge for The Voice House Arts Day

Old Girl Blues/Roots singer and composer Siobhan Cotchin (2017) continues the OGA tradition of encouraging current students. Siobhan returned to Perth College for House Arts Day in June as a performer and guest Voice judge. Siobhan, who was joined on the judging panel by Tyler Jones, Jane Artelaris and musical theatre star Elaina O’Connor, had just been nominated for the WAM Blues/Roots and Country Song of the Year for Highway Song

ELAINA O’CONNOR WITH SIOBHAN COTCHIN (2017), RIGHT.

Judith Tuckey awarded OAM in Queen's Birthday Honours

Perth College Old Girls offer our sincere congratulations to Judith (McCann) Tuckey (1947) on her OAM Award for Services to the Mandurah Community in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

We are thrilled for Judith and her PC community, which includes many proud Old Girls who take delight in their peers’ achievements and hard work. Judith received the award in recognition of her contributions in many sectors, from kindergarten to aged care, health and sport … also her long history of volunteering within her community over many years.

Her efforts were also recognised recently by the City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams at an award ceremony attended by Judith, her daughter Anthea (Tuckey) Richens (1973) and other Perth College Old Girls Jill (Langford) Green (1958) and Perth College Council member Dr Jane Scott (1975).

Judith reminisced about Mandurah when it was just a small village with a population of 2,000 in the early 1960s. Her sister Pamela (McCann) Whyte (1942) (dec.) also had two daughters who attended Perth College, Jennie Whyte (1969) and Susan Whyte (1972).

We are grateful for Judith’s loyalty to our School community via the Old Girls Association, which treasures your ongoing involvement. Perth College this year celebrates its 120th year and is proud to count Judith as one of the many remarkable women who have passed through the school gates and gone on to admirably demonstrate Capable, Courageous, Caring Perth College values.

Birthday visit from the east

We were delighted to welcome Old Girl and Bursary Scholarship recipient Karen (Pascoe) Howden (1976) back for a visit to show her around the school, through the Chapel and to see her name on the board at Myalla House. Karen was visiting Perth to celebrate the 80th birthday of her mother Eloise (Malloy) Wheatly (1955). It was a pleasure to welcome them to Myalla House, give them a tour and show them Karen’s name on the board. Karen was a recipient of the Old Girl and Bursary Scholarship in 1972. Neither of them had seen the board!

ANTHEA (TUCKEY) RICHENS, JILL (LANGFORD) GREEN (1958), JUDITH (MCCANN) TUCKEY (1947) AND DR JANE SCOTT (1975).

Robotham sisters feature in Perth College 120-year video

The Robotham sisters, Annetta Robotham (1962), Pauline (Robotham) Uhe (1965) and Felicity (Robotham) Bailey (1967) visited Perth College to share their memories on a video being made to celebrate 120 years of Perth College. The Robotham sisters and their children and nieces have also attended Perth College, strengthening the Perth College-

Robotham bond. A fourth sister, Carol, is deceased. Annetta has worn several Perth College hats. She’s been a Perth College employee, a Perth College Council member, a generous donor and plays an active role as an Old Girl, along with her sisters. Such is their contribution that the Robotham Room at Myalla House has been named after this terrific trio!

Grace Pirie (2015) makes the team

Netball Australia’s Marie Little Shield returns after a two-year corona virus induced hiatus with Perth College Old Girl Grace Pirie (2015) winning a spot on the Western Australian team.

Congratulations to Swan River Rowing Club and PC Old Girl Rebecca Bolster (2019)

PC Old Girl Rebecca Bolster (2019) (@beccy.bolster), representing WA via the Swan River Rowing Club, was in the Australian Under 21 Women’s Quad Scull (with Madeline Vagg, NSW, ACT, Tasmania), Livia Rosaia (Victoria) and Danica Free (Queensland), winning all their races in the three day Trans-Tasman Regatta in Canberra in mid-June against New Zealand. The Australians won the Rusty Robertson trophy, in memory of the late famed coach of Australian and New Zealand rowing Rusty Robertson, who died in 1990. Congratulations Beccy!

