1913: Brisbane Calendar

The front cover of the Brisbane Calendar, published at Christmas 1913. This was the College’s first fundraising effort.

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1913: Letter of appeal

This letter asks for funds for the establishment of The Women’s College. This letter was written by Jane E. Bourne, President of the Women’s College Committee.

Jane Bourne was the daughter of Albert John Hockings, Lord Mayor of Brisbane from 1865 to 1865. She married John Sumner Pears Bourne and their daughter, Eleanor Elizabeth Bourne, was the first Queensland woman to study medicine.

The Bourne Wing in the Sallyanne Atkinson Building is named after the Bourne family.

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1913: Letters Patent

Letters Patent are a type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a head of state, generally granting an office to a person or corporation.

The Women’s College received its Letters Patent on 24 July 1914. The head of state who issued this document was Australia’s monarch at the time, George V. The Letters Patent were issued to the College’s first set of Councillors:

• Freda Bage (our first Principal, 1914 – 1946);
• Peter Balderston MacGregor (Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Merthyr, 1920 – 1923);
• Jane Elizabeth Bourne (President of The Women’s College Committee);
• Marianne Helena Brydon (Honorary Treasurer for the Standing Committee of The Women’s College; she was also an influential part of Brisbane’s educational institutions at the time);
• John Douglas Story (a prominent Queensland public servant; Brisbane’s Story Bridge is named in his honour);
• Bertram Dillon Steele (an Australian scientist who was the foundation Professor of Chemistry at The University of Queensland); and,
• Mary Atkinson Williams (Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School, 1913 – 1914).

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Queensland State Archives, Item ID ITM2768922.

1914: Freda Bage

The first College Principal was Freda Bage. At the time of her appointment, Freda was 30 years old and came to Brisbane in May 1913, having been appointed Acting Lecturer in Biology at The University of Queensland. Prior to this, she had spent time in Victoria and in Europe.

1914: First group of students

The first group of 19 students at The Women’s College, with Principal Freda Bage in the centre.

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1914: Women’s in the news

Click here to read an article about The Women’s College from the Darling Downs Gazette that was published on Monday 16 March 1914. The article discusses how the need for a women’s residential college was recognised and the donations that had been received to date to establish The Women’s College.

1914: Chislehurst House

Many distinguished persons were members of that original committee, including Lady Marianne Hardie, whose descendants have been Collegians. The first students came into residence on 16 March 1914, in Chislehurst House at Kangaroo Point, across the Brisbane River from the former University of Queensland campus.

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1921: Swimming at Mowbray Park Baths

Jessie Smart (alumna 1921 – 1929; pictured left) and her friend swimming at Mowbray Park Baths in 1921.

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1922: Harriet Marks

Harriet Marks outside the back of Oslarsholme in 1922.

Harriet Marks began her association as a resident scholar of Women’s at Kangaroo Point in 1920. After graduating with a Science degree, she taught physics and chemistry at Queensland country high schools. During World War II she returned to Brisbane to engage in war work. In 1943 she assumed the position of Senior Tutor at The Women’s College where she remained as Assistant to the Founding Principal, Dr Freda Bage, until 1953.

Miss Marks then resigned from the College to become the first Inspector and Supervisor of domestic science courses in the Queensland secondary
school system, “putting science into domestic science”. Miss Marks continued her close association with The Women’s College as a Council Member and was President of Council in the decade of the 1970s. After a long and distinguished contribution, Harriet Marks resigned from the Council in 1986 for health reasons.

Her devotion to the College is recognised in the naming of the dining hall in her honour — the “Harriet Marks Dining Hall”.

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1923: Kangaroo Point tennis courts

Pictured are Dot Yates (alumna 1922 – 1923) and Sal Hooper, attending to the nets at the Kangaroo Point tennis courts in 1923.

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1924: Women’s in the news

Click here to read an article about The Women’s College from the Bundaberg Mail that was published on Tuesday 1 July 1924. The article details the proceedings of a meeting at the City Council Chambers where dignitaries and community members spoke about the continued need to financially support The Women’s College.

1935: Women’s in the news

Click here to read an article about The Women’s College from the Courier-Mail that was published on Monday 18 February 1935. The article stated that The Women’s College would celebrate its 21st birthday in March, and went on to describe life at the College before showcasing some ex-students, and detailing some prize winners.

1935: The College’s 21st birthday

A celebratory photo was taken in front of Chislehurst for the 21st birthday of the College (left). On the evening of 15 March 1935, the students presented, in the university grounds, a masque that had been first presented for the 21st anniversary of the Sydney Women’s College. It had been designed by that College’s head, Louisa Macdonald, with verses by poets Christopher Brennan and John le Gay Brereton. Accompanied by an orchestra and string quartet, about 25 College students represented famous women from legend and history—from Helen of Troy to Marie Curie.

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1938: Henrietta Willmore memorial

Henrietta Willmore (1842 – 1938) – also known as Madame Mallalieu – was a pre-eminent musical pioneer and suffragette. Born in London, she settled in Brisbane in 1864 where she established a major career as pianist, organist and teacher. She was a member and Toowong branch president of the Queensland Women’s Electoral League, the Queensland Women’s Suffrage League, and a founding member of the Brisbane Women’s Club.

An advocate for the advancement of women, Henrietta was one of many people in Queensland who called for – and assisted with – the establishment of a residential university college for women in Brisbane, which ultimately became The Women’s College. In a similar vein, her family later bequeathed their Toowong home to the Queensland Country Women’s Association to be used as a hostel for non-metropolitan female music students, some of whom attended The University of Queensland.

After Henrietta’s death in Brisbane in August 1938 at age 96, the Willmore Discussion Club donated a ceremonial chair in her memory to The Women’s College. This chair was carved by Brisbane-based artist and teacher Lewis Jarvis Harvey, and was made of maple wood in a 15th century design. The chair was presented to Freda Bage, the first Principal of the College. The chair now sits in the Dining Hall at the Head Table and is traditionally used by the Head of College at Formal Dinners.

In 2015, Emeritus Professor Peter Roennfeldt published a biography of Henrietta and visited the College during his research and writing process for the book. He returned to the College in October 2024 with a descendant of one of Henrietta’s brothers. Jean Alexander visited Australia from her home in the United Kingdom, and was accompanied by her husband Howard Thomas. Also present was Peter’s friend and colleague Evelyn Kruger, who greatly assisted with the research for Peter’s book.

Pictured (left to right): Head of College & CEO Flo Kearney, Emeritus Professor Peter Roennfeldt, Jean Alexander, College Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM and Evelyn Kruger.

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1946: Women’s in the news

Click here to read an article about The Women’s College from the Maryborough Chronicle that was published on Saturday 9 November 1946. The article is about how funds were required to build the new Women’s College site at St Lucia, on The University of Queensland’s campus. The story detailed how the College had grown since it opened in 1914, and outlined the potential to name rooms after generous donors who had already contributed to the Building Appeal.

1947: Margaret Piddington

Margaret Piddington was the Principal from 1947 to 1958. Unlike her predecessor (Freda Bage) who had been a keen motorist, Margaret Piddington had no car and the College did not provide one. Her method of transport was Itsy-Bitsy, a Lambretta motor scooter (pictured).

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1947: Commencement Procession
Submitted by Ruth Landsberg (alumna 1978 – 1980) 

Pictured is a Commencement Procession; the photo is from alumna Jessie Landsberg’s archives. Jessie resided at Women’s from 1945 to 1947. Her handwritten caption says “Commem Procession – 1947: – Z. Burnett, G. Woolnough, R. Callow, M. McKay, A. Murray, L. Lightbody (back), D. Taylor, M. Warland, P. Tuffley, C. Williams”. Everyone in the photo was a resident of the College in 1947.

During her time at The Women’s College, Jessie studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree at The University of Queensland from 1945 to 1947. Following graduation, Jessie became an English teacher with a love for theatre and Shakespeare’s work.

Up until her death in August 2023, Jessie was The Women’s College’s oldest living alumna, at 96 years of age.

Accompanying the Commencement Procession photo from Jessie’s archives is the 1947 year group photo in which Jessie is pictured in the second row, eighth from the left.

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1948: At Home

Pictured are Tess O’Rourke-Brophy and Joan Hollingsworth with friends in the principal’s sitting room for an At Home.

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1948: Unusual fundraising

This article (unknown source) details one of the more unusual fundraising efforts undertaken for the College’s Building Appeal.

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1949: Foundation Stone

Queensland Premier Ned Hanlon laid the foundation stone for The Women’s College on 1 October 1949. The article below is about this event and describes how the occasion was marked by the staff and residents of The Women’s College.

