Community News

PLC Community News

PLC Foundation

The normally highly social PLC Foundation has, like all communities and organisations, had a very quiet year in 2020. Whilst the group was able to celebrate the opening of the new Year 12 Centre in January, all other events for the year were put on hold.

However, the Foundation was extremely grateful to receive a donation of almost $300,000 from a wonderfully generous benefactor in February. This significant Building Fund donation will support the next major development at PLC and in recognition, the group looks forward to publicly honoring the benefactor’s outstanding contribution at a special event in the near future.

This year the Foundation also chose to postpone any additional formal fundraising. With so many people impacted by COVID-19 and the effects it has had on the Australian economy, the group focused on supporting the members of the wider PLC Community.

Hethersett Group

As Australians ushered in 2020, many looked towards the New Year with eager anticipation - a new decade, a new era. Few would have predicted that in the ensuing weeks and months, Victoria would be in a state of emergency, our nation in lockdown, and the world would be in the midst of a devastating pandemic.

By March, we were washing our hands vigorously, watching press conferences with bated-breath and grappling with the paradox that loving our elderly parents meant that we shouldn’t see them in person. We became familiar with terms such as N95, PPE, COVID-Safe, 1.5m, Zoom, contact tracing, social distancing, self-isolation and the ‘new normal’.

And yet after months of being in isolation, we have learned to enjoy the simple things in life – reading, gardening, walking around the neighbourhood, connecting with loved ones online, playing board games, having dinner together as a family. For many others, however, it continues to be a very challenging time where families have had to navigate change, hardship and unspeakable loss.

The Hethersett Group was in the midst of preparing for the PLC Sports Day back in March when the pandemic disrupted our plans. A faithful team of volunteers had planned to sell an array of hot and cold foods, snacks, baked goods and drinks. However, it was not to be. Athletics day was subsequently cancelled and the school holidays brought forward not long after that.

AGM Hethersett Group

Since then, the Hethersett Committee has continued to meet via Zoom and the wider Hethersett group has been staying in touch through our WhatsApp chat group. We have shared inspiring videos and messages, food photos and have remained in touch. It is not just our PLC girls who miss the social interaction, parents are feeling isolated too.

Whilst the Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day celebrations have been cancelled this year, the Christmas Luncheon in November – a fantastic year-end celebration event – remains on hold. As Hethersett continues to support the school community through this challenging season, we would encourage parents to come together and serve the school; we would love to meet you and welcome you to our wonderful group.

Hethersett is the oldest parent body at PLC. It was founded in the 1950s and named in honour of the original property on the campus grounds. Hethersett warmly welcomes all parents and we would love for you to get involved. The main purpose of the group is to support the school in organizing events such as the athletics carnival, Harmony Day lunch, Mothers’ Day morning tea, Fathers’ Day breakfast, and the Christmas luncheon. These activities provide a fantastic opportunity for parents to meet with each other while contributing to the life of the school. For further information, please email plchethersett@plc.vic.edu.au

April Lim Hethersett President

Branches

Regional Group Contacts North East Judy Cuddon (Clezy 1957) jcuddon@outlook.com

Geelong Anne Parton (Donaldson 1955) ivpanne@iinet.net.au

Mornington Peninsula Jan Kirchner (Morrison 1963) Lemonjam.lj@gmail.com

Interstate Contacts ACT Morag Donaldson (1987) plcincanberra@hotmail.com

Queensland Jenny Thompson (1965) Jenj_thompson@bigpond.com

Sydney Julie Phillips (Rank 1961) t.j.phillips@bigpond.com

International Contacts Edinburgh, Scotland Kathleen Harrison (1960) bokat.harrison@blueyonder.co.uk

Kuala Lumpur Chee Guen Loh (1981) guenloh@hotmail.com

London Andrea Melville (Blow 1994) Plcoca.uk@gmail.com

New Zealand Jane Foster (1985) Jane04@bigpond.com

Singapore Lydia Lim (2006) lim.lyd@gmail.com

Geelong Group

The Geelong Group recognised its 70th Anniversary as a Branch on 18th July this year, however, sadly has not been able to celebrate this worthy achievement due to the restrictions in place during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

We hope to do justice to the memory of our forebears, the women of the Western District who began the Branch – later in the year or early next year. Our Branch was saddened to learn of the death, on 16th September this year, of our dear member Gwen Munro aged 95 years. Gwen was for many years our devoted Branch Treasurer. Two Old Collegians personally represented us at her actual Funeral in Queenscliff Uniting Church, and others joined in by viewing the Virtual Service on Zoom.

Anne Parton (Donaldson 1955) Geelong Group President

North East Group

The year 2020 will go down in history as a year that was “lost”. Many of us have missed celebrating various milestones in our lives as well as being unable to see family and friends. With modern technology we have connected remotely for some of these events which has been a wonderful godsend, and this has helped allay the feelings of ‘loneliness and isolation’ that living alone often brings.

We have really enjoyed and appreciated the Zoom events that Ailsa and her Old Collegians’ committee have worked tirelessly time. A wonderful Nellie Melba concert which had to be cancelled - but then played over Zoom for us all to enjoy. Then there have been some forums featuring Old Collegians who have contributed their talents and knowledge to the community in various ways and these have been informative and enjoyable.

The Principal, Mrs Cheryl Penberthy has embraced the Old Collegians with her letters and emails of encouragement and comfort to us during this time. At the same time, steering the current students along the right path during this isolation. Her thoughtfulness in sharing a lovely video of the girls in the Melba Chorale singing “You will be found” was beautiful and much appreciated. The school community is very blessed to have such a thoughtful and caring leader.

