The Women's College

AI is reshaping the way we work — and the pace of change is only accelerating.

Join us at Deloitte Australia for a Women’s College Alumnae Industry Forum exploring how this shift is redefining careers, and how women can position themselves to navigate - and lead - what comes next.

We’re delighted to bring together a distinguished panel of alumnae, representing a breadth of experience across industries and leadership roles.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4cfuLwk

📍 Deloitte Australia, 50 Bridge St, Sydney
🗓 Thursday 14 May 2026
⏰ Registrations from 5.30pm for 6pm start.

Applications for 2027 are now open.

Ready to make the most of your university experience? Join the Women’s College community - a place of connection and opportunity.

From academic support and leadership opportunities to sport, culture and unforgettable College traditions, there’s so much waiting for you here.

Start your application today: https://www.thewomenscollege.com.au/admissions/apply-now

Dame Marie Bashir’s connection to The Women’s College was lifelong, profound and deeply cherished.

As a young medical student at The University of Sydney, Dame Marie was a resident of the College, beginning a relationship that would span decades and shape the life of our community in lasting ways.

Her service to the College was extraordinary. Dame Marie was a Member of College Council from 1959 to 1992, including many years as Secretary (1961–1977) and later as Chair (1983–1992). Across more than three decades of leadership, she brought wisdom, integrity and unwavering commitment, guiding the College through periods of growth and change with deep care.

Her life of service extended well beyond the College. Dame Marie remained committed to medicine and community health and in 1993 she was named Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney. Throughout the 1990s, she led mental health services in Sydney and supported Aboriginal communities through the Redfern and Kempsey Medical Services. Her work focused on adolescent mental health, juvenile justice and innovative approaches to care, reflecting a lifelong dedication to young people and those most in need.

In 2001, Dame Marie was made a Companion of the Order of Australia and was appointed the first female Governor of NSW, a position she held until 2014 - the same year she was named Dame (AD). She served as Chancellor of the University of Sydney from 2007-2012.

Her legacy at The Women’s College is enduring and she remains a beloved member of our community. Generations of residents, alumnae and staff knew her for her intellect and leadership, as well as for her warmth, generosity and steady encouragement.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Dame Marie’s family and to the friends and former colleagues who were fortunate to know and work alongside her.

A State Funeral for Professor Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO will be held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026 at 10.30am.

Details, including how to view the live stream, are available here:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/state-services/state-funeral-for-professor-hon-dame-marie-bashir-ad-cvo -attend-the-public-live-stream-site

🎄Wishing our Students, Alumnae and the Women's College Community a very happy festive season!

If you still need a last minute Christmas gift, consider the biography of our former Principal, The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO which was recently launched at the College's Sibyl Centre, hosted by Jessica Rowe and the author, Juliet Rieden.

Quentin Bryce: The Authorised Biography is available to order from Gleebooks: https://gleebooks.com.au/product/quentin-bryce-the-authorised-biography/

We are delighted to congratulate our student Phoebe Britten on being named in the Forbes Australia 2025 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact!

As founder of Inspire Tomorrow Education, Phoebe has led a national not-for-profit providing free tutoring and scholarship support to help disadvantaged young Australians access university. Her work has already supported hundreds of students across every state and territory.

The Women's College community is incredibly proud to celebrate Phoebe's achievement and her commitment to ensuring that background does not determine a young person's future.

Read more: https://www.forbes.com.au/news/30-under-30/the-law-student-reshaping-how-disadvantaged-teens-reach-university/

You are warmly invited to the Katrina Dawson Foundation Concert!

Since 2017, our annual concert has raised funds for the College’s Katrina Dawson Scholarship Fund which was established in 2015 by the family of the late Katrina Dawson, who was Senior Student in 1998. The Katrina Dawson Foundation is about 'finding, funding and mentoring inspiring young women'.

With student performers and special guest artists Annabelle Traves [2015-19] - international violinist and KDF Concert Founder and Emily Edmonds [2011-12] - mezzo soprano, Opera Australia

2pm - 4pm Saturday 6 December 2025
The Sibyl Centre
The Women’s College, 15 Carillon Avenue Newtown

Drinks and canapés will be served after the concert from approximately 3pm

Tickets: $50 - Book here: https://www.thewomenscollege.com.au/event-detail/katrina-dawson-foundation-concert-5/

RSVP by: Monday 1 December

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the KDF Scholarship Fund.

If you are not able to join us, or would like to make a separate donation to the scholarship fund, please visit our giving page here: https://www.thewomenscollege.com.au/giving/donate-to-college/

How well do you actually know The Women’s College?

TWC’s 2025 Father Daughter Dinner 💙

Women's College alumnae are warmly invited to the second instalment of our Sibyl Society Graduate Panel and Intercollegiate Dinner.

This year’s theme, “Free Will vs Determinism”, invites reflection on how our choices, motivations, and circumstances shape the paths we take — and whether those choices are truly our own or written in the fabric of fate. Join us for an evening of fascinating discussion with our panellists whose backgrounds range from medicine, philosophy, music, political sciences and business.

📍5.30pm Thursday, 6th November, The Sibyl Centre at The Women’s College

Moderated by the Dean of Students, Meredith Garlick, our panel includes:

🔵 A/Prof Tamson Pietsch - Sibyl Fellow, Associate Professor in Social and Political Sciences and Director of the Australian Centre for Public History at University of Technology Sydney

🔵 Dr Karen Fisher - Wellbeing Support Officer at Sydney Medical School and Drug and Addiction Medicine Staff Specialist at Nepean Hospital

🔵 Professor Luke Russell - PhD in normativity in epistemology and ethics, currently teaching ethics, critical thinking and philosophy at The University of Sydney

🔵 A/Prof Amanda Harris - ARC Future Fellow and Deputy Associate Dean (Research) and Director - PARADISEC Sydney Unit, Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Tickets are complimentary and strictly limited. Secure your place on the guest list: https://forms.gle/sYywhun3ZoPSbZVy8

For more information, please contact Hareem Sohail, Sibyl Society Representative: [email protected]

Last month Women's College alumna Jane Spring AM launched the new Maybanke Scholarship at College, named in honour of suffragist and educationist, Maybanke Anderson. The scholarship provides $15,000 funding toward residential fees at Women's College for a student who has demonstrated her commitment to the principles of feminism and advocacy for women.

The Maybanke Fund, held in trust by the Sydney Community Foundation, was established by Jane's aunt, the late Rosalind Strong AM, who resided at Women's College from 1964-65.

📸 Jane Spring AM (centre) with 2025 Maybanke Scholar Maylyn Zongas (at left), Senior Student Mahidi Ranasinghe and Principal Dr Tiffany Donnelly)

Applications for 2026 Scholarships close at 5pm, Tuesday 7 October 2025. Full details are listed on our website: https://www.thewomenscollege.com.au/admissions/scholarships/