This month’s Newsletter – Issue 74 Autumn 2023

187 Brougham Place, North Adelaide
This month's Newsletter
Principal's Update
As you may be aware, two of our strategic partners and affiliated universities, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have signed an historic agreement to seriously consider the merger of their two institutions. While this is the third time amalgamation has been on the table the key differences this time are they have agreed to a short consideration timeframe, the name of the new University and the process by which the new Vice Chancellor will be appointed.
The College has finished the year in one of the strongest positions in its 75-year history with a record number of students returning (119) and having ostensibly filled the remainder of the 80 places in late August or early September. We also finished the year with a significant number of students on our waiting list so I would urge students and their parents who are considering residence at St Ann’s in 2024, to apply early. We are delighted to have a 60/40 ratio of women to men, respectively, with students from all our key source markets gaining a place. Additionally, we have 18 students studying Medicine, 44 studying Health and Medical Science with another 32 studying Science and 26 Engineering Students. The rest of the students are enrolled in a variety of courses. We also note that several of our students joining us in 2023, have held leadership positions in their High Schools.
With most of our students out of the College over the summer break, we took the opportunity to carry out significant renovation. We arguably now have one of the best commercial kitchens in Chartwell’s network with phase two of the renovation completed in a nail-biting finish, just days before students moved in for the start of the new university year. Not only is our Kitchen, Servery and Dining Room the heart of the College with our talented and award-winning Chefs and their team, it is where we produce more than 200 healthy and delicious meals three times a day, seven days a week. See the story about the Kitchen renovation for more detail and some photos right.
Just in time for the peak of the summer heat, we replaced all the air-conditioning in Dame Roma Mitchell (DRM) with 35 rooms set to have individually controlled units.
We have also transformed the Design Room and it is now another very good study space with specialist desks for our Architecture and Design students (photos right).
The Council with the Executive and Finance Committee has embarked on a strategic planning process appointing Kate Thiele, founder and principal of Klarity. Kate is an accomplished and awarded business leader and is supporting the College in the creation of the strategic plan.
Denise von Wald
Principal and CEO
Collegians Report, Paul Newland
Having served as a member of the Collegians since 2018, it’s an honour to be elected as President for the 2023 year. A little bit about me. I am from Mildura and moved to St Anns in 2016 and lived there until the end of 2017. Professionally, I am an Economist and Public Policy Adviser, and personally, I am an avid Brisbane Lions supporter, but do have a soft spot for the Crows!
I’d like to thank the committee of 2022 for their hard work in ensuring that we were able to run another successful event for current students, building on the continued growth of the revamped professional skills evenings (formally known as Mentoring Evenings).
This year our committee is determined to not only continue delivering our leading mentorship and professional development programs, but to expand on these offerings to include additional services such as CV reviews, interview skills and other professional skills. If you have an interest or skill set in assisting grow our St Ann’s community to reach their full potential in these skills, please feel free to contact the college and we can add you to our register. We would also love anyone who would like to be a mentor for current students, to also sign up.
We also are excited to announce that we are investigating holding an event for ex-Collegians towards the end of the year and would appreciate any support or ideas for events that would be of interest to you. While this event may not be a specific reunion as such, we are aiming to open this event up to a range of students so we can all reconnect and see the amazing work that Denise and the team, along with support from the Foundation and Council, have done to modernise the college, while also keeping the St Ann’s spirit alive and well. Keep an eye on your inboxes for updates on this over the coming months!
If you are keen on being involved in any events or want to hear more about what the Collegians have planned, please do not hesitate to contact the Collegians or attend any of our meetings! These are usually held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
I look forward to the year ahead and connecting with as many of our readers as possible.
Paul Newland
President, Collegians
Staff updates
Prior to Christmas, we welcomed new staff member Chris Wills to the St Ann’s College team. Chris (pictured right) takes on the role of Executive Assistant for Principal Denise von Wald.
Chris joins us with over over 20 years in senior Executive Assistant roles working for two iconic, SA family-owned businesses, as well as experience in HR. Away from work, Chris enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Whilst Chris is joining us, we also say a temporary farewell to Leia Reis who is taking time off to have her second child. We welcome Chris to the team and wish Leia all the best during this special time!
In other staff news, we had the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of our Dean – Wendy Flemming, back in January. In photos to the right, Wendy is pictured in front of her birthday cake. We also captured a photo of the St Ann’s College Staff members on the same day (prior to Leia’s departure).
Hill-Ling Scholars Formal Dinner
On Monday 20 March, we hosted the inaugural Hill-Ling Scholars’ Formal Dinner, to celebrate and honour the generosity of the Hill-Ling Family and the achievements of the scholars. Established in 2011 and then 2012, the late Mrs Rosemary Hill-Ling OAM and late Mr Bob Hill-Ling AO Scholarships are awarded annually and in perpetuity. Both Scholarships provide substantial assistance towards the cost of residency at St Ann’s College with the Rosemary Hill-Ling OAM award supporting students from government schools and Bob Hill Ling AO supporting students studying engineering.
Eight of the 20 Hill-Ling Scholars from the past 11 years joined us on the evening, with each updating us on where they are today and the role the Hill-Ling Scholarship had on them and their journey.
Photo above right: In attendance were Wendy Flemming – Dean, Ashley Hams – Chair of Council, Denise von Wald – Principal, Jenny Hill-Ling, Duncan Ferguson – Scholar, Bridgette McKinnon – Scholar, Ben Gloster – Scholar, Joe Martin – Scholar, Tsigereda Tangey – Scholar, Piers Lewis – Scholar, Amy Vogelsang – Scholar, Mark Hill-Ling, Carol Hill-Ling, Maggi Miles and Gary Lines – Governors, Jason Turnbull – Chair of Foundation and his wife Alice.
A number of others who were not able to join us wrote to us about the impact of the scholarship. For example, Ash Mitchell who was at the College from 2016 to 2018 and held positions as the First Year Representative, Treasurer and President in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively, is now a Data Scientist at BHP. He says, “I held the Bob Hill-Ling scholarship in 2016 which enabled me to come to
college and to afford it. If it wasn’t for the Bob-Hill Ling scholarship I received in 2016, I probably would not have been in a financial position to return to college in 2017 so I am incredibly grateful for the fact that scholarships like this exist to provide students in need – he comes from a large family – with the opportunity to level the playing field, focus on their studies and reap the rewards of the college environment.”
Isabella Withers was at St Ann’s between 2014 and 2016 and had the pleasure of being SAUCC representative in 2015 and Vice President in 2016. She’s now a Global Account Executive for a software company and manages global accounts such as Coca-Cola, Pfizer and BHP. Isabella gets to travel the world and work with incredible people. The Hill-Ling scholarship played a big role in her ability to continue her education and reside at St Ann’s. She was the first in her family to go to university and says, she and her mum worked really hard to finance her education. She also says she is very grateful!
Emma Giersch was at St Ann’s from 2011-2012 while studying for a Bachelor of Health Science, but she went on to study medicine in Victoria. She is currently working for Monash Health. The Rosemary Hill-Ling scholarship, she says, enabled her to stay at college for an extra year and to fully focus on her studies. It paid off with Rosemary Hill-Ling herself encouraging Emma to apply for medicine and work hard. Emma says, ‘her words have always stuck with me.’
Mark Hill-Ling spoke inspirationally on behalf of the family. In speaking about his parents, Bob and Rosemary he said, you never fully understand the impact your parents have on the lives of others, the community and the world – unfortunately – until they are gone. His story of his mother’s move from Jamestown to Adelaide to pursue her education at Adelaide Girls High and later at the University of Adelaide, driven by her great intellect, saw her graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and working in weapons research until the birth of his sister put pay to that as women didn’t work once, they had children. Rosemary was very grateful to St Ann’s for the half scholarship she received for two years and the generosity she experienced from benefactors influenced her commitment to give back to future students later in life.
He also spoke about his parents and family’s commitment to having an impact in the world and deeply considering the legacy they wanted to leave. He encouraged St Ann’s students to think about what impact they want to have in the world and what they aspire to leave as their own legacy. The central theme of many of the collegians who spoke, was one of deep gratitude for the opportunity the scholarships had given them to focus on their studies during the year and give back to the College typically, in leadership roles.
It was a memorable evening and a wonderful opportunity to understand the full impact that people like the Hill-Lings have had on lives of the twenty Hill-Ling Scholars (who are still young career professionals) to date and our community.
Summer Renovations
We have had an ambitious program to rebuild the College infrastructure over the past few years and this Summer was no different, with a hive of activity throughout the break.
The main kitchen underwent significant changes with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities installed. The original kitchen was gutted with new flooring, tiling and air-conditioning. A fresh lick of paint and new kitchen appliances have brightened the space and ensured that all meals can be provided to our students quickly and efficiently. See before and after photos, right.
The Design Room was also renovated with new vinyl flooring, worktables, downlights, air-conditioning, fresh paint and a lovely mural to brighten up the space. The perfect environment to get the creative juices flowing!
National Association of Australian University Colleges Conference
Four students attended the National Association of Australian University Colleges Conference held in Brisbane last November and reported a very positive experience and assessment of the culture at St Ann’s compared to other colleges. Specifically, they made comment about hazing, drug and alcohol use which in their view appears to be more prevalent in other residential colleges interstate. Jess Aucote was one of the four attending students and has provided her own appraisal below.
On the 27th of November 2022, Angel Simmons, Hayden Schultz, Lockie Kelly and I packed our bags and headed to the airport to attend the weeklong NAAUC (National Association of Australian University Colleges) National Conference in Brisbane. The week consisted of the four of us meeting student leaders from various Residential Colleges across Australia, whilst learning valuable skills during daily Conferences and Academics. Inspirational speakers including the ‘Red Frogs Australia’ creator Andy Gourley, ‘Safe and Sexy’ founder Katherine Plume, and award-winning journalist and author Shannon Molloy, who spoke each morning to inspire our role as student leaders at our respective Colleges. These sessions were followed by group academics that delved more specifically into topics such as fostering excellence, our purpose in leadership, responsibilities as office bearers, strategic planning, and effective changeover. These group academics allowed all delegates to have open discussions about the experience at their own Colleges and learn different points that could help to improve our Colleges. The week was full of team bonding activities taking us all over the City of Brisbane and taught us many new skills that we are excited to bring back to the members at St Ann’s College.
Sponsorship of the Dining Hall Tables
The historic Tasmanian oak tables in the Dining Hall are iconic to the St Ann’s College experience and encapsulate the grounding and collective experience that the College offers.
You can book your place in the history of St Ann’s by Sponsoring one of the Dining Hall Tables, which allows you to purchase the namesake of the table, identified by a plaque with your name on it. To date, there are 11 of 22 tables sold. This leaves another 11 tables you can Sponsor. To purchase your table, email victoria.lewis@stannscollege.edu.au.
Covid update
With the State continuing to battle Covid, it was only a matter of time until we had cases to deal with. Our first case was reported 23 February, and it quickly climbed to 31 cases. We were able to deal with the outbreak swiftly, implementing rules and regulations to ensure we were on top of the outbreak. All positive students were required to isolate, and whilst many remained asymptomatic, two students were quite unwell for a period of 7 days.
Moving forward, all students are required to adhere to the St Ann’s Covid policy which indicates that we expect them to adhere to SA Health guidelines for the management of COVID ie stay home is you’re sick; get tested if you have symptoms, stay up to date with your vaccinations, practise good hand hygiene, wear a mask in crowded indoor places and spend time in well-ventilated indoor areas or outside in the fresh air. Students are also encouraged to utilise RAT’s.
Summer Visitors
With the rooms vacated by students throughout the Summer, we were able to open the college to external booking guests. It was one family in particular who enjoyed visiting after many years away! Dr Doris Chuah – a Doctor from Malaysia attended St Ann’s from 1963 – 1964 and her daughter Cheryl, a dentist from Brisbane, attended from 1993 – 1996.
Both Cheryl and Doris were thrilled to be able to visit their old rooms during their visit to the College. Always wonderful to welcome back familiar faces.
International Women's Day - women in STEM
March 8 was International Women’s Day, a time to recognise women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity. We also took the opportunity to celebrate the St Ann’s College students in STEM; Jasmin Ireland, Bella Zwar, Dana Hurrell and Cleoni Trussell. For each of these young women, studying and preparing to work in a traditional male dominated environment is an opportunity to create change and to back to their communities.
You can find out more about why Cleoni (pictured right) entered into the STEM field.
How did you first become interested in STEM? I have always been interested in anything science based. I find it all so interesting. My love for it was solidified in high school, where I was exposed to more of practical sciences like Ag Studies.
Who are the inspirational women in your field of STEM, who motivate you and why? The inspirational women in my life are both of my Ag teachers from high school, Emma Philips, and Chelsea Dahlenburg. They gave me the confidence to get where I am today, they pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me into the person I am today. They were both able to ensure we kept learning even when faced with Covid in 2020. They opened so many doors for me, and other women in the field of STEM.
Do you think it’s important to attract more students into STEM, particularly women and why? I believe that it is extremely important to attract more students into STEM, particularly women as it is currently a male dominated industry. By encouraging more women to partake in a career in STEM we are able to promote equality in the industry.
What advice would you give to girls in senior school, thinking about studying STEM at University? Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something just because you’re a woman and make sure you take every opportunity you’re presented with by the horns. You got this Qweens!!!
Clean Up Australia Day
On Saturday 4 March a group of roughly 30 students celebrated Clean Up Australia Day. Little did the joining students know the organisers made up of our Residential Advisors and College Club Committee, had decided to include a water fight!
Student Dana Hurrell describes the day ‘like a family camping trip, where even after two weeks living together with first-year students, we all felt like family. It was such a fun afternoon, and we were able to do something nice for our environment at the same time’. A total of 12 full garbage bags was collected, an incredible effort!
Also on the organizing committee, Dana confirmed they intend to celebrate a number of other community service events throughout the year, including Earth Hour, Anzac Day, Reconciliation Week, National Tree Day, World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK Day, among many others. We love this initiative and the willingness of the participating students to give back – great work!
Incoming College Committee
The incoming College Committee was elected last year, we look forward to the committee stepping into their new roles for 2023. Congratulations to all elected, as listed here.
President – Tate Manning
Vice President – Harry Mead
Secretary – Jordyn Nicolson
Treasurer – Lachlan Kelly
Sport Sec – Eve Clark and Rafferty McMurray
SAAUCC Rep – Angel Simmons
Merch Rep – Keelie Sjostrom
Tech Rep – Jack Tiller
Social Sec – Olivia Clerk
Gen Reps – Flynn Hayes and Piper George
First Year Rep – Darcy Goldfinch
Upcoming Events - Formal Dinners
We commenced our 2023 Formal Dinner program in early March. Like the 2022 program, we look forward to welcoming distinguished speakers who can share with students their inspiring stories as well as imparting life skills and knowledge to help our students become the best version of themselves.
Some of the speakers we look forward to hosting include the Lord Mayor of Adelaide – The Hon Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, Professor Peter Høj, AC – Vice Chancellor University of Adelaide, and Kimberley Conte – General Manager Women’s World Cup Adelaide & Legacy.
Collegians News
Where are they now? Thomas de la Perrelle, Collegian
Thomas de la Perrelle, born and raised in Port Lincoln, attended St Ann’s College from 2018 to 2020, whilst completing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Studies. Late in 2022, he also completed a Bachelor of Science Double Degree, majoring in Theoretical and Experimental Physics at the University of Adelaide.
His fondest memory of his time at the College was playing guitar in the Battle of the Bands competition. Still to this day, he comments that it was the biggest crowd he has played in front of, and what a wonderful opportunity it was to share his passion for music with his friends. “The energy at the event was amazing; an experience I will always fondly remember”.
Like many St Ann’s Collegians, Thomas speaks highly of his time at the College. He says for country students in particular, St Ann’s ensures the transition from country life to city life, and also studying at University, is a smooth one.
“Everyone is in the same boat at St Ann’s and right from the first year, you get access to lots of support, from both the staff and other students”. He believes St Ann’s College set himself up for success at University, however it was also the perfect opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, build networks, develop into an adult, all whilst putting himself in good stead for the future.
Tom is currently starting a new role as an Engineer with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, where he is looking forward to applying his studies on solve real-world problems, meeting new colleagues and learning more about Systems Engineering.
Where are they now? Joshua Mason
Joshua Mason, from Renmark, attended St Ann’s College from 2018 through to 2021. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Adelaide University. Since finishing up at the College in 2021, he has secured a Graduate Mechanical Engineering role at Daronmont Technologies.
When asked what his fondest memories at the College were, he explains winning HTC twice is up there, however it was all the small things that made up his time, that he will remember most fondly.
“Being able to spend 4 years surrounded by such amazing people in an environment so unique really was a once in a lifetime experience and something that I’ll treasure forever”, he said.
“The support is great for when you first move out of home, it helps you to adjust to living alone away from family. But it was the amount of fun that I had while living at the College that stands out. I think everyone should get to experience it, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly”. Joshua remains involved with the College in the role as Treasurer for the Collegians, for the second year in a row.
We’d love to hear from you!
Remember, we’re always eager to hear what St Ann’s Collegians are up to, so please get in touch with your news: marketing@stannscollege.edu.au