A big thank you and congratulations to all the staff who are working remotely behind the scenes to keep this great school learning online. We all hope that soon you will be able to meet up with your colleagues at school again. As for the North East Old Collegians group, we were able to hold our March lunch to arrange for us to participate in during this

just before we went into isolation - but sadly missed the June and October meetings. However, I am anticipating that we will be able to travel to Milawa for the March 3rd, 2021 lunch if circumstances permit.

Thank you to those NE members who keep in touch and notify me of any news of members – I do appreciate your emails. We look forward to the next edition of PLC in Print coming to us online. Please contact me if you are interested in joining us at lunches or have any questions.

Judy Cuddon (Clezy 1957) North East Group President

Donate online to the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship

The Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 1959 to relatives of Old Collegians who would not otherwise be able to attend PLC. This scholarship was set up to honour Miss Hailes, a greatly loved Vice Principal (1933-1954) and Acting Principal, after her sudden death in 1958.

For many years Old Collegians have donated cash and cheques through the important Birthday League to support this scholarship, by sending donations to Lauris Murnane at 2/26 Kensington Road, South Yarra VIC 3141. We are now introducing online giving to make donating more convenient (in our busy lives). Donate now and help a girl to PLC.

Details of the PLCOCA CBA account for those who with to complete an online bank transfer: • EFT Giving • Account Name: PLCOCA • BSB: 063 197 • Account Number: 00900486

Specify Purpose as: Helen Hailes Sch Payee: Specify name by which you would like to be acknowledged in PLC in Print as part of the Birthday League or anonymous.

Helen Hailes

The following Old Collegians and members of the Birthday League are thanked for the contributions to the Helen Hailes Scholarship Fund:

R. Perrin, H. Haysom, B. Tacey, J. Andrew, W. Fishley, N. Cronin, J. Montgomery, B. Hookey, K. Cherry, Y. Knowles, J. Noble, Y. Sargood, L. Murnane, J. Oldfield.

PLC in Print | November 2020 Reunions Class

We would like to thank our Old Collegians for their patience and understanding regarding the postponement of the Class Reunions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We now have finalised our schedule for the 2020 and 2021 Class Reunions at the College next year, with many reunions being hosted on the same day but conducted as separate events.

We are very excited to showcase the amazing transformations that have occurred since you last visited the campus and of course, to reconnect our Old Collegians with classmates and the wonderful friendships they formed at school.

Please check below for the full list of 2020 and 2021 Reunion dates for your diaries. An invitation with full details regarding your Class Reunion will be sent prior to the event.

YEAR

Class of 2020

Class of 2019 Class of 2016 Class of 2015 Class of 2011 Class of 2010 Class of 2006 Class of 2005 Class of 2001 Class of 2000 Class of 1996 Class of 1995 Class of 1991 Class of 1990 Class of 1986 Class of 1985 Class of 1981 Class of 1980 Class of 1976 Class of 1975 Class of 1971 Class of 1970 Class of 1966 Class of 1965 Class of 1961 Class of 1960 REUNION

Graduation Dinner Reunion 1st Year Out 5 Year Reunion 5 Year Reunion 10 Year Reunion 10 Year Reunion 15 Year Reunion 15 Year Reunion 20 Year Reunion 20 Year Reunion 25 Year Reunion 25 Year Reunion 30 Year Reunion 30 Year Reunion 35 Year Reunion 35 Year Reunion 40 Year Reunion 40 Year Reunion 45 Year Reunion 45 Year Reunion 50 Year Reunion 50 Year Reunion 55 Year Reunion 55 Year Reunion 60+ Reunion 60+ Reunion DATE

29 May

6 August 27 March 27 March 1 May 1 May 12 June 12 June 17 July 17 July 31 July 31 July 4 September 4 September 9 October 9 October 30 October 30 October 13 November 13 November 20 November 20 November 13 November 13 November 7 August 7 August

Please contact us via development@plc.vic.edu.au or on 9805 7860 if you require any further information regarding your Class Reunion.

News of Old Collegians Congratulations

1 Engagements

SueLee Seng (1998) became engaged to Rowan Theel on 5 July 2020 in his backyard in the rain. SueLee and Rowan met in the social enterprise cafe SueLee manages in Kyneton when he came in as a customer for a takeaway coffee and toastie. (pic 1)

Weddings

Fiona Brooks (2008) married Christopher Nedelkos on 18 April 2019 at the Melbourne Registry Office. Photography was taken at Captain Cook’s Cottage in a nod to Fiona’s Yorkshire heritage and a cocktail reception at the Heide Museum in Bulleen. Other PLC guests were Fiona’s sister, Felicity Brooks (2010), Kaysten Flory, Nicole Hossari, Venetia Hoe and Sarah Chang (all 2008). They enjoyed a delayed honeymoon throughout Europe in October and November 2019 before welcoming a beautiful baby boy, Henry, in February this year! (pic 4)

Vanessa Chen (2008) married Jeremy Wong on 23 November 2019 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Doncaster). Old Collegian Megan Low (2008) was maid of honour. The service was led by Head of Chinese Michelle Liu and former PLC chaplain Reverend Charles Green delivered the Bible Message. Other PLC guests included Katerina Hui (2006) and Vi Ha (2009).

Zoe Driver (2008) married Matt Anderson at Half Acre, in South Melbourne on Friday 13 March.

What may be a superstitious date for some, turned out to be their lucky day.

The venue is located quite close to Albert Park, the Formula One track, and they were bracing for loud noise pollution from the practice sessions - however as the pandemic situation developed - the event was cancelled so all vows and speeches could easily be heard! The ceremony and reception (both at Half Acre), were indoors, protected from the windy, chilly and drizzly mid-March Melbourne weather.

