Project Description

Marking 110 Years in Grand Style: Celebrating with our Women’s community across a spectrum of festivities on Saturday 16 March 2024.

Touchwall Unveiling Ceremony

The day commenced with an unveiling ceremony of the College’s new interactive Touchwall. One of the 110th Anniversary legacy projects, the Touchwall was introduced by Head of College & CEO Flo Kearney before Director of Advancement Susan McGinley led a technical demonstration for guests. The Touchwall was then officially opened by College Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickeson AM, Student Club President Zimena Furey and Senior Resident Assistant Isabel Nolke.

When you next visit Women’s, we encourage you to explore our history and achievements through the interactive Touchwall experience!

Champagne High Tea

Around 140 alumnae, student leaders and residents, donors and friends of the College attended the Champagne High Tea to mark 110 years of The Women’s College. The event began with an introduction by Master of Ceremonies Samantha Heathwood (alumna 2000 – 2002) before Head of College & CEO Flo Kearney welcomed guests, with special mention to alumnae from the 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 Fresher Year Groups, who celebrated their milestone reunions.

Guests then enjoyed the cutting of the 110 birthday cake ceremony, which involved Zimena Furey (Student Club President), Isabel Nolke (Senior Resident Assistant), Madeleine McEniery (alumna 2014 – 2016) and Judith Anderson OAM (alumna 1964 – 1966).

Winners and finalists of the 2024 Alumnae Awards then shared inspiring stories in a Q&A panel discussion. We were honoured to have the following panellists share heartfelt memories of their time at Women’s:

  • Anna McDougall (alumna 2011 – 2013), 2024 Young Alumna Award winner
  • Rebecca Nicholas (alumna 1997 – 1999), Finalist
  • Nikki Parkinson (alumna 1985), 2024 Inspirational Alumna Award winner
  • Jan Willett (alumna 1973 – 1975), Finalist

Winners were announced for the Back to Women’s major raffle, with funds from this major raffle going towards the Women’s College Prizes program and the Standing Committee Bursary.

The event ended with the premiere of the third episode of the 110 Alumnae Stories series, and a lively fresher dance by the 1994 Fresher Year group.

Philanthropy Trail Tour

The Philanthropy Trail is another 110th Anniversary legacy project. This self-guided tour recognises the College’s buildings, facilities and features that have been made possible through the generosity of the Women’s community.

Head of College & CEO Flo Kearney and Director of Advancement Susan McGinley guided alumnae and friends through the tour, which included buildings such as New Wing and Centenary Wing, facilities like the May Hancock Auditorium (College Playhouse) and Maureen Aitken Garden, and features like the stained-glass windows in the Dining Hall.

Art Collection Tour

We were honoured to have alumna and esteemed art curator Alison Kubler lead an unforgettable Art Collection Tour at the Back to Women’s event.

Diving into the depths of our College’s rich heritage, Alison expertly unveiled masterpieces by some of Australia’s most iconic artists, including William Drysdale, Sir William Dargie and Margaret Olley, all curated under her guidance.

Some of the collection highlights from the tour included:
  • A stunning set of five ink drawings capturing the essence of our original College buildings at Kangaroo Point, graciously gifted by the legendary Australian artist Lloyd Rees back in 1915.
  • A breathtaking collection of still life and artworks crafted by trailblazing women artists, each piece resonating with grace and empowerment.
  • Commissioned portraits of our esteemed College Principals, capturing their vision and dedication to empowering generations of women.
  • The inspiring ‘The Getting of Wisdom’ tapestry panels.

We were filled with gratitude for the intersection of art and education, weaving together the threads of our vibrant 110-year history during this extraordinary event.

Leaders’ Cocktail Party

Student leaders have been an integral part of the vibrant 110-year history of The Women’s College, with the spirit of leadership shaping our College and inspiring many.

We welcomed past members of the Student Club Executive and Resident Assistant teams to the Leaders’ Cocktail Party on Saturday 16 March. This special 110th Anniversary event was an opportunity for alumnae to reconnect with student leaders from their era, and share their experiences with the current generation of student leaders.