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1957: College Crest

The Armorial Bearings of the College Crest were assigned by Royal Warrant in 1957. The crest comprises three key elements: the Cross Pattee (symbolising the chivalric virtues including loyalty, piety, frankness, bravery, honour and helpfulness towards the poor and sick; it is also the state emblem of Queensland); the Lamp of Learning (a universal symbol of scholarship); and a red rose (which in heraldry represents grace and beauty). The crest also features the College’s motto, Capimus ut dividamus, which translates to “We take that we may share”.

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1958: Construction at new College site

Photos of Old Wing (now named Sallyanne Atkinson Building) under construction in February 1958. These photos are stuck on to the letterhead for The Women’s College Building Appeal.

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1958: The new College at UQ

An aerial view of the new Women’s College at The University of Queensland, taken in 1958.

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1958: A “Dream Home”

This article is a clipping from our archives. While we do not know what newspaper it comes from, the article was published on 20 July 1958 and describes how the College was to be a “dream home” for its residents.

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1958: Moving in

Moving in at St Lucia buildings August. Left to right: Meg Cameron (alumna 1955 – 1958), Jean Shepherd (1956 – 1958), Pat Haggard (1957 – 1959), Kaye Stafford (1956 – 1959) and Lorraine Tribbeck (1957 – 1959).

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1959: Opening of The Women’s College

Left: The new College building was opened on 14 March 1959. Lady Aileen Slim, wife of the Governor-General, officially opened the new building. Click here to view the program for the event.

Middle: The invitation and a set of tickets to the official opening.

Right: The photo below is of Lady Aileen Slim and R. C. Cuppaidge (then President of the College Council).

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1959: Women’s in the news

Click here to read an article about The Women’s College from the The Sunday Mail that was published on Sunday 15 March 1959. The article is about the official opening of The Women’s College at St Lucia, on The University of Queensland’s campus, that took place the day before.

1959: Rowing

Pictured is the Women’s Rowing team, circa 1959, on the pontoon at St Lucia.

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1959: Life at Women’s

Three residents at the phone booths in the College.

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1960: New Wing

One of the rooms in New Wing, which was added in the late 1960s.

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1960: Invitation to UQ Jubilee Celebration Luncheon

Pictured is an invitation for a University of Queensland Jubilee Celebration Luncheon (1960), which was held at the Women’s College.

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1963: Reflection about Molly Budtz-Olsen

Click here to read a reflection about College Principal Molly Budtz-Olsen (1963 – 1974) by alumna Ann Warrell Robilliard.

Molly Budtz-Olsen, born in Durban, South Africa, was the Principal of The Women’s College at the University of Queensland between 1963 and 1974, and a committed member of the University Senate for an even longer period (1968 to 1983). She had graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Education from the Huguenot University College of the University of South Africa.

Molly and her husband, the late Professor Budtz-Olsen, left South Africa mainly as a protest against the prevailing policy of apartheid.

Following Molly’s death in 2004, the Chislehurst Society began to canvas suggestions for ways in which the College might commemorate her 20 year contribution to the education of young women and to the University. Her love of gardens and the arts led to many suggestions, but finally, it was Molly’s life-long commitment to the education of women which prevailed.

Image: Portrait of Molly Budtz-Olsen by artist John Thomas Rigby.

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1963: Women’s Rowing Team
Submitted by Beverley Higgins (alumna 1962 – 1964)

This image is of the 1963 Women’s College Rowing Team. Beverley Higgins was one of the members of this team and submitted this image, saying the rowing uniform at the time consisted of white shorts and maroon shirts with the College emblem.

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1965: Freda Bage Common Room

The Freda Bage Common Room was opened in 1965. Pictured are Freda Bage, Student Club President Vanda Mann and Molly Budtz-Olsen at the opening of the room.

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1966: Women’s in the news
Submitted by Cecilie Lander (née Curtis; alumna 1966 – 1968)

“November is more than half over and many hundreds of University students are breathing very sincere sighs of relief.” This is the first sentence in a newspaper article about eight Women’s College students (and one teacher trainee) who embarked on a eight-week working holiday to Tasmania. The story was published in The Courier-Mail in November 1966.

This exhibit was submitted by one of the students who features in the story. Cecilie Lander (née Curtis; alumna 1966 – 1968) was a First-Year science student when the article was written. She and her fellow Woozas were planning to spend six weeks picking strawberries on a farm in New Norfolk (just outside Hobart), and would then go on a two-week hiking tour of Tasmania.

The article went on to say that going to Tasmania during the vacation period had almost become a tradition for first- and second-year Women’s students.

In addition to sending this article to Women’s in June 2023, Cecilie said that the trip was a life-changing moment. Gillian Ritchie (née McLean; alumna 1965 – 1967) encouraged Cecilie to study medicine during the strawberry picking trip.

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1967: First issue of Eeyore

Eeyore is the magazine of The Women’s College Student Club, and was first published in 1967. The magazine was named after the stone sculpture that was presented to the College in 1942 (see 1942: Eeyore). The sculpture was christened ‘Eeyore’ by residents because it looked like a fairytale character.

This being the first edition of “Eeyore”, it is necessary to make some sort of a statement (for posterity) about this choice of name. Eeyore, as you no doubt know, lives in our garden. Nobody really knows what his main purpose in life is, since he spends most of the year hidden among the foliage ruminating to himself and looking very wise.

The above paragraph can be found on page 4 of the 1967 edition, and was written by Judith Frohlich, who was the first editor of Eeyore.

The cover was illustrated by Gaye Glanville, who was a First-Year Resident in 1967.

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1975: On the lookout

In this photo, residents Anna Comino (alumna 1975), Shirley-Anne Arlott (1975 – 1976) and Kirsty McKenzie (1975) guard the College.

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1983: Residency acceptance letter
Submitted by Nadine Garraway (alumna 1984 – 1986)

While going through some old paperwork, alumna Nadine Garraway came across the Women’s College acceptance letter she received in 1983. Complete with the original envelope in which the letter was sent, this document provides a snapshot of the College’s history. The letter is signed by Jacqueline Bell, who was the College Principal from 1974 – 1984.

Nadine graduated from The University of Queensland in 1989 and worked in hospitals in rural Queensland and England before gaining her formal General Practice qualifications in 1995.

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1984: Helen McBride

Helen McBride was the College Principal from 1984 to 1990. She described her underlying philosophy as being that the College should be a good, comfortable home, where students would learn for themselves and respect social mores that were appropriate to adult life.

1985: State of Origin
Submitted by Nikki Parkinson (alumna 1985)

“The year was 1985.

I was just 18 (but looked 13), new to the big smoke, studying at UQ, living at The Women’s College and hoping and praying for my dastardly perm to grow out.

Someone at College suggested we head to Lang Park and watch QLD vs NSW. Our college sweatshirts provided the supporter colours and we just rocked up to the gate to buy tickets to watch from The Cauldron’s cement terraces. They must have been cheap or we wouldn’t have gone.

Surrounded by Winnie Red smokers, XXXX-drinking hardcore fans and good friends (my mate Clare pictured here included), I was immediately hooked by the atmosphere and action on the field. Quote of the night coming from one fellow spectator: “Are there any men there (at your College)?”

That first night fever has been there every SOO season since. Last night was no exception, hearing the roar of the crowd as we watched on TV nearby.

I knew seeing and giving a nod to King Wally Lewis on Tuesday on my morning walk that takes in Suncorp Stadium was a good omen for a series win.

QUEENSLANDER!”

Pictured: Nikki Parkinson (alumna 1985) and Clare McKay (1985 to 1987).

1986: Presentation of Jacqueline Bell’s portrait

Jacqueline Bell was the College Principal from 1974 to 1984. Pictured are (left to right) President of the Old Collegians Lana Hadgraft (née Yakimoff), Chair of Council Ruth Whitmore and Principal Helen McBride at the presentation of Jacqueline Bell’s portrait, in 1986.

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1989: First Fellows of Women’s

The first Fellows of the College were created for the 75th anniversary of Women’s. Pictured from left to right are Suzanne Mourot, Lisbeth Hopkins (née Liddell), May Hancock, Tess Cramond (née O’Rourke-Brophy) and Jan Delpratt.

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1989: Computers at College

Women’s was the first University of Queensland college to introduce computer facilities, which took place in the late 1980s.

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1989: Women’s College in the news

An article about The Women’s College celebrating its 75th Anniversary from Sun Magazine (Sunday Sun newspaper), June 25 1989, page 24.

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1991: Dr Maureen Aitken

Dr Maureen Aitken was Principal of The Women’s College from 1991 to 2008. To date, Dr Aitken has been the second-longest serving principal, exceeded only by Freda Bage. According to the farewell tribute to her when she left in 2008, “[She was noted for] her meticulous nature and attention to detail, her love of animals, her amazing ability to remember the names and faces of every student who has lived in College during her time, the pride she displays in her personal appearance, her softly spoken voice, her Scottish accent [and] her incredible and enviable collection of high-heeled pointy shoes.” (Kim Emery, Farewell speech to Dr Aitken, 18 October 2008, in Chislehurst News, December 2008.)

1996: College Playhouse

The College Playhouse, built during 1996 and 1997, provides a pivotal role at the College for performances and events.

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1998: Contributing to Women’s
Submitted by Elizabeth Mackenzie (alumna 1965 – 1967)

Women’s alumnae have a long history of contributing to the College after their residencies. One such example is that of alumna Elizabeth Mackenzie (1965 – 1967), who further contributed to the College as an Old Collegians Association representative on the Council during the 1990s.

Elizabeth writes about her contribution, saying:

“I was one of the then Old Collegian’s representatives on the Women’s College Council for at least two years while Judith Hancock was President. During my time on the Council, I served for at least two years on the Executive Committee along with William Palmer, Judith Hancock and an invitee.

My term was shortened during a restructure under the auspices of Roger Herring. Because the Council was restructured, the number of Old Collegian Representatives was reduced from three to one, on a last-on, first-off basis.

After I stepped down from the Council, I became the Old Collegians’ Representative on the National Council of Women until the Chislehurst Society was founded, then I continued as their representative till 2005, or thereabouts.”

The below photo is a scanned copy of the letter Elizabeth received from College Principal (1991 – 2008) Dr Maureen Aitken, who thanks Elizabeth for her contribution to The Women’s College.

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2009: Mary Woozer

Mary Woozer VI (2009), the College mascot. She keeps coming back no matter what happens to her.

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2009: Merchandise

Woozas wearing their College merchandise for the ICC Challenge of 2009.

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2011: Floods

Head of College (2009 – 2016) Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies and her husband, Russell Davies, help to move valuable assets, such as this Russell Drysdale painting (left), to higher ground during the 2011 floods (right).

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2012: Construction of Maureen Aitken Garden

Women’s alumna Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland breaks the ground for the Maureen Aitken Garden in 2012. Head of College (2009 – 2016) Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies is to her right.

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2013: Completion of Maureen Aitken Garden

Residents, including the Student Club Executive and Resident Assistants, sit in the alumnae circle at the dedication in 2013.

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2013: Recreation of 1914 photo

Residents from 2013 with Head of College (2009 – 2016) Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies (as Freda Bage) and Chloe Langbroek (as Hilda Cleminson) recreate with a modern twist the iconic 1914 archive photograph of the first College residents.

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2014: Our Centenary

100 years on from the beginning of The Women’s College, our community celebrated the College’s 100th anniversary through a variety of events, including the College’s Birthday (left), a Centenary Gala Ball (middle), and the publication of a book about the first 100 years (right).

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2014: Construction of Centenary Wing

The Centenary Wing project was part of the College’s 100th Anniversary celebrations. With the completion of Centenary Wing on 14 March 2015 (pictured), Women’s was able to provide accommodation in our living and learning community for an additional 50 students, bringing the total capacity to 253.

Donors contributed to plaques, windows and bricks to place their name in history as part of the project.

Click here to read The Centenary Wing for The Women, an article about the design and construction of Centenary Wing and its impact on The Women’s College community, authored by Megan Traynor-Boyland, who was the Project Director for Centenary Wing.

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2019: A snapshot of the College

This video formed part of our recruitment and marketing in 2019, and is a wonderful snapshot of The Women’s College.

2020: Dorothy Marsden

The College’s oldest alumna, Dorothy Marsden, passed away aged 101 years in June 2020. Dorothy was the College’s 1939 Student Club President. Her picture on the right is from the College’s 1939 year group photo.

At the 2021 Standing Committee Luncheon, Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney paid tribute to Dorothy Marsden and a scholarship in her honour was launched at the event, which was held on Friday 9 July. Click here to read more about the Dorothy Marsden Undergraduate Scholarship on UQ’s website.

2020: Launch of Alumnae Awards

The Women’s College Alumnae Awards were launched in 2020 with the vision to celebrate the diverse accomplishments of our alumnae community who are making an impact to their communities and a difference in the world.

These annual awards honour the outstanding achievements of our alumnae, from those who are experienced in their careers to those who are just embarking on their new professions.

Click here to read about the inaugural Alumnae Award winners, which were announced at the 2021 Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards. Pictured are three of the 2021 recipients (left to right) Phoebe Thomas, Amanda Johnston-Pell and Suzanne Bosanquet.

2021: Farewell to Sallyanne Atkinson AO

Click here to read the address by Kim Lyons (The Women’s College Council 2021 Deputy President), which was delivered at the Special Reception for Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO on Thursday 8 April 2021.

Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO (pictured) is a Women’s Alumna, Fellow, Past Council President of The Women’s College and Lord Mayor of Brisbane (1985 – 1991).

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2021: Tribute to Dr Maureen Aitken AO

Click here to read the address by Kim Lyons (The Women’s College Council 2021 Deputy President), which was delivered at the Tribute to Dr Maureen Aitken High Tea on Saturday 17  April 2021.

Dr Maureen Aitken passed away in 2020 and this High Tea was held as a special tribute to honour her inspirational 18 years as Principal of The Women’s College (1991 – 2008).

2021: COVID-19

Pictured is the 2021 College Council, wearing the College’s official face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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2021: Valedictory Dinner

Click here to read the 2021 Valedictory Dinner Guest Speaker’s Address. This address was delivered by Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO (pictured right). Dr Atkinson is a Women’s Alumna, Fellow, Past Council President of The Women’s College and Lord Mayor of Brisbane (1985 – 1991).

2022: Signing of Relationship Framework

On Monday 15 August 2022, The Women’s College took part in the signing of the Relationship Framework between The University of Queensland and the 10 UQ residential colleges on the St Lucia campus.

President of The Women’s College Council, Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM, and Head of College & CEO, Florence Kearney, were in attendance for this significant occasion. Women’s acknowledges the leadership of Professor Deborah Terry AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, along with Anne Cross AM, UQ Senate Member, for their strong commitment to developing the relationship between the residential colleges and the university.

Click on the photo to see it at its full size.

2023: 109th College Birthday

The Women’s College celebrated its 109th Birthday on Friday 24 March 2023.

The celebrations began with an address by Head of College & CEO Flo Kearney, who launched our 110th Anniversary by showcasing some of our plans for the 2024 milestone event. As one of Queensland’s leading university residential Colleges, we acknowledged the remarkable women who have been a part of our history as past and current residents and associates.

Then, were very privileged to have the following eminent Vice-Chancellors participate in a Q&A about tertiary education:

• Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice-Chancellor and President of Griffith University
• Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, QUT
• Professor Deborah Terry AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, UQ

The Vice-Chancellors shared their reflections on university leadership challenges, the student experience then & now, the big issues confronting universities in Australia currently and in the future and the collaboration across the three universities.

Click on the photos to see them at their full size.

2023: Emeritus Prof. Fred D’Agostino Fellowship

Emeritus Professor Fred D’Agostino was honoured with an Honorary Fellowship at The Women’s College Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards on Thursday 9 March 2023 by Council President, Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM (pictured).

The College honours women and men of eminence and high achievement in the community, in particular past students and staff of the College. The Honorary Fellowship is the highest recognition that the College can bestow.

Emeritus Professor D’Agostino was a Women’s College Council Member from 2012 to 2022.

Before retiring from Council at the end of 2022, he was Emeritus Professor of Humanities at The University of Queensland and held positions as the Executive Dean of Arts, President of the Academic Board and UQ Senator.

In 2022, Emeritus Professor D’Agostino was announced as the inaugural recipient of the UQ R.H. Roe Award. Established by The University of Queensland in 2022, the UQ R.H. Roe Award is named after UQ’s first Vice-Chancellor and recognises individuals who have made a unique and lasting contribution through their dedicated service to UQ.

Emeritus Professor D’Agostino was also the guest speaker for this year’s Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards and spoke about the College’s tagline, ‘Ready to Lead’, and what it means to be a leader and why getting ready to lead might make sense for our students and alumnae.

Click here to read Emeritus Professor D’Agostino’s address, which was delivered at the 2023 Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards.

2023: Kim Lyons Fellowship

Kim Lyons (née Emery) was honoured with a Fellowship at The Women’s College Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 19 October 2023 by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM (pictured).

The College honours women and men of eminence and high achievement in the community, in particular past students and staff of the College. The Honorary Fellowship is the highest recognition that the College can bestow.

Kim Lyons is an alumna of the College (2001 – 2005) and was our 2005 Senior Resident Assistant. She has also been a Council Member from 2012 – 2023, and served as the Council’s Deputy President from 2017 – 2023.

Kim Lyons is a Business Management and Arts graduate of The University of Queensland (UQ). She worked at UQ in undergraduate domestic student recruitment for almost 10 years. Kim played a significant role in the development and implementation of UQ’s flagship equity program, the UQ Young Achievers Program. She has significant experience in project and event management, working with secondary schools and students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, and coordinating youth mentoring programs.

Kim is an active alumna of The Women’s College, a staff member at Christ the King Primary School, Graceville and a Committee Member of the school’s P&F Association.

Click here to read more about Kim’s contribution to the College, as delivered by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM at the Valedictory Dinner.

Click here to read Kim Lyon’s acceptance speech, which was delivered at the 2023 Valedictory Dinner.

2023: Jeff Sipek Fellowship

Jeff Sipek was honoured with a Fellowship at The Women’s College Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 19 October 2023 by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM (pictured).

The College honours women and men of eminence and high achievement in the community, in particular past students and staff of the College. The Honorary Fellowship is the highest recognition that the College can bestow.

Jeff Sipek joined The Women’s College in 1989. He holds a Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management and spent 10 years working in hotels in Adelaide and the UK. Jeff’s professional skills include expertise in food and beverage, management, operations and leadership.

His role as Director of Operations included the management and coordination of the facilities management of the College and he ensured the smooth running of the day-to-day operations in the kitchen, functions, housekeeping, property maintenance, general office management, security and all operational statutory requirements.

Jeff has a strong passion for customer service and maintaining relationships with internal and external clients.

Click here to read more about Jeff’s contribution to the College, as delivered by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM at the Valedictory Dinner.

Click here to read Jeff Sipek’s Fellowship acceptance speech, which was delivered at the 2023 Valedictory Dinner.

2023: Valedictory Dinner

Click here to read the 2023 Valedictory Dinner Guest Speaker’s Address. This address was delivered by The Honourable Justice Catherine Muir (pictured).

The Honourable Justice Catherine Muir was appointed as a judge of the District Court of Queensland, the Children’s Court of Queensland and the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland on 14 November 2016. On 11 April 2023, her Honour was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland in the Trial Division.

Justice Muir’s life did not necessarily go to plan. She really wanted to be a foreign correspondent. But things don’t always happen as one might first hope.

Her Honour grew up in regional Queensland, mainly in Cairns. She has a vivid recollection of wearing a sarong and thongs to her first day of university in Brisbane. Contrary to what some might think, Justice Muir did not “love the law” in those days. Indeed, after being admitted as a solicitor she purchased a one-way plane ticket and left for London to get away from the law. Instead, she tried to write while working as waitress, nanny, and tennis coach before fluking a job as a chalet girl in France (despite having never seen snow). She travelled extensively for over three years, somewhat to her parents’ lament.

Coming home – and needing to feed herself – her Honour returned to the law and much to her surprise (and her parents’ joy) she found a real passion and desire to practise as a lawyer. Her Honour worked as a solicitor for about five years, including three years in criminal defence at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. She was then called to the Bar in January 2001 and was a barrister in private practice for 16 years leading up to her appointment to the court.

When not working, her Honour is a wife and mother. Her special talents are that she can juggle (literally) and guess songs within a few bars.

2024: 110th Anniversary celebrations

The 110th Anniversary celebrations officially began with a Reception at Government House on Tuesday 27 February 2024. This was an alumnae function hosted by the Governor of Queensland – Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM – and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD.

Click here to read the Governor of Queensland’s remarks about The Women’s College’s 110th Anniversary.

Click on the photo to see it at its full size. Pictured left to right are Council Member and Alumna Olivia Williamson, Council Member Tamra Saayman, Director of Advancement Susan McGinley, Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney, Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM (Governor of Queensland), Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM, Director of Finance Fiona Bryant, Deputy Head of College Gayle Harris, and Director of Operations Luiz Gomes.