The Marie Little Shield netball competition gives female athletes with an intellectual disability the chance to represent their State. Netball Australia’s Adam Richardson described the Marie Little Shield as one of the “most joyful events in the Netball Australia competition calendar” because it reinforces that anyone, whatever their background or ability, is welcome and can reach their full potential. The 2022 event will be held in late October at Netball Central at Olympic Park in Sydney. Congratulations Grace on making the team! We wish you a wonderful tournament.

Home Away From Home goes home to Perth College

Congratulations to Jenny Do (2021) who has had her threepart Home Away From Home artwork selected as the Principal’s Acquisition to join the Perth College Art collection. Jenny’s Home Away From Home was selected for Pulse Perspectives, a prestigious exhibition of WA’s talented young artists that was open for several months before closing on 24 July. The work captures a childhood experience of feeling abandoned by hardworking migrant parents who sacrificed time with their children for time at the jobs necessary to give their children a better life.

A portrait of justice

Melissa Clements (2016) has been commissioned by the Supreme Court of WA to paint the official portrait of the Honourable Chief Justice Peter Quinlan (above). Her work as a portrait artist echoes the traditional work of old masters, merging conventional methods with contemporary techniques to discuss modern narratives. Melissa has been a semi-finalist in the Lester Prize three times and hosted her first solo exhibition We Prepare a Face in 2020.

In 2018 Melissa completed an art residency at the New York Academy of Art and has attended summer school programs at the National Art School in Sydney. She is currently completing Honours research in Art History at the UWA. Melissa says painting the official portrait of Chief Justice Quinlan “is going to be the priority of my studio practice ... and I am really looking forward to getting behind the canvas and bringing this vision to life. I have so much gratitude to the Supreme Court and the Honourable Chief Justice for entrusting me with this responsibility … being given a job of this magnitude at this stage in my career is enormous. A huge thank you as well to the team at @thelesterprize for making this happen. I can’t wait to share the final outcome with you all.”

Junior School Drawing Competition for OGA 110 Year celebrations

Old Girls Association President Stephanie (Jennings) Fullarton (1979) attended the Junior School Assembly to farewell former Perth College Vice Principal Lynda Giglia at the end of Term Two. Stephanie was there to talk to the Junior School students about the Old Girls Association and its 110-year anniversary next year. The OGA held a drawing competition for Junior School students and the winners received their acknowledgement from Stephanie at that assembly. Those artworks will remain under wraps until next year!

Bringing characters to life in pictures

The drawings of Anne Barnetson (2002), an illustrator and bookseller, offered a window in the Claremont serial killer trial. Anne spent time in WA’s Supreme Court sketching characters central to the case.

She spoke to The West Australian’s Simon Collins about the work she did and the challenges and rewards. An excerpt from the piece, published on 31 March 2022, says: Geraldton born and raised, the illustrator and bookshop staffer was employed as a sketch artist during the Claremont serial killer trial. While it was “pretty cool” to see her quick portraits of Bradley Robert Edwards splashed on the front page of The West Australian, Ms Barnetson found the experience “intense”.

She also told reporter Simon Collins that when she entered a large drawing into the Year 12 Perspectives exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA in 2002, she had no idea she would be putting those skills to use in the courtroom less than 20 years later. She expressed unstinting gratitude to her Perth College Art teacher Janet Hummerston who, she says, has provided long-term inspiration.

Anne does portraits, still-life painting, comics as well as some lettering and signwriting. She was a finalist in the 2006 Moran Portrait Prize, and her work regularly features in the news, including on Network Ten and in The West Australian newspaper.

She lists her interests as reading, single malt scotch and true crime. But her dream is still to win the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize.

