Old Collegian News

Lord Mayor Sally Capp (1986)

Fundraising for OCA scholarships

The PLC OCA is seeking donations from its members towards its scholarship funds. We currently fund PLC girls through the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship, The Old Collegians Scholarship and the Melba Music Scholarship. We can have six or seven girls per year receiving our scholarships. We usually fundraise during the year through functions but this year and last year, with COVID-19 impacting on our activities, many functions were cancelled or moved online. So we are making this request to Old Collegians to donate online so we can continue this important work. Donations can be made via online banking to BSB: 003-197, Account Number: 00900486, Account name: PLC OCA. Please indicate the name you want to have acknowledged in PLC In Print and which scholarship the donation is for. The Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship was set up to honour Miss Hailes, a beloved Vice-Principal of the College, after her sudden death in 1958.

Thanks to Lauris Murnane Lauris Murnane (1955), past Vice-President of the OCA, was running the Birthday League over the last 13 years that fundraised for our scholarships. She put her heart and soul into working to help ‘get a girl to PLC’. Many Old Collegians would have received her handwritten birthday cards and thank you notes. We would like to thank her sincerely for her work and diligence over these years and wish her all the best.

Continuing the tradition

Pam Booth (1958) who will be well-known to a number of our older Old Collegians is continuing the tradition of the Birthday League. Pam has been President of the PLC Old Collegians’ Mornington Peninsula branch and now lives in Melbourne. Pam knew Helen Hailes when she was at PLC, East Melbourne.

The OCA Community is growing on our PLC Melbourne OCA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ plcmelbourneoca This is a great space if you enjoy sharing memories and photos of House Concerts, musicals like Bye Bye Birdie in 1976, The Pirates of Penzance in 1999 or Beauty and the Beast in 2012 and the energy and excitement of rehearsals and performances of Gala Concerts, from Melba Chorale and massed choirs, to string ensembles and Jazz Cabaret. A PLC friend whom I met at church, years after we had both graduated, said to me, ‘Don’t you find every PLC friend you have never goes to Scotland without visiting the Scottish castle that their PLC House was named after?’. On such trips we now become quite envious of our Balmoral and Stirling friends and their lavish, restored castles, as we visit Athol, Glamis or Rosslyn. Many ‘Levenites’ are still reeling from the fact that their Leven castle is a historic ruin on an island where no one lives. Please jump onto Facebook and share your travel experiences – your moment at your Scottish castle. To build up the sense of intrigue I am sharing a snap from our 2019 trip, when I encouraged my husband to photograph me in an obscure corner of my castle, just to get you all thinking and exploring online.

There are so many special PLC experiences and values that are timeless and transcend all decades. As President I am constantly intrigued by how much we all have in common, even if we were at PLC 20 or 30 years apart. Perhaps this is also because a PLC education equips us for life and gives us a foundation to understand many different experiences at various stages of our lives. We are looking forward to sharing with you, hearing about the teachers who encouraged you, the activities that stretched you and the key part of the PLC campus that is still vivid in your mind today.

With ongoing lockdowns in Melbourne, the OCA made a strategic decision to put all our efforts into one big event in spring on Saturday, 13 November, 2021, when Lord Mayor Sally Capp (1986) will host us at the Melbourne Town Hall. With large reception areas, we anticipate that this central venue will allow us all to gather safely, according to government guidelines. This will be a wonderful time to hear Sally talk about her experiences, from PLC House Concerts to working with Melbourne’s homeless people. Online booking details to follow.

