The Women's College Magazine Spring 2015

1

SPRING 2015 VOLUME 31 # 2

2 SPRING 2015 VOLUME 31 # 2

CONTENTS SPRING 2015 VOLUME 31 # 2 3

NEW SIBYL CENTRE & LANGLEY PRECINCT

4

ARCHITECT MICHAEL BANNEY

5

COUNCIL LAUNCHES LANGLEY PRECINCT

6

SECONDED COUNCIL MEMBERS

7

FROM THE SENIOR STUDENT Ms Gabrielle Royle

LONDON INTERNSHIP

8

LEADERSHIP SEMINARS

WESTPAC ALLIANCE

9

NEW STAFF MEMBER

... coming together to share experiences (Rebecca Holdt 2014)

FACULTY BRIEFINGS

10

FORMAL DINNER SERIES

... a place for the next generation of female leaders (Alisha King 2013)

12

ARTICLE: DR TAMSON PIETSCH

... an encouraging environment in which to live (Gabrielle Royle 2015)

13

ARTICLE: DR AMANDA BELL

Read more page 5

14

EVENTS COLLAGE

16

POSTGRADUATE FEATURE

17

ALUMNA MARY MYERSCOUGH

WISTERIA LUNCH

18

ALUMNAE PRESIDENT AND COMMITTEE

19

COLLEGE HONOURS

Chair of Council, Camille Blackburn, launches the new Langley Precinct Development…

LAW COLLOQUIUM

Read more page 5

Three Senior Students share their excitement about the new Sibyl Centre and Langley Precinct:

20 VALE 21

REVIEW: SIBYL VOLUME 3

22 WWI GRANDFATHERS

FATHER DAUGHTER DINNER

23 DONORS

ISSN: 2204-1036 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

EDITOR: Dr Tiffany Donnelly PHOTOGRAPHY: Scott Cameron, Amy Moran, Stills Gallery, staff, students, friends and alumnae of the College PRINTING & DESIGN: One Creative FRONT COVER: Senior Students Rebecca Holdt (2014), Alisha King (2013) and Gabrielle Royle (2015) VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

3

INTRODUCING THE NEW SIBYL CENTRE AND LANGLEY PRECINCT Women’s College recently received approval from the City of Sydney Council for its Development Application for the first major new building project at the College since the Langley building was constructed in the late 1960s.

Over the past two and a half years m3architecture, in collaboration with a host of specialist consultants and contractors, have been working to develop and refine the Campus Improvement Plan component for the Langley Precinct.

The project involves construction of a new purpose-built research centre, complete refurbishment of the Langley Building with the addition of a garden wall encircling the precinct, and a new staff residence along the back boundary.

THE SIBYL CENTRE The Langley Precinct Project enhances the College’s strong intellectual and professional reputation through the addition of a research centre situated on Western Avenue. This new building, The Sibyl Centre, will complement the northern precinct of the College campus by creating a beautiful, contemporary structure to balance the historic Main Building and create a striking new architectural gateway to the University grounds.

The Sybil Centre provides dynamic new social and learning spaces suitable for modern student life, including music practice rooms, tutorial spaces, a state-of-the-art library and conference space, art and architecture work areas and a rooftop terrace.

Three distinctive gardens will be created between the wings of the Langley Building, with an encircling garden wall improving perimeter security and liberating the gardens for the aesthetic and social enjoyment of students.

KEEPING PACE Custodians of the College over its more than 120-year history have worked hard to maintain its physical fabric, however the Langley wing is in need of significant refurbishment to ensure that the College keeps pace with the increasingly competitive tertiary accommodation market, and differentiates itself as a contemporary residential learning hub for women of the University of Sydney.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

THE ‘TOGETHER’ CAMPAIGN The Women’s College Council recently endorsed the landmark development with plans to break ground at the end of the 2016 academic year, depending upon the College achieving its funding targets. Women’s College Principal Dr Amanda Bell, whose collaboration with chief architect for the project Michael Banney has seen the project through from conception to realisation, says she is thrilled with the success of the planned development: “This project will not only enhance the students’ facilities and their experience of College life in the future, it will add immeasurably to the architectural aesthetic of the University. I look forward to actively engaging our alumnae and friends in supporting our fundraising pledge program ‘Together’ to achieve the new building emerging as we celebrate the College’s 125th birthday in 2017.”

T H E PA C E O F C H A N G E : D E V E L O P M E N T AT W O M E N ’ S COLLEGE SINCE 1894 1894 Main Building constructed 1919 Maples Building acquired 1924 Louisa Macdonald Dining Hall added 1936 Williams Wing constructed 1958 Reid Wing constructed 1969 Langley Wing and Menzies Common Room

constructed, Dining Hall extended 1996 Additions to Reid Wing,

including Vere Hole Research Centre 2000 Restorations to Main Building 2016 Anticipated start of the Langley Precinct Development

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

4

LANGLEY PRECINCT ARCHITECT MICHAEL BANNEY I N C O N V E R S AT I O N Architect Michael Banney, whose design for the Sibyl Centre and Langley Precinct appear on the preceding page, has a clearly defined vision and philosophy for creating the built environment.

And it’s a vision that has been well rewarded. Michael’s firm m3architecture has been included in the Venice Biennale three times, as well as winning the Sir Zelman Cowan Award, given by the Institute of Architects for excellence in Public Buildings, the Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage, the National Award for Small Projects, and the President’s Award for Mentoring Young Architects. Michael and his colleagues have completed their Masters degree at RMIT and are currently working on their PhD. In this interview Michael reveals something of his creative process, his previous experience working with Women’s College Principal Dr Amanda Bell (as architect and client, the two have built over $30 million of award-winning buildings), and the pleasures and challenges of working with an existing site plan such as the Langley Precinct.

What inspired the design of the Langley Precinct?

The master-planning idea of encircling Langley came about by being deferential to the existing architecture and looking beyond the Women’s College footprint. Langley’s architects deferred to a bigger system, setting its axes to the grid of the street and adjacent buildings, and made something that sat quite carefully into its surroundings. When we realised the value of what was already there we weren’t so perplexed about what to do with Langley. The confluence of pragmatism—the desire to open the building up to the gardens—and the serendipitous nature of turning a circle about the centre of Langley that coincides precisely with the end of the Reid wing was like a perfect piece of geometry, almost like the original architects of Langley set it up this way. It’s a matter of unearthing what is already latent in a building, and seeing what it can yield back to its inhabitants.

And the design for the Sibyl Centre?

One of the things I was really taken by when I was introduced to the College was the idea of scholarship as the main agenda, and I wanted the Sibyl Centre to be a demonstrable building that puts this concept right out there on the street (Western Avenue). Early on in the design process I became quite taken by the photograph of the Mask1 performers, and it occurred to me that we could join it up in a perfect circle around the upper floor of the Sibyl Centre, enveloping its library in a sunshade that also says something about the history of Women’s College in architectural language. A perforated screen carries the image of the performers against the canopy of trees, putting the history in a contemporary context if you like, and gesturing to the future of the College, just as the play did.

1

The Mask was a theatrical production commissioned by the College’s first principal, Louisa Macdonald, to celebrate the College’s coming of age in 1913.

The Sibyl is its main character.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

In what ways does the Langley Precinct Plan redress the shortcomings of the current site?

At the moment the public are able to traverse the site, necessitating that all of the doors of Langley are alarmed, so the hope is that once the colonnade and buildings encircle Langley the gardens will be secure and a genuine sense of relief felt to the interiors of Langley. There will be an amphitheatre for events in the Sibyl courtyard, fragments of sculpture in the Main garden, and the Home garden adjacent to the new senior staff residence will be like the back yard of the College, with clothes lines and recreational space. At the moment the gardens are rather unoccupied and ill-defined, and encircling the building in this way will bring greater definition and usage.

What are the benefits of repurposing old buildings?

I think there’s something very important about caring for what you already have as your first commitment. Most buildings have a use-by date beyond which it becomes inefficient to maintain them but there’s something very satisfying about buildings like Langley which have been looked upon as simple utilities for so long and working out how we could do things to make Langley feel quantumly better. Once this project is complete, we hope the Langley Precinct will feel like a singular entity with three triangular courtyards carved from the whole. It’s a different way of looking at the building philosophically and in terms of land use.

As much as there’s a huge thrill in designing new buildings, I think there’s almost as great a thrill in converting people’s perception of pre-existing buildings.

How would you describe your working relationship with the Principal [Dr Amanda Bell]?

Amanda has a way of bringing her own intellectual position to the table using language to impart a vision of things—cultural, pedagogical. She is able to tell the story in a way that I can hold it in an architectural sense, and in many ways this is a powerful pairing. It’s a pretty rare thing in my experience to find a client who starts out in that way and maintains the line for the duration of a project. The conversations become more layered and detailed and tactical, and the architectural scheme develops as part of this conversation. For me it’s a matter of listening intently. A lot of people start with an idea about a building. When I work with Amanda we start with a story and let the building unfold gradually. That’s how you end up with really original and successful outcomes.

