Reconnecting community

What a difference a year can make. The Women’s College is once again full of the vibrant energy of almost 300 young women in residence, and the College is buzzing with rejuvenated enthusiasm for the potential that 2021 and beyond hold.

Similarly for our alumnae community, while 2020 may have meant a brief pause on our ability to connect in person, we are pleased to be able to recommence alumnae gatherings. We have already hosted a number of small, COVID-safe events this year and have plans to roll out more. A recent highlight has been attending the new Chau Chak Wing Museum, together with a tour from the museum curators. It was a wonderful reminder of the rich history that we are part of as alumnae of the University and of Women’s College. I’d encourage everyone to keep an eye out for future events and join us if you can.

Now in its 15th year, the Women’s College Mentoring Program is in full swing. The 2021 program has almost 80 students being paired with members of our alumnae and wider community. It’s a timely reminder of the strength of our alumnae community, and the power that these networks and connections can have on the leaders of tomorrow.

We have also recently awarded the Sibyl Leadership Grant for 2021. This year, the grant has been awarded jointly to Isabella Harris (4th year, Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours) & Masters in Architecture) and Nicola Dabboussy (4th year, Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) & Bachelor of Laws). These two young women will be using their grant money to explore academic, research and leadership development. Isabella will attend an architecture Master Class, travel to Brewarrina to conduct ethnographic research, and attend a Women in Leadership course. Nicola intends to participate in a month-long internship with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) during the summer holidays. We hope the Grant will help them both reach their full potential and we will look forward to hearing about their experiences at the end of the year.

Speaking of the strength of our community, we are continuing to hear stories of College Alumnae smashing the proverbial glass ceiling and being pioneers in their fields. A wonderful example of this is former Senior Student Georgia Dawson [1995-97], who was appointed as Senior Partner at global legal firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Elected by fellow partners, Ms Dawson is the first woman in the firm’s 277-year history to hold this position.

Finally, but not least importantly, I encourage you to read about the Realise Scholarship Campaign in the Magazine and contribute what you can. The Women’s College has a unique ability to support the next generation of future leaders socially, academically and professionally, and it’s up to each and every one of us to help shape that future legacy.

LUCINDA GARLING Alumnae Committee President