International Women's Day

As International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world, we were very fortunate to have the Year 12 Captains lead the way with their messages of support, and compilation of females role models whose messages they provided each day in the student bulletin.

The Year 12 College Captains Charlotte Rowbottom and Sienna Athaide and Academic Captain Georgia Cullie were fortunate to attend the International Coalition of Girls Schools International Women’s Day breakfast at Parliament House. Here are their accounts of the learnings from each leader they were able to listen to:

On Tuesday the 12th of March, we were given the opportunity to attend a breakfast held by the International Coalition of Girls School at Parliament house. We heard from 3 guest speakers who shared their empowering stories of being a woman in leadership.

Ms Georgie Crozier MP:

Georgie Crozier was first elected as a Member of the Southern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament in 2010, however, her passion for politics began long before. At a young age, Georgie held strong beliefs about defending the right of freedom of choice and freedom of speech. In doing so, she was subject to hate and abuse, however, her perseverance and continued determination to stand up for her beliefs, lead her to a career in politics. Initially, Georgie began her working in the healthcare industry as a nurse, midwife, and diabetes educator. Following this, she shifted her focus into working with small businesses and major corporations in consulting, human resources and recruiting. Her diverse experience in medical and business sector, ignited her passion for ensuring that our health system is accessible, and essential support is provided to all small businesses. Georgie shared her desire for all Victorians to have a voice and the ability to make a difference, which promoted her to run for Parliament. In 2022, Georgie was elected Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Liberal Member for Southern Metropolitan Region. Her admirable passion for societal change encourages us to make a difference, whether it be small or large, in our own community. Her empowering speech reflecting upon her journey as a female in leadership, continues to inspire us to persist in the face of hardship and make positive change.

Ms Jess Wilson MP:

Jess Wilson was elected as the member for Kew at the November 2022 Victorian State Election. Having graduated from a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University, Jess was admitted as an Australian lawyer in the Supreme Court of Australia. Through her experience in the Supreme Court, Jess communicated the importance of tenacity and perseverance, encouraging us to be remain determined and driven to achieve our goals, despite how difficult they may seem. During her presentation, she emphasised that we would go through many career changes in our lives, and that for herself, it meant that her passion for making a difference encouraged her to pivot into a career of politics. This reassured us that even through the uncertainties we may face in the future, there is always more than one path to success and happiness in life. Through her continual hard work, Jess was appointed Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Economic Reform and Regulation and Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability in December 2022 for the Australian Liberal Party. Jess stressed the importance of having a balanced life, interests and passions outside of school and our jobs in the future, being a member and premiership player with the Kew Box Hill Hockey Club herself. Ultimately, her speech taught us that not only is it okay and normal to change career trajectories, but to always remain determined to achieve success, as this will guide us down our right path.

Professor Katie Allen:

Professor Katie Allen is a former member of Parliament for Higgins and sat on the committees Trade and Investment; the National Broadband Network; the Parliamentary Library; Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources, Health and Aged Care, and Communications and the Arts. She was also a paediatrician at the Royal Children’s hospital, professor at Melbourne University and The University of Manchester, as well as the founding director of the Australian Centre of Food and Allergy Research. As she spoke, she told of us about her journey from growing up in Albury, NSW to getting to where she is today. She had to leave her family to attend high school in Melbourne to better her education and opportunities. She first chose medicine because every member of her family was somewhat involved in the medical field. She saw the good they did for people every day, and decided she wanted to do the same. As she made differences in the medical field, she was approached by people who told her to give it a try in politics. She decided to give it a try and was rejected twice. Despite this rejection, she did not give up and tried again a third time in which she was successful. This taught us that if you want something in life, keep trying until you get it. Katie used her determination and perseverance to make a name for herself and make a difference, which is something all girls at Ave can be inspired by.

At Ave all young people can strive to achieve and to make a difference in their communities through perseverance and being open to meeting new people and opportunities.

May Christ’s resurrection bring you much joy at Easter.