HOGA Newsletter - 2026

The Hermitage Church of England Girls’ Grammar School, Geelong

Office Bearers and Committee 2025–2026

PRESIDENT:

Elizabeth Bennett 0407 040 471

SECRETARY:

Jill Nicholls 0400 800 136

ACTING TREASURER:

Elizabeth Bennett 0407 040 471

COMMITTEE:

Sue Callahan

Desiree Cohen

Pauline Greaves

Deidre Griffiths

Rosalind Leigh

Felicity Hocking

Allison Rhodes

Rosalind Leigh

Kristine Mellens

Janny Ryle

ARCHIVES:

Sarah Brown

Gail James

Felicity Hocking

Opposite: Old Girls’ at the HOGA Autumn Lunch.

LIGHT BLUE & NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR:

Jill Nicholls 0400 800 136

GOLF DAY: Sarah Tallent 0417 407 776

POSTAL ADDRESS: The Secretary GPO Box 591 Geelong Victoria 3220

EMAIL AND WEB ADDRESS: hermitagegirls@gmail.com https://ogg.org.au/hoga

Dates for Your Diary 2026

AUTUMN LUNCH:

Thursday 7 May 2026 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, Melbourne.

ADELAIDE GATHERING:

Thursday 21 May at Natures Providore, Fullarton SA.

CASUAL LUNCH:

Friday 19 June 2026 at the Waurn Ponds Hotel, Geelong.

To RSVP please contact:

Janny Ryle 0426 238 208 or janetaryle@gmail.com

OLD GIRLS’ DAY & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

Saturday 3 October 2026 in the Darling Hall, Corio Campus, Geelong Grammar School.

GOLF DAY:

Monday 19 October 2026 at Barwon Heads Golf Club, Barwon Heads.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Monday 7 December 2026 at at the Sawyers Arms Hotel, Geelong.

From the Editor

2025 has been another very enjoyable year in the life of The Hermitage Old Girls Association. We held a very successful Autumn Lunch at Kooyong Tennis Club. The venue was very easy to access and the service and food was delightful.

We were very privileged to have together three past Head Prefects of The Hermitage, these were Shirley Whitaker (Lamb, ‘52), Judy Oakley (Lamb, ‘56) and Sally Cohen (Michaelis, ‘55). Libby Cartwright (‘64) was to attend also, but unfortunately, she was unable to at the last minute. It is wonderful that they still support the school that they put so much time and effort into.

We held a very enjoyable Casual Lunch at Waurn Ponds Hotel, where we had a great number of ladies attend. This is an opportunity to catch up again in the New Year, and before the weather turns cold and a lot of us head north for the warmth.

Our girls again played a keen game of golf at the Women’s Inter School Challenge Cup at Sorrento Golf Club, altho’ they were not the winners this year, they all had an enjoyable day.

Our own Golf Day held in October saw a large number of golfers and this year we other ladies could join them at the newly renovated Barwon Heads Golf Club for lunch. It is always a lovely day, both for golf and friendship.

These last few weeks our thoughts and prayers have been with any of our Old Girls who experienced the horrendous fires and then of course the opposite, the unexpected floods. Our world never ceases to amaze me in the diversity of weather it can dish out. I do hope that these families are feeling supported and have the determination to keep on going even in the face of adversity.

We changed the venue of our Christmas Lunch this year, which in a way was sad, as it had been held at All Saints Hall for a very long time. But the time had come for the Committee to take it a bit easier, as setting up the hall and afterwards packing it all up had become more difficult, as we get older.

The new venue, Sawyers Arms Hotel, passed our expectations and the feedback was very positive, we had a wonderful number attend and the atmosphere was of fun and friendship.

We were fortunate with the number of reunions that girls kindly organised, and from what I have heard, they all had a wonderful catch up with lots of laughs and reminiscing along the way. These are so important to keep the spirit of The Hermitage alive, please consider organising one for your year group.

Once again, we cannot thank the Alumni Office enough, there is nothing they won’t assist us with. This year we have a new face in Hannah Battista, those that went to Old Girls Day would have met her ably driving the Golf Buggy, taking ladies from the car park to Darling Hall, I think everyone enjoyed the ride.

I would like to thank the Alumni Office for organising the formatting of this Newsletter, and Geelong Grammar School and the OGG Association who provide the finances for the printing and postage.

Jill Nicholls (Holmes)

Email: hermitagegirls@gmail.com

Address: The Secretary, GPO Box 591, Geelong 3220, Victoria

Australia Day Honours

Amongst the many OGG recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Honours and Awards, Professor Anne Kelso (‘71) was one of ten Australians to be appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). Anne has been recognised for eminent service to health and medical research sciences and administration, to Australian influenza preparedness, and to gender equity.

Anne was a student at The Hermitage and participated in House Debating. She was appointed a school prefect in her final year of school, and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, obtaining her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 1975 and PhD in immunology in 1980 at the University of Melbourne.

Anne’s dream career was being a laboratory-based research scientist –something she excelled at in the fields of immunology and vaccine research and for which she was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Appointed the Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Doherty Institute in 2007, Anne later served as the CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). She received her honorary professorial appointment at the University of Melbourne in 2023 and is Chair of the Doherty Institute’s Scientific Advisory Board.

The citation also honours her contribution to gender equity and global public health. Speaking to The Mandarin public sector news site, Anne said her background as a laboratory researcher helped her “bridge the gap” between academic institutions and political offices.

“The motivation of people in the parliament is different from the motivation of the people who are doing research in our universities and institutes and hospitals, and they’re working in very different cultures,” she explained. Anne added that deep mutual understanding is needed for government to understand why it should invest – and keep investing – in research.

Congratulations Anne, on this well-deserved recognition!

The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Awards

Tenable at Geelong Grammar School:

The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Prize for Service

Lily Power (EM’25)

Lily has grown into a kind, compassionate, and highly engaged member of Elisabeth Murdoch House. As a House Prefect, she led with integrity and care, and her valued contribution to the boarding community was recognised through the awarding of House Colours. Beyond the House, Lily has demonstrated outstanding commitment to both sport and the arts, earning Full Colours for Drama and Half Colours for Rowing and Soccer. Her balanced involvement reflects her creativity, dedication, and strong sense of teamwork. Academically, Lily has successfully completed the International Baccalaureate, achieving Full Academic Colours and a Distinction in Literature (Higher Level), and was awarded The Hermitage Old Girls Association Prize for Service for her consistent effort. Lily plans to study English at the University of Sydney and has been accepted into St Paul’s College. Lily departs Geelong Grammar School as a confident, intelligent and compassionate young woman who has made a lasting and positive impression.

Tenable at Geelong Grammar School:

The Hermitage Old Girls’ E V Krome Cup for Sportsmanship

Lily James (EM’25)

Lily has made an outstanding contribution through her leadership, academic commitment, and sporting excellence. A determined and motivated student, she approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm, resilience and a positive sense of humour. An accomplished athlete,

Lily has earned Full Colours for Athletics, Football and Rowing, represented GGS in the prestigious John Landy Squad, and was awarded The Hermitage Old Girls E.V. Krome Cup for Sportsmanship. These achievements reflect her dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit. As both a School Prefect (Adventure Education) and a House Prefect in Elisabeth Murdoch House, Lily led with integrity, warmth and purpose. Her reliability, empathy and ability to connect with others made her a highly respected leader among peers and staff, and her exceptional service within the boarding community was recognised through the awarding of House Colours. Academically, Lily successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Programme, demonstrating focus, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. She departs GGS as a compassionate, capable young woman whose leadership, character and commitment will leave a lasting impression.

Tenable at The Geelong College:

The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Prize for All Round Leadership

Daisy Faull

Daisy Faull is one of the most genuinely warm and friendly students you could ever hope to meet. Her gratitude for every aspect of her schooling made her an exemplary appointment as School Prefect in 2025. Daisy developed positive relationships with staff and her peers through her highly personable nature, engaging with students across all year levels. While Daisy is a kind and friendly student, she was still prepared to speak up for things she felt were important, an admirable quality. Academically, Daisy worked hard towards improving, recognised through Gold Endeavour Awards for her consistent application. She demonstrated a high level of aptitude, achieving Merits and prizes, particularly in the Arts. Beyond the classroom, Daisy always demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and cohesion when playing as part of a team. She proudly represented her House, Coles, extensively in activities and was appointed the inaugural College 1st Volleyball Captain within the APS. As well as receiving The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Prize in 2025, Daisy has received many other Prizes over the last few years including the Citizenship Prize in 2022, the Francesca Henricus Memorial Prize in 2023 and the Jocelyn Kop Memorial Prize for a talented Year 11 Design and Creative Arts student in 2024.

The Hermitage House Report

One Year in Review

The past year in The Hermitage House has been full of fun, spirit, and memorable moments that really brought everyone together as a house. Whether it be performance, competitions, or community events, it has been a year that truly showed what Hermi culture is all about.

House Music was one of the biggest highlights: performing “You’re the One that I Want” was such a fun experience and really gave everyone a chance to get involved. The rehearsals were full of energy and by the time we performed, the confidence and Hermi spirit between everyone was evident.

This year also welcomed a new group of Year 10’s into The Hermitage House, who quickly became part of the House. They brought heaps of animation and quickly became familiar faces within the House.

Friendships formed easily and they fitted into The Hermitage community confidently. Another favourite time of the year was the Hermi morning BBQ’s. These mornings were such a great way to relax and be with the House.

Equally, House competitions were another big highlight, especially swimming and athletics. Winning the athletics carnival was a huge achievement for Hermitage House and a proud moment that showed the effort and teamwork of The Hermitage House.

The Christmas wrap up was a great way to celebrate everything achieved together in order to finish off the year. This has been an unforgettable year for The Hermitage House, one that reflects our strong spirit, unity and pride.

Presentation on The Hermitage to the Hermitage House

On 19 March, Committee members of The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association joined the Community Engagement team on a visit to The Hermitage House to meet with current Yr 10 – 12 students.

During the visit, the HOGA Committee gifted students a copy of Proud to be Women. President Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66) explained the connection of the present-day Hermitage House and girls to those in the history book and pointed out the values and traditions that span the years. The girls received the books very enthusiastically; many came and asked questions after browsing through the book.

Annual General Meeting 2025

At our Annual Meeting held this year on the 4th October, unfortunately our numbers were down, but those that attended were treated to a wonderful day. The setting in Darling Hall, with our very own Sanctuary, is a very special and somewhat emotional experience, seeing it open in all its beauty, which brings us all back to our school days.

President Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66) welcomed everyone, saying “today is more than just a luncheon. It is a time to pause and reflect in our sanctuary service, to honour and remember, and to give thanks for the friendships, the lessons and the values that continue to guide us. It is also a time to look forward as we come together in our Annual General Meeting, where we consider how best to carry the spirit of The Hermitage into the future. Today instead of a guest speaker we have been given the wonderful opportunity to tour The Hermitage House and view many of our treasured school artefacts on display. What a privilege it is to reconnect not only with one another but also with the history, traditions and stories that have shaped us all, so thank you for being here, and for keeping our HOGA community alive and strong. May today be a day of remembrance, laughter, reconnection and inspiration as we celebrate both the past and the future of The Hermitage.”

This year Diane Wolff (‘68) and Belinda Blake (‘68) opened the Sanctuary doors and lit the candles. Our hymn this year was “All things Bright and Beautiful”, with Kristine Mellens (‘75) accompanying us on the piano. We finished our Annual Meeting with the Lord’s Prayer and the ladies extinguished the candles, but left the doors of the Sanctuary open, so we could reflect on our time at school. Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting were read and moved by Jill Nicholls (Holmes, ‘68), and Seconded by Kristine Mellens, Carried. The Committee Reports were then read, these were then moved as read by Gail Arkins (Willis, ‘59), and Second by Judith Laird (Schofield, ‘55), Carried. President Elizabeth Bennett then invited Alex Hocking (He’99) to take the chair for the election of the Office Bearers for the coming year.

President: Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66)

Secretary: Jill Nicholls (Holmes, ‘68)

Assistant Secretary: Kristine Mellens (‘75)

Acting Treasurer: Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66)

Committee Members: Sue Callahan (Holmes, ‘71), Rosalind Leigh (Tayler, ‘60), Janny Ryle (Bone, Fr’76), Felicity Hocking (Waterman, ’68), Kristine Mellens (‘75), Deidre Griffiths (’68), Desiree Cohen (Horne, ‘68) and Pauline Greaves (Harvey, ‘68)

Archives: Felicity Hocking (Waterman, ’68), with Sara Brown (’69) and Gail James (’70) as assistants

Newsletter and Membership Records: Jill Nicholls and Kristine Mellens

OGGS Representative: Deidre Griffiths (’68)

It was resolved that HOGA continue banking with the Commonwealth Bank and that Dean Miller audit the books.

Bank signatories: Pauline Greaves (Harvey, ‘68), Kristine Mellens (‘75) and Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66)

Moved: Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66), Seconded: Priscilla Laird (Kyle, ‘60)

The meeting was then closed and President Elizabeth Bennett who invited everyone to enjoy canapés and a refreshing drink before the Luncheon started.

AGM Luncheon 2025

Grace was said by Jillian Buchanan (Purnell, ‘56) and the Toast to The Hermitage was presented by Lesley Robinson (Donaldson, ‘51).

After Lunch President Elizabeth Bennett spoke to us about the Amalgamation that had occurred 50 years ago:

Good afternoon,

It’s a real privilege to stand here today - fifty years after The Hermitage closed its doors as a standalone girl school and joined with Geelong Grammar in 1975.

For many of us, that moment was deeply emotional. The Hermitage was more than just a school - it shaped our values, our friendships, and the women we became. So, it’s no surprise that many past students felt a real sense of loss when we heard it would be closing. There was uncertainty, even resistance. A coeducational school? It felt like the end of something very special. But as time has shown us, it wasn’t the end. It was a new beginning - one that has allowed the spirit of The Hermitage not only to survive, but to grow and thrive in new soil.

Today, The Hermitage House is a living, breathing part of Geelong Grammar’s boarding life. Girls continue to form deep bonds within its walls. They may not wear our original uniforms or walk the same grounds, but they are part of the same legacy - a legacy of strength, purpose and service.

We’re proud that so much of our school’s memorabilia - the photos, honour boards, stained glass windows, crest, flag - has been preserved and placed with care in The Hermitage House. These artifacts don’t just decorate the space - they speak. They tell stories. They remind today’s boarders that they are part of something larger than themselves - something with deep roots and strong values.

So today, at our AGM, we celebrate not just the past, but the continuity between then and now. We give thanks for the women who led us, taught us, and believed in us. We honour those who stood tall during times of change. And we take joy in seeing that The Hermitage still has a proud place within Geelong Grammar - not just as a name on a building, but a living legacy in the lives of young women today.

To close, I’d like to share a short verse, written especially for this 50 year milestone.

In 1975, the winds of change blew strong, Our Hermitage, a place we’d loved so long, Was folded in - a chapter seemed to close, And many feared what lay beyond - who knows?

Our daughters faced a future not the same, No cloisters echoing The Hermitage name. But time, as always, showed its quiet grace, And found our spirit in a brand new place.

Now 50 years have passed, and we can see, Our school lives on - not just in memory, Its heart beats still in Grammar’s halls with pride, Where Hermitage girls walk with strength and stride. Hermitage House bears witness to our history dear, With treasured keepsakes bringing voices near. We honour all who came before this dayTheir legacy still lights the modern way.

This year we did not have a guest speaker. We thought it appropriate to indulge ourselves on a TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, being 50 years since Amalgamation occurred. We did not want to place a lot of emphasis on this time of The Hermitage’s life as for some it is a very sad time, and others see it in the view that The Hermitage didn’t cease to exist, just morphed into part of Geelong Grammar School.

We, then as a group caught the bus, or golf buggy to The Hermitage House and were kindly given a guided tour of the House by Alex Hocking, a former member of the House and Head of Alumni and Community Relations, and Tom Bourke, GGS Event Manager, who showed us the dormitories, sitting rooms, halls and court yard, and our many pieces of beautiful furniture, desks, photos of past Head Mistresses, students, our Founding Fathers, art work, honour boards, where many searched for their, or family members names. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their trip back in time, and appropriately we gathered at the court yard near the sundial and with the lead from Kristine Mellens, we sang a rousing and emotional rendition of the School Song, which ended a very special day, in a wonderfully special way.

President’s Report 2025

It is a pleasure to present my report for the past year.

We finished the year with our Christmas Luncheon, a wonderful celebration of fun and friendship. The room was filled with joy as we sang carols together, enjoyed a delicious meal and drew a few prizes between the singing. Mrs Right’s pass-theparcel caused squeals and much laughter, adding to the festive spirit of the day.

Our Kooyong Luncheon was a great success, with members enjoying the chance to reconnect and share memories. The atmosphere was lively and the feedback was most encouraging. I am delighted to report that next year’s Kooyong Luncheon has already been booked for 7th May, and we look forward to another enjoyable gathering.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to speak with students of The Hermitage House about the history of The Hermitage and the many artefacts held there. One student was inspired to create my portrait for an upcoming art show. We then chatted about my school days, and she took a few photos to work from. I was later invited to view the portrait at the show, and I was amazed by her talent. It was a remarkable likeness even capturing my dimples. She has generously offered to forward the portrait to me later this year, which I am very much looking forward to.

In June, we met at the Waurn Ponds Hotel for a relaxed and friendly luncheon. This occasion was made even more memorable as we celebrated milestones within our group - four of our members turning 90 and another reaching the remarkable age of 95. It was truly inspiring to share in their joy and mark such significant occasions together.

None of these events would be possible without the dedication and support of our committee members for their time, effort and enthusiasm in making our gatherings so enjoyable and successful. A huge thank you Jill, Sue, Ros, Janny, Felicity, Pauline, Allison, Deidre and Kristine.

A special note of gratitude to Jill, our incredible Secretary, who puts in countless hours managing inquiries from members re reunions, updating members details, as well as keeping us up to date and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her tireless work is deeply appreciated by all of us.

A warm thank you to Brioche Cafe, who have so kindly allowed us to meet there over lunch. It has been a welcoming spot for us to gather, plan events and share news in a relaxed setting.

We are grateful, too, for the ongoing support of the Grammar community. A special mention must go to Alex Hocking, Head of Alumni and Community Relations, who keeps us connected and up to date, happy to assist with our enquires. Also, to Rylie Menzel, Alumni and Event Coordinator, who has unfortunately left recently - we thank her for her assistance and wish her well in the future.

Also, a special thanks to Garry Pierson and Helen Beasley for keeping us informed about our scholarship winners and how they are going. I so enjoy meeting the lucky recipients and getting to know them.

Finally, I would like to thank all members for their continued support and enthusiastic participation at our gatherings. Your friendship and engagement make every event memