Alumni achievements

FROM NEAR AND FAR

Congratulations to the following alumni who have been recognised for their accomplishments across many and varied fields. Amanda Lohrey (class of 1963) has won the $80,000 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for her novel, The Labyrinth – compounding a banner year in which she also won the $60,000 Miles Franklin Literary Award. In bestowing the award, the judges praised Amanda as ‘a writer of uncompromising artistic purpose who is never content for the novel to be mere entertainment’. The Labyrinth tells the story of a woman who retreats to a quiet hamlet near where her son has been incarcerated and obsesses over creating a labyrinth by the ocean. The novel has been described as ‘a beautifully written reflection on the conflicts between parents and children, men and women, and the value and purpose of creative work’.

Sophie Muller (class of 1991) was presented with a Tasplan International Women’s Day Award for Excellence for her ‘inspirational leadership in Tasmanian State Service’ with the COVID-19 Coordination Centre. The annual awards recognise the significant contributions of women across state and local government and the community services industry. Shewit Belay (class of 2014) is in the cast of the 2021 production of Hamilton. The musical’s Melbourne season opened on 15 March. Read more about Shewit on page 20.

Kate Choraziak (class of 2015) performed in Hamley Productions' Hobart show, 'A Midsummer's Much Ado about Kings, Queens and Jokers'. Kate studied an Advanced Diploma of Acting at Sydney Theatre School in 2017. Now based in Hobart, she works as a tutor for React Drama School, sharing her passion for the stage with young budding actors. Kate has worked with a number of local theatre companies in recent years. She has also appeared in a number of television commercials and featured as an extra in various local films. You may also recognise Kate from her performance in the St Mary's College production of 'House on Fire' back in 2014.

Therese Wahl (class of 2000) was recognised as a winner of the Yamaha Music Australia Breakout Award. After graduating from the Conservatorium of Music, Therese has worked as a piano teacher for the past 20 years both in her home studio and at Launceston Church Grammar School, dedicated to passing on the gift of music to students of all ages. As one of 10 winners nationwide, Therese travelled to Yamaha Headquarters in Melbourne in January 2022 for two days of professional development. Molly Payne nee Gerke (class of 2012) was appointed as Justice Contact member for the Tasmanian Presentation Congregation. Her role is to represent the Sisters on the Presentation Society Justice Contact group, which is also a member of the International Presentation Association’s Action for Justice. There are several subgroups and Molly belongs to the ‘Towards the IPA Assembly 2022: Women and Children Working Group’. Members represent Australia, Dubuque (USA), Staten Island (USA), Papua New Guinea, Zambia/Zimbabwe, and the Philippines. A strong history for advocating for the rights of women and children has led to Molly pursuing a pathway that has brought her rich and rewarding experiences, from teaching in rural Vanuatu and representing the Institute of Public Affairs at the United Nations to carrying out the roles of founder and president of an NGO focusing on education and capacity building in the South Pacific. Molly has also worked with Wesley LifeForce Networks’ suicide prevention services and Colony 47 as a Homeless Youth Coach. Her enduring passion for community development, advocacy and mental health has seen Molly, in recent years, journey from Tasmania to Vanuatu to New York and back again to facilitate community-led programs for education, health, business and women’s capacity building.

Lily Ward (class of 2018) took to the stage at Canberra’s Albert Hall to perform in Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) Pocket Opera, hosted by National Opera in June 2021. Lily is a soprano currently completing a double degree in music and politics, philosophy and economics at the Australian National University.

Chloe Bowden (class of 2019) officially joined the ranks of Tasmania Police as a first-year Constable in 2021. Chloe is stationed at the Launceston Police Academy, where she is putting her training into action, serving and protecting the Launceston community. A proud palawa woman, Chloe’s police badge displays the Aboriginal flag to help the general public identify her as a member of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

Kate Oliver and Sophie Robinson (class of 2020) represented the Tasmanian University Boat Club at the 2021 Australian Rowing Championships, which were held at Lake Barrington from 22-28 March 2021.

Georgina Taskunas (class of 2011) choreographed the St Mary’s College production of Matilda, The Musical, which was performed from 25-27 February 2021.