Zoe’s bridesmaids were all PLC alumnae - Jessica Knight (2008), Asta Wilson (2008), Natasha Redden (2008) and Libby Cotter (2008). Throughout the planning, it was always going to be only the three Melbournebased women by her side. Libby works as a primary school teacher in Shanghai, China and was not expected to be attending the wedding (but Zoe had asked her to be a bridesmaid anyway!). As the Covid-19 situation developed in Asia, then eventually Australia, she was stuck in limbo staying temporarily in Melbourne for a few months. 2 3 4

PLC guests included Zoe’s mum, past staff member Janet Driver and a large group of alumni Left to Right in picture 2 - Nicole Hossari (2008), Natasha Redden (2008), Jessica Knight (2008), Zoe, her Mum Janet Driver, Libby Cotter (2008), Stefanie Walters (2009), and Asta Wilson (2008).

Matt and Zoe had planned a honeymoon in Hawaii in May, but these plans have been “postponed” until they can make it once international travel resumes safely! (pic 2)

Nicole Yow (2008) married Fraser Werner on 24 August 2019.

Nicole’s bridesmaids included Susannah Harrison (Green 2008) & Stephanie Wong (Ling 2008). (pic 3)

Births

Naomi (Rajeswaran 2004) and Shehan Wijayasinghe have welcomed a son Micah Alexander Wijayasinghe on 15 September 2020.

Katherine Rennick Crosbie (Markham 2005) and Derek Crosbie welcomed a son, Archie Edward Henryk Crosbie on 3 May, 2020 in Benalla, Victoria. Nephew to Jennifer Clare Markham (2000), and first Grandchild to Joe and Janet Markham (Rennick 1969).

Anna Crawford (Washington 2008) and James Crawford welcomed a son, Xander on

31 March 2020.

The PLC Community is saddened to learn of the passing of the following Old Collegians.

Obituaries

The following obituaries have been supplied by family and friends of the deceased.

Phyllis Ida Powell (Leckie 1931) passed away on 12 April 2020 just prior to her 106th birthday.

Phyllis was born June 16th 1914. Her family lived in Malvern East during her early years. She had an older sister Gwennyth and six years later her brother, Jack, was born. Sadly, Phyl’s mother passed away six months later.

The family owned the thriving grocery business, R.G. Wilson’s in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, which had the Royal Charter to serve Government House Victoria. On Saturday mornings Phyl and Gwen would ride to the store in a sulky with one of a line of faithful horses, always named Commodore, leading. On reaching the grocery store they were treated like princesses. Entering the store the aroma of freshly ground coffee pervaded the senses. Dame Nellie Melba was a regular customer, and at Christmas time she always gave the family a huge box of specialty chocolates. Melba also requested gold thread to lace the turkey – if not available, blue baby ribbon!

Due to the loss of her mother she and her sister attended PLC as boarders. Phyl was a conscientious student and was awarded a number of prizes. She became an accomplished pianist and we enjoyed hearing her play at home.

On leaving PLC she enrolled at Stott’s Business College and later became a valued secretary at Burns Philp in Melbourne. Her PLC friend, Bronhwyn Powell, introduced her to her brother, a young doctor named Mostyn Powell and at the age of 21 she married in 1935. On their honeymoon they went skiing at Charlotte’s Pass near Mt Kosciuszko and luckily were unhurt when their car slid off the road into the snow. Phyl gave birth to two daughters, Jillian in 1936 and Celia in 1938. At the beginning of WWII, her husband Mostyn (Mick) joined the Medical Corp and left for the Middle East leaving Phyl to manage at home. This was a difficult time for all Australians and fortunately Phyl was able to get help from relatives and friends.

After returning from the war, Mick won a Carnegie Fellowship requiring him to travel to Boston for some paediatric cardiology studies. Phyl bravely boarded a freighter and sailed to meet him in London, coinciding with the end of the studies. They sailed home together via Las Palmas and Cape Horn with Mick as ship’s doctor. A short time after returning to Melbourne, Elizabeth was born in 1948 and finally Phyl gave birth to a son Michael, in 1950. Phyl was a busy hard working devoted mother, and wife, with four children and a husband deeply involved with the development of the Cardiac Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Late in the 1950’s the family purchased an old fisherman’s cottage at Diamond Bay, Sorrento and spent many happy family times there. She and Mick enjoyed entertaining friends and colleagues there.

In the 1970’s Phyl became Mick’s secretary, when he set up his medical practice at home. They did some travelling to the Pacific islands and some Australian and European destinations. Phyl was widowed in 1994. She had been a devoted loving wife, enabling Mick to pursue his important medical career as a Paediatric Cardiologist, and his sporting interests in squash and golf.

It was then time to downsize into a modern unit in Cummins Grove, Malvern which proved to be an excellent choice. Phyl was still driving, but later she would walk to Glenferrie Road to do her shopping and socialising. She liked this compact new residence very much. Her daughter Elizabeth came to live with her and became her carer. They had good times together attending many of Melbourne’s wonderful cultural activities.

Looking back over Phyl’s long life we have to ask how Phyl was able to achieve the impressive age of 105 years. She was always busy, enjoyed cooking sweet things; loved to play the piano, swim at Diamond Bay and play a little golf. She wrote beautiful letters to family and friends and was a crossword devotee, even at 105 years. During the eight years she spent at Vasey RSL Age Care facility she continued to socialise and make friends. The new friends and staff members were very fond of Phyl and extremely impressed by her will to live and enjoyment of life. She was certainly blessed with relatively good health to the end. Neither blind, nor deaf or demented! She was fortunate to have a supportive family.

Phyl was a gentle, kind and gracious lady, with a good sense of humour... to the end.

Beryle Osmond (White 1937) passed away on 12 August 2020 just prior to her 100th birthday.

Beryle was born in Victoria in 1920 – the eldest of seven children, with three boys and then three girls – all in nine years.

