ELC

News of Old Collegians

Candace Middleditch (Buller, 2005) welcomed a second son, John Desmond, on 6 April, younger brother to Stuart.

Morgan Mansell’s (2010) autobiography entitled Don’t MS With Me is now available. Morgan tragically passed away a few years ago and her book, published this year, is an inspiring recount of her journey with Multiple Sclerosis. The Mansell family is donating all proceeds from sales towards medical research into MS and has so far raised over $5,000. To purchase a copy visit Don’t MS With Me or search for ‘Morgan Mansell Don’t MS With Me’ on Amazon.

Priscilla (Sil) Ruddle (School Captain, 1993) was married to Neil Sim at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Burwood, on 22 October 2022. Attendants included her sister, Rachel (1991), and John Altmann (whose wife, Cathy, is a PLC teacher) was the best man.

Sil graduated with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Swinburne University in 1999, with her final years of study completed through ANU. She moved to Canberra in 1997 to train with the Australian Women’s Volleyball Team and captained the Australian Women’s Volleyball Team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2002 World Championships in Leipzig. During her time with the Australian Volleyball Team, Sil played 274 games for Australia.

From 2003 to 2011, Sil worked for the local water authority in Canberra, including time as Field Services Manager. She took leave from work in 2009 to study at the Sydney Missionary & Bible College (SMBC) and completed a Graduate Diploma in Divinity. In November 2010, she was accepted for service in Benin, West Africa, with a Christian mission organisation called SIM. From 2011, Sil studied French in Paris before moving to Parakou, the third largest city in Benin, to help co-ordinate church development and aid projects. She continues to work alongside local partners and churches to help plan and evaluate programs that rely on international funding. Key projects include Bible translation, radio evangelism and support for people living with HIV. Sil also serves on the SIM Benin Togo leadership team. She recently completed a Master of International and Community Development degree through Deakin University.

Music & Entertainment

Stephanie Scott (2008), Katherine Gekas (2006), Gabriella Pereira (2012) and Jennifer Mak (2010) competed for the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band at the Australian Pipe Band Championships in Sydney. Stephanie and Katherine played in the championship, winning Grade 3 band, and Gabriella and Jennifer competed in Grade 4B, winning the medley element and placing 4th overall. All started their piping and drumming careers as members of the PLC Pipes and Drums.

Liza Lim (1983) was a finalist in the music category of the $60,000 Melbourne Prize, one of the most valuable arts awards in Australia. Liza went on to win the $2,000 Civic Choice Award which she has since generously donated to PLC to create two new student awards recognising music composition and performance.

Liza was very grateful to the College community who helped support her nomination. ‘I feel chuffed and incredibly honoured to have won the Melbourne Prize Trust’s Civic Award. It means a lot to have one’s work recognised, especially in one’s own hometown and even more, to have been supported by the community through a public vote. Thanks everyone for voting!’

Liza has travelled extensively, but reflected that Melbourne was where she can most attest to the development of her career as an artist. ‘There’s no more formative part of my journey to becoming a composer than the encouragement and support I had at PLC. The school continues to be an amazing place for music and I’d like to use my award to give future students a boost in their creative composing journey.’ A

B

C

D

A. Morgan Mansell’s (2010) autobiography Don’t MS With Me. B. Priscilla (Sil) Ruddle (1993) and Neil Sim. C. Stephanie Scott (2008), Katherine Gekas (2006), Gabriella Pereira (2012) and Jennifer Mak (2010). D. Liza Lim (1983). Photo credit: Maria Sturm. The PLC Community was saddened to learn of the passing of the following Old Collegians.

Elisabeth McConnan (Robin) Sadler OAM (Say, 1949) was born in 1993 in Benalla and began her time at PLC as a Year 10 student in 1947. She was active in sport and music and brought an adventurous spirit and keen intellect to her schooling, gaining her Matriculation Certificate at the age of 16. Robin won the respect of peers and staff and was appointed a School Prefect, a role which foreshadowed a principled life of service to others. Her commitment over decades to many community organisations in Benalla was acknowledged in 2015 with an Order of Australia medal.

During her time at PLC, Robin relished the camaraderie of fellow students and forged precious friendships. From her first meeting with Margaret McArthur (Leslie, 1950) to whom she gave the nickname, ‘Is’, a rapport was struck. Margaret was later to be her bridesmaid, and they continued to share a deep and lifelong friendship.

Robin’s father and paternal grandfather were pharmacists, while her maternal grandfather was Benalla’s Presbyterian Minister, Rev. Alexander McConnan. Robin’s older sister, Isabel, was also a student at PLC, as was their mother, Elsie Say (née McConnan). Robin was an active member of the Old Collegians North East Victoria Group and thoroughly enjoyed the meetings and connections it fostered. Earlier this year she attended the 60th anniversary of the Benalla Group and gave a brief account of its history, including that her mother was one of its founders.

Robin chose nursing as her first profession and graduated from the Melbourne School of Nursing in 1954. She did not practice for long as in 1955 she married Frank Sadler, and together they set up home on a farm in the district of Swanpool. She applied herself to all aspects of sheep farming with zeal, while raising four children and being an active volunteer in community groups.

Robin had a genuine interest in people and enjoyed the social aspect of all the groups in which she took part. Alongside involvement with the Agricultural and Pastoral Society and Yooralla Auxiliary, she was a member of the Swanpool CWA for 67 years, holding an executive position for nearly 60 years. Robin’s leadership skills were also exercised in the Girl Guides movement. She began her association with the organisation as a young member, then became a leader, and afterwards spent 16 years in administrative roles at local, regional and state levels. Robin’s last role was Victorian State Lone Guides Advisor. When this position finished, she had time to dedicate to her passion for history.

A member of the Benalla Historical Society for more than 40 years, Robin worked enthusiastically to champion local history as well as develop the Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum. She was a dynamic advocate with an exceptional knowledge of local history which she shared generously. An excellent public speaker, Robin gave tours and history talks to visiting and local groups. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the costume component of the museum and worked avidly to care for and exhibit its collection. She held the role of president of the museum for seven years, and during this time the museum achieved state industry awards in 2009 and 2011.

Robin’s work was enabled by boundless energy, astute intelligence, good humour and great benevolence. She had a strong and loving marriage and cherished her family and broad network of friends and colleagues. She had a steadfast connection to her community and yet her reach extended far beyond. Her geniality and wisdom touched the lives of many, and she will be greatly missed.

Robin is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Provided by the Sadler families.

Elaine Corr (Don 1961) passed away on 7 September 2021. She is dearly missed by her family and friends. Eleanor Lowe (McConnachie, 1949) passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022. She was a proud Old Collegian and this was mentioned in her eulogy.

Provided by Eleanor’s daughter, Robin.

Cynthia (Kim) Green (MonsellButler, 1956) died peacefully on July 6, 2022.

Kim was born 13 November 1939 and commenced at PLC in the mid-1940s. She matriculated in 1957. Afterwards, Kim studied physiotherapy and commenced her career at the Caulfield and Alfred Hospitals. Kim left the Alfred Hospital to travel overseas and eventually focused on aged care, working at Nazareth House, Broadmead and Inala. Kim is survived by her daughters, Jane Carter (1983), Lizzie Allen (Year 10, 1987) and Sarah Ridley (Year 6, 1985) and son, David.

Provided by her daughter, Jane Carter.

Lexie Luly (1940), a beloved PLC art teacher who inspired generations of PLC students, died peacefully on 17 November 2022, aged 98. Her life was spent in the communication of art and culture and the joy of travelling. A full obituary will appear in the next edition of PLC in Print. Please contact yarragar@activ8.net.au or 0427 396 211 with any enquiries.

Dorothy Alison Clayfield (Gibb, 1944) passed away on 22 November 2022, aged 95.