Ailsa Wilson (Watson 1978) President – Old Collegians’ Association plc.melb.oca@gmail.com

PLC OCA Facebook Page A place for Old Collegians to share photos and thoughts. We look forward to sharing with you at the PLC Melbourne OCA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/plcmelbourneoca/

OCA Sport

Kellett Tennis Cup

March 14, 2021 was a lovely day but also it was a special day for PLC. Our Kellett Tennis Cup was played between the Old Collegians Team and the School Team and our new Principal was our special guest for the first time. We were able to hold the event in accordance with the COVID-19 restrictions at the time. It was, as always, a great day; the Old Collegians won the cup after a good day of tennis. I think everybody loves the Kellett Cup – both the Old Collegians and the School Team. Next year is the 90th anniversary of the Cup and we would love to have a full house. That means lots of players, and onlookers as well, to celebrate this terrific occasion. It has been a wonderful tradition and we want it to continue. It will hopefully be played as usual in March, and if you would like to play, please send your name by phone or email to Jan Dimmick on 9882 2568 or at jandimmick@ bigpond.com or Elissa Payne on 0417 369 928 or at epayne@plc.vic.edu.au We would love you to be there.

PLC Golf

The PLC OCA Golf Day was held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club on Monday, 17 May followed by lunch at the club. There were 30 players. Attendees at lunch included PLC Principal, Cheryl Penberthy, and PLC OCA president, Ailsa Wilson, PLC OCA Committee members and some other interested Old Collegians.

The winner of the 18-hole event was Barbara Brodbeck (1970). The longest drive was won by Rosie Batten (Walker 1969) and nearest the pin by Deb Gill (Beaurepaire 1967) who also won the Grandmother’s Trophy. The 9-hole competition was won by Alison Davies (Potts 1972).

Class Reunions

60+ Reunion 4 September Class of 1991 30 Year Reunion 4 September Class of 1985 35 Year Reunion 9 October Class of 1986 35 Year Reunion 9 October Class of 1970 50 Year Reunion 16 October Class of 1980 40 Year Reunion 23 October Class of 1981 40 Year Reunion 23 October Class of 1965 55 Year Reunion 29 October Class of 1975 45 Year Reunion 6 November Class of 1976 45 Year Reunion 6 November

Reunion invitations will be sent by mail, six weeks prior to the reunion. Please contact the PLC Development Office to update your contact details development@plc.vic.edu.au

Class of 2019 1 Year Reunion 6 August

Class of 1965 55 Year Reunion 27 August 60+ Reunion 4 September

News of Old Collegian Groups

ACT Branch Above: Morag Donaldson (1987), Christine Bowen (Krstic 1969), Julie Schroeder (PLC Development Office), Emily Peck (2012), Pip Marks (1984) and Jean Farleigh (Jones 1957). Front row: Helen Willett (Rank 1957), Gail Tregear (1957), Doris Li (2012) and Margaret Delbridge (1981).

ACT Branch

The PLC Old Collegians in Canberra group was treated to glorious sunshine and autumnal colour when it met at the Australian National University on 17 April, 2021. Feeling it was safe enough to gather again after the chaos that was 2020, we met for morning coffee at one of the new cafés in the revitalised Kambri Precinct (the old Union Court open space).

We enjoyed catching up on a year’s worth of news and were pleased that Julie Schroeder from the Development Office could join us to update us on current life at PLC. A very big welcome to Emily Peck (2012) following her recent move to the nation’s capital. We hope to meet again in a couple of months.

If you would like to be included on our mailing list, please email Morag Donaldson (1987) at plcincanberra@hotmail.com

It was so nice, we did it twice!

Life is so busy that not everyone was able to attend our autumn gathering in Canberra on 17 April, 2021. However, as Canberra remains the destination of choice for many young professionals joining the Australian Public Service, Morag Donaldson (1987) organised an impromptu coffee morning at East Row Speciality Coffee on 1 May, 2021 to welcome new members to our circle: Brooke Yates (1999), Sarla Hallock (2012) and Ingrid Diep (2008).

Sydney Group

Old Collegians in Sydney braved torrential rain in March to meet up for lunch as we do twice a year. Despite the dramatic weather conditions, the women in our group shared their news and were happy to hear updates about PLC from Julie Schroeder who joined us from Melbourne. Our Sydney group meets up informally at coffee mornings during the year in various locations. For more information please email Julie Phillips (Rank 1961) at t.j.phillips@bigpond.com

North East Group

After having to cancel the June lunch due to COVID-19 restrictions, I have organised the next North East lunch for Wednesday, 6 October commencing at 12pm at King River Café, Oxley. Further details will be sent out in September. Old Collegians living in the area who have not previously joined us are welcome to attend. Please email or phone Judy Cuddon (Clezy 1957) if you would like more information on 0427 682 409 or at jcuddon@outlook.com

New Zealand Group

For the Old Collegians living in New Zealand!

The New Zealand branch is hoping to provide local Old Collegians the opportunity to connect and come together in the Auckland area.

If you would be interest in joining, please contact Jane Foster (1985) at jane04@bigpond.com

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News of Old Collegians

Weddings

Cara Winspear (2002) married Sam Gibson on 12 December 2020, in an outdoor ceremony in Redding, California. Cara’s Australian family and friends were unable to attend in person but were able to watch the wedding streamed online and join a Zoom meeting to participate in the reception. Cara’s sisters, Monica Johns (Winspear 2005) and Whitney King (Winspear 2009) gave a speech over Zoom. They made it work - a beautiful and special day! (Picture 1)

Lauren Story (2009) and Victor Liaw wed in a vibrant ceremony on 20 March, 2021 at Chateau Wyuna. Old Collegians celebrating with the couple were Lauren’s mother Traci Story (Brokenshire 1976) and bridesmaids Valerie Co (2009) and Marina Caulfield (Ghobrial 2009). (Picture 2)

Sarah Mouer (2013) married James Serpell on 10 April, 2021 at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, having met during the first week of University. Old Collegians attending included bridesmaids, Nupoor Tomar (2013), sister and maid of honour Rachel Mouer (2009), Sarah Pemberton (2013) and Natalie Dowling (2013). (Picture 3) 3

Births

Caroline (James 2003) and Lachlan Johnson welcomed a son, Alexander Henry Johnson on 18 November, 2020.

Evellyn Koumantatakis (2006) and Michael welcomed a girl, Emilia Antonia De Marco in November 2020. Sister to proud big brother, Christopher.

Wangnan (Cecilia) Mao (2007) and Steven Sing welcomed their first baby girl, Sienna Sing on 27 October, 2020.

Julia (Kennedy 2010) and Lucas Wilson welcomed their first child, Ella Claire Wilson on 6 January 2021.

Obituaries

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

Yoland Sargood (Walker 1947) passed away on 1 April 2021, aged 90. Yoland, the much beloved only child of Winnie and Cec Walker, was born in Ardmona, Victoria. The family lived on their orchard which flourished under the resourcefulness and love of her father. Her mother’s garden remained in constant bloom. These earthy traits were passed on to Yoland throughout her very happy childhood.

Yoland attended Ardmona State School, and then went on to PLC as a boarder in 1944. Here, she thrived and made many very close and lifelong friendships with both her classmates and teachers. Several of her friends joined her on happy school holidays, often at Ardmona picking fruit. After school, Yoland went to Melbourne University, paying her way by working in the Myer staff training department.

In her final year of school, whilst at home in Ardmona, Yoland met Graham Sargood who was convalescing in Mooroopna at the home of his childhood nanny, Yoland’s aunt. Romance flourished. They were married on 1st September, 1951 at Holy Trinity Church, Ardmona and set up home in Geelong where Graham was teaching at The Geelong College.

Yoland settled into a very happy life in Geelong and once again made many strong and lasting friendships. During this time, their four children were born. In 1961, after Graham had been appointed a lecturer in physics at The University of Melbourne, the family moved to a house in East Hawthorn which became the warm and happy family home for the next 54 years. Their three daughters all attended PLC – Susie (1969), Jan (1971), Mandy (1973).

As well as caring for the family, Yoland threw herself enthusiastically into her wondrous skill of doing good. She joined the Girl Guides as an assistant ranger leader and later the group which worked hard to keep the grounds of Britannia Park in good order. Yoland was a very active member of St John’s Anglican Church in Camberwell. She joined their Anglicare Auxiliary where she was treasurer for 16 years and a constant volunteer at Mission House. Yoland was a great help and support for elderly relatives and neighbours and delivered Meals on Wheels for over 40 years. All her life she was

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

constantly thinking of others rather than herself. She continued with her multitude of good deeds even to the point where those she was caring for were often younger and more able than herself.

In 1966, the family went to Pasadena, California for a sabbatical year. Here, Yoland eagerly embraced a new lifestyle, enjoying meeting people and family camping in the National Parks, all the while writing a continuous stream of postcards and airletters to her family back in Australia.

A second trip to Pasadena took place in 1978. During that year, the first of their 9 grandchildren was born. Yoland gained a lot of pleasure from her grandchildren and their parents were very grateful for the loving, endless energy and practical assistance she gave as the children were growing up.

Yoland’s horticultural activities extended beyond her own amazing garden to those of friends, neighbours, and the memorial garden at church. She relished creating a garden out of a wilderness. She was often seen with secateurs in her pocket and was a whiz with a shovel, hand saw or an axe. Their home had an open fireplace and she would delight in both splitting and stacking a winter’s wood supply. She always said it warmed her twice.

Her relaxation and joy was listening to the radio ‒ classical music, hymns – and in its day, ‘Blue Hills’ by Gwen Meredith. She was an avid reader and would not only delve into a good murder mystery, but also absorb the highlights in the daily newspaper, The Weekly Times, and New Scientist. She relished a good discussion on world affairs, politics, scientific advancements, as well as a giggle as she passed on her latest joke.

In 2014, they moved to Hedley Sutton Community where again Yoland developed strong friendships and took a great interest in the people and garden. Not long before Graham died, Jan took them back to Geelong to celebrate their 65th anniversary, so they were blessed with a long and happy time together.

Yoland maintained her connection to PLC and the friends she had made in her school days throughout her life. She often attended Old Collegian functions and was a member of the Old Collegians’ choir. She was most interested that there were 4 women from her class at PLC who spent their last days at Hedley Sutton at the same time as herself. She has left behind the legacy of a large happy family including 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren – and the everlasting warmth of her lovely smile.

Joy Davenport (Murrell 1942) died on 2 February, 2021, at the wonderful age of 96.

Helen MacMillan (Macgibbon 1950) died on 3 February, 2021 at Weary Dunlop Retirement Village, Wheelers Hill. After attending Canterbury State School for six years, and then Mangarra Road Girls’ School for two years, she was awarded a scholarship to attend PLC in 1946. During her school years Helen excelled at her studies and sport. In 1950, her final year at PLC, she was a Prefect and Leven House Captain and a member of the school baseball and basketball (netball) teams.

After leaving PLC Helen studied pharmacy and enjoyed working as a hospital pharmacist at the Alfred Hospital and the old Children’s Hospital. Helen devoted her life to her family - her husband, John (dec. 1 April, 2021), four children and ten grandchildren. Extended family connections were also important to Helen as she and her sister, Claire, married brothers. She loved spending time with her many friends. She enjoyed doing volunteer work at her children’s schools and church and undertook leadership roles on various committees. She was an active committee member of the PLC Combined Women’s Auxiliary and the Waverley PLC Women’s Group in the early 1980s. Close family connections with PLC covered three generations: Helen’s mother, Bess Macgibbon (Warland 1917) and her aunt, Lillian Steele (Warland 1915), her sister, Claire (Macmillan 1955), Helen’s two daughters, Susanne Macmillan (1980) and Wendy Corfield (Macmillan 1986) and her niece, Cathie Macmillan (1983) all attended PLC.

Provided by Helen’s sister, Claire Macmillan (Macgibbon 1955).

Dr Dorothy Flora Moody (1950) died on 19 April, 2021.

Presbyterian Ladies’ College is saddened to hear of the death of former Council member and Old Collegian, Dr Dorothy Moody. Dr Moody served on the PLC Council with great devotion and distinction from 1981 to 2002. She was a student at PLC (1950) and she remained vitally interested in the life of the College. Her sister Mary Upton (Moody 1930) also attended PLC, as did Mary and Dorothy’s brother, John’s grandchildren, Hannah Moody (2008), Rachel Moody (2014) and Sarah Moody (2019). We are extremely thankful for her years of outstanding service to the College and extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Wilma Barbara Kemp (Hooper 1952) died on 8 February, 2021.

Wilma was born December 27, 1934 in Melbourne. She was raised in Brunswick, the daughter of a successful auctioneer and her mother who emigrated from England, and she graduated from PLC in 1952. Wilma had two older sisters, Eunice and Iris, who predeceased her.

Wilma was an accomplished soprano and had many opportunities as a young woman to further her operatic career, including the offer of a traveling contract to the UK and South Africa. She chose instead to marry the love of her life in 1957, co-manage the family electrical business and raise their two children. Wilma was an active performer during the 1970s and 1980s in the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, provided charitable concerts in aged care facilities and warmed the hearts of many with the gift of her beautiful voice.

Wilma was a beloved friend to many, an excellent cook who enjoyed entertaining, who loved fashion and music and worked prolifically for a variety of charitable organisations, including Peter MacCallum and Probus. Wilma also loved to travel, and she and Max maintained many friendships with people they had met on their many excursions through the US, Europe, and Canada. She is described by many as being a good, kind and generous friend.

Above all, Wilma had a zest for enjoying life, and is deeply missed by her devoted husband Max, her son, Steve, his wife Robyn, her daughter Jennifer, and her grandchildren, Adam, Emily, Mikel, Fiona and Andres.

Gwen Hemley (1957) died on 23 February, 2021.

Helen Kilgour (Taylor 1977) died peacefully in December, 2020 after a short illness. Helen had been a boarder at PLC in the mid-1970s and, following a Science Degree (Hons) at Monash University, went on to teach higher level secondary school Maths and Science. She had loved her time at PLC and the ‘strive for success’, ‘can-do’ attitude of the school and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Boarding House. She left behind her loving husband, Ian, and two sons, Simon and Jeremy. Helen will be sadly missed.

News of Old Collegians

Dr Woun-Eng Catarina Ang (1990)

A Gynaecologist, Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon and Fertility Specialist, Dr Catarina Ang completed her MBBS at Monash University in 1996. She commenced Obstetrics and Gynaecology training in 2000 at Monash Health after completing residencies in Australia and England.

Dr Ang took the post of Clinical Research Fellow at the John Radcliffe Hospital and the University of Oxford. She then completed an advanced laparoscopic fellowship at the prestigious CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Having returned to Australia in 2006, she is now Head of Gynaecology Unit 1 at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne. Here, she continues to perform complex surgeries and clinical research that focuses on how to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

She is involved in the education of trainees and medical students at the University of Melbourne, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), and is training director of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES) Endoscopic Training programme at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne.

Her clinical interests are in the areas of endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, fertility, and pelvic pain.

Dr Pam (Chi-Hui) Yin (1996) Dr Yin recently established ‘Flourish Care’, a medical practice focusing on caring for new parents and their babies, guiding them through the new parenthood journey. She is a member of the ‘Women Wellness Team’, a team of English and Chinese-speaking health professionals providing a holistic approach to perinatal and women’s health, focusing on early parental support, settling strategies, physical therapy, remedial massage, acupuncture, lactation support, psychosocial support, complementary Chinese medicine, nutritional support and confinement meals.

Julie with sisters Mary Murphy and Old Collegian and current PLC staff member Cathy Altmann (Clayton 1982) and brother Andrew Clayton.

Julie Clayton (1987) has been appointed as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria after a long career in the law, starting as a solicitor at Slater and Gordon and most recently as a Judicial Registrar in the Supreme Court.

She was welcomed by the profession at a formal ceremony at the Court on Thursday, 13 May, 2021. Her oldest friend, Old Collegian Nicola Walsham, was at the ceremony as were members of the profession, friends and family including Julie’s partner, Craig Dowling SC and their four daughters.

Dr Nicola Walsham (1987) was appointed as Emergency Physician and Deputy Director Emergency Services, Royal Melbourne Hospital in September, 2020. She was at the coalface during the whole of the COVID-19 outbreak and was responsible for the rollout of the Personal Protective Equipment protocols at the hospital, a daunting task at the best of times, let alone in a global pandemic. Whilst the rest of Melbourne worked from home she drove through the deserted streets into the hospital each day, knowing the very high risks involved. She describes the spirit of the Emergency Department as ‘teamwork and hope amidst carnage’.

Natalie Liu (2016)

Isabel Foo (2016), Jacqueline Tse (2019), Wendy Wang (2019), Kylie Choong (2019), Elisabeth Poon (2019), Natalie Liu (2016) at the MMO’s first concert back live in May this year.

Shehara Skilbeck (Devadason 2008) In 2017, Shehara was awarded a full law scholarship at Monash University (Monash Juris Doctor Law Dean’s Scholarship). She recently graduated from the Juris Doctor in May 2021. In 2015 Shehara married Luke Skilbeck and they now have two sons, Ezra Skilbeck (4) and Asher Skilbeck (1).

Congratulations to Dinasha Wimalasiri (2016) who was awarded an inaugural Women in STEM Student Leader Award from Monash University. These awards, led by the Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, recognise young women students for their leadership and contribution to Science, Technology, Engineering and/ or Mathematics. Dinasha is President of the Monash Young MedTech Innovators and said that ‘receiving this award has made me feel strong, supported and confident. Sometimes I experience self-doubt but this recognition highlights that I can do it – I am a leader.’ Dinasha is completing a Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Keep the Music Going

At PLC, you are constantly surrounded by music. In fact, it’s naturally embedded within your daily routine: hymns at morning assembly, noisy music classes after recess, the tinkling of an old piano floating down the corridor at lunchtime, the lush sounds of the symphony orchestra pouring out of the Music School windows in the afternoon – there is never a silent moment.

I only realised how lucky I was to have this once I left school. At university, it is unexpectedly easy to lose touch with your music. In a demanding degree like Medicine, I’ve had to actively seek it out, squeezing it in between study, work and placements. No longer is there a music school next door filled with instruments waiting to be played, nor endless ensembles and choirs to join. Yet despite these barriers, I always seem to gravitate back to it. Something compels me to keep the music going.

Thankfully in the medical school cohort, there is a wealth of extraordinary musical talent, which has given rise to ensembles like the Monash Medical Orchestra (MMO). Founded in 2011, the MMO is a non-profit ensemble composed of medical students studying at Monash University, and is Victoria’s first single-faculty medical symphony orchestra. The orchestra seeks to provide a creative outlet for medical students to de-stress amidst busy work and study schedules, whilst creating opportunities for students to keep in touch with music after secondary school. The orchestra also has a strong humanitarian focus, having fundraised for various health charities such as the Hush Foundation, the Black Dog Institute and Very Special Kids through concerts and gigs. It is no surprise that given these values held by the orchestra, a remarkable number of PLC Old Collegians have joined its cause over the years! Having bumped into over 15 ex-PLC girls in the four years I’ve played with this group, one could say that part of the PLC music culture lives on in the MMO. There’s a special type of nostalgia that comes from playing music surrounded by familiar faces, and I believe it’s a testament to PLC’s deep music traditions.

It’s funny how sometimes we only appreciate things when they are gone. Last year’s COVID-19 lockdown certainly taught us to appreciate live music. As Co-Chair of the orchestra during this time, I was devastated to have to cancel all in-person rehearsals and concerts. However, determined to keep our music going, our committee found ways around the lockdown restrictions in the form of an online orchestra. Though an ambitious project, we were overjoyed to receive video submissions from over 70 of our members playing their individual instrumental parts, recorded from various bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms around Australia! The final product was two stunning virtual concerts premiered online: ‘Nimrod’, Variation No. 9 from Elgar’s Enigma Variations, followed by Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake suite. Both gained over 1,000 views within the first 24 hours of release and were treasured performances that lifted people’s spirits amongst the pandemic doom and gloom.

This year, despite feeling rusty and out of practice, the musicians of the MMO, myself especially, have been thrilled to reunite in person. I am immensely grateful for the rich musical education I received at PLC which cultivated my love of music. If anything, COVID-19 has reminded us how important it is to connect musically with one another, and to keep those musical parts of us beating along. And so, we keep the music going.

You can watch the MMO’s online orchestra productions and find out more about the MMO and its positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of medical students via these links:

Elgar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW-pMPyTZAw

Tchaikovsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBvnZe1i0b0

About the MMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvRQxHQX9qg

Liz Gosper (Jones 1976)

Liz Gosper (Jones, 1976) on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday honours.

Liz was recognised for her service to people with disability through sport. She is the Director/Head Coach of Inclusive Sports Training and is dedicated to training kids and adults with intellectual disabilities in sport.

Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours Congratulations to the following Old Collegians who were recognised in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List;

Abigail Forsyth (1988)

Abigail Forsyth (1988) on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday list. Abigail was recognised for her service to sustainable design. She is the co-founder and Managing Director of KeepCup, the reusable coffee cup that has helped transform the way many of us drink coffee and made a big difference to the amount of waste going into landfill from single-use disposable coffee cups.

Old Collegians in the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band

We all started learning pipes and drums at PLC (at various different times), and we have all reconnected and continued our playing at the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band.

From left to right: Phoebe Luong (2018), Vivienca Luong (2015), Gabriella Pereira (2012), Jennifer Mak (2010), Savitri Thurairatnam (2017), Katherine Gekas (2006), Stephanie Scott (2008).

A tribute to Lauris Murnane

Old Collegian Lauris Murnane (1955) has been one of PLC’s most committed and loyal Old Collegians over the decades.

From 2009, up to and including 2021, Lauris was convenor of the selection process for two prestigious Old Collegians’ scholarships: The Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship and the Dame Nellie Melba Memorial Music Scholarship.

Her role involved liaising with the College to contact and coordinate the Old Collegian panel members, arranging interview dates, collating student submissions and reviewing the application process as well as serving as a member of the interview panel each year. Her efficient and delightful manner made it a pleasure for the PLC staff who assisted her.

Her attention to detail also ensured the scholarship interviews always ran efficiently. Lauris loved the contact with the College community that was intrinsic to this role, in particular that with the students. Being part of the yearly selection panel for these very generous scholarships was a role she absolutely relished; she loved seeing firsthand the benefits of a PLC education for all students, but especially for the successful applicants.

Another important role that Lauris filled for more than a decade was that of coordinator of the Old Collegians’ ‘Birthday League’. This club raises funds for the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship and many past students have had the pleasure of receiving a PLC OCA birthday card each year thanks to Lauris’ great organisational ability.

In so many practical ways, Lauris has been a committed and caring Old Collegian. She actively connects with so many people through all the thoughtful cards she sends, the little ‘thank you’ gifts she gives and especially through her numerous pastoral visits. She often visits Old Collegians either at home, in hospitals or nursing homes, enabling them to remain connected with the school.

Lauris is a kind and generous person with a servant heart and PLC sincerely thanks her for her amazing contribution as a member of the Old Collegians’ Committee over many years and for the difference she has made to the lives of so many students.