Her family lived in Werribee in Victoria where her father was a grazier and her mother a piano teacher. They were well known in the community and to this day have a street named after them – Whites Road in Werribee South. Her father became a successful farmer and was able to buy a large sheep and cattle station, Woodsome Lees, near Tocumwal on the border of Victoria and NSW in 1934. There they lived in a large, gracious homestead that had a large ballroom where they held dances. Being the eldest of seven, and having a mother who suffered badly from asthma, Beryle took on a lot of responsibility for the children and the household. Her organisational skills started to emerge at this stage!

Beryle went to PLC as a boarder, as did her three sisters, Joyce Davies (1942), Elsie Churchill (1944) and Lila McCulloch (1944). She enjoyed being able to just be one of the girls and felt it gave her a lot of confidence, or as she said, “it finished me off”.

Once she left school and returned to Tocumwal she became her father’s secretary At this time she became very involved with the Red Cross and this continued through WW2. During the war Tocumwal had internment camps for people of German, Italian and Austrian descent etc. who were housed in tents on the Common. Beryle remembered them as lovely people and said they loved the music, the food and the conversations

Working for her father was not much fun – he was demanding and had views on how she should live that didn’t fit with her own. She decided to study social work and attended the University of Melbourne during the war years. Her father refused to support her in this endeavour and her mother said she, “Might as well give it a go as she hadn’t managed to find a fellow to marry”.

She loved social work and decided to look for a job. Her father told her not to return home if she did. She obtained a position at the YWCA in Townsville where she worked with women and girls for two years.

At the end of her two years, and still being unmarried, she explored going overseas for new experiences. Following a short time at canning factory, where she was available to help the 500+ women employees with housing, childcare and other issues, she obtained a job in New Zealand.

Beryle came to NZ in 1948, aged 28, to the role of Director of Activities for the YWCA in Woburn, Lower Hutt.

Beryle met Ron Osmond in Wellington. The couple went to Melbourne and became engaged on New Year’s Eve in 1949 and married in Wellington on 29 July 1950.

Beryle and Ron moved to Cambridge where he was quickly made partner. They had four children – Murray, Alistair, Meredith and Leighton. As a young mother with no family support Beryle devoted herself to setting up supports for young mothers. Most of the groups she joined resulted in her becoming president and life member – some of them even conferred honours on Ron as well – probably for being long suffering!

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and set up the Fireside Club which met as a support group. She was Superintendent of the Sunday school and also an elder from 1969 when there was only one other woman elder, and on the committees overseeing church affairs.

Through her involvement in numerous groups she was a true leader. People said that, “You always knew what Beryle thought on an issue” and that “It was easier to go along with her, then oppose her”. She loved the fund raising, events, interactions with mayors and MPs and making a difference. She believed it was most important “That you don’t do everything for yourself, you do it for your community”.

In 1977 Beryle was awarded a Silver Jubilee Medal – an award given to 1400 other notables in NZ who were subsequently given knighthoods and damehoods. In 1993 Beryle was awarded the National Women’s Suffrage Medal – awarded to 500 women and men who had, by their virtues and talents, made a recognised contribution to the rights of women in their community in NZ.

Right through to her 80’s she was still attending AGMs and being recognised for her service.

In the midst of all this community service, Beryle supported her husband and her family in all their ventures. Hosting international guests as part of a home hosting scheme at her home, visiting and planning a holiday every few years to Australia.

Beryle nearly made 100! She lived a full and active life until the past year when she entered rest home care. The family are grateful for her life and the legacy she left for them all.

Gwen Munro (1943) passed away on 16 September, 2020 aged 95 years.

Gwen completed Form VI (Commerce strand) and began work in the Commonwealth Bank as a shorthand typist. Several years later she joined the Red Cross Blood Bank. She worked with them for the next 34 years, before retiring to Point Lonsdale in 1986. Gwen was a committed volunteer in numerous organisations including nearly 70 years service for the Red Cross. Gwen was also Treasurer of the PLC Geelong Old Collegians for many years. Her sister Lorraine Preston (Munro 1941) who died in 2015 was also a past PLC student.

Dawn Bartram (Mallinson 1944) passed away on 13 August 2020 aged 92.

Dawn was born in Windsor to Joan, a homemaker, and Bill, a violinist and teacher who founded the Malvern Symphony Orchestra. Younger brother John completed the family. Dawn attended Korowa Anglican Girls’ School until the end of Year 9 before transferring to PLC East Melbourne in 1942 for Year 10.

“I always wanted to go to PLC where my mother (Joan Whalley 1919) and her sister (Hilda 1926) had gone,” she recalled. “It was an academic school, fairly strict, with a very nice lot of girls. I always enjoyed it.”

In her four years at PLC, Dawn embraced student life, particularly her Matric years of 1944 and 1945 when she was a prefect and member of the Scientific Club and Student Christian group. She also led Leven House in the 1944 Choral contest. After matriculating, she attended the University of Melbourne, graduating with a Bachelor of Science and securing a job with Victoria’s Department of Agriculture.

In 1947, the day after her 19th birthday, Dawn met John Bartram at a tennis party.

John, who would become a four-time national sprint champion and represent Australia at the 1948 London Olympic Games, was preparing to study Medicine at the University of Melbourne’s Mildura campus, but the pair stayed in touch and married in front of 130 guests at Toorak Presbyterian Church on 3 December 1949.

From 1951 to 1968, Dawn bore nine children, including daughters Julie and Louise (1972), Jane (1975), Sarah (1977) and Emma (1986). All attended PLC about two kilometres west along Burwood Highway from where John had established his medical practice next to the family home in 1958.

“We so enjoyed having a family,” Dawn said. “John was one of five and he enjoyed that. We didn’t really discuss it. We just thought ‘oh yes, we’d like to have another baby’, so we did.”