Sustainable fashion

It’s true that not every Perth College Old Girl finds only happy memories of their school days. One old girl, Louise Boase (2019) , candidly reflects that she had a rough trot, particularly in her last year of school. She says, despite feeling there was a distinct possibility that she might face the prospect of expulsion, after a conversion with Principal Helen Aguiar and other “very patient” Perth College teaching staff, she was able to finish her exams and graduate.

However, things turned around for Louise. She went to university, got to study fashion, and earlier this year she became a semi-finalist in the Redress Design Award, the largest sustainable fashion competition in the world.

In the end, she did not make the final nine, but was excited about being in the race to potentially become a finalist, as finalists were able to create their collections and showcase them to industry specialists in Hong Kong.

Delightful double baptism

After 18 months of delays, we were thrilled to have Old Girl Samantha (Hands) Gray (2004) have not one, but two of her children baptised the Perth College Chapel.

Our Perth College Chaplain Reverend Linda Pilton baptised Harry Michael Gray and Elliot Jack Gray on 1 May 2022. “The service was beautiful, we got to sing old school hymns and, after completing our family with no girls to attend Perth College, we decided it was important to pay homage to PC by having our sons baptised here,” Samantha says.

Births

Meghan (Pepper) Franzinelli (2006) and husband Alex welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Mila Mary Franzinelli (3.2kg), on 31 March.

Linda (Meyers) Hyland (1968) welcomed her fifth grandchild into the world in May, beautiful baby Arthur. Congratulations!

18 Month Reunion

The 2020 Leavers had their 18-month Reunion at Si Paradiso on Thursday 11 August to celebrate and catch up with each other. “Thanks for the share platters, kindly provided by the OGA! It was really lovely and so nice to see everyone, it really meant a lot to us thanks for organising!!” Emma Maughan, Head Girl 2020.

5 Year Reunion

On Friday 8 April the 2017 Leavers descended on Si Paradiso in Highgate to celebrate their Five-Year Reunion. The 2017 Leavers and a few of their teachers enjoyed pizza and drinks, with the rain unable to dampen the excitement! Leavers from a range of high school friendship groups mingled, discussed careers and celebrated each other’s achievements. The night was a resounding success and the 2017 Leavers extend their thanks to the OGA for organising the event.

Over 90s Birthday Club

Happy Birthday to our Old Girls who are celebrating a 90+ birthday between April and August 2022

Patricia (Rodgers) Nottle 1924

June (Carey) McDowell 1924

Pamela (Mawby) Hesling 1924

Tedye (Elkington) McDiven 1925

Vivienne (Johnston) Jackson 1925 Dorothy (Hardwick) Martin 1925

June (Illingworth) Outhwaite 1926 Dawn (Dobson) Pilgrim 1926

Barbara (Sinclair) Wheeler 1926 Dawn (Oldfield) Woolley 1926 Mary (Sherlock) Wilding 1926

Joan (Hull) Wroth 1927

June (Richards) McCallum 1927 Mary (Maund) Hunter 1927

Olive (Hardie) Liddelow 1927

Beryl Kay 1927

Miriam (Latham) Smith 1927 Rae (Anderson) Anderson 1927

Natalie (Skinner) Harvey 1928 Beverley (Belton) van der Moezel 1928

Judith Fox 1928 Shirley (Lloyd-Jones) Withers 1928 Valma (Burges) McCreery 1928

Mulvie (Budge) Corke 1929

Laurel (Davies) March 1929 Patricia (Stoneman) Gunzburg 1929 Ann (de Burgh) Riches 1929

Alison (Rollings) Walker 1929

Donalda (Campbell) Spencer 1930 Gladys (Williams) Parsons 1930 Joan (Gooch) Gooch 1930

Geraldine (Jarrott) Milner 1930

Norma (Stiles) Crossing 1930 Shirley (Weaver) Hamblin 1930

Pamela (Maxwell) Beasley 1931

Elizabeth (Coleman-Doscas) Frith 1931 Jill (Richardson) James 1931 Lyn (Cornish) Purser 1931 Catherine Minchin 1931

