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The Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Steven Marshall MP, recently spoke to St Mark’s students about some of the key issues facing the State – Indigenous reconciliation, the environment, COVID, and energising the State economy – and answered questions from students on these and many other topics.

Mr Marshall joined St Mark’s students, staff, and Board members for Formal Hall on Thursday 2 September, giving an amusing and engaging as well as informative address, and then answered questions from students for over an hour in the Learning Commons.

In discussing reconciliation, Mr Marshall spoke of South Australia’s leadership in such aspects as land rights and an apology to the Stolen Generations, and stated his strong commitment to a genuine Aboriginal voice to Parliament and Government in South Australia.

Mr Marshall also spoke of South Australian leadership on the environment, such as with the container deposit levy and banning of single-use plastics, and said that he was now particularly excited that the production of hydrogen and its export as ammonia could “shift the dial” in increasing the use of renewable energy.

Recognising the impact that the COVID pandemic unavoidably had on student life, the Premier spoke of the importance of increasing vaccination against COVID as the means of stopping lockdowns and restrictions, including on travel.

He also drew from his own experience as a residential college student at Durham University in England, where he studied for his Masters of Business Administration, to speak of the special benefits for students of the “holistic education” that came with being in college – including living and dining together, and developing lifelong friendships.

Mr Marshall said that he looked forward to the celebration of the centenary of St Mark’s College – this “wonderful institution” – in 2025.

Before answering student questions in the Learning Commons, Mr Marshall spoke of his great optimism for the future of South Australia’s economy, and of the special qualities of the State, including its respectful and positive civil society, and great focus on the environment, including renewable energy.

Mr Marshall took over a dozen questions from students, which he answered in detail, on diverse topics, including the future of live music, Afghanistan, a First Nations voice and difficulties in giving effect to native title and improving the health of our First Nations peoples, “ramping” at hospitals and wait times in emergency departments, different States’ responses to COVID, his own experience as Premier, whether unvaccinated people should be excluded from some activities, opening up South Australia when a high proportion of the population is vaccinated, how to attract the best and brightest to stay in South Australia, and the growth of defence industry.

In conclusion, Mr Marshall said that the pandemic had shown how attractive it was to live and work in South Australia – a community that was “safe, diverse, respectful, and harmonious”, with a strong focus on research and innovation, sustainability, and the arts and creative sectors, as well as other industries.

Many students also took the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the Premier, and to thank him for his generosity with his time and insights.

For the introduction of the Premier in Formal Hall by the Head of College (Professor Markwell), click here.

Photos by Kaidy Morgan

One of Australia’s leading constitutional scholars, Professor John Williams, has given the 2021 J C Bannon Oration at St Mark’s College, discussing the “disproportionate” and “remarkable” contributions which South Australia has made to the writing of the Australian Constitution in the 1890s and its development since.

The J C Bannon Oration is one of the most significant events in the annual calendar of the College. Given largely online this year because of the COVID pandemic, it is given in memory of Dr John Bannon AO, the seventh Master of the College (2000-07), who had earlier served as the second longest serving Premier of South Australia (1982-92).

Amongst many other distinctions, John Williams is the Dame Roma Mitchell Professor of Law, Executive Dean of the Faculty of The Professions, and Acting Provost of the University of Adelaide (with which St Mark’s College has been affiliated since 1924).

Dr Bannon and Professor Williams had a close friendship which arose from their shared interest in Australia’s constitutional history and law, especially the federation process by which the Australian Constitution which came into effect in 1901 was drafted during the 1890s, and the role of South Australia in that.

The Bannon Oration was live-streamed to a large online audience from the Ballroom of Downer House – the former home of Sir John Downer, who was twice Premier of South Australia, and who was one of the members of the drafting committee for the Constitution at the 1897 federal convention held in Adelaide. It is believed that some of the discussions of the drafters took place in Downer House, where another of the three-member drafting committee, Sir Edmund Barton (later the first Prime Minister of Australia), was staying with the Downer family.

John Bannon’s biography of Sir John Downer was published in 2009, and Professor Williams quoted from it, paying tribute to John Bannon as “a forensic researcher” and “a meticulous and generous mentor”.

Professor Williams’s Bannon Oration discussed the question of whether South Australia’s was “a mere provincial contribution” to the Australian Constitution. He suggested that some studies of South Australia, in emphasising its distinctiveness, diminish its integral role in the larger Australian story, and that South Australia’s contribution had “risen above the provincial ruck”.

In arguing that “South Australia has been a remarkable contributor”, he discussed the role of South Australia in the design process for the Constitution in the 1890s, aspects of the Constitution that arose from South Australian initiatives and advocacy, and how South Australia has contributed to the subsequent development of the Constitution, both through referendums and High Court interpretation.

The role of South Australia in the process by which the Australian Constitution was written through a series of federal conventions in the 1890s included, for example, Charles Cameron Kingston’s distinctive draft constitution prior to the 1891 convention and his role in its three-person drafting committee, and the coup of securing Adelaide as the site for the resumption of federal conventions in 1897. Kingston was elected president of that convention, and (as mentioned already) Sir John Downer served on the drafting committee. (As well as writing Downer’s biography, John Bannon’s doctoral research was on Kingston.)

The content of the Constitution that arose from the advocacy of South Australian delegates included insertion into the preamble of reference to “the blessing of Almighty God” (which spurred the counter-insertion of section 116 of the Constitution limiting Commonwealth power with regard to religion); provision in section 41 to ensure that the right to vote that South Australian women had secured in 1894, but which had not yet been secured elsewhere, would be protected; inclusion of powers for the federal parliament to make laws with respect to “invalid and old age pensions” (section 51(xxiii)) and “conciliation and arbitration” relating to industrial disputes extending beyond a single State (section 51(xxxv)); definition of the appellate jurisdiction of the new High Court of Australia to cover South Australia’s then idiosyncratic Court of Appeals (section 73); and – an issue of enduring importance for South Australia – a compromise provision on the “river question” to protect from Commonwealth action the rights of States and their residents “to the reasonable use of the waters of rivers for conservation or irrigation” (section 100).

In discussing the role of South Australia in development of the Constitution since 1901 through referendums, Professor Williams said that the only dramatic vote where South Australia stood out from the other States was, in fact, the 1977 plebiscite on a national tune. In all other States, “Advance Australia Fair” received the largest vote, but in South Australia it came second to “The Song of Australia”.

Professor Williams pointed out that South Australia’s role in judicial interpretation of the Constitution has been limited by the fact that no South Australian has served on the High Court of Australia – though Sir Samuel Way in 1906 and Sir John Gordon in 1913 declined offers of appointment to the Court. Judicial interpretation of the sections of the Constitution that arose from advocacy by South Australians had featured in some High Court cases of interest – for example, section 100 on the use of river waters had a role in the Tasmanian Dam Case of 1983 relating to the Gordon River in Tasmania.

South Australian litigants in constitutional cases have been of significance at times – most conspicuously, the famously vexatious Frederick Alexander James, a Berri fruit packer and dealer, who took the Commonwealth and the State to the High Court and Privy Council on no fewer than seven occasions between 1927 and 1939 to test the meaning of section 92 on freedom of interstate trade as it applied to government schemes to regulate fruit marketing. The complex High Court jurisprudence on section 92 was swept away, and replaced with a simpler and enduring principled approach, in a 1988 High Court case, Cole v Whitfield,  which owed much to the advocacy of two South Australians, John Doyle QC and Brad Selway. (John Doyle QC, then Solicitor-General and later Chief Justice of SA, is a former Dean of St Mark’s College, and now an Honorary Fellow.) Professor Williams touched also on other cases affecting various constitutional provisions in which South Australia or South Australians had played a significant part.

Professor Williams concluded that South Australia had played a disproportionate role in the drafting of the Constitution, and had had an enduring impact on its subsequent development. He urged that South Australia should continue the tradition of being “the instigator of reform, the supplier of both the novel and bold interpretation of the Constitution”.

In warmly thanking Professor Williams for his J C Bannon Oration, the Head of College (Professor Don Markwell) said that it was “truly fitting to the memory of John Bannon”.

Professor Williams’s text on “South Australia and the Constitution: A mere provincial contribution?” will be published in coming months by St Mark’s College.

Watch the full J C Bannon Oration here:

Professor Markwell’s welcome and introduction to the Bannon Oration by Professor Williams can be found here.

There is further information about the Oration, John Bannon, and Professor Williams here.

Professor John Williams delivers the J C Bannon Oration

Head of College Professor Don Markwell, Board Chair Ms Linda Matthews, Mrs Angela Bannon and Professor John Williams at the Bannon Oration

Mrs Angela Bannon and Professor John Bannon with the College’s portrait of Dr John Bannon AO

Dr Bannon’s biography of Sir John Downer and Professor Williams’s The Australian Constitution: A Documentary History, on Sir John Downer’s table in Downer House

Photos by Kaidy Morgan

Over recent months, dozens of St Mark’s students have been writing deeply moving letters of thanks for what they recognize as the life-changing opportunities they have been given through scholarships that support them to be at the College.

In many cases, students would otherwise not have been able to afford to be at university and college in Adelaide, and in all cases the relief of financial stress makes a great difference to their ability to focus on their studies and to take advantage of the other opportunities which College provides.

The letters of thanks pay inspiring testimony to the benefits that students see in being at St Mark’s, and reflect deep gratitude and, in many cases, a determination to provide similar opportunities for future students when they are able to do so.

If you would like to help change the lives of current or future students at St Mark’s, please give now through clicking here.

The extracts below are just a sample of the very many letters of thanks which students have been writing.

“I am beyond grateful… I am mostly self-funding myself for my college fees. The past year I have worked four different jobs to ensure that I have sufficient funds. Being offered this scholarship has helped ease stress around ensuring I have the sufficient funds for this year.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year UniSA student from the South East, SA

“College has been one of the most influential, life-changing experiences for me and I’m not sure where I’d be professionally, socially and academically today had I not come here back in 2019. Receiving scholarships has been the only way for me to continue living at college… I’m genuinely so thankful to have received this scholarship.” 2021 Margaret Beith Scholarship recipient, third year UniSA student from the Mid North, SA

“I would not be at St Mark’s if it weren’t for this. To me, this is perhaps the greatest opportunity of my life to date. With this scholarship and community with me, I believe I will become the best version of myself.” 2021 St Mark’s Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from outer suburban Adelaide

“I receive enormous support from the college community for my studies, which has permitted me to flourish in my degree. I hope that in the future I can give back to this college through scholarships like this, as without such support I would not be in the privileged position I am in living at St Mark’s. The scholarship has provided peace of mind for my parents too, who have struggled with some financial difficulties due to the pandemic which has affected the family business. Knowing that I am in safe hands at college and that the financial burden placed on myself is reduced has provided them some peace of mind.” 2021 Alfred Lendon Scholarship, Sholto Douglas Scholarship and Sodexo Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from Gippsland, VIC

“Although I am proud to say that I support myself financially to attend college, it was an enormous weight off my shoulders to receive this financial support. Thank you once again, for your financial support. These scholarships are more than just financial though, they are doors opened to opportunities.” 2021 Women of St Mark’s Scholarship and Margaret Tothill Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the Grampians, VIC

“While 2020 was a year that no one expected, looking back I do not wish I had my first year at St Marks any other way. I see all the new and strong friendships I have made, the opportunities and experiences I was able to partake in, and the bubble of safety and assurance that the College was able to provide me, both from staff and fellow students, in such a tumultuous year. College for me is not only academic accommodation, but a second home where I found myself part of a new family, with which I am eager to create many more new memories. Coming from a single parent household, any financial assistance we receive is truly appreciated and so helpful when returning for another year at St Mark’s. Between university fees, college fees, and all the other expenses that come naturally to living away from home, being a recipient of a scholarship like this one truly makes a difference and allows for the financial burden to be loosened, for which I am so grateful.” 2021 Harold Fisher Scholarship and Rural SA Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA

“Living at St Mark’s College has been the greatest decision that I have made in my life as it has been the catalyst in developing me into a man that I am proud to be today. I believe that the strong sense of community is what helps residents flourish here, and I am excited to be a part of this experience one further year.” 2021 St Mark’s Scholarship recipient and University of Adelaide student, Alice Springs, NT

“Both my parents are extremely hard working… life on the land has been very uncertain with the everchanging weather extremes, and in 2019 we lost a large portion of our crop, which also was one of our main sources of income. This scholarship has enabled me to lift some pressure off my parents…” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year University of Adelaide student from the Riverland, SA

“St Mark’s for me has been brilliant over the last 2 years. The support provided for my studies and in everyday life situations has been exceptional. As is the case for many, the pandemic that we are going through has had an enormous financial impact on me and my family. Dad’s business had to reduce working hours for all the people he employs, and Mum was put on Job Keeper. …this put my family in a fairly difficult position. In addition to earning money with a job, this scholarship will really assist me in paying for College in 2021. So once again, I appreciate this scholarship greatly.” 2021 St Mark’s Scholarship recipient, third year UniSA student from the Wimmera, VIC

“I still can’t imagine living anywhere else – St Mark’s has become my home and I love every aspect of this place. St Mark’s has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try things I never would have imagined and make lifelong friends I never would have expected. The financial burden that has been eased due to receiving this scholarship is unimaginable. I have paid my entire college fees since commencing at St Mark’s… Having your support means the world to me.” 2021 RB & PE Lewis Scholarship recipient, University of Adelaide student from Loddon Mallee, VIC

“I am so grateful for your generosity and the opportunity to live at St Mark’s for another year. St Mark’s has truly become a home away from home for me, especially during such a stressful and unpredictable year. I am extremely appreciative to have received these scholarships for 2021. This not only lightens the financial burden on my family and me, but also enables me to dedicate more time towards my studies and ultimately achieve the best grades I can. I’d just like to add that I received a scholarship from you last year and because of this I was able to dedicate more of my time to my studies, which helped me achieve my goal of transferring into Medicine and I am now on track to reaching my dream of being a doctor – I will always be so grateful for your generosity.” 2021 Edward A Radcliff Scholarship and Sir Ronald Fisher Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from Loddon Mallee, VIC

“I cannot express my gratitude enough. St Mark’s College has rapidly become my home away from home. In the short time I have resided at College I can confidently say that I have made friends that will last a lifetime, and the closeness of the college community never ceases to amaze me. I am truly in awe of everyone’s kindness and continued dedication to our small community. I could not ask to be surrounded by a better group of people that genuinely make me want to improve myself.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA

“This scholarship will enable me to further my education and pursue my dream of being a rural GP. This is something I have wanted to do since I was in primary school, as I have seen the need for rural doctors in my own communities. This scholarship is a huge help for myself as I am paying for everything on my own. You have eased some of the financial burden off my shoulders and for that I am extremely grateful. Without your help I may not have been able to move to Adelaide to attend university. So once again thank you so much.” 2021 Lee Scholarship and Studd Bursary recipient, first year University of Adelaide student from the Riverland, SA

“It has always been my dream to become a paramedic, and now with this financial support I will be able to focus on my studies to reach my goal. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude. I will instead do my best to contribute to the St Mark’s community and always remember the help I was given in a tough time.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year Flinders University student from the Eyre Peninsula, SA

“College holds a very special place in my heart. That same unconditional acceptance that I know I experienced my entire childhood in my hometown is right here in North Adelaide as well. I would like to express how grateful I am. This scholarship not only aids my academic pursuits but it also eases the financial burden both myself and my parents share. Through your kindness, my family and I can worry a little less about the finances and focus a little more on university and college life.” 2021 Jeremy & Timothy Pascoe Scholarship recipient, fourth year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA

“To say that myself and my family are grateful for this scholarship is an understatement. My gap year job in hospitality was largely affected by COVID-19, which resulted in me earning less money than I had aimed for, to cover University and educational expenses. The consolation this scholarship has brought for both myself and my parents has meant that I can move to Adelaide with less financial anxiety. I will forever be grateful to be a part of the St Mark’s community. I feel extremely lucky and humbled to have been one of the students selected for a scholarship and will always be thankful to be a part of a college which exhibits such generosity.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year UniSA student from the Riverland, SA

“I am extremely grateful to have once again benefited from the legacy and generosity of Margaret and Harry Scott. Residing at St Mark’s has been exceedingly beneficial to me socially, mentally (especially during the Coronavirus pandemic) and, most importantly, academically. The supportive community environment that the college delivers, along with being surrounded by study focused peers, continues to motivate and inspire my own learning, without which I would not be thriving. Receiving the Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship in 2021 will allow me to spend more time furthering my studies. The reduction of financial stress this scholarship will afford me is greatly appreciated.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA

“Coming from regional South Australia, moving to the city is extremely daunting, however, College provides a safe environment with ample support available. This provides me with great peace of mind as moving out from home is such a big step in my life. Receiving this scholarship not only enables me to attend college, it reduces the financial stress on my dad who also supports my other two siblings. These funds will allow me to concentrate on my studies without having to commit to full time employment to support myself.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year University of Adelaide student from the Riverland, SA

“Thank you for your generous donation towards my scholarship this year. Being at college for the past two years has meant so much to me and has played a major part in my academic success at university. It has been an amazing place to grow as a person and meet people who can support me and my goals.” 2021 Programmed Maintenance Services Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from the Mid North, SA

“St Mark’s is my home, and I know it sounds cliché but that’s what it has been for the past two years for me, and I doubt I would be in my dream degree and have such an amazing friendship group and support without St Mark’s. The help of these scholarships has allowed me to continue my study here, and I look forward to what the future holds. Thank you very much again.” 2021 Sodexo Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from Geelong, VIC

“One day I hope to work in the Royal Flying Doctor Service, servicing rural and remote Australia, bringing additional peri-natal care and awareness to the ‘bush’. St Mark’s College has provided a studious and enjoyable environment which has enabled me to foster my academic endeavours, as well as make life-long friendships… I speak on behalf of my parents in saying, as a family, we are very grateful for the financial support you have provided. I promise to work hard and honour the financial support I have been provided and eventually provide the same level of support to fellow students commencing their time at St Mark’s College, aiding them in achieving their goals and dreams as you have helped me.” 2021 St Mark’s College Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the Barossa Valley, SA

“… at St Mark’s I have genuinely found a second family.” 2021 St Mark’s College Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student, Singapore

You can help to change the lives of talented students by giving here. Thank you for making a difference!

Following the stellar start to the 2021 academic year, a lively semester is now well underway at St Mark’s, complete with a calendar jam-packed with academic and career development events, alongside a raft of sporting, arts, community service, and social activities.

One of the most notable additions to the provision for our students this year has been in the area of career preparedness. It’s been terrific to welcome back to St Mark’s Jeff Duncan (St Mark’s 2005-08) who, along with Caroline Govin, has been meeting individually with students to provide career advice, as well as running a series of highly effective and popular seminars on topics such as ‘Getting Your Foot in the Door’ and ‘Managing Your Professional Social Media Presence’.

Alongside this, the College is increasingly seeking to identify and promote job opportunities for students – do let us know if you have any to bring to the attention of current Collegians, whether part-time roles, internships, or graduate opportunities.

This semester’s Faculty Dinners – from allied health to engineering and agriculture – have seen many Old Collegians and other professionals connect with current students in their fields, and an extensive Tutorial Programme is providing academic stimulus and support to students both in their particular subjects and disciplines and in general study-related skills.

This builds on the outstanding academic success of our students in 2020, which was marked at a special Academic Awards Dinner in March. The names of our most outstanding students are now recorded in a Distinguished Scholars book which is on display in the cabinet in the College’s front office.

Soon after the Academic Awards Dinner, we were thrilled to welcome back to St Mark’s the 2020 Australian of the Year – and St Mark’s Distinguished Collegian – Dr James Muecke AM (St Mark’s 1982-87) who spoke compellingly and amusingly to students both in formal hall and then in a Q&A afterwards on the topic ‘Harnessing Your Passion to Change the World’.

Engagement with the creative arts is a key part of College life, and this semester has seen the return of our ever-popular Arts Evenings on the College Green, showcasing performances not only by several super-talented new students alongside our returners, but also by the Dean, Mr Stuart Meldrum, on drums. A recent Saturday afternoon saw thirty-plus students relaxing in Hall for a couple of hours of painting and clay-modelling, and our College reading group has enjoyed meeting over a glass of wine for informal discussions of their latest choice of novel – this semester’s selections have been The Power by Naomi Alderman and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Our College Choir and many other students took part in the Founders’ Day service and other events on Sunday 2 May, including to honour our Founders and members of the College killed in World War II – whom we also remembered on Anzac Day, when over 60 students lined Pennington Terrace at 6am to “light up the dawn”, and many others took part in a student-led commemoration later in the morning.

Founders’ Day also saw warm thanks expressed to Mr Ian Wall AM and Mrs Pamela Wall OAM for funding the recent much-appreciated extension of the College carpark – and marking Ian’s 90^th birthday – in addition to the unveiling of a magnificent portrait of the eighth Master of the College, Ms Rose Alwyn, and of photographic portraits of four other St Mark’s women of influence: the late Georgia Blain, Dr Rachel Buxton, Dr Angela Evans AM, and Ms Linda Matthews.

College sporting teams are competing strongly in inter-college competitions, with first place in inter-college Tennis, first place in Swimming, fourth place in women’s and men’s Netball, third place in Debating, and second place in men’s Football and fourth place in women’s Football.

St Mark’s is currently in second place in the race for the Douglas-Irving Cup (aka High Table Cup). After winning the cup in style in 2020, we are extremely keen to retain it, and look forward eagerly to contesting the remaining sports: Hockey on 6 June, followed next semester by Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Table Tennis, with the competition culminating as always with Athletics.

Commitment on the sports field has been matched with the enthusiastic participation of dozens of our College students in community service activities, especially through the students’ Charitable Foundation. So far this semester this has seen our students helping with food preparation at Café Outside the Square, which provides food and training support for vulnerable people (including those experiencing homelessness), and helping prepare for an Anglicare “Star Bear” camp for bereaved children and teenagers.

The Charitable Foundation also runs “Café Club” mornings twice a week in the Junior Common Room, which help raise funds for the charities selected by this year’s student community – Zahra Foundation (supporting women and children affected by domestic violence), RuralAid, and Little Heroes (supporting seriously ill children). In addition, 32 of our students have joined together to form a St Mark’s squad running in the May50k in support of MS Research Australia.

With many students keen on volunteering, the Charitable Foundation, Environmental Team, and Gassie Curators have joined forces to organise a beach clean-up at Henley Beach which is planned for later this month.

The Environmental Team has also been hands-on in a range of other areas such as planting our veggie patch (with a poll of students to determine which veggies will be most popular), and in promoting environmental sustainability, including through improved practices such as re-using and recycling in College, sharing sustainability tips, making beeswax wraps to replace plastic, and marking Earth Hour.

With strong enrolments in the College this year (some 30 more students than last year), we are very grateful to those students who are currently helping to promote the College to prospective new students for Semester II and for 2022, including some who have joined our Registrar, Kathy Radoslovich, on this term’s road trips visiting schools and expos across SA and Victoria.

Mutual support of students for other students naturally remains central to College life, and is reflected in countless ways, including activities – from International Women’s Day to Mental Health Awareness Week – organised by the College Club and other student leaders to promote student wellbeing. The College Club’s Equity Officers have taken a lead in much of this, not least through their newly-established podcast series, ‘Real Talk’, which addresses a range of mental health topics such as settling into College life and managing academic pressures.

An important part of our provision takes the form of our twice-yearly Learning & Wellbeing Reviews, which see all students meeting individually with the Dean (Mr Stuart Meldrum) and Director of Learning (Dr Rachel Buxton) to ensure that they are receiving the support they need in their studies and personal welfare.

The creation of the position of Indigenous Student Adviser (Ms Iman Westhead in 2021) helps both to support our six Indigenous students and to promote broader awareness of Indigenous issues. There is now a permanent Acknowledgement of Country in the dining hall, and the addition of two new flagpoles enables the College to fly the Aboriginal as well as Australian and College flags (and other flags on some occasions, such as the RAAF flag on Anzac Day in recognition of the College hosting Air Force personnel during World War II, and the Pride flag on IDAHOBIT Day).

Alongside all of this, of course, hanging out, relaxing, and socialising with friends remains a central part of College life for all our students – a means not only to switch off from the pressures of study, but also of helping make this community feel like a family to so many. Highlights on the social calendar to date have included the annual Garden Party held at the end of last term, and an afternoon of St Mark’s “Hottest 100” music just after the break.

With several events remaining this semester, we look ahead to exams and other university assessments during June – and then to a rich and full second semester beyond!

Photographs by Kaidy Morgan @kd_m_p

The Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, today officially presented two St Mark’s students, Oliver Douglas and Ben Ransom, with their Hawker Scholarships at Government House, Adelaide.

Oliver and Ben, Hawker Scholars for 2020 and 2021 respectively, have joined Sophie Ludbrook and Kaidy Morgan, both Hawker Scholars for 2019, in residence at St Mark’s College. Both Oliver and Ben are former school captains of St John’s Grammar School in the Adelaide Hills. The 2020 Hawker Scholarship ceremony was not able to be held because of the pandemic.

Further details of Oliver’s and Ben’s impressive credentials can be found in the media release issued by the C.A.S Hawker Scholarship Trustees, which can be found here.

All four Hawker Scholars in residence at St Mark’s are studying at the University of Adelaide – Oliver Douglas for a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws, Ben Ransom and Sophie Ludbrook for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and Kaidy Morgan for a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

All are active in College life in various ways, including Sophie as College Club President for 2021, Kaidy Morgan as a Club Committee member in 2020 and as College photographer and social media officer in 2021, Oliver Douglas as President of the Charitable Foundation, and Ben Ransom as a member of the Charitable Foundation committee. All represent the College in sport.

Since the first Hawker Scholars in 1990, some 48 outstanding students have been awarded Hawker Scholarships to be resident students at St Mark’s College. Their names are recorded on an honour board in the College’s Junior Common Room.

Three of these – Anthony Roediger, Dr Rachel Buxton, and Phillip Killicoat – have gone on to win the Rhodes Scholarship to study in Oxford, and Alex Makarowsky is now studying in Oxford as a Monash Scholar. Three Hawker Scholars are at St Mark’s today in various roles supporting our students – Rachel Buxton as Director of Learning, Kathy Radoslovich as Registrar, and Jeff Duncan as Director of Career Development. One of the first cohort of Hawker Scholars, Marc Allgrove, serves on the Board of the College.

Another St Mark’s Hawker Scholar, Dan Cregan MP, a Member of the South Australian Parliament, joined the Governor in speaking at today’s ceremony and warmly congratulating the Hawker Scholars.

Like the Governor, Mr Cregan spoke of the inspiring life of Charles Allan Seymour Hawker (1894-1938), in whose memory the Hawker Scholarships were created. A scholar, pastoralist, soldier, widely respected Member of Federal Parliament, and a person of principle and independent judgement, Charles Hawker was one of the founders of St Mark’s College and served on the College Council until his death in the Kyeema aeroplane crash of October 1938.

Mr Cregan said that in his own public life when considering major challenges he would sometimes ask “what would Charles Hawker do?”. He encouraged the Hawker Scholars to follow the example of Charles Hawker in living a full life, and committing themselves to service to the community.

Charles Hawker is remembered at St Mark’s with Hawker House (purchase of which was made possible through the unpublicised generosity of his sister, Mrs Lilias Needham (1900-1975)), and with a portrait in Downer House. The Hawker Scholarships were also endowed by Lilias Needham, who is herself remembered at St Mark’s with the Lilias Needham Medal, which is awarded to students who have given outstanding examples of selfless service.

Further information on the Hawker Scholarships can be found here.

Ben Ransom and Oliver Douglas with the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, at Government House.

Left to right: Professor Don Markwell, Professor Suzanne Le Mire, Ms Kathy Radoslovich, Ms Linda Matthews, Mr Ben Ransom, the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Mr Oliver Douglas, Ms Kaidy Morgan, Ms Sophie Ludbrook and Dr Rachel Buxton at Government House.

Photograph at top: The four Hawker Scholars currently in residence at St Mark’s: front row, Kaidy Morgan and Sophie Ludbrook; back row, Oliver Douglas and Ben Ransom.

Photographs by Sarah Reed and Kathy Radoslovich

Photographic portraits of four St Mark’s women of influence – the late Georgia Blain, Dr Rachel Buxton, Dr Angela Evans AM, and Ms Linda Matthews – were unveiled on Founders’ Day (Sunday 2 May) following the unveiling of the portrait of the eighth Master, Ms Rose Alwyn, painted by the eminent portrait artist Robert Hannaford AM.

Speaking after the unveiling of her portrait, Rose Alwyn said: “As an alumnae of the College, as the second woman Dean and first woman Master, it is particularly gratifying to see the initiative of recognising the leadership and contribution of women of St Mark’s has now commenced, with the Board identifying some women of significance and recognising the hanging of such portraits as important symbols and artefacts.”

The four St Mark’s women whose photographic portraits were unveiled are:

• the late Georgia Blain BA (Adel), LLB (Syd), PhD (UWS) (1964-2016) – novelist, short story writer, essayist: a ‘First Woman’ at St Mark’s in 1982 and St Mark’s ‘Distinguished Collegian’
• Dr Rachel Buxton BA (Hons) (Adel), MSt, DPhil (Oxon), PGCTHE, MBA (Oxford Brookes) – academic and Senior Tutor: Hawker Scholar 1993-97, College Club President 1997, Collegians’ Prize 1997, University of Adelaide Medal 1997, Rhodes Scholar 1998, Director of Learning at St Mark’s from 2020
• Dr Angela Evans AM DipAppSc, GradDipSocSc, PhD (UniSA), FAAPSM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg) – academic, clinician, NGO aid worker: a ‘First Woman’ at St Mark’s in 1982, College Club Secretary 1984, College Council and Board 2006-20
• Ms Linda Matthews BA (Flin) – executive, Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, director: first female Chair of St Mark’s College Board – Chair from 2018

The Head of College, Professor Don Markwell, said of them: “All are people of distinction and standing, of influence, and of significance for the College in diverse ways.

“Two are women of distinction from the very first year of St Mark’s women, 1982 – one of these (the late Georgia Blain) a prize-winning Australian novelist who has been recognised as a Distinguished Collegian, the other (Dr Angela Evans) a long-serving member of our governance bodies and Acting Chair of the College Board who has been honoured in the Order of Australia for her outstanding professional and community service work.

“Another of these photographs is of the first woman Chair of our College Board (Ms Linda Matthews), and another is of our first – and so far only – female Rhodes Scholar (Dr Rachel Buxton).

“By any measure, these are outstanding St Mark’s women of influence, and great exemplars of the quality of St Mark’s women.

“The photograph of Georgia Blain is an old photograph for which the College is very grateful to her family, and the other three are photographs taken at the College early last year by the photographer Duncan Udawatta.”

Professor Markwell said that in 2022 the College will mark the 40th anniversary of co-education, and this “landmark in our history … will give us the opportunity to recognise many others, many here today, who have been important in our journey in coeducation”.

Over 150 members and friends of the College were present for the unveiling and other Founders’ Day events on Sunday 2 May. These began with a service to honour St Mark, the Founders, and members of the College killed in World War II. At morning tea on the College Green, the traditional toast to the Founders was followed by a toast to thank Ian and Pamela Wall for their great generosity to the College (most recently funding the car park extension) and to mark Ian’s 90th Birthday.

Professor Markwell spoke of each of the four St Mark’s women in turn before their photographic portraits were unveiled. What follows is a slightly edited version of his remarks about each:

The late Georgia Blain

“The first photographic portrait is of the late Georgia Blain, who was last year officially recognised by the College Board as a Distinguished Collegian.

Born in 1964, Georgia Blain was a celebrated novelist and one of the first women to attend the College in 1982. Already a prize-winning poet when she entered St Mark’s, Georgia went on to be, in the words of one writer, ‘acclaimed as a novelist, short story writer and essayist who transformed the everyday into works of extraordinary beauty and clarity’.

After completing her Arts degree at the University of Adelaide, Georgia finished her Law degree at the University of Sydney.  Working first as a journalist and then as a copyright lawyer (who continued to write on copyright issues for many years), in the mid-1990s she turned to writing full-time, and her award-winning debut novel, Closed for Winter, set in seaside Adelaide, appeared in 1998.

Her several subsequent books include the novels Candelo (1999), The Blind Eye (2001), Names for Nothingness (2004), Too Close to Home (2011), and Between a Wolf and a Dog (2016), the young adult novels Darkwater (2010) and Special (2016), and the short story collection The Secret Lives of Men (2013). Her Births, Deaths and Marriages: True Tales (2008) was published as she undertook a PhD in creative writing at the University of Western Sydney, and she continued with other writing, including regular columns for The Saturday Paper, as she battled against brain cancer in 2015-16.

Several of Georgia’s books were shortlisted for major literary awards, and Between a Wolf and a Dog was awarded the 2017 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction and the 2016 Queensland Literary Award for Fiction.  Closed for Winter was adapted for film in 2009, starring Natalie Imbruglia and filmed in Adelaide, and The Museum of Words: a memoir of language, writing, and mortality, was published posthumously in 2017.

On her death in December 2016, just days before the death of her mother, the journalist Anne Deveson, Georgia Blain was described by one obituarist as ‘one of Australia’s finest writers’. ‘There is’, the obituarist wrote, ‘no better way of remembering Georgia than reading her work.’

Georgia Blain is remembered at St Mark’s with warm admiration, as a Distinguished Collegian, and now with this photographic portrait of the young and vibrant Georgia Blain.

It is my privilege to invite Georgia Blain’s husband, Andrew Taylor, to unveil it, and then to say a few words.”

Dr Rachel Buxton

“Rachel Buxton was a C.A.S. Hawker Scholar at St Mark’s College in 1993-97, and served as College Club President in 1997, when she was also awarded the Collegians’ Prize. She graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1997 with First Class Honours in English Literature, and the University Medal.

Rhodes Scholar for South Australia for 1998, Rachel completed a Master’s and a Doctorate in Oxford in English language and literature. Her thesis on the influence of Robert Frost on Northern Irish poetry – a topic inspired by a suggestion from the then Master of St Mark’s College, Robin Ashwin – was later published by Oxford University Press.

Rachel was Wilkinson Research Fellow and Assistant Dean at Worcester College, Oxford (2001-2), and Salvesen Junior Fellow and Tutor for Women at New College, Oxford (2002-5), also undertaking internships with McKinsey & Co. and at the UK Cabinet Office.

While serving as Senior Lecturer in American Literature at Oxford Brookes University in 2005-9, Rachel completed an Executive MBA with Distinction, again topping her year.

Rachel served as Senior Tutor of Merton College, Oxford, in 2009-10, then as Domestic Bursar of Lincoln College, Oxford, from 2010 to 2015, before again becoming Senior Tutor of Merton College until we were lucky enough to attract her back to St Mark’s to become our Director of Learning early last year.

As Senior Tutor at Merton, Rachel managed all academic-related activities in one of Oxford’s academically most successful colleges, and devoted considerable attention to supporting individual students in their academic and personal development.

Recalling the positive difference which St Mark’s made in her life, when she was appointed as Director of Learning, Rachel said that she was excited to take on this role at the College, seeing it as ‘a terrific opportunity to make a genuine difference at a critical stage in the lives of young people’.

She has been doing just this brilliantly and with such positive impact since starting here in February last year, and we are all very grateful.”

Dr Angela Evans AM

“As you know, Angela Evans was, like Georgia Blain, one of the very first women students to enter St Mark’s when it became coeducational in 1982. Angela was a resident student at St Mark’s from 1982 to 1984 while she studied podiatry at what is now the University of South Australia, from which she later earnt her PhD.

In 1983 and 1984, Angela served on the College Club Committee – in 1984, as Secretary. The Lion of 1984 recorded that she ‘undertook her position with great efficiency and style’ – qualities evident in everything that Angela undertakes, as is what The Lion in 1983 described as ‘her unsinkable optimism’.

Angela’s service as a student representative to the College’s Buildings and Grounds Committee in 1983 and 1984, and her later contribution as Treasurer of the Old Collegians’ Association, foreshadowed a very major contribution to the governance of the College over some 15 years from 2006 to 2020. Angela served as a member of the College Council from 2006 to 2018, and as a member of the College Board from 2007 to last year, including as Acting Chair of the Board in 2018.

Angela’s contribution to the College has been alongside outstanding professional contributions in the field of podiatry, with a focus on paediatrics and sports medicine, including as a clinician, a university teacher (including currently for La Trobe University), a much-published researcher, chair and other office-holder in various professional associations and regulatory bodies, and an NGO volunteer, most particularly with Walk for Life – Bangladesh, and the Clubfoot Aid Program.

The details of these and other contributions and significant professional recognition were spelt out in a strikingly impressive citation when, in 2019, Angela was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia ‘for significant service to community health in the field of paediatric podiatry, and to professional standards’.

As well as to the College and to podiatry in various ways, Angela has also given service to the Anglican Church, including through her long-standing leadership roles next door at St Peter’s Cathedral, including as People’s Warden and Honorary Lay Canon, at St Barnabas Theological College, and at Anglicare, with which I am delighted to report she has worked with leaders of our student Charitable Foundation to create a very fitting bond.

The Founders of St Mark’s nearly a century ago believed that the College would encourage among its students what they described as ‘the ideal of service’. Angela Evans has quite outstandingly fulfilled the Founders’ ideal of service.”

Ms Linda Matthews

“In August 2018, following a search and selection process, Linda Matthews was appointed as – and I quote from the announcement – ‘the new Independent Chair of St Mark’s’ – making her also the first female Chair of our College Board.

I can give personal testimony from my time at St Mark’s to the dedication, clarity of mind, shrewdness of judgement, wise and realistic counsel, and warmth and generosity of spirit which Linda has brought to this role, aiming always to do what is best for the students of this College, and upholding the values for which the College stands.

With her early years in Broken Hill and university education at Flinders University, Linda has also brought to her role at St Mark’s the experience and insights she had gained in, amongst various other roles, service for 14 years as South Australian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity from 1996 to 2010, as Queensland’s first Privacy Commissioner from 2010 to 2012, and as the Executive Director of Women NSW in the NSW Department of Families and Communities from 2012 to 2014.

On Linda’s leaving her long-standing position as South Australia’s Equal Opportunity Commissioner in 2010 to inaugurate the role of Privacy Commissioner in Queensland, her successor at the Equal Opportunity Commission paid tribute to the ‘substantial changes in the life of the Commission and its legislation’ which she had overseen, including in increased efficiency, increased conciliation, and improved training.

Linda’s successor wrote: ‘On leaving, Linda was able to take pride in the fact that South Australia’s discrimination protections are more comprehensive than ever, although, as she would point out, there still remains work to be done.’

Linda has also held leadership roles in various not-for-profit organisations. These include serving as Board member and at times Chief Executive Officer of Catherine House, which supports women experiencing homelessness; as Board member of Adelaide Benevolent Society; and Chair of the disability organisation SCOSA. She has also held roles with such bodies as the Parks Community Legal Service, the SA Domestic Violence Prevention Unit, the SA Rape and Sexual Assault Service, and Survivors of Torture and Trauma Rehabilitation Services.

The announcement in 2018 of Linda’s appointment as Chair at St Mark’s said, and I quote: ‘The Interim Board and Council are delighted with the appointment of our new Chair whose strategic skills, clear vision, competence, and positive approach will lead the future directions of the College.’

In my view, from very close exposure, the hopes expressed in that statement have been more than amply fulfilled, and I for one am very grateful.”

Professor Markwell said that he believed that Rose Alwyn’s portrait hanging behind the High Table and the photographic portraits of four other St Mark’s women of influence also hanging in the Hall would all “adorn the Hall – powerful examples to current and future members of this College of what St Mark’s women can be”.

Photographs from Founders’ Day by Kaidy Morgan @kd_m_p

The framed photographs of Dr Rachel Buxton, Dr Angela Evans AM, and Ms Linda Matthews are by Duncan Udawatta (Dream Team Imaging).

In bright autumnal sunshine on Founders’ Day, some 150 members and friends of the College enthusiastically toasted Mr Ian Wall AM and Mrs Pamela Wall OAM to thank them for their great generosity to the College – most recently funding the carpark extension – and to mark Ian’s 90^th birthday.

The Head of College, Professor Don Markwell, also announced that, in recognition of their unparalleled philanthropic support for the College and our students, the College has commissioned a joint portrait of Ian and Pamela Wall. It will be painted this year by the portrait artist Tsering Hannaford.

Ian and Pamela Wall are the largest donors to the College in its history, and their most recent gift has funded the extension of the College carpark now to provide some 160 secure under-cover parking spots.

Ian, who was a resident student at St Mark’s from 1950 to 1954, turns 90 on 15 May. In the Founders’ Day morning tea on the College Green, following the traditional toast to the Founders and then the toast to Ian and Pamela Wall, the College Choir led the singing of “Happy Birthday” as Ian cut the birthday cake.

In reply to the toast, Ian spoke warmly of his time at St Mark’s – including an amusing anecdote of his early days as a student in 1950 which reflected the wisdom of the founding Master, Sir Archibald Grenfell Price.

In proposing the toast, Professor Markwell said:

“Today, we also want to toast two people whose remarkably generous support for the College has been truly transformative – Ian and Pamela Wall.

As you may know, Ian was born on 15 May 1931, and so will celebrate his 90^th birthday in 13 days’ time.

Ian was a student at St Mark’s from 1950 to 1954, while studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Affectionately known by the nickname ‘Prof’, Ian was an eager participant in College life, and was on the College Club Committee from 1952 to 1954, and Club Treasurer in 1954.

Meanwhile, Pammie was training to be a nurse nearby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, later supporting Ian in, amongst much else, the development of the communications technology company Codan, which Ian co-founded in 1959. It has been brilliantly successful.

Ian has said that he owes much of his success in life to his time at St Mark’s, and in gratitude for that, he and Pammie have together been extraordinarily supportive of the College and of our students – helping St Mark’s to offer current and future generations the best life-changing opportunities we can provide.

Ian and Pammie’s support has been indispensable to the completion of the flats in this north-west corner of the College; the East Wing, which includes the gym, the Ian and Pamela Wall Academic Centre, and two levels of excellent student accommodation; and the secure multi-storey car-park, including in the last year the addition of new levels to the carpark, taking our car parking capacity to a remarkable 160 spaces – a great amenity for our students, providing safe parking off the street, and a great attraction and asset for the College.

We could not be more grateful for this, and for Ian and Pammie’s support in so many other ways over the years – for the Library, the gym, computer connections, the Gassie, the Downer House lift, and scholarships (which are, of course, a central focus for the College today).

Today, we want especially to say ‘thank you’ to Ian and Pammie for the carpark extension, but also to acknowledge with profound gratitude all their support for the College and our students.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the impact of their philanthropy is unparalleled in the history of this College.

The College Board believes that generosity of such scale and impact merits recognition alongside those major figures in the College’s history who are acknowledged with portraits in the Dining Hall. And so I am delighted to announce this morning that the College has commissioned a joint portrait of Ian and Pamela Wall, which will be painted over the next several months by Tsering Hannaford, a significant South Australian painter who is already a six-time Archibald Prize finalist – and who is here this morning.

To express our deep gratitude to Ian and Pamela Wall, most especially for the recently completed carpark extension, would you please join me in raising your glasses and toasting them – to Ian and Pamela Wall.”

Founders’ Day – Sunday 2 May – began with a service to honour St Mark, the Founders, and members of the College killed in World War II. Following the morning tea on the College Green, it also included the unveiling of the portrait of the eighth Master, Ms Rose Alwyn, painted by the eminent portrait artist Robert Hannaford AM, and the unveiling of photographic portraits of four other St Mark’s women of influence – the late Georgia Blain, Dr Rachel Buxton, Dr Angela Evans AM, and Ms Linda Matthews.

Photographs by Kaidy Morgan @kd_m_p

 

A striking and powerful portrait of the eighth Master of the College, Ms Rose Alwyn, painted by the eminent portrait artist Robert Hannaford AM, was unveiled on Founders’ Day, and is now hanging prominently in the College dining hall.

Ms Alwyn was Master of St Mark’s College from 2008 to 2019, having served as Dean from 2003 to 2007. She was a student at St Mark’s in 1984-86, and is now Warden of St John’s College at the University of Queensland.

Over 150 members and friends of the College were present for the unveiling of Rose Alwyn’s portrait and other Founders’ Day events on Sunday 2 May. These began with a service to honour St Mark, the Founders, and members of the College killed in World War II. At morning tea on the College Green, the traditional toast to the Founders was followed by a toast to thank Ian and Pamela Wall for their great generosity to the College (most recently funding the car park extension) and to mark Ian’s 90th Birthday. Also unveiled on the day were photographic portraits of four other St Mark’s women of influence – the late Georgia Blain, Dr Rachel Buxton, Dr Angela Evans AM, and Ms Linda Matthews.

Speaking after the unveiling of her portrait, Rose Alwyn spoke of the “very personal, intense but exciting experience” of being painted, and thanked the College Board for commissioning Robert Hannaford to paint her portrait – which is the fifth portrait by him for St Mark’s. (The others are of former Masters Malcolm McKenzie and John Bannon, former Chair Gavin Walkley, and long-time resident academic Professor Don Nicholas.) Describing the portrait as “magnificent”, Ms Alwyn said she was “very grateful to have this portrait, which I think is an excellent representation of me”.

Ms Alwyn also spoke of the importance – in a world that now expects equity, diversity, and inclusion – of “recognising the leadership and contribution of women of St Mark’s…, with the Board identifying some women of significance and recognising the hanging of such portraits as important symbols and artefacts”.

In warmly welcoming guests to the unveiling of the portrait of his “predecessor and friend, the eighth Master, Rose Alwyn”, the Head of College, Professor Markwell, said:

“On 3 February 1984, Rosemary Alwyn wrote from Canberra, where she had been a student for 12 years at Canberra Girls’ Grammar School, to the Master of St Mark’s College, Adelaide:

‘Dear Reverend Thomson,

Thank you so much for your kindness in sending me the application forms to St Mark’s College. I feel I could make a fair contribution in all aspects and activities in College life.’

37 years later, after an outstanding contribution to this College’s life, as you know, Rose Alwyn is to join the Reverend Peter Thomson and all other Masters of the College with her magnificent portrait by Robert Hannaford hanging with theirs above the High Table.

And the kindness which the young Rose attributed to Reverend Thomson has been the hallmark of her own contributions throughout – in which I include her own great kindness to me personally.

Following in her father’s footsteps in coming to St Mark’s, Rose was a resident student here from 1984 – the third year of women students at St Mark’s – to 1986, while she studied for a Bachelor of Arts, first at Flinders and then at the University of Adelaide, including winning the Lia Watson Prize for third-year Social Sciences. Rose served as Secretary of the College Club in 1986, and through her undergraduate years represented the University of Adelaide in tennis, and St Mark’s in hockey, swimming, netball, athletics, tennis, and debating.

After graduating, Rose served from 1989 to 1994 as the first female Secretary of the Old Collegians’ Association, and then in 1994-95 as its first female President. By then, Rose was already a member of the College Council and of the College Foundation.

All this reflected the passionate enthusiasm for and unwavering commitment to St Mark’s which have marked all Rose’s countless contributions – her ‘countless gifts of love’ for St Mark’s and its students – including as Dean from 2003 to 2007, and then as Master from 2008 to 2019.

Rose came to the position of Dean in 2003, under Master John Bannon, from the Service to Youth Council, where she had worked since 1995, including from 1998 onwards as General Manager of the Youth Services Division. This involved extensive experience in youth and community services focused on homeless and ‘at risk’ young people, and built on Rose’s earlier years of experience in training and employment services for the unemployed.

During busy years both as Dean and with her and husband David’s family of five children, Rose – ever organised – in 2006 also successfully completed a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Adelaide, including winning the Baron Partners Prize for Strategic Management – with the highest mark for Strategic Management out of over 200 students in that year.

In 2007, as John Bannon was preparing to retire, the selection committee to find his successor received applications from ‘a strong field of candidates including local, interstate and overseas applicants’. In announcing Rose’s appointment from this strong field, the Chairman of Council, Richard Burchnall, said what everyone knew to be true: ‘Ms Alwyn has been an outstanding Dean and is held in very high regard by the College community.’

Over the subsequent almost-12 years as Master, Rose gave of herself with tireless devotion to St Mark’s and its students. When, in August 2019, some 180 Collegians and friends of the College gathered to farewell her as she left to take up the Wardenship of St John’s College at the University of Queensland, the warm tributes paid reflected her contributions in so many ways:

• her working with hundreds of young people, women and men alike – inspiring so many, and aiming to develop future leaders;
• her genuine care for individual students, in the lives of so many of whom she made a real difference – several of whom are here today to thank Rose for that;
• her work to increase the value and number of scholarships that are awarded annually through the generous philanthropic support of our College community;
• her work to expand significantly the academic support offered by the College so that every student had the best opportunity to achieve their personal best;
• the remarkable improvements in the College facilities, furthering the College’s Master Plan, including the opening of the Learning Commons, East Wing, and the multi-level car-park, and the College Green, along with key refurbishments and upgrades to many buildings – for which, again, generous philanthropic support has been crucial; and
• her deep engagement with her fellow Old Collegians and with friends of the College.

From 2016 to 2018, Rose had served as President of University Colleges Australia, the group that represents residential university colleges around the country. At her farewell from St Mark’s in 2019, Dr Ian Walker from ANU, representing University Colleges Australia, spoke of Rose’s ‘energy and leadership’ and her – quote – ‘encouragement and support of all our Colleges and Halls … to be the best possible places of scholarship and safety, of community and care, of respect and renewal, of collegiality and (where needed) change.’ ‘No one’, he said, ‘has been or is more committed to this task.’

Robert Hannaford has painted what I think is a brilliant portrait of Rose.  To both subject and artist go many thanks and warmest congratulations.

As I mentioned earlier, Rose’s portrait will tomorrow be hung next to another striking Hannaford portrait – that of Rose’s predecessor as Master, John Bannon. These are two of five Hannafords in this Hall, in our small but significant collection of portraits that also includes, amongst others, two by Sir William Dargie and two by Sir Ivor Hele.”

In her speech of thanks after the unveiling of the portrait, Rose Alwyn pointed out that it was the veteran South Australian portraitist Sir Ivor Hele (whose portraits of  Sir Archibald Grenfell Price and Sir Henry Newland are in the Hall) who encouraged Robert Hannaford to take up painting full time in 1970, which she described as “a really lovely connection”.

Photographs by Kaidy Morgan and Richard Foster