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

5

COUNCI L L AUNCHES NE W LANGLEY PRECINCT VISION May Special Council Meeting on the Langley Precinct Development (right to left): Lucinda Warren, Deputy Chair, Camille Blackburn, Chair, Dr Amanda Bell, Principal, Michael Banney, architect, and Nick Yates, seconded member, Building and Development Committee

This year the Council’s focus has been on advancing the detailed planning to underpin the first phase of development in the College’s Campus Improvement Plan—The Langley Precinct Project. Now with Development Approval, the Langley Precinct Project is a major undertaking for the College and considerable work is being achieved in the areas of governance, risk management, financial sustainability and philanthropic goals. The College has also been working closely with the University of Sydney to strengthen our relationships and mutual commitment to enhancing the campus infrastructure specifically for the benefit of students.

The realisation of this exciting building development began in 2013 and has culminated in Council agreeing to proceed with the Project at the last Council meeting. Three Senior Students have been involved every step of the way by virtue of their ex-officio position on the College Council: Alisha King (2013), Rebecca Holdt (2014) and Gabrielle Royle (2015) have represented the students’ interests and provided invaluable suggestions and support throughout the Project’s development.

They have summarised their excitement for the future of Women’s College via the vision for the new Langley Precinct: The Langley Precinct Project with the new Sibyl Centre will be a place for the next generation of female leaders in Australia to grow in, learn in and lead in. I can’t wait to come back and visit to see the improvements the Langley development will make to my once dear home which has shaped me as the leader I am today. (Alisha King) I have witnessed so many great memories created and shared in the hallways of Women’s, where coming together to form friendships and share experiences is the essence of our College life. The development of the Langley Precinct

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

and construction of the new Sibyl Centre will provide greater opportunities for collaboration, performance, study and socialising to enrich the College and university experience for current and future students. (Rebecca Holdt) I have found Women’s to be a place that fosters a supportive and encouraging environment in which to live. With the development of the Langley Precinct and new Sibyl Centre, I know that the College will be able to further enable Women’s students to explore their potential while at university.

(Gabrielle Royle) This edition of the magazine provides a taste of what this landmark development in the College’s history will look like and deliver for our future students and the university community.

The Council has seconded a number of new members to its working committees to augment existing skills and experience.

Along with Jocelyn Jackson (STEVENSON: 68-70), who has contributed to our Building and Development Committee since 2008 and Ruth KESTERMANN (95) who joined the committee last year, Nick Yates (current parent) has also agreed to join us this year. Their shared expertise in architecture, engineering, project management and building and construction is a tremendous asset while we embark upon a large, challenging improvement to our College. Additionally, Rosheen Garnon has joined the Finance Committee. Currently a partner at KPMG, Rosheen is adding real value to our investment, budget and forecast discussions.

The College carefully balances its fiscal responsibilities between revenue and expenditure. For the benefit of our community and on behalf of the Council, graphs shown on page 6 illustrate the composition of key financial drivers in the January – December, 2014 year: VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

6

COUNCIL REPORT CONTINUED REVENUE 2014

EXPENSES 2014

77%

Student Residential

13%

Casual Accommodation, 1% Donations Meals & Conferences 1% Miscellaneous

8%

Investment Income

30.1%

Employment Costs

5.1%

Administration Costs

29.8%

Catering Costs

3.5%

Utilities and Rates

1.4%

Marketing Costs

0.4%

Cleaning Costs

20%

Maintenance Costs

9.8% Depreciation

Our donation revenue base has continued to grow significantly this year beyond the 2014 results, signifying the deep commitment our alumnae, students, staff, Council members and friends have to the College. In particular, we thank the Katrina Dawson Foundation for funding designated scholarships for students at The Women’s College. These scholarships will support new and existing women of merit to develop their leadership potential and citizenship, reflecting Katrina’s own contributions and aptitudes.

Our philanthropic philosophy remains as one which seeks to increase the “volume of donors”. By engaging with our stakeholders in myriad ways, we hope to inspire commitment

to the work the College undertakes with young women— transitioning them successfully into tertiary study and, once graduating, assisting them into the careers of their choice.

Our alumnae and mentors, alongside our business partners in dedicated internship and graduate programs, are crucial to the value Women’s College adds to our students’ high quality University of Sydney credentials. As the College embarks on a large and challenging building program, we will be looking to our alumnae, parents, friends and corporate supporters to assist us in realising our Langley vision.

Camille Blackburn Chair of Council

SECONDED COMMITEE MEMBERS The Women’s College Council subcommittees currently have four seconded members who bring a breadth of specialist expertise to the committee table as Council heads into the next phase of the Langley Precinct Development. The Building and Development Committee is fortunate to be able to draw on the skills of alumna Jocelyn Jackson, Practice Director of Tanner Kibble Denton Architects Pty Ltd, who has sat on the committee since 2008. Joining her over the last twelve months are structural engineer and alumna Ruth Kestermann, former Senior Consultant at Arup, now Executive Officer, Holdsworth

Ruth KESTERMANN (95) B Eng M Development Studies CPEng NPER

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Rosheen Garnon BEc LLB

Community Centre and Services, and Nick Yates B Eng (Mech) (pictured in main photo). Nick is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BSA Limited. Added to their professional training, Ruth, Nick and Jocelyn have lengthy experience in project management, risk and compliance.

In addition, the Finance Committee recently welcomed Rosheen Garnon, Partner in Charge of KPMG’s Strategic Growth Initiative: People Powered Performance. She was formerly National Managing Partner, Tax at KPMG.

Jocelyn Jackson (STEVENSON: 68-70) B Arch (Hons) Grad Dip Art FRAIA

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

7

SENIOR STUDENT Women’s College is renowned for providing a plethora of opportunities that enable Women’s students to realise their every potential. This vision forms the basis of the exciting new Langley Precinct development, which will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the diverse range of talents and skills at Women’s and enrich the collegiate community.

This semester we have already had the privilege of witnessing a selection of these talents. The Women’s tennis team brought home a spectacular result, winning the Rosebowl competition in undefeated rounds; the Acapella choir brought many to tears with their incredible performance at the Palladian competition and the Women’s Cabaret showcased the array of musical and performance skills at College, as well as the leadership and dedication of the talented production team.

Beyond showcasing the talents and skills of our students, what makes Women’s such a special place to live is the supportive community that the College facilitates. The people you live with and the friendships that you form are what truly defines your time at College. Together we are incredibly lucky to have many moments when this sense of community is heightened; such as having the whole College in the grandstand cheering on the

Senior Student Gabrielle Royle (left) with Amber Lau (on exchange from Brown University USA) basketball team, or sitting in the audience during a performance at Formal Dinner in awe of the talent within the College, or simply sharing a night of trivia with friends. Women’s has always fostered a supportive and encouraging environment to live and with the planning of the future developments for our campus—in particular the new Langley Precinct—it will continue to enhance university life and further enable Women’s students to explore their potential.

Gabrielle Royle

LO N D O N INTERNSHIP With the help of a hastily bought London-return ticket and the extended Women’s College network, fifth-year Arts Law student Anna Colless spent the university winter break interning at Sky UK headquarters in London. Women’s College alumna Catherine West arranged the three-week internship for Anna, which involved a week working with Production Services assisting with the filming and production of the news, and two weeks in the Content, Commercial and Joint Ventures team, of which Catherine is Director.

The experience is one Anna described as “mind-boggling”. “It amazed me that there were so many departments dedicated to the fine detail of producing television news. The news galleries are an intriguing, constantly changing environment.” Anna also volunteered to work on the floor as a studio runner for a Sky Arts episode, filming British bands performing in the studio, before moving into Catherine’s 140-strong legal department, where she rotated through several of the legal teams. “I was able to sit in on some very high level meetings and it was really fascinating.

Catherine is one of those women who is very conscious of mentoring young people and the people at Sky were universally open, helpful and interested in me as a person.”

Anna has been fortunate enough to have had several internships over the course of her degree, but this was her first experience interning overseas. “London is a different ballgame

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

and having the chance to be exposed to so many different in-house lawyers with such varied interest areas was hugely enlightening. I had about thirty mentors in the three weeks. Sky is a huge company, and there was such primary engagement with the issues.” Anna says the internship has opened her eyes to her professional options internationally and given her a confidence she didn’t have before.

Both Anna and the College would like to extend thanks to Catherine West for hosting the internship, and to fellow alumnae Sophie McGrath and Adelaide Lee-Warner, who provided a place to stay for Anna and looked after her while she was in London.