June (Oliver) Weir 1931

Judith (Inkpen) Ainge 1931

Suzanne (Edgar) Crabbe 1931

Margaret (Dempster) Sedgwick 1932 Audrey (Craike) Dowland 1932

June (Pickells) Creighton 1932

Judith (Everard) Wynne 1932

Norma (Doust) Lodge 1932

Over 100s Birthday Club

A special CONGRATULATIONS to our Old Girls who turned 100 or more between May and August 2022

Sheila (Wilding) Curlewis 1920 Bobbie (Flight-Smith) Hardie 1921 Pat (Lackman) Baunton 1922 Joan (Harrison) van Oosteron 1922 Joan (Pocklington) Howard 1922

Fondly Remembering

Marie (Briggs) Cook (1967)

It was with much sadness that we heard that Marie passed away on 22 May. Marie was a generous donor to Perth College. A beautiful service was held for her and she will be greatly missed.

Jean Burgess (1935)

Jean Burgess, born in 1925, godmother to Diana Burgess (1964) passed away on 10 August, aged 97. The family have a strong connection to Perth College as Diana’s mother Faye (Miller) Heath (1944) (dec.) and Diana’s sister Pamela (Heath) Gibson (1966) also attended PC and have many fond memories. Jean was a beautiful quiet Christian, no doubt a product of the Sisters of the Church and their far-reaching teaching.

Betty Margaret (Rohrs) McCart (1945)

Betty was a Barron House Prefect and was a much-loved Old Girl at Perth College. She was married in the chapel and was a generous donor. Betty’s cousin Elsie Thompson (1940) (dec.) also attended Perth College.

Valerie (McIntosh) Caterer (1954)

Valerie died in May. She was a proud Perth College Girl and will be sadly missed by her family and loving husband Mal. RIP.

Joanne Muir (1982)

Joanne, who was a Barron House day student at Perth College, will be sadly missed by family and her sister Adrienne Muir (1986).

Sally Richardson (1979)

Sally was a much-loved boarder and active Old Girl at Perth College. Her laugh, stories and way of connecting people will be deeply missed. Sympathies to Paul and her loving family.

Aroha (Knowles) Roberts (1958)

Aroha was a Bedford House day student and a much-loved member of the OGA. She was a loving mother and beloved grandmother. She had a beautiful life well lived and she will be missed by many. In our hearts forever.

Professor Don Watts Michelle (Yeomans) Watts (1952) lost her loving husband, Curtin University Professor Don Watts, in May this year. Don had a research background in chemistry and a keen interest in university governance. He became the second Director of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), as Curtin was formerly known, in 1980. Michelle has a sister, Glenys (Yeomans) Sargeant (1961) also a

Do you know a 'lost' Old Girl?

If you know someone who has lost touch with the Old Girls’ Association or has changed their contact details, please encourage them to get in touch with the OGA via oga@pc.wa.edu.au or call 9471 2163 as we would love to reconnect with them.

The OGA is on Instagram

The Perth College Old Girls’ Association is now on Instagram! Why not follow us at perthcollegeoga and keep up to date with events and news, share photos and articles and submit information or updates.

Myalla is now available digitally Perth College Foundation

Myalla is now available to be received electronically via email. Those without an email, or who prefer to receive their magazine in the post, can still receive a printed edition. Manage how you would like to receive your Myalla magazine at www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au/community/ old-girls-association

The Perth College Foundation conducts appeals throughout the year to raise much-needed funds for facilities, programs and scholarships. Your support is warmly welcomed to help us facilitate ongoing delivery of a world-class educational experience at Perth College.

If you would like to make a donation of any kind, please visit the Perth College website at www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au Alternatively, contact Alumni and Foundation Co-ordinator, Caroline Risah, on 9471 2163 or email foundation@pc.wa.edu.au.

Thank you for your generous donations

We sincerely thank those that have supported the Perth College Old Girls’ Association through significant and generous donations. All contributions large or small are greatly appreciated.