Dawn undertook the colossal task of raising nine children and supporting John as he built his practice, starting at 7.30am and finishing at 9pm on weekdays, and working Saturdays. Having delivered thousands of babies, John was called upon at any hour.

With her youngest child at school, Dawn returned to study in 1975 aged 47, gaining a DipEd from Burwood Teachers’ College. In 1976, she taught grade 3 at Korowa.

“It was very busy, getting there each morning,” she said. “I had to work at night because I wasn’t used to teaching, so I had to learn about what I was going to teach the next day.”

At the end of her first year at Korowa, Dawn was invited to teach science to Grades 4-6 the next year, but she resigned to work part-time as a receptionist in John’s practice, where she stayed until his retirement in 2007.

Dawn’s passions included the Fitzroy Football Club, which she followed from 1945. She would regularly take her younger children to St Kilda’s Junction Oval in the 1970s and ‘80s to watch her Lions and rejoiced in Brisbane’s three premierships from 2001 to 2003.

In 1964, she joined the Metropolitan Golf Club, serving as Women’s President for two years from 1992.

Dawn’s proudest achievement was her family and her 65-year marriage to John, the “nicest person in the world”. “I can’t imagine another man doing as much for his wife as John does for me. He’s a special person” she said. John died in November 2014. He and Dawn are survived by their five daughters, and sons Hugh, Richard, James and Andrew, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Alison Saunders (Inglis 1945) passed away 13 June, 2020. Alison attended PLC East Melbourne from 1940-1945. Her time there always brought back happy memories of an excellent education and lifelong friendships.

Alison graduated as a Dental Nurse after leaving PLC and worked in a private practice at 2 Collins Street, Melbourne for five years until her marriage in 1952. She devoted her time to raising her three children, Margaret (1970), Bill & Garry. Her family and friends remember her as vibrant, selfless, impeccable and a lady of style.

Lois Beatrice Black (Walls 1949) passed away 16 October 2020 aged 89 years old.

Lois was a boarder from Camperdown from 1946 - 1949. She died in Lorne.

She was a loving and supportive mother to Julianne and Angie and grandmother to Prue and Olive.

Vivienne McCutcheon OAM (Penington 1950/51) passed away 28 July 2020.

Vivienne, with her sisters Margaret (1948) and Jocelyn (1952), attended PLC starting at Junior School Hethersett when it first opened in 1939. She was a prefect and Leven sports captain in her final years, and enjoyed her schooldays, keeping firm friends with some of her contemporaries.

Vivienne led a very full life. She described several people in particular who influenced her - her father, a hard working doctor who spent his first years practising in New Britain, and secondly her aunt Frances Penington, who briefly taught history at the school, and who was the first woman to serve on any major government commission in Victoria, namely the Housing Commission. Frances worked towards housing and income security for the impoverished. This inspired Vivienne to study Arts and Social Work at the University of Melbourne. Here she became involved in the Student Christian Movement, and Australia’s responsibility to World Peace and Welfare. It was here she met Andrew McCutcheon who was passionate to travel and help the world.

Andrew studied architecture and then theology. After marrying he and Vivienne spent the next three years at Iona and working in the slums of Glasgow. After returning to Melbourne they chose to live in a third floor Housing Commission flat with no lifts or running hot water, where they were often called upon to help day and night, and where Vivienne organised activities for the residents.

With three young children she helped set up the Hanover Centre in Fitzroy for homeless men. In the early 1970’s she was involved in the establishment of several community health centres in the inner suburbs.

Together with her cousin Professor David Penington, she lobbied hard to establish the Richmond Community Health Centre in 1975, and it still exists today.

Later Vivienne moved into an academic career and taught Social Work at Phillip Institute (now RMIT), helping to set up the first Graduate Diploma in Community Work.

As Andrew moved from the church into local government in the 1970’s and state government in the 1980’s, Vivienne’s focus also moved towards policy development and practice reform. She was appointed to the Board of Management of the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Dental Health Review Board, and later the Mental Health Review Board and the Council on the Ageing. She worked as a senior investigator for nine years, and in 1995 as Acting Health Services Commissioner. In 1996 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services in welfare. education and health.

In 1992 Andrew retired from politics and established the vineyard “Ten Minutes by Tractor”, so Vivienne worked hard to develop the cellar door. They both loved travelling and organising friends to stay.

She felt passionately about refugees and asylum seekers, and they were both very involved in Sisterworks, an empowerment and support group for these women. They also helped in the formation of the Port Phillip Citizens Reconciliation with First Peoples.

Vivienne loved life and was active until her sudden death, aged 87. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Judith Murray (Brittingham 1950) passed away on 31 August, 2020, at Maddocks Gardens Aged Care, Bairnsdale, in the area in which she and husband, Colin, farmed for many years. Judy achieved in sport and studies at Presbyterian Ladies’ College and worked as a Physiotherapist in Bairnsdale after marriage. At PLC Judy was Athol House Captain (only one “l” in those days) in 1948, School Prefect in 1950, Captain of Atholl House in 1950 and Captain of 2nd Tennis. Her sister Barbara Hansen (Brittingham 1955) lives in Falls Creek, NSW, and she is survived by her husband Colin, daughters Sally (Murray 1976) and Leecia, and son Tony.

Dr Patricia Verne Kailis (Hurse 1950)

An outpouring of tributes in recognition of the life of Patricia Kailis flooded Perth newspapers following her death on 17 April, 2020, aged 87. The vast columns of appreciation from individuals and organisations who benefited from her medical and business expertise gave testimony to the breadth and generosity of Patricia’s contribution to the life, work and well-being of the people of Western Australia.