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

8

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AT W O M E N ’ S C O L L E G E Katherine Mackie (Bank of America Merrill Lynch) and Voice Training by Lucy Cornell (Voice Coach) were repeated in the seminar series this year, along with the addition of several new and improved sessions. Christina Franklin and Lucinda Warren tackled the delicate topic of workplace conflict, in a session designed to introduce students to proactive means of addressing issues that arise in day-to-day work and reporting lines. This was followed by a panel session facilitated by Ms Franklin addressing graduate programs, applications and interviews from both sides of the table. Recent Women’s College graduates Louise Carroll (Commonwealth Bank) and Amy Yelland (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) joined seasoned graduate interviewers Greg Peirce (joint head of Coverage and Advisory, UBS Australasia) and Lucinda Warren (Deputy Chair of the College Council), whose career has spanned the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, in a lively discussion aimed at demystifying the graduate application process.

Fostering leadership is fundamental to the ethos of Women’s College. College leadership opportunities and strategic leadership programs strive to equip young women with the tools and the hands-on experience to take into the workforce and continue the endeavours of our alumnae in forging stronger pathways in the professions at every level and in every field.

The College’s annual Professional Leadership seminars, held every Saturday in August, continue to evolve and introduce innovations in programming, and this year was no exception.

Westpac’s Ruby Connection and Women’s Markets sent a team of female experts to run a special Financial Fluency session as part of the seminar series. Organised by Rachael Mackenzie (National Manager Women’s Markets) and facilitated by Women’s College alumna Rebecca Barry (National Manager, Strategic Partnerships), the panel tackled the key topics young women need to be aware of in managing their own financial planning, such as employment contracts and benefits, negotiating a salary package, budgeting, investing in personal savings and superannuation. Participants in the seminar were impressed by the insights provided by Westpac staff. “Hearing how Westpac is so dedicated to the professional advancement of women was fantastic,” said one student attendee. “They really empowered us to take control of our own finances while we are young.”

High-rating sessions such as Personal Branding by Emily Kucukalic (Brand New You), the Employability Workshop by

Our thanks to Westpac and all of our corporate partners for assisting with this important leadership series.

Lucinda Warren, Louise Carroll, Greg Peirce, Amy Yelland and Chris Franklin

W E S T PA C ALLIANCE Westpac Regional General Manager James O’Mahony hosted a lunch of Women’s College alumnae working at Westpac’s head office in Sydney. Westpac has a significant number of our alumnae and friends of College working in its many divisions, including Human Resources, Premium Bank, Risk Management and Insurance Services. College Principal Dr Amanda Bell said the lunch was an excellent opportunity to strengthen the collegiate networks within the bank: “Some of our alumnae within the Westpac Group were not acquainted with one another and identifying the common bond was professionally inspiring. Westpac and the Ruby Connection have been great supporters of the College’s leadership and internship programs and our relationship is strengthened with our alumnae being an integral part of the Westpac family too.” Dr Bell attended the lunch with Chair of Council Camille Blackburn, also a former Westpac employee, and several current students interested in careers with the bank.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Left to right: Westpac alumnae Rebecca Barry, Lucinda Garling, Judy Mills (FITZSIMMONS), Robyn Lum (JONES) and Georgina Croft (McDONALD)

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

9

NEW DEAN OF STUDENTS In July 2015 College welcomed new Dean of Students Susan Overall. Susan has returned to Sydney to take up the position after five years studying and working in the United States. But she is no stranger to Women’s College: Susan spent her first semester of university at Women’s in 2010 before moving to the States to take up a scholarship at Harvard University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in economics, with an honours thesis on Australian Aged Care.

Susan comes to Women’s with considerable experience in pastoral care and student programs, having mentored many freshmen in a program similar to our Resident Assistant program, and serving as a Drug and Alcohol Peer Advisor at Harvard. “I’m excited to move back to Sydney and into Women’s,” says Susan. “The RA team is a vital part of the support system at College and I look forward to bringing my experiences from Harvard to the Dean of Students role.”

Susan takes over the role from Lizzie Palmer, who was in the position from 2013 and has returned to her teaching career with a view to working abroad in 2016.

New Dean of Students Susan Overall (centre) with second-year students Lorena Valente and Annabelle Carter.

F A C U LT Y BRIEFINGS With many of our current students considering further study beyond their undergraduate degrees, College has hosted several faculty lunches in second semester to assist students in making their postgraduate choices. Representatives from the faculties of Law, Business and Education & Social Work presented the range of options for further study in their disciplines, including Honours, Masters and Juris Doctor degree programs, clarifying the entry requirements, fees and scholarship options, and outlining the professional pathways available after graduation. With employment options, mentoring and internship opportunities opening up further beyond third year at College, many students are opting to continue their residency into their senior undergraduate and postgraduate years, strengthening the intellectual prowess of the College’s Senior Common Room and providing great role modelling for students in younger years.

Masters of Management CEMS Program Director, Associate Professor Philip Seltsikas, at the Business Faculty lunch.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

10

FORMAL DINNER SERIES ARTS WEEK Special guest speaker for College Arts Week Formal Dinner on 31 August, The Reverend Canon Dr Ivan Head, Warden of St Paul’s College, treated Women’s College students to a sampling of his poetry compositions, some published, and some unpublished. Dr Head is the tenth Warden of St Paul’s College, and was appointed in 1995. A theologian and a philosopher (as an ethicist Dr Head is chair of the Ethics Committee of Sydney IVF), a photographer, a poet and an historian of ideas (especially of the sixteenth century), Dr Head’s work has been published in the Sydney Morning Herald and the literary Journal Quadrant.

Below is his poem, ‘Lost in Translation,’ one of the pieces he read aloud at dinner.

L O S T I N T R A N S L AT I O N “Every now and then”, Thought the Magpie, That man stands too close And speaks very poor Magpie to me.

He puts the stress on the wrong warble.

He thinks he is St Francis But he has lost his marbles.

Dr Ivan Head, Warden of St Paul’s College

RESERVE BANK GOVERNOR Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens addressed students at College Formal Dinner on 17 August. Mr Stevens, who has held the position of Governor since 2006, gave his views on Australia’s place in the global economy, and expressed his sincere hope that universities continue to produce brilliant economics graduates. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the informal onstage conversation format Mr Stevens undertook with Women’s College Chair of Council, Camille Blackburn. Mr Stevens joined the Reserve Bank’s Research Department in 1980 and has held many senior positions in the Bank since the 1990s. He is Chair of the Reserve Bank Board and Payments System Board, Chair of the Council of Financial Regulators, and one of two Australian representatives on the Financial Stability Board. Special guests, members of the College Council, and several staff of the Reserve Bank attended the evening.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens in conversation with Chair of Council, Camille Blackburn

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

11

‘ I N C O N V E R S AT I O N ’ W ITH TH E HON DA M E Q U E N T I N B R YC E A D C VO The portrait of Quentin Bryce, tenth Principal of The Women’s College, hangs at the top of the stairs that lead into the College Dining Room. She keeps company there with her predecessor, Louisa Macdonald. We like to think of the two of them there, happily engaged in conversation across the decades of a century that has seen many changes for women in Australian society. How fitting, then, that it should be ‘in conversation’— with Louisa’s founding ideals, with fond memories of her time as Principal, and with 280 current students and alumnae—that Quentin Bryce should return to College for the Louisa Macdonald Dinner on 25 May 2015.

The synchronised thunder of 280 spoons on tables that welcomed Ms Bryce to the stage, aptly demonstrated one of the themes that dominated her discussion. Ritual and tradition, she suggested, are not necessarily ossifying practices, but are given life when people claim them as their own in each generation.

She spoke also of the power of sociability and of bringing people together, particularly over a meal. This was something that characterised her time at Women’s College, but it was even more explicitly an aspect of her time first as Governor of Queensland and then as Governor General. Guests could hardly refuse an invitation to Yarralumla, and this enabled her to bring together people who might otherwise rarely meet. In a digital age, the power of shared conversation in person is perhaps all the more real, and all the more meaningful.

Senior Teaching Fellow Dr Tamson Pietsch interviews The Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO But as the portraits on the steps suggest, in a ‘beloved institution of learning’, conversations do not just take place with people across the table. They are also held with scholars past and distant, in the engagement with ideas so crucial to intellectual life. Ms Bryce has long been a prominent participant in another kind of conversation through her active engagement in the public sphere. Her passion for equal opportunities and the rights of women and children has characterised much of this work, and these are issues with which she continues to engage, most recently in her role as Chair of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland. Although much has been achieved in the last fifty years, gender disparity is still a reality.

Women earn 18.8% less than men, they do more part-time and unpaid work, have 45% less superannuation and fill only 17% of CEO positions. Across Australia a woman is killed by her partner every week. Ms Bryce pointed to the ongoing need for deep cultural change. By seeing ourselves as part of the bigger civic conversation that extends beyond the walls of College, this is a task in which each of us can play a role.

Tamson Pietsch Senior Teaching Fellow

D R E M I LY G R A N G E R Dr Emily Granger’s presentation at Formal Dinner on 3 August was not for the faint hearted: the cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon spoke about the procedures involved in the more than one hundred heart and lung transplants she has performed in her career so far, and showed some graphic videos of hearts reanimating before transplant surgery. Based at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Dr Granger has served on the Organ Tissue Donation Service (Transplant Advisory Committee), as well as being actively involved in medical student training. Her areas of interest include heart lung transplantation, ex vivo donor organ optimisation, mechanical assist devices and thoracic trauma.

Dr Emily Granger with final-year medical student, Dominique Madden

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

12

H O W D O W E VA L U E U N I V E R S I T I E S ?

We have become accustomed to hearing the benefits of higher education measured in economic terms. But is this the only way we value them?

The economic and individual value Universities Australia (the peak body for the sector) points to the value of universities as producers of both the knowledgeable workers and the research that will lead to economic growth. Publicly funded university research, they argue, offers an excellent rate of return on investment. Higher education is one of the nation’s top exports, contributing $24 billion to GDP. Graduates are worth A$198 billion a year to the economy and pay over A$32 billion annually in tax. While the sector speaks of itself in dollar terms, universities are keen to emphasise the economic benefits of study to individual students. Graduates, according to Adelaide University, are more likely to get a job. Those with a degree also receive a “substantial wage premium over non-graduates”.

Advertisements like the “Self Made” campaign from RMIT place the individual student at the centre of the story. They portray study as a personal investment of time and money, the benefits of which accrue to the individual. The consequence of this is that – factoring in all costs, loan repayments and interest rate rises – it is possible to calculate the net monetary benefit of higher education to an individual over a lifetime. The Grattan Institute puts it at about A$100,000.

These measures of value are economic and individual. They envision higher education as a marketplace. Paying students choose between the offerings of competing universities which attempt to highlight their individual selling points, be they old buildings, accessible campuses or “employability”. And in all this talk, it is usually presumed that the benefits from a degree come from learning the course content. The notion that a large part of the value of education lies in the experience of meeting and sharing ideas with people who are different to you, playing with them on the sports fields, drinking with them in the bar and engaging in a host of “extra-curricular” activities, is rarely heard.

Universities as public institutions This is not the only way of valuing higher education. For most of the 20th century universities were seen in terms of their public role. They were understood as valuable because they strengthened democracy.

By offering students the opportunity to engage in robust, thoughtful and informed discussion, universities produced responsible and engaged citizens. They also trained students to fill roles that were key to the community. As doctors, lawyers, priests, architects, teachers, nurses and in many other capacities, university graduates provided the professional services that served members of the public.

When governments began to support university research, they did so because of its potential social benefit. Undoubtedly graduates individually profited from their university education, but the private benefit they derived was generally framed within this broader notion of their public role. The money that governments gave to universities was thought to pay off in ways that weren’t just economic. It was an investment in democracy, public services and knowledge industries that would grow with graduates throughout their careers. It had a public benefit that was measured over the long term.

The shift in the way higher education is valued reflects the much bigger processes that have been reshaping global economies since the 1980s. Universities have needed to adapt to new funding arrangements and regulations, to new global markets and to radical changes in technology and the way we receive and impart information. The new ways they present themselves are part of their attempt to adjust to these economic and political changes.

But we should think a little more deeply about the extent to which THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

these new ways of valuing the university reflect our actual knowledge and experiences of them.

When do we reap the benefits?

So many of the economic promises universities make depend on time and on the assumption that present investment will bring future reward. But when should such benefits be measured? The way graduates feel about their time at university will be different two, ten or 30 years after graduation. If on graduation it is getting a job that most concerns students, looking back a decade later it may be the opportunity to read and think, the friends made, or the extra-curricular activities undertaken that made the difference.

It’s not even clear that what is valuable about university is what gets taught in class. The week 5 unit in third-year statistics is rarely something that students remember, even in week 6. There is, of course, real significance to the content of education, but for employers as for individuals the value of university is clearly about far more than what’s in the exam. Silicon Valley certainly thinks the experience of living, studying and playing together plays a much greater role in business success than the curriculum does. Meeting and studying with a diverse group of people is a valuable university experience.

Universities claim to improve students’ work prospects and earning capacity, but where will future jobs be? All predictions say the employment market is rapidly changing. What courses should students study now in order to fill jobs we can’t yet imagine? And how much debt should they risk to do so? In the United States the huge cost of taking out student loans for university means that large numbers of graduates are actually left in a worse position after their studies.

Our language of valuation is out of step with our experience Even though students bear most of the cost of higher education, according to OECD indicators, in Australia it is the public that still profits most from it. Higher education is clearly valued by individuals, by employers and by the public in ways that extend far beyond economic measures. But our language of valuation is out of step with our experience.

Learning is never the work of individuals alone. Ideas are always produced collectively: in institutions that pool resources, in research teams that bring together different forms of expertise, and in conversations that engage past and present thinkers.

Universities do need to make their sums add up, but they also need to do much more than this. As key institutions of our civil society, their role is to hold the market and the state to account, even as they serve them. As institutions dedicated to learning, they are working with a time scale that is much longer than that of quarterly reports and three-yearly election cycles. And because so much about the future, our world and what it is to be human is messy and unknown, the role of universities is to deal with uncertainty as much as it is to build knowledge and train experts.

These are qualities that fit awkwardly in a world where value is marketised and individualised, priced and preferably tradeable. It is precisely because of this that universities are so important. When we speak of universities primarily in monetary terms, we fail to recognise that we actually value them in these other ways too. Higher education is an investment, but it is an investment in a future that we all share.

We need to speak about universities in terms that better reflect the roles we need and want them to play.

Tamson Pietsch Senior Teaching Fellow *This piece was originally published on The Conversation 29 May 2015 VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

13

THE CASE FOR A WOMEN’S C O L L E G E AT U N I V E R S I T Y Exponents of coeducation who tout it as a superior model to an “unnatural” single-sex environment often argue, perhaps flippantly, that our world is a coed environment shared by both men and women, and that the only societal segregation of sexes occurs in lavatories, prisons, monasteries and some schools and colleges.

However, they are merely observing that we coexist. Unfortunately, they also believe that a coed environment is synonymous with coequal. Susan Pinker, in her book The Sexual Paradox, argues that while women need to be treated as equal to men, they are not identical to men. Therefore, a case for separate, specialised approaches and programs for women—and indeed men—in education and the work-force is not unjustified.

Like single-sex girls’ schools, there is a case for single-sex women’s colleges at a tertiary level. For aspirational girls entering university, the strong demand for places at a women’s residential college suggests that choice is still important, just like choice in types of schools. When interviewing potential students for Women’s College, the key reasons candidates offer for applying are the sense of community, a desire to be part of the sisterhood network, open access to leadership opportunities (all taken by women) and the collective approach to academic work. Importantly, applications are received from women at both coed and single sex schools.

Louisa Macdonald, the first Principal of The Women’s College, noted the collective support and solidarity a women-only environment promoted—this is no different a century later. When current Women’s College students talk about the benefits of their college to prospective residents they consistently cite the sense of shared community and open access to opportunities—especially leadership; they deeply value college connections to leading female mentors and access to the alumnae professional networks.

They enjoy the friendships and value of studying together.

For young women entering the tertiary sector there are demonstrated benefits to single-sex contexts at university. The Guardian reported on research at the University of Essex which found that young women perform better at university when taught in single-sex classes: “Dr Patrick Nolen and Professor Alison Booth divided 800 first-year undergraduates into three groups for introductory courses in economics. At the end of the year, the average member of the girls-only group did 7.5% better on her exams than those in the other groups.”1 This research has implications for women undertaking university study and for tertiary residential colleges. If, as Nolen and Booth found, young women do better academically in single-sex environments in the tertiary context, then it could be advantageous for them to think strategically about their university tutorial compositions, group work dynamics and residential college designations to maximise their potential outcomes.

1 2 3

A subsequent study investigating positive benefits of single-sex education in a coeducational university environment found that in addition to academic benefits, there was a reduction in stereotype threat.2 In relation to confidence and achievement there is evidence to suggest that young women seem to be shying away from healthy competition, except in single-sex environments.3 Other implications of the study posit that single-sex education for young women can affect economically important preferences.

While there might be other advantages to coeducation—not least in terms of socialising women and men and offering mixed-gender networks—their analysis does serve to illustrate the importance of the single-sex environment in affecting real economic outcomes for women through behavioural responses. For example, the differences in competitive behaviour they observed in young women could well have effects on future pay-negotiation skills and remuneration.

To aspire to leadership young women need to be inspired to know it is possible. They need to see older women in leadership positions, preferably in careers for which they hold an interest.

Young women can believe a leadership option is possible for them if they witness another woman successful in the role and if the female leader’s actions and words resonate with them. They need supportive environments where they can challenge themselves in leadership roles and have the support of those around them.

Our young men have many, many male leaders role modelling the possibility for them, but we know from the diversity statistics on boards, in politics and for ASX CEOs for example, that it is not the case for young women.

In a democracy, there should be choice. In schools and university colleges there is space for both single-sex and coed. There should not be the need to disparage one or the other, but rather acknowledge that some contexts are better suited to some individuals than others. Quentin Bryce, former Principal of The Women’s College, stated in her 2007 Louisa Macdonald Oration: My friends, I want you to know the privilege I feel and cherish in having been part of the contemporary evolution of an institution that contributes so profoundly and significantly to the efficacy of university education of young women in this country. An institution that is founded on principles of access, equity, and justice; the rich and sustaining value of a university education; and the special value of a residential college, in which young women can be trained to know [in Miss Macdonald’s words] “what true union means, and to feel the privileges and responsibilities of being members of a corporate body.”

Amanda Bell Principal *This is an excerpt of an article originally published on Women’s Agenda 29 July 2015

Emily Andrews, “All-girl classes at university ‘lead to better grades’” Daily Mail December 2011.

Alison L. Booth, Lina Cardona-Sosa & Patrick Nolen, Do Single-Sex Classes Affect Exam Scores? Feb 2013 http://ftp.iza.org/dp7207.pdf Alison L. Booth & Patrick Nolen, Choosing to Compete: How Different Are Girls and Boys? Feb 2009 http://ftp.iza.org/dp4027.pdf

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

14

E V ENTS CO LL AG E

1

2

3

6

9

10

1. Mary and Alex Grimwade [FRY: 1982-84] at Mother Daughter dinner. 2. Caitlin Lee and Carolyn Ward at Grandparents’ High Tea. 3. Arabella Roberts, Gabrielle Royle and Maddison Summerhayes on Instagram. 4. Sophomores Annabel Ellis, Abby Regan, Harriet Raleigh and Fiona Alamyar at Valedictory Dinner. 5. ACT Human Rights Commissioner Helen Watchirs OAM speaking at Mother Daughter Dinner. 6. Our welcoming committee on University Open Day. 7. Tense moment on the bench at Rosebowl basketball.

8. Women’s College Palladian dance troupe in action. 9. Tiffany Wu, Prof Greg Whitwell (Dean, University of Sydney Business School) and Anny Chan at Formal Dinner. 10. Katherine Mackie, presenter in our leadership seminar series, making good use of her TWC keep cup! 11. Alumnae Bronwyn Taylor [BOADLE: 1984-87] and Jane Dawson [WATSON: 1963-65] at Louisa Macdonald Dinner.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

15

4

5

8

7

13

11

12

12. The Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and Annabelle Traves. 13. Students at the AFR Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards (from left): Cheryl Wong, Rachael Kwa, Lorena Valente and Karen Nes. 14. Women’s College students volunteering at the 60 Minutes Katrina Dawson Fundraising Dinner.

14 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

16

FOCUS ON P O S T G R A D U AT E S As senior members of the Women’s College community our postgraduate students play an important role in the life of the College. Each year around thirty postgraduates reside at College, some of whom remain in residence beyond their undergraduate studies and others who are entering College for the first time.

The convenience of living on campus while undertaking intensive coursework or writing a thesis, combined with access to senior roles within the College (as Tutors, Teaching Fellows, Academic Assistants or Resident Assistants) and membership of the Senior Common Room, with its program of events tailored to senior members of the community, make College an ideal environment to maximise the postgraduate experience.

In this issue of the Magazine we profile two current postgraduate students, both of whom have lived at Women’s College for three years or more: second-year Juris Doctor student Henrietta Stapleton and final-year Medical student Dominique Madden.

HENRIETTA Originally from Moree in northern New South Wales, Henrietta attended St Scholastica’s College in Glebe as a boarder, and entered Sydney University as part of the Gadigal special entry program. She came to College as a fresher in 2011 and was awarded a Women’s College Indigenous Scholarship, an award which she continues to hold today. Henrietta found the transition to university challenging, but with the assistance of additional tutorials from the College and the University’s ITAS (Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme) program, Henrietta’s marks took an upward trajectory and she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2013, majoring in Political Economy and achieving distinction marks in her final year. Henrietta began her postgraduate law degree in 2014 and remains at College, living in The Maples, a large turn-of-the-century character house. She aspires to be a barrister and intends using her legal training to assist women and Indigenous people.

Women’s College has become Henrietta’s permanent place of residence during her studies; her parents do not live in Sydney and they are unable to support her financially. As the most senior Indigenous woman at College, Henrietta takes the role of mentor to the younger Indigenous women who live at College. She is regularly called on to give the Acknowledgement of Country at the annual Chancellor’s Dinner and other special events. In addition, the College has recently assisted Henrietta to gain an internship which will give her vital professional experience.

Henrietta’s endearing personality and positivity have made her a highly valued member of our community for the past five years. And in her own words: “Women’s is my home—if I didn’t have Women’s I wouldn’t be able to finish my degree. I’m already worried about graduating and moving out! Women’s gives me a life, an education, a career, and the ability to be able to support myself in the future.”

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Henrietta Stapleton (left) and Dominique Madden

DOMINIQUE Dom, as she is affectionately known, attended Tallangatta Secondary College in Victoria, graduating in 2005. She studied nursing at Deakin University, and early in the degree made the decision to pursue medicine. In 2010 she moved to Sydney, worked full time as a nurse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) and sat the GAMSAT examination with a view to entering the University of Sydney Medical School. Dom came to Women’s College as a postgraduate student in 2013 in the second year of her medical degree. She has been a Resident Assistant (RA) at College for the past three years, in addition to working casually as a nurse at RPAH. In addition to her degree studies, Dom maintains a punishing timetable of sporting commitments. A member of the University of Sydney’s Elite Athlete Program (EAP), Dom plays in the Sydney University City of Sydney State Netball League, a commitment which involves a rigorous schedule of weekly training and competition. She has captained and coached the Women’s College netball team for three years, two of them to victory in intercollegiate Rosebowl netball. Currently in her final year of medicine, Dom has chosen to undertake an extra study load by adding a graduate certificate of surgical science to her medical studies—an advantage for employment as well as for specialising down the track. She is setting her professional sights on gynaecological oncology or paediatric trauma surgery as a specialty, and has been offered an intern position at Royal North Shore Hospital for 2016.

Dom’s seniority in terms of her age and status at College are matched by her appreciation of what College has given her. As she puts it: “I would not have been able to do half of the things I am able to do if I didn’t live at College. In terms of personal wellbeing, and enjoying the experience of what I’m doing, College gives me just the right community. The girls I started with as an RA in Langley [wing] are now in third year with me in Main [wing] and I really enjoy the sisterhood of living with them. There’s a feeling of connectedness that’s easy to lose when you’re living out in the community.”

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

17

MARY’S MATHEMATICAL MODELS Associate Professor Mary Myerscough is using mathematical models to help change the landscape of medical and biological research. Mary entered Women’s College in 1983 and spent eighteen months at College while undertaking her Masters of Science in Mathematics.

After completing her doctorate at Oxford Mary Myerscough at the Louisa and post-doctoral Macdonald Oration Dinner at Women’s studies at Macquarie College in May University, she returned to the University of Sydney in 1990 to lecture in maths.

She is currently Associate Head (Learning and Teaching) in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

Mary’s approach to mathematics spans a number of scientific disciplines, and her chief pursuit is constructing mathematical models for biological systems such as hives of bees or the cells and lipids inside the walls of arteries or cancer cells. Her interdisciplinary approach highlights aspects of the research which differ from her colleagues’. “Things that seem trivial to a mathematician might be crucial to a biologist,” says Mary. “It’s an interesting space to be working in.”

Recently nominated for a Eureka Prize for science, Mary has worked for a number of years on social insects such as ants, bees and termites, collaborating with the Schools of Biological Sciences at Sydney and Macquarie Universities. Most recently she has investigated the puzzle of how honeybees go about

finding a new home, and the phenomenon of colony collapse disorder. Her research into honeybee demography has shown that although individual bees interact in simple ways, together their behaviour is amazingly complex. “Maths helps us understand the collective behaviour,” Mary remarks.

Mary’s mathematical research has also extended to medical science, particularly cancer and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), where her maths has been employed to analyse qualitative models of the disease. “There’s a clear idea of what happens in atherosclerosis, but the variable rates at which the disease progresses are hard to understand without a model,” Mary explains. “Medical scientists know the processes, but it can be hard to see how the different processes fit together.” Mary hopes that eventually her models, will be able to be matched to mass population data and will be used as predictors for the disease, will provide important potential health outcomes for research.

Mary has stayed in touch with her College friends and says her time at Women’s College was formative in a number of ways.

“I moved into Women’s College because I was working in mathematics and there were sometimes weeks where the only other woman I spoke to was my mother. Women’s gave me the ability to mix with other women working on a high intellectual plane. It was a wonderful time, and particularly when the Masters work was challenging, it was nice to have that supportive and fun atmosphere to return to.” Mary also met her husband Paul Wormell, current Chair of Academic Senate at the University of Western Sydney, while she was at Women’s College.

Mary remains keenly aware of the challenges faced by women as professionals in science. “I think people are a lot more conscious lately about the need to encourage women quite directly in this profession,” she says. “There are still unconscious biases but the ethos is changing to make sure that women are included, as students, as speakers at conferences, as academics. I think in the last six months I’m very heartened by this.”

W ISTERI A LU N CH 2015 More than sixty alumnae representing five decades of student life at Women’s College, from the 1940s to the 1980s, attended the annual Wisteria Lunch on Saturday 19 September. In addition to catching up with old friends, guests were treated to a special talk by Professor The Honorable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, former Governor of New South Wales and former Chancellor of the University of Sydney, a cherished alumna of Women’s College who was Senior Student in 1954.

Professor Bashir delighted her fellow alumnae with some fond tales of her days as a medical student at Women’s College, the strong relationships forged with her fellow students at Women’s and the neighbouring colleges which have endured throughout her personal and professional life. She spoke with particular eloquence on the diplomatic importance of the University opening its doors to international students, both now and during her own student days, when the first Colombo Plan students came to study and reside here at Women’s College.

Professor Bashir was presented with a large bouquet of flowers at the close of her comments as a gesture of thanks for taking time out of her very busy schedule to visit her former home.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Pamela (Jill) Hodgson (BOWLER 1961-1965), Professor Bashir and Jan Ralston (HASKINS: 1953-58)

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

18

A LU M N A E PRESIDENT The Alumnae Association Annual General Meeting was held in July and a new representative Committee for the 2015-2016 year was elected. Congratulations to the new Committee, who represent all Women’s College alumnae: Tori Edwards (2000-02) – President Antonia Waddy (1998-01) – Vice-President Victoria Harper (MORGAN 1981- 84) – Secretary Magdalen Malone (1983-85) – Treasurer Meredith Bowman (WATTS 1983-85) – Committee member Eleanor Cowan (CHAMBERS 1996-01) – Committee member

Ffion Hart (HUMPHRIES 1999-01), Victoria Edwards (2000-02), Fleur McPherson (2000-01), Georgina Chew (CANNON 1999-01) and Lisa Roberts (1999-01) at the Melbourne reunion in August

Carolyn Gavel (1984-88) – Committee member Laura Hamilton (FRAGIACOMO 1984-85) – Committee member Eliza Newton (2002-05) – Committee member Serena Porges (HOOK 1983-84) – Committee member Edwina Tidmarsh (2007-09) – Committee member The Committee’s plans for the year ahead include efforts to increase our engagement with regional alumnae, and continuing to nominate alumnae for awards and professional recognitions for their work.

There have been several wonderful gatherings this year, bringing together alumnae in Australia and internationally. In April Chair of Council Camille Blackburn hosted a Women’s College UK alumnae reunion at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall. In June forty people—a mix of alumnae, parents of current and former students, and local friends of the College, including principals of local schools—attended a reunion held at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. This was a great opportunity to rekindle connections, and introduce the Women’s College advantage to a new regional audience.

More than forty alumnae attended the reunion event at the National Gallery of Victoria on Saturday 1 August. Organised by the College, the event included a lecture from one of the gallery’s educators on the Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great exhibition, which had opened to the public the previous day. This was followed by lunch at the Gallery, and viewing of the exhibition, which showcased masterpieces from artists including Rembrandt and Rubens. As our lecturer on the day highlighted, one of Catherine’s defining characteristics was her passion for education, which made this showcase of pieces from her collection a wonderful occasion for bringing together members of the Women’s College community.

Wisteria Luncheon on 19 September provided the next blue ribbon alumnae event in the calendar for our senior alumnae to gather, revisit the College and hear from one of our muchloved former students, Professor the Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. It was wonderful to see so many alumnae present.

Tori Edwards Alumnae President

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Women’s College alumnae and friends at the London reunion in April

A LU M N A E AWA R DS 20 1 6 Nominations are invited for the 6th Women’s College Alumnae Awards. The awards recognise the achievements of our alumnae in their professions and in service to the community and the College. The awards cover three categories: The Women’s College Alumna Award (open category), The Women’s College Young Alumna Award (for an alumna under 40 years of age), and The Women’s College Alumna Community Achievement Award.

Alumnae are warmly encouraged to nominate an inspirational leader or a quiet achiever to be considered for these awards.

Winners will be announced at the Alumnae Awards Dinner at College on Monday 23 May 2016.

Further information, including nomination criteria and nomination forms, will be available on the College website.

2014 ALUMNAE AWARD WINNERS The Women’s College Alumna Award: Elizabeth Dennis (1961-64) The Women’s College Young Alumna Award: Leanne Robinson (1999-01) The Women’s College Alumna Community Achievement Award: jointly awarded to Sally Crossing (FLETCHER 1963-65) and Christine Weston (FREEBAIRN 1987-89)

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

19

COLLEGE HONOURS The College Council is pleased to announce the recent appointment of two new Honorary Fellows to the College: former Governor General of Australia and Principal of Women’s College from 1997-2003, The Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, and Professor the Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, alumna, former Governor of NSW and former Chancellor of the University of Sydney.

Rev Kay Clark (HEBBLEWHITE 1968) received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday honours in June “for service to the Anglican Church in Australia”.

Barbara Joan Maddern-Wellington (GOTTS: 1961-64) was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day honours, “for significant service to veterinary science, animal welfare and the community.”

In October four alumnae were named as finalists in the Australian Financial Review Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards: Elizabeth Constable (BLANTON 1961-63), Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, University of Western Australia in the Public Policy category; Sandra McCuaig (GOWRIE-SMITH 1961-63), Founder, Bodalla Dairy Shed and Cheese Factory in the Local/Regional category; Karen Canfell (1987-89), Adjunct Professor, Cancer Research, Cancer Council NSW in the Innovation category; and Suzanne Young (1987-89), Chief Operating Officer, National Rugby League in the Board Management category.

Chloe Wighton at her graduation ceremony earlier this year

Chloe Wighton (2012-14) was awarded the Sister Alison Bush Graduate Medal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement at the University of Sydney Alumni Awards ceremony in the Great Hall on 16 October. Chloe is a Wiradjuri woman from Gilgandra, NSW. She completed her Arts degree in 2014 while working tirelessly to further public advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples locally and around Australia.

THE BENCH, THE BAR & THE FIRM On Wednesday 16 September Women’s College hosted a Law Colloquium titled The Bench, the Bar & the Firm, featuring a panel of legal alumnae who dissected the key issues currently at play for women in the profession.

Pictured left to right: Fiona Roughley (2003-06), barrister; Felicity Graham (2003-06), barrister; Talitha Fishburn (1999-

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

03), barrister; Rebecca Davie (2003-05), lawyer, Clayton Utz; Christa Lenard (1997-00), partner, K&L Gates; and Justice Jane Mathews AO (1958-59), NSW Supreme Court. Mediated by Alumnae President Victoria Edwards, the evening attracted a crowd of more than seventy current students, alumnae and friends of the College.

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

VA L E

20

WENDY BRUMLEY 25 MAY 2015 College friends Penny Cameron (WYNDHAM: 195759) and Pat Spring (DEER: 1958-60) write: Wendy arrived at Women’s College in 1957 to begin an Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. She had studied at Wollongong High School and won a Commonwealth Scholarship, and later a Commonwealth Postgraduate Research Studentship which led to her PhD in London in 1968. Her many academic and professional achievements are recorded in Volume Two of the College Biographical Register, 1940-1957.

In College she was a member of the Library Committee and the Intercollegiate debating team where she employed a ruthless pursuit of logic. She was a good talker in the best sense of the word. She would listen, analyse, and speak, and her comments, though usually accurate, were never cruel. Her rooms in College were always marvellously equipped with the latest gadgets for easy living, all generously shared with neighbours, in addition to her extensive wardrobe. She delighted in lovely lingerie, discovering ‘Adrienne and the Misses Bonney’ early in her career. We admired Wendy’s shoes and, later on, her splendid taste in jewellery—both a lifelong pleasure. Wendy’s social

BA (HONS) MA PHD (THORN: 1957-60)

calendar was full and varied yet her devoted swains did not interfere with her study.

A spinal problem obliged Wendy to wear a supportive corset.

She never complained, but endured considerable pain with stoicism and even humour. All her life she enjoyed swimming both as treatment and relief.

Wendy met Stuart Brumley, an ophthalmologist, when they were both studying in London. They married in Sydney and then returned to London where their son Stuart was born. When they returned to Australia they settled first in Doncaster where they both practised and later in Toorak. Wendy and Stuart enjoyed music, theatre, and travel, often organised round Michelin starred restaurants.

Wendy loved holidaying at her father’s house at Austinmer.

There she relaxed from the intense and often lonely work of psychotherapy. She maintained the house for her father in his last years, and later while managing her father’s very complicated estate. She had hoped to return there permanently but her cancer meant she could not. She bore this setback with her customary honesty and fortitude, her major concern being for young Stuart and her little dogs, ‘the kids’.

Wendy refined her craft with experience. She could have gone on to great things in either literature or psychology, so it is not surprising that her most acute perceptions were expressed in poetry. In ‘Forgetting’, she wrote ‘For nothing is worse/than the realisation/of self revelation.’

We have lost an intelligent and caring friend and a consummate and sensitive professional.

BARBARA MUNRO 8 AUGUST 2015 Daughters Margaret Ahrens (1960), Catherine Munro (1966-68) and Jenny Munro (1970-72) write: Barbara grew up in Sydney and attended school at Abbotsleigh. Because of her high marks in the Leaving Certificate, she was awarded a scholarship to Sydney University and Women’s College. She was the first member of her family to attend university, graduating in March 1939 with double honours in Botany and Latin. While at College, she also made close friends with whom she remained in contact her whole life.

At the start of World War II, Barbara was employed as a cipher assistant at Garden Island, where she met Max Munro, then a naval officer. The couple were married at the start of the war, and their first daughter was born in 1941. At the end of the war, Max returned to his civilian banking career, and two more daughters arrived.

Barbara believed that a good education was essential and made her daughters’ schooling a priority. When the family moved to a

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

BA (HONS) (SALENGER 1936-38)

new city, which they did frequently during the course of Max’s career, Barbara went to great lengths to enrol the girls into the best school. It was a given for her that they would attend Sydney University and live at Women’s College and all three did so: Margaret, M.Ed, B.Sc (1960), Catherine, B.A. B.Soc.Stud.

(1966-68) and Jenny, M.A. (1970-1972). Even Max “attended” Women’s College in the capacity of Treasurer and member of College Council for six years. Barbara continued her association directly by becoming Honorary Secretary of the Women’s College (Alumnae) Association in 1967. She was also a member of the Council of Abbotsleigh and active in the Abbotsleigh Foundation and the Abbotsleigh Old Girls Union.

Barbara’s interests were wide-ranging. During the early 1970s she was a volunteer guide at the Art Gallery of NSW. In 1974 she qualified as a horticulturist from the Ryde School of Horticulture and subsequently enjoyed giving garden talks and judging garden competitions. She was an enthusiastic gardener, an excellent cook, and a keen reader, particularly of biographies and books on the history of science. She also liked to be wellinformed about the world and had the paper delivered every day until she could no longer manage to read it at the age of 95.

Barbara will be much remembered for her strong intellect, the breadth of her talents and especially for her loyalty and commitment to her family and her many friends.

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

21

ENID WHITE 5 AUGUST 2015 Enid’s daughter Sally McCarthy (WHITE: 1979-81) writes: Enid was born in Waratah, Newcastle, on 16 September 1930, an only child. Her father died when she was six weeks old. Olive, her beautiful mother, found work and moved them both into Enid’s grandparents’ home. There were then six in a small house including Olive’s two brothers. Enid went to Waratah Infants School, and then Newcastle Girls High from 1942 to 1946. She excelled in her studies, debating and sports and won a blue for basketball. In her leaving message as school captain, Enid described the start of their secondary education as very gloomy due to the war being so near to ‘our own shores’. She said they entered upon a world of practice air raids during which they would dive under the desks with corks in their mouths in a classroom surrounded by sandbag barriers.

In 1947, Enid moved to Sydney to study for a Bachelor of Science degree. During this time she attended Women’s College and continued to excel in her studies, winning several scholarships.

Enid was an active sportswoman, rowing for the Science faculty in the first women’s pairs competition in 1950, and playing for the Women’s College table tennis team.

In 1950, after completing her Science degree, Enid moved back to Newcastle and began working as a Biochemist in the Pathology lab at Royal Newcastle Hospital. Here she met the love of her life, a young doctor, John White. Enid and John married on 24 January 1954 at Christchurch Cathedral in Newcastle. This was to be a long and wonderful marriage lasting 57 years and producing five children and thirteen grandchildren. All of Enid’s children also became graduates from the University of Sydney and a daughter (Sally McCarthy) and two granddaughters (Georgia Goninan [WHITE: 2006-08] and Susie White [2009-10]) are members of the Women’s College alumnae, as is Enid’s daughter-in-law, Georgia’s mother Margot White (RIDGE: 1976).

John passed away in 2011. Enid showed great courage and love caring for John in his final years as he battled with dementia.

She recovered from pneumonia after John’s death and regained an active life—living independently to the end, enjoying golf, bridge, and her children, their partners and her grandchildren.

Her passing brought to a close an extraordinary era for her large family and her many friends. Enid had a wonderful life that was rich and full right to the end. She was always interested in other people, both young and old, and inspired all with her love of life, family and friends.

The outstanding student work showcased in this volume can also be viewed through the lens of threshold and exploration. Nicola Alroe, an Arts Law student analyses ethnic policy in China and its application in the case of the Uighur; Rosemary Stewart, an Advanced Science student, reviews Henry Reynolds’ Frontier: Aborigines, Settlers and Land; Sophie McPhate, a Commerce Liberal Studies student, proposes a submission to the Fair Work Commission on good-faith bargaining on behalf of the Queensland Nurses Union; Claire Burns, a medical sciences student, writes on the sociology of science and the potential of the internet to diminish the so-called Matthew and Matilda effects; Imogen Hines, a Science/Nutrition and Dietetics student, reports on an experiment assessing the impact of context on the extinction and renewal of conditioned (learned) responses in rats; Julia Keyworth, an International Global Studies student, considers the impact of US drone use on anti-Americanism in Pakistan; and Lindsay Scott, an Arts Law student, proposes amendments to the Family Law Act to provide better guidance for judicial use of the social science literature on the impact of family violence on children.

All of the essays evoke the concept of threshold, as students

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

SIBYL / VOLUME 3 / 2014

REVIEW OF SIBYL VOLUME 3, 2014 The third volume of The Women’s College Academic Journal opens with an essay on the balconies of Women’s College by Tiffany Donnelly and Tamson Pietsch. Donnelly and Pietsch characterise the balcony as a threshold, a place capable of linking the inner and outer life, and the private and public realms. An accompanying series of photographs of residents on the College balconies between 1910 and 1960 depict some of the liminal moments of student life – whether studying, socialising, sunbaking, skating or snake-charming. These photographs are a vivid portrayal of the affordance of the balcony for exploration, experimentation and new possibilities, showing students ‘on the loose’ as they step out on the balcony threshold.

BSC (WALLWORK: 1947-49)

either step onto the threshold of another discipline or work in the interdisciplinary space connecting fields of study. Science students explore the sociology of science and vital cultural foundations of our Australian context; humanities and social science students critically assess contemporary THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE ACADEMIC JOURNAL issues at the intersection of policy, law and evidence; and a student on track to professional health qualification explores the scientific foundations of learning and behaviour change. All of the essays highlight the value of working at intellectual thresholds. Indeed, they draw attention to the many interdisciplinary thresholds of a comprehensive research-intensive University as one of the defining characteristics of its intellectual community. These many thresholds enrich the intellectually diverse life of the College and of the University community at large. Just as the College balcony affords exploration and experimentation in a setting that is neither private nor public, so it is at threshold of interdisciplinary sites that we test, learn and discover how methodologies and conceptual insights of one discipline might be brought to bear on another, or how new, integrative insights might be generated. These opportunities are just as important for research as for learning and are arguably the hallmark of both college and university life. Staff and students alike are increasingly being challenged to grasp these threshold moments and, as these essays richly demonstrate, they are rising to the challenge.

SIBYL

Volume 3 / 2014

Professor Philippa Pattison PhD Melbourne, FASSA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Sydney

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

22 22

G A L L I P O L I G R E AT G R A N DDAUG HTERS Emma Deacon’s and Emma Murphy’s great grandfathers survived the whole Australian campaign at Gallipoli, escaping the fate of more than 26,000 Australian troops killed or injured between April and December 1915. The second-year Women’s College students were present at the centenary commemoration celebrations on the historic peninsula over ANZAC Day, and laid a wreath at Lone Pine on behalf of the University of Sydney.

Emma Deacon’s great grandfather Harold George Taylor emigrated to Australia from the Isle of Wight and enlisted in the Australian Army in Sydney, arriving with the first landing at Gallipoli. His brother Sidney Taylor enlisted in the British Army and the brothers met again during the offensive. Both sent letters home which were published in the local newspaper. Harold remained a career soldier until WWII. Emma Murphy’s great grandfather Lieutenant Francis Murphy kept a detailed journal of his time in HQ Battalion at Gallipoli, where it was his job on landing day to source fresh water for the troops. Francis was in the first general enlistment in Melbourne, went to the Western Front after the Gallipoli campaign and was in England for the armistice.

Both students entered the Commonwealth Ballot to attend the centenary celebrations with a one in eight chance of selection.

Emma Murphy was successful and invited Emma Deacon to

F AT H E R DAUG HTER DINNER

come with her on the second ticket. The pair spent the night before ANZAC Day sitting up in their sleeping bags with 10,000 people—8,000 of whom were Australians. “It was such a moving and uplifting experience”, Emma and Emma remarked. “There were readings and screenings overnight before the dawn service. The sound of the ocean was amplified to remind people of the landing. It gave us a sense of what it was like to have been there.”

The two Emmas have speculated whether their grandfathers crossed paths during the Gallipoli offensive. Both agree that regardless, history has a way of merging personal narratives, and their trip to the site this year was a fitting tribute to their great grandfathers, and to their own friendship.

On 12 September Women’s College welcomed special guest speaker, 38th Governor of New South Wales His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retired), to the annual Father Daughter Dinner. His Excellency joined more than 250 students and their fathers, some of whom had travelled from interstate and abroad, to celebrate the special filial bond in the College Dining Hall. Musical entertainment for the evening was provided by violinist Annabelle Traves, who dedicated her rendition of Ennio Morricone’s theme from the film The Mission to her father, and the Women’s College Acapella choir, who sang an arrangement of Eric Clapton’s Tears from Heaven.

His Excellency took as the theme of his speech the pace of achieving gender equality in Australia. As a former Vice Chief and Chief of Defence, His Excellency was closely involved in developing and leading a ground-breaking cultural change program within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), addressing issues such as the level of women’s participation in the ADF, women’s experiences in the workplace, access to flexible work, and sexual harassment and abuse. The lessons learned from this revolutionary program have driven his commitment to furthering the cause of gender equality in his current role as Governor. His Excellency’s parting comments to the assembled fathers and daughters nicely sum up his position on gender equality:

Senior Student Gabrielle Royle and Principal Dr Amanda Bell with NSW Governor His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) at the Father Daughter Dinner

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Father’s Day is normally celebrated with a gift. For most fathers, their greatest gift would be the knowledge that regardless of where their daughters seek to make a career, they will be treated fairly and with respect, have their talents recognised and rewarded appropriately and have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Only leadership at all levels and direct and decisive actions can achieve this.

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

23

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE DONORS 1 Januar y – 30 June, 2015

Our sincere thanks to each of the many people and organisations who provided philanthropic support to the College in the first half of 2015. In addition to those listed here, special mention must be made of Jane Dawson, Paul Donnelly, Jennifer Giles and Anne Harbers, who responded to our 2014 appeal for funds to conserve the 17th century Dutch naval battle painting, given as part of a bequest to the College by Mary Dalley in 1922. The painting in oil, pictured on this page postconservation, has been carefully restored by David Stein, and a new frame in a style complementary to sea battles of the period was made by Charles Hewitt, one of the last he created before his recent retirement.

Two companion pieces to Robyn Stacey’s photographic artwork Chatelaine, donated by the friends and family of the late Claudia (Jane) Walton (BAILEY: 1975-78) and featured in the last edition Bread, 2009 of the2009 Magazine, have also been donated College, and now Salmon, from Empireto Line 68.5 x 90cm from Empire Linewalls of the Louisa Macdonald grace the Dining Hall: Salmon, 59 x 90cm donated by Alliance Catering, and Bread donated by Paul Donnelly in memory of his father, Lorenzo Donnelly. Both are pictured on this page. The College is very grateful for these generous additions to the social hub of College.

In September Women’s College received a significant bequest from the estate of the late Samantha Sinclair. Ms Sinclair, who was not an alumna and had no connection to the College, left the bequest with instructions to award a scholarship to a student pursuing medical research.

Ms Sinclair (pictured) had a successful career in the travel industry and in real estate, founding her own company in 1994. We gratefully acknowledge her largesse posthumously.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Pacita Alexander Anonymous Ann Armstrong Kathleen Armstrong John & Rosalie Austin Marian Baird Victoria Baker Mary Barton AO Marie Bashir AD CVO Jenny Bell Amanda Bell Margaret Beveridge Camille Blackburn Peter Bull Alexandra Bune Christopher Burt CAF Community Fund ATF Marshall Family Foundation Rosemary Campbell Margaret Carroll OAM Roxanne Casey Tim Castle Selinie Chan Kam Wa Cheuk Diana Choquette Albert & Edith Chui Julie Cole Matthew Colless John Copland AO Antonia Curry Jennifer Davidson Graeme & Sandra Dillon Hugh Donaldson Pamela Donnelly Paul Donnelly Christine Donnelly Tiffany Donnelly Gwenneth Downes Whitney Drayton Robyn Drew Bread, 2009 Ronald & Vanessa from Empire Line Driver 68.5 x 90cm Catherine Dunlop Mark Eames Fardin Eghtedari Maryam Eghtedari Alexys Elbourne Mark & Rosalind Fahmy Steven Finch Judith Fitz-Henry Janet Flint Jill Forrest AM Denise Fung John Gan Olma Gan Samantha Gavel Jennifer Giles Amanda Goldrick Megan Goonetilleke Carolyn Griffin

Joan Grimwade OBE Murray Guest Alison Gyger Cindy Ham Monique Hard David & Alexa Haslingden Margaret Hawkins Margaret Henderson Jill Henry Peter Herrmann Suzanne Howarth Elizabeth Jones Anna Joyce Katherine & Thyne Reid Scholarship Sally Keir Alisha King Jiamin King Lilian Kirk Rebekah Kwa Rosemary Laing Sharon Lawman Kien Lee Emma Lee Zoe Lenard Tina Leung Jocelyn Lloyd Andre Louw Melissa Lowe Elizabeth MacDiarmid Margot MacDonald Frances Macdonald Roslyn Mack Molly Macqueen Barbara Maidment Magdalen Malone Mollie Maloney Maple-Brown Family Charitable Foundation Claudio & Diane Marcolongo Betty Marks OAM Brian & Eleanor McCourt Janet McCredie AM David McDonald Brett McFadyen Mary McGuirk Julie McKay Leah McKenzie Duncan McLennan Michael & Carrol Miller Adele Millerd Judy Mills Wendy Minne Marjorie Ann Moffatt Stephanie Moffitt Patricia Morton Rhonda Morton Kristin Moses Judith Anne Mulholland

Emma Murphy Margaret Murray Jane Neale Karen Nes Gillian Nes Marion Newman Angela Nordlinger Diana O’Connor Elizabeth Palmer Sharon Parker Serena Porges Robert Pryke Eleanor Putnam Morgen Regan Karen Reid Alistair Rendell Belinda Reynolds James Rigney Arabella Roberts Ian & Deidre Roberts Helen Robin Joan Rofe Joan Ross Lorranie Ross Gabrielle Royle Noeleen Louise Russell Elizabeth Sakker Matilda Schmohl George Shamoon Trish Sharp Lorna Siah Julia Smart Dale Spender AM John Stanbury Leone Steele Melanie Strongman Anne Sutherland Bronwyn Taylor Sandra Taylor Elizabeth Thompson Jennifer Thompson Mabel Tindal Margaret Tink Pauline Tondl Leo Tutt TWC Alumnae Commitee Estelle Wallingford Lucinda Warren Louise Watson Judith Webb Mandy Whelan Peter Wiggs Alan & Ethel Wigzell Helen Wiles Gay Windeyer Robin Wines David & Sharne Wolff Eiko Woodhouse Jordan Yang-Eaves Nicholas Yates Peter & Sonia Zawal

VOLUME 31 / NUMBER 2

24

POSTAL: The University of Sydney NSW 2006 LOCATION: 15 Carillon Ave Newtown NSW 2042 PHONE: +61 2 9517 5000 EMAIL: reception@thewomenscollege.com.au TWITTER: @WomensColl INSTAGRAM: womenscoll www.thewomenscollege.com.au