Making News
 Students in the Cape
Over the University winter break ten intrepid students undertook an eight-day trip to conduct a very special Women’s College project in Cape York. Led by three of our senior Indigenous students, Kristy Kennedy, Sharon Bonython-Ericson, and Tania Major, the group ventured as far as the remote communities of Lockhart River, Arukun, and Yarrabah to speak to local girls and encourage them to consider coming to study at Sydney University, and Women’s College. Their first stop was the Cape York Institute in Cairns for a briefing on community issues, then a flight to Weipa to collect supplies and vehicles, and finally a five-hour drive to Lockhart River, where the students met with Youth Officers and talked to local girls about future options.
College was showcased via our wonderful DVD, and packs of information about the University were given to local students. The trip has established some solid relationships on which the girls hope to build, with other possible projects including a winter school leadership course down the track. Group leader Sharon Bonython-Ericson remarked on returning to College: “Each of the three communities was distinctly different – language, culture, infrastructure. It highlighted to all of us that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities are not homogenous. It really was cultural awareness training, and such a bonding experience for all of us Women’s College girls. We are all really motivated and determined to make the project a success.”
Quentin Bryce portrait unveiled
On Monday 30 June a portrait of ex-Principal Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor of Queensland, was unveiled at The Women’s College at a special cocktail party. Just over $25,000 was raised towards the Quentin Bryce Scholarship Fund through the event. Around 300 Aumnae and special guests attended the black tie event and enjoyed cocktails and canapés.
The portrait was a generous gift to the College by artist Gillian Dunlop who was a resident at The Women’s College from 1982 – 1984. Dunlop’s work has shown in the 2004 Archibald, won People’s Choice for the Salon Des Refuses 2006 and is hung in people’s collections around the world.
Miss Lucinda Warren Chair of The Women’s College Council welcomed Alumnae and guests, with former student Sarah Sivyer reflecting on Ms Bryce’s years as principal. Julia Fetherston the current recipient of the Quentin Bryce Scholarship spoke about her experience as a recipient and welcomed Ms Bryce to the stage for the unveiling. Speeches from the evening can be downloaded here.
A warm thank you to everyone that contributed to the evening and the Scholarship Fund.
Appointment of Dr Jane Williamson as new Principal
26 May 2008
Chair of Council Lucinda Warren is pleased to announce that Dr Jane Williamson has been appointed Principal of The Women’s College and will commence in October 2008 on the retirement of the current Principal Mrs Yvonne Rate.
Dr Williamson comes to The Women’s College after a long career as an academic and manager at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). During her career Dr Williamson has been committed to the promotion of academic excellence, enhancing the student experience, supporting diversity and inclusion, and building connections with the professions
 and the community.
She holds the academic qualifications of Bachelor of Economics (University of Queensland 1971), Bachelor of Arts (University of Queensland 1978), Master of Arts (Griffith University 1985) and Doctor of Philosophy (University of Queensland 2001). She began her professional career as an Economics teacher in Brisbane and subsequently held positions as a tutor and lecturer in the CAE sector. From 1990 – 2007, Dr Williamson was employed by QUT as a Lecturer (1990-2001), Senior Lecturer (2001-2006) and Associate Professor (2006-7) during which time she taught and undertook research in the fields of History, Asian Studies and Gender Studies.
Dr Williamson brings considerable administrative and managerial experience to her new role at The Women’s College. Between 2001 and 2006, she was the Assistant Director (Academic Coordination/Teaching and Learning) for Humanities and Human Services within QUT. In this position, she fostered improvements to student learning experiences through a range of activities, including the development of a comprehensive transition program for commencing students in Humanities and Human Services courses. As Executive Director, Northern Campuses (2006-7), Dr Williamson led and coordinated academic activities on QUT’s Carseldine Campus and was responsible for the University’s programs at the Caboolture Campus – a jointly operated campus with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE. In this role, Dr Williamson managed a significant budget and a number of academic and professional staff.
Dr Williamson leads an active life outside work. She regularly goes to concerts and loves opera and the ballet. She enjoys a range of sports, including walking, jogging and attending the gym. She is also committed to political awareness and to opportunities for engagement and debate. For example, she is currently undertaking a research project on the Women’s Peace Army (1915-1919).
Dr Williamson and her husband, Dr Bob Cope, share five adult children, four daughters and a son. They also have two grandchildren with a third due in October 2008.
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