Patricia, eldest daughter of Verne and George Hurse, was born in Castlemaine, Victoria. Her Primary education was at Chatham State School, Surrey Hills, where she was Dux in 1944. During the year, the Headmaster called her father to the school to inform him that Patricia was to be Dux. He pronounced that his daughter was ‘going to go places’, and urged him, if possible, to pay to send her to a good school for the education she deserved. Patricia’s father chose PLC.

Throughout her school life Patricia was a fiercely ambitious student. With unwavering self-belief, she reveled in competing for highest honours in every subject and was awarded many prizes. This drive to excel also spread to Patricia’s after-school pursuits: piano, ballet, and horse riding.

Patricia often reflected on her PLC life with her nine-years-younger twin sisters, Wendy and Judith, who also attended PLC. She spoke of the lasting influence of certain teachers on her life, and of the musical highlights of her time there: listening to Mr Fehmel’s ‘inspired’ classroom presentations of recorded Beethoven symphonies, singing in the choir, playing percussion in the orchestra, and performing in Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

The Hurse family was involved in the vibrant life of the local Banool Road Presbyterian Church in Balwyn as well as joining in regular worship and Bible Studies, Patricia had fun in the activities of the youth group, the Presbyterian Fellowship Association (PFA), which included tennis tournaments, church camps and hilarious pantomime productions.

Patricia completed her degree in Medicine at the University of Melbourne in 1957 and moved to Perth after accepting a two-year Residency at the Royal Perth Hospital. She lived up to her high self-expectations by also concurrently spending several months gaining experience at the Princess Margaret and King Edward Memorial Hospitals. She had placed her stamp on the three major Perth hospitals!

In 1960 Patricia married Michael Kailis (dec), the son of George Kailis, a migrant seaman from the Greek Island of Kastellorizo. The pair moved north to the small coastal town of Dongara, where Michael wanted to fulfil his vision of building a lobster processing business. Because there was no resident doctor in the town, and to the relief of the isolated population, Patricia quickly set up a one-doctor medical practice in the local hotel. Over the ensuing years, while raising their family of four, Maria, George, Amanda and Alex, and with Patricia dedicated to her medical practice, the MG Kailis Group of maritime companies became well-established, with lobster processing in operation.

In 1969, as the demands of business outgrew Dongara, the family returned to Perth, and Patricia became engrossed in genetic counselling. Between 1970 and 1996 Patricia held honorary positions in neurology and genetics at Royal Perth Hospital. She began gathering data on children affected by family generational diseases. Patricia’s exhaustive counselling and documentation not only led to the setting up of the Royal Perth Hospital Genetic Counselling Program for Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular diseases, but also to a significant reduction of X-lined Muscular Dystrophy in WA. Patricia’s work was hailed as pioneering application of genetic counselling.

In 1979 Patricia was appointed an Office of the British Empire for her contributions in the fields of carrier detection of inherited diseases.

In 1981, Patricia conducted collaborative research into Motor Neurone Disease, which involved the tracing of the extensive history of the disease in a single family. This research contributed to a world map of known genetic mutations causing debilitation muscle and nerve diseases, and to the discovery of a gene for some forms of Motor Neurone Disease.

In 1996 Patricia was named a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of over 20 years’ service to medicine as a genetic counsellor in neurological and neuromuscular disorders to the Human Genetics Societies of WA, the Royal Perth Hospital and to Rocky Bay Inc. (a facility for the disabled). In the same year Patricia also became a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

The MG Kailis Group expanded to include prawning in Exmouth, the building of fishing fleets at Fremantle, and pearl farming in Broome. When a mysterious disease threatened the industry, Patricia discovered, by using her scientific and medical clinician skills, that the shells could be kept disease free if hospital grade hygiene was applied in their handling. Her methods for eradicating the disease became standard practice. Patricia was Governing Director of the MG Kailis Group from 1999 until 2006.

Pearls were Patricia’s pride and joy. In 1978 she established the iconic Western Australian ‘Kailis Jewellery’ boutiques, which featured uniquely designed Kailis pearl settings. Patricia took responsibility for the retail arm of the business, and, for over 40 years, oversaw the operation of the boutiques in Fremantle, Broome and Perth. No wonder she was proclaimed the doyenne of the Australian pearl industry!

Apart from the previously mentioned awards, Patricia received many honours in recognition of her humanitarian contribution to Medicine, Science, Business, Philanthropy and the Arts:

In 2001 the Australian Government awarded Patricia the Centenary Medal for her contributions and service to medicine, science and the community.

In 2005 Patricia was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Western Australia.

In 2006 Patricia received a Gold Medal from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She was also appointed Dame Commander of Grace of the Sovereign Order of the Orthodox Knights Hospitaller of St John of God of Jerusalem.

In 2007 Patricia was recognized as a Champion of Entrepreneurship (Western Division) in the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

In 2010 Rocky Bay Inc Opened the Patricia Kailis Centre in Cockburn Central. The Centre is dedicated to Patricia for her strong connection of over forty years with Rocky Bay, providing counselling and support for families living with disabilities.

For Patricia education was the key to success. She was a vigorous promoter of advanced school and university opportunities for Aboriginal girls. Her two daughters attended PLC Perth, where Patricia was appointed Chair of the School Council in 1998 after being a member for some years. Patricia also served on the Board of Notre Dame University. She felt immense pride in witnessing, with her sisters from Melbourne, the inaugural ceremony for Aboriginal graduates from Notre Dame University, Broome Campus, in 2002. In promoting Aboriginal art Patricia generously supported the production, exhibition, and sale of art works by Aboriginal women from remote communities in Western Australia.

Patricia was a luminary of the highest order. With her astute intelligence, wisdom, foresight and courage, she personally oversaw her visionary, trail-blazing projects from conception to operational completion. This was the girl who the Headmaster foresaw was ‘going to go places’!

In 2019 the Kailis family and the Harry Perkins Research Institute of Medical Research in Perth established the Patricia Kailis Fellowship in Rare Genetic Disease, stated ‘to support young, talented, midcareer researchers who dedicated their lives to helping families facing a genetic disease diagnosis’. Patricia’s spirit lives on!

Margaret Brughera (Jones 1951) passed away 31 July, 2020 aged 86 years.

Margaret attended PLC East Melbourne from 1947 to 1951, including as a boarder in Koorinya from 1948 to 1950. During her school years she excelled in studies and sports.

After Matriculating she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in History at the University of Melbourne, followed by the Preliminary Certificate in Librarianship. She worked in the newly established Archives Section of the State Library of Victoria until late 1957 when she departed on the typical Grand Tour/Working Holiday of young girls to the U.K. and Europe. At the end of twelve months, instead of returning to Australia, she took up a position in the information Library of the Australian Consulate-General in New York.

Subsequently she met and married Dominic Brughera, had a daughter and son and lived over the years in New Jersey, Wisconsin and Connecticut. In Madison, Wisconsin she completed a Master’s Degree in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin and after moving to Connecticut became Reference Librarian at the New London Public Library. For her research work into the history of the houses of residents, she was awarded the status of “Daughter of the American Revolution” – even though she had never become an American citizen nor could she claim to be a descendant of a participant in the War of Independence – usual requirements that admission to the group demanded.

On the death of her husband, and thirty-five years residing in the U.S., Margaret returned to Australia. Here she resumed her close connections with PLC friends, many of whom she had never lost contact with over the years. She pursued her own Family History research, was a volunteer at the Genealogical Society of Victoria, particularly for the International Settlers’ Group, and was also a regular helper at the Knox Opportunity Shop in Bayswater.

At PLC Margaret followed in the footsteps of three aunts (Margaret, Dilys and Mary Jones), a third cousin (Lorna Mary (Mollie) Lloyd) and three cousins (Bronwen, Dilys and Ann Grieve). After her, the family’s long association with the school continued with Margaret’s two sisters (Olwen and Elizabeth), and another cousin (Maragret Boazman), second cousin (Mary Johnston) and two nieces (Bronwyn and Megan Fincher).

Barbara Colson (Dunlop 1954) passed away on the 18 April, 2020.

Barbara’s PLC education started at Hethersett, as the Junior School was known. Classmates from there and from the Senior school became lifelong friends. Although Barbara suffered from asthma, she enthusiastically joined in sporting activities, and played in the school second tennis team. After school, Barbara attended Larnook Teachers’ College, which provided training for teaching Domestic Science in secondary schools. Barbara kept up many of the skills she learned there, capably running a busy household, where her cooking in particular became somewhat legendary.

Barbara taught briefly, before she and her husband Ewan had three sons and a daughter, Emma Colson (1986). Barbara encouraged the children in their sport and academic achievements in veterinary science, medicine and physiotherapy. Visits to them in adulthood took Barbara and Ewan to Myrtleford, Geelong and Warrnambool, and also to see, and travel with, Emma in Europe.

Never enjoying good health, Barbara’s life revolved around family and friends. She gained enormous pleasure in planning and tending a beautiful and productive garden, which reached down towards the Yarra. When she was well enough, she enjoyed attending Old Collegians’ reunions and luncheons with friends.

In recent times, Barbara maintained a fierce struggle with her health, but never lost her spirit.

Joan Dwyer OAM (Singer 1956)

Joan Dwyer, a remarkable barrister and solicitor, chairperson and tribunal member, passed away on 11 September 2019. In her illustrious legal career, particularly as a member of various tribunals, she made an enduring difference in people’s lives. She was a warm, articulate and compassionate person who really cared about others and was interested in social welfare.

In 1980, Joan became the Chairman of the Equal Opportunity Board, a position which gave her the opportunity to pursue her passion for fairness and justice. Her subsequent position as a Senior Member of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal which she held for over 20 years was a very satisfying and influential period in her career, where she was able to assist people who sought a review of decisions made under Commonwealth laws across a diverse range of fields. She documented this exciting work in national and international journals and found satisfaction in drafting new legislation to correct discrimination where it occurred.

Joan was also committed to improving the lives of people suffering from Severe Communication Impairment and for 10 years was on the board of DEAL Communication Centre.

She was awarded her Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005 for her “service to the community, particularly through the DEAL Communication Centre, and to the law.” After her retirement, she became a member of the Mental Health Review Board which she found very rewarding and served on other panels relating to medical and legal issues.

Early in her career, Joan faced the challenge of wanting to combine part-time legal work with caring for her daughters at a time when no such work/family balance existed in her profession. She succeeded and pioneered the way for other women lawyers to work part-time.

She also worked in the UK during the periods her husband Dr John Dwyer QC held academic positions there, supporting his career moves while keeping her own legal career alive through being flexible and open to change.

Joan was a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother, with a wide range of friends and interests who appreciated life and lived it fully. She died peacefully after a five year battle with cancer, which she endured stoically. She is sadly missed by her devoted family, friends and colleagues.

Read Joan’s compelling personal account of her rich life and career in her entry in:

The Australian Women’s Register Exhibitions

Trailblazing Lawyers Project Team, ‘Dwyer, Joan’, Australian Women Lawyers as Active Citizens, Australian Women’s Archives Project September 2016 https:www.womenaustralia.info/ lawyers/biogs/AWE56446b.htm

Jane Baker (Taylor 1962) passed away on 24 August, 2020 after a long illness, in her 77th year. Jane joined PLC in Year 7, the last year in East Melbourne then the senior school moved to Burwood.

Beryl Howie (Stoney 1962) passed away 24 August, 2020 after a battle with leukaemia.

Beryl was the younger child of Eadley and Flora Stoney and she had an older brother Graeme. Her early life was spent on a property on the Goulburn River where she was home schooled by her Mother. Due to the building of the Eildon Dam the property was flooded and the family moved to Minto Park, a property on the Mt Buller road out of Mansfield.

Beryl attended PLC as a boarder. It was here that she made many lifelong friends. Beryl enjoyed all the sporting activities offered and became an accomplished musician.

She went on to the University of Melbourne where she completed her Physical Education training. She enjoyed tennis and represented the University of Melbourne in hockey. She was also in the Victorian Women’s cricket team.

In 1967 Beryl married John Howie who lived with his parents on the family property in Mansfield. Beryl involved herself completely in the community life at Mansfield. She taught RE and PE at the Primary School and was highly active in the Uniting Church. She played the organ regularly for Sunday services and for many weddings and funerals. She was a Council member for the Uniting Church, as well as being involved with Pastoral Care at the hospital and the Mansfield Nursing Home.

Her other great interests were the local Refugee Programme, the Child Support Programme, and the Historical Society.

However, Beryl’s greatest love was her family. She and John had four boys who all went to Geelong College, and they were blessed with eight adoring grandchildren. John died in 2016.

Beryl will be remembered for her strong faith and love of humanity. She will be greatly missed by her extended family, her many friends, and the wider Mansfield community.

Beryl will also be sorely missed by members of the North East Old Collegians group.

Achievements

Amanda Shilo (Davis 1991) received her PhD in Nursing from Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA on 13 May, 2020. Amanda’s qualitative dissertation investigated clinical instructor perceptions of male nursing students. Amanda is an Assistant Professor in Nursing at Endicott College, where she teaches nursing research and writing classes. She is also the lead of the School of Nursing Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce. Her current research is a collaborative effort with other nurse researchers investigating just culture and climate justice through nursing exemplars.

Congratulations to Savitri Thurairatnam (2017) New Colombo Plan Scholar for 2020.

New Colombo Plan scholars receive a prestigious scholarship, which offers Australian government funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs for students to study and intern in the Asian and IndoPacific regions, helping to develop crosscultural links internationally. As a recipient of one of these scholarships for 2020, Savitri, who is studying at Deakin University, plans to undertake a semester of study at the Royal Thimpu College, Bhutan, where she will have the opportunity to learn more about environmental management. Savitri is interested in beginning a career in geospatial science and hopes to do an internship in this area in Japan when restrictions ease.

Dr. Karen Chan graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) from the University of Hong Kong in 2002. On graduation, she worked for one year as a research assistant in the Department of Psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was then offered to do a PhD in Psychological Medicine under Dr. Pierre J. V. Beumont at the University of Sydney, based at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. During her PhD degree, she had a career change after seeing a chiropractor who treated and relieved her from neck pain and headaches effectively without the need of medication or surgery. She went on to finish a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Masters of Chiropractic at Macquarie University, Sydney in 2009.

Dr. Karen Chan has been practicing as a Chiropractor in Hong Kong for the past 10 years. She recently took up a position at the newly renovated Hong Kong Spine Centre in Central Hong Kong. Karen enjoys providing specialised spinal care for all stages of life, from pregnancy and paediatric work-related strains to sports injuries, and degenerative spinal conditions in the elderly. Her vision is to help people maintain a balanced lifestyle and strive for each person to reach their full potential. Hong Kong Spine Centre website: spinecentre.com.hk

Food Around the Hood (FATH)

Food Around the Hood (FATH) is an online marketplace & food delivery service that started out as an initiative to profile chefs and hospitality workers who’ve lost their jobs due to COVID lockdowns and have pivoted to selling food online. What started out as an Instagram page to help promote these new food businesses, FATH has evolved into an online marketplace of the best Food Makers serving hungry Melbournians looking for new and hard to find food like Mochi Cookies or French Caneles.

Using the newly built website: www.foodaroundthehood.com.au Melbournians are now able to order delicious food they see on screen and get it delivered straight to their door every Saturday. For the moment, FATH is rotating the suburbs available for delivery every week.

The three OCs, Lucy Munanto (2008), Melissa Munanto (2010) and Yan Lee (2008), run FATH as a social enterprise, whereby profits will be shared with COVID-related relief aids and vulnerable communities in Melbourne. You can currently help support this initiative by following @foodaroundthehood on Instagram/Facebook or by ordering delicious food from their website: www.foodaroundthehood.com.au

The Footprints of Change

Last year, Emily Thomas (2010) took the brave step of starting a new communications firm, Giraffe Consulting. Emma Hall (2011) has since come onboard as a communications advisor. Despite a global pandemic, Giraffe Consulting has gone from strength to strength this year, taking on a variety of clients in industries as varied as water, education, publishing and law. The business has also launched a new podcast, The Footprints of Leadership, interviewing inspiring leaders from all walks of life and asking them to share their secrets for success. Along with a fantastic line up of inspiring leaders, the podcast includes Grace Brown (2010) as a guest, talking about her journey into professional cycling in Europe.

Giraffe website: https://www.giraffeconsulting.com.au Footprints of Leadership podcast - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ show/2Ua9lUkWWCLeDOLEjBceS0? si=6KN1XLB6Sn6o_Rrn-n-T2w Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/ podcast/the-footprints-of-leadershippodcast/id1523809303

Presbyterian Ladies’ College

MELBOURNE ABN 16 005 650 386 CRICOS No. 00334M

141 Burwood Highway Burwood, VIC 3125 Australia Tel: (61 3) 9808 5811 www.plc.vic.edu.au

Copy for the next issue of PLC in Print is due by Friday 19 February 2021

Please mail copy to news@plc.vic.edu.au

INCORPORATING THE OLD COLLEGIANS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER