Tag Archives: women

PRIZE WINNERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2022

Every year, Graduate Women NSW proudly sponsors a range of annual university-based prizes and application-based awards and scholarships for the women students of NSW and ACT. We are pleased to share the following list of recipients for 2022. You can support the Education Trust and State Awards offered by GW-NSW by donating at any time.

2022 GW-NSW PRIZE & SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
(based on 2021 Academic Year)

GW-NSW Inc Education Trust Scholarships and Awards

GW NSW Tempe Mann Travelling Scholarship
Ashlea Hambleton – PhD student, Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney; Clinical Psychologist, Master of Clinical Psychology (Distinction) and a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons 1).

2020-23 GW NSW Joan Bielski Scholarship (support provided for 3 years) – For a mature age student in first year of Undergraduate Study
Sarah Clark – Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Wollongong

GW NSW Central West Dr Barbara Wright Scholarship (Biennial Award)
Emma Stubbs – Emma holds a First Class Honours Science (Neuroscience) degree from the University of New South Wales and is in the postdoctoral Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Sydney. The stream she will join within this degree requires 4 years of F/T study and has a specialism in rural medicine.

GW NSW Inc Tish Proctor Memorial Prize – USYD Most proficient woman student in First Year Government
Stella Haugh & Ondine Karpinellison

GW NSW Inc Tish Proctor P/G Prize Most proficient woman student doing postgraduate coursework study in public policy, administration and affairs in Government – USYD
Adeline Siva

GW NSW Joan Ritchie Award (For a woman student in her second year of her first undergraduate degree)
Katherine Fitzpatrick – Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene), Charles Sturt University

GW NSW Education Trust Award (For a woman student in the third year of her first degree)
Vivien Clarke – Bachelor International Security and Bachelor Science (Psychology), majoring in Arabic language, Australian National University, Canberra

GW NSW Jamieson Award (judged on completed degree in 2021)
Leyla Meharg – enrolled in a B. Science and B Advanced Studies, Physiology Honours at the University of Sydney

State Awards and Prizes

GW NSW Award as part of NCW Australia Day Awards January 2022
Siobhan Ryan – History graduate (1st class Hons), University of Sydney

GW NSW University of New England Award: Science (BSc)
Charlotte Gorman Deane

GW NSW University of New England Award: Arts (English) (BA)
Demi Mc Farlane

GW NSW Gina Savage Prize: Outstanding woman graduating in Science at University of Wollongong
Isabella Todd

GW NSW Prize in 200-level English Macquarie University
Tara Lyall

GW NSW Prize in English II Essays University of Sydney outstanding achievement for essays in English
Orla McKinney

GW NSW Gladys Marks Bursary for a mature-aged woman student completing a degree at USYD
Several recipients have received bursaries – names withheld

GW NSW Prize in Mathematics USYD for top woman Honours graduate
Recipient has requested their name be withheld

Branch Awards

CANBERRA

Mavis Prater Prize/s for Women in Mathematics at Australian National University (jointly funded with ANU)
TBC

Canberra Branch & ANU College of Asia & the Pacific Prize for woman student with the highest mark in first class honours
TBC

CENTRAL WEST

Cowra-Canowindra HSC Scholarship
Talitha Stanley &
Zara McKenzie – from Cowra, enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science course at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, specialising in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

DR BARBARA WRIGHT Post Graduate Scholarship (Biennial Award)
Emma Stubbs – First Class Honours Science (Neuroscience) degree from the University of New South Wales.  She has been accepted into the postdoctoral Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Sydney

CITY

City Branch TAFE Tertiary Preparation Course Award for Academic Merit and Proceeding to University Studies
Brianna Lumb – enrolled in a Bachelor of Medical and Health Science (Honours) (Dean Scholar) at the University of Wollongong

NORTH SHORE

North Shore Branch Prize for 300 Level Psychology – Macquarie University for proficiency in 300-level Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences
Tina Huang-Smith

North Shore Branch Prize for 200 Level Modern History – Macquarie University for proficiency in at least 2 units at 200-level Modern History
Olivia Price

North Shore Branch Prize for 200 Level Ancient History – Macquarie University for proficiency in at least 2 units at 200-level Ancient History
Ginger-Rose Harrington

North Shore Branch Prize for 200 Level Bio Science – Macquarie University for proficiency in at least 2 units at 200-level Biological Sciences
Unawarded this year

National Awards

Barbara Hale Fellowship/s
Sukanya Jaiswal – PhD Candidate, Optometry (UNSW)

GRADUATE WOMEN JOIN NCW NSW TO CELEBRATE HISTORY

As one of the foundation groups of National Council of Women NSW, Graduate Women-NSW were thrilled to celebrate their twice postponed 125th+ Anniversary at QVB Tea Room, in Sydney.

Two tables of our members supported the celebration. The National Anthem was led by soloist, Clare McCallum and Councillor Yvonne Weldon, City of Sydney and Deputy Chairperson, Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council and proud Wiradjuri woman, gave us a moving Welcome to Country.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW

The highlight of the day was NCW NSW Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, who delighted us with ‘setting the scene’ of what Sydney was like at the time of the inaugural meeting at the Sydney Town Hall, with 200 women in attendance. She also talked about the Windeyer family, the built environment of the 1890s, and the various tea rooms that were in existence around Sydney where women would meet.

Stuart Grigg and Dr Barry Baker representing GW-NSW

Unfortunately, the advertised guest speaker, Geraldine Doogue AO, was unable to attend due to ABC commitments. Most impressive was Leshia Bubniuk, of the Ukrainian Women’s Association, who bravely and cheerfully MC’d the event. She, and her large group of members all in hand-embroidered traditional garments, were devastated at the end of the event to hear the tragic news that the Russian President had given the order for a military invasion of their country.

GW-NSW President Tricia Blombery has sent warm wishes to Leshia and was pleased to hear in return that the close family members of some of the attending women (mostly Australian born) have been able to escape to Poland.

 

Members and executives of Graduate Women

Photos courtesy of volunteer photographer, Michael Mannington OAM.

CELEBRATING OUR SCHOLARS – AWARDS PRESENTATION

Members were finally able to meet some of our deserving 2021 awardees at the Celebrating Our Scholars event held on Thursday. It was worth the wait as this warm and intimate event enabled the executive to meet and present three of our scholars with their award certificates: Rhianne Scicluna – The Tempe Mann scholar, Halle Quang – the co-recipient of the national Barbara Hale Fellowship, and Natalie Purcell – the 2020 Education Trust awardee.

Halle Quang with President Tric Blombery and ET Chair Jane Baker

Rhianne Scicluna being presented

Natalie Purcell receiving her award

It was great to be able to meet safely in person, however, it was unfortunate that Sarah Clark – the 2021 Joan Bielski scholar – was unable to attend due to COVID affecting her family. Sarah sent some heartfelt words regarding being the recipient of this three-year scholarship:

“Financially attending university was filled with guilt and feelings of selfishness, that with every text book, computer or stationary item I needed I was taking money away from the family. I constantly questioned if I was doing the right thing studying at my age. While applying for the scholarship and reading about the Joan’s pioneering work and that of the GW-NSW I was inspired to think that maybe I was on the right path. Receiving the news, I had been awarded the Joan Bielski scholarship reinforced my belief I was doing the right thing.”

Sarah went on to say how “this second chance at education and improving my situation also provides an example to my children, that with hard work anything is possible and to never limit themselves.”

Everyone is thrilled for Sarah that she has completed her first year of a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Wollongong and obtained high results. She expressed that with the support of the scholarship, ‘she has ‘the drive and passion to succeed not only through the degree but perhaps through further study and beyond into the workforce.’  Sarah hopes to pursue her areas of interest within social work: advocacy, policy and mediation within family services, justice and aged care.

At the event members enjoyed hearing from each award recipient about their study plans and aspirations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Education Trust – with tax deductible status – supports several of these awards that inspire, support and encourage women to reach their potential through higher education. We thank all members and associates who have generously donated to the Trust and Graduate Women’s state awards program.

ET Chair Jane Baker and President Tric Blombery with Joan Bielski’s nieces and members, Louise and Helen Ward

National CIR, Shirley Randell with Halle Quang and her charming son Hudson

JOAN BIELSKI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

After a rigorous assessment and interview process, the Scholarship Co-convenors are delighted to announce the recipient of the third  Joan Bielski Scholarship is Sarah Clark.

Sarah is in her first year of a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Wollongong. Her dedication to her studies has shown in her excellent grades and her academic referee conveyed: ‘I have absolute confidence in Sarah’s ability to complete her studies and pursue her career.’

Sarah and her eldest son are the first in their family to attend university and it was the desire to set an example that inspired Sarah to pursue higher education. As she stated, ‘My chosen degree in Social Work will provide me opportunity to advocate for marginalised people as Joan did, allow me to continue to provide a positive example to my children and allow me to reach my goals.’

Joan Bielski was a leading advocate and activist for equality for women in employment and education. She was a founding member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and the NSW Women in Education group. Joan was recognised for her work being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and also named Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her ‘service to the community, particularly through programs to encourage women’s participation in political life and through continued contributions to the principles of equal opportunity, access to education and social reform.’ The Joan Bielski Scholarship was made possible by a generous bequest from Joan who wanted other women to enjoy the ‘second chance’ that she experienced when attending university, as well as the generous donations of family, friends and GW-NSW members.

The previous recipients of this scholarship were both dedicated students who excelled in their studies. Alison Crowe is now a fully qualified Social Worker at Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle, who has worked in Oncology, Haematology and Surgery. Kate Mulder went on to complete her Honours year in 2020.

We thank this year’s applicants and short listed candidates for their time and effort and wish them well with their continued studies. We also congratulate Sarah and look forward to the opportunity to present her award in person at a later date.

 

CENTENARY EVENT – A CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF GRADUATE WOMEN

Please enjoy reading a brief history of the organisation and a summary of the opening address by President ‘Tricia Blombery from the recent Centenary Event:

GW NSW President and the Governor of NSW

President Tricia Blombery and Her Excellency the Governor of NSW

OPENING ADDRESS:
“Your Excellency, Mr Wilson, members, friends, and supporters I am ‘Tricia Blombery the current President of Graduate Women-NSW. To begin I would remind you we are meeting on the belonging place of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. I acknowledge and thank them for their custodianship of the land and pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. And to the elders of the land from which you all have come today.

Why are we here? We are meeting to celebrate the Centenary of when, what is now known as, Graduate Women-NSW Inc became part of an international women’s movement working for the education of women and girls, women’s rights, and peace. This may seem strange when several years ago we celebrated 125 years! All members have copies of the booklet which maps the beginning of a group of women graduates at the University of Sydney. It was in 1920 that Mildred Muscio, who is represented here today by her family member David, met in London with our founding mother, Louisa MacDonald, and graduate women from around the world, to form the International Federation of University Women. Mildred returned to Sydney and with other members of the group from the university set to contacting similar groups in the other Australian states and framing a constitution of federated Australian groups to formally join the international group. This aim was achieved in 1921.

I am delighted to welcome such a diverse group to celebrate with us. Unfortunately many were not able to attend but sent wishes of congratulations and apologies which are listed on a page near the door. Those of you who are with us are a reflection of the many aspects of our association. We have the guests from NSW universities where we have established prizes over many years and who help promote our awards to their students. We welcome the Vice Chancellors of Newcastle and Wollongong and the Sydney University Women’s Group.

We have the other associations with whom we have worked over many years. We welcome National Council of Women NSW, who our graduate women helped establish almost 125 years ago, and their affiliate groups – the Country Women’s Association, Soroptimists International, The Women’s Club, the Catholic Women’s League, and the Mother’s Union. We welcome other Women’s groups – the Older Women’s Network, the Women’s Electoral Lobby, the Sydney Women’s Fund, and the Lyceum Club. We welcome other groups who share our aims – the Australian Council of Human Rights Education and The Equanimity Project. There are also the professionals who have shared their time and talents. We welcome our solicitors, our photographer, the people who have shared our office, and a very special woman who can for once relax and enjoy the day, our generous, patient, and dedicated Office Manager, Tamra.

Then there are our members past and present who are just a small part of the thousands of women who have worked tirelessly and cheerfully over the past hundred years offering their skills and time in our branches, state, national, and international bodies. I would single out our NSW Member Emerita, Gaynor Reeves, and our National Member Emerita, Jenny Strauss. We have a statement of Congratulations and best wishes were also received from Australian Graduate Women.

Last but certainly not least are our family and friends who encourage and support us and our activities. But that’s enough from me. Later in the programme you will hear from Dr Jane Baker, the Chairman of the Education Trust, and one of our past awardees, and be introduced to the winner of our Centenary Scholarship, Alana Munro.

Now it is my delight and privilege to invite Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, the 39th Governor of New South Wales, to address us. Her Excellency commenced her five year tenure on 2 May 2019. Prior to that she enjoyed a long and distinguished law career spanning 43 years, during which time she served as a role model for women in law at both the State and national level.

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1989, in 1993 she was made a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, the first woman to sit exclusively in that Court. In 1996, she achieved the distinction of being the first woman appointed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal and, subsequently, as the first woman to be appointed as its President. She served, on a number of occasions, as Administrator of the Government of the State of New South Wales. She was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List on 26 January 2020 for “eminent service to the people of New South Wales, particularly through leadership roles in the judiciary, and as a mentor of young women lawyers”.

Her Excellency brings her deep commitment to education, youth leadership, human rights and social justice her role in service of the people of New South Wales.”

THE HISTORY:
The fore-runners of GW-NSW began at the University of Sydney in 1892 with Louisa Macdonald when she became the first Principal of The Women’s College. In 1919, Dr Virginia Glidersleeve from Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, Prof Caroline Spurgeon of Bedford College, University of London, and Prof Winifred Cullis of the London School of Medicine for Women, met to plan an international association. In 1920 the newly formed International Federation of University Women had its first meeting in London. Louisa and Mrs Mildred Muscio of Sydney went as Australian observers and were determined to organise an Australian organisation that could apply to join IFUW. The Sydney group contacted other graduate women’s groups around Australia, drafted and submitted a constitution for a national body, and presented it for membership to IFUW. In May 1921 the Sydney group received the news that their application had been successful.

Louisa Macdonald

We have achieved a lot in the past hundred years. Throughout this time we have attracted over four thousand members and formed over twenty-five branches across suburban and greater Sydney and in country NSW and ACT. Our conferences, lectures, research projects and newsletters have provided members with opportunities for life-long learning, development of leadership skills, and social support often leading to lasting friendships.

Through our advocacy work and our collegial relationships with other women’s groups we have promoted our aims of improving access to education for women and girls and through that equality of opportunity in employment and all aspects of society. Our Projects for Action have enabled us to give practical support to Indigenous groups in Australia and women and girls worldwide.

A great deal of our efforts has been devoted to raising funds to provide prizes and awards to encourage women and girls in their education. Our first prize was in 1918 for English essays at the University of Sydney. Since then we have raised and shared thousands of dollars with women students and established an Education Trust with Deductable Gift Status. In 2021 we created the GW-NSW Centenary Award for a Post-graduate Masters or Doctoral student who could demonstrate ways in which her study and career plans support our purposes:

  • Promote equitable educational opportunities and lifelong learning.
  • Improve the status and wellbeing of women and girls.
  • Encourage women and girls to be active leaders and decision-makers in all spheres of public and private life.
  • Inspire and support women graduates to put their education and professional training to the service of the local, national and international community.
  • Work in harmony with other women’s groups who share our aims.
  • Promote the Vision of GW-NSW amongst all people, irrespective of their gender, age, race, nationality, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation or other status.

Many high quality applications were received and we were delighted to present the award to Alana Munro and wish her all the best with her research and future presentations.

Sydney University Women

 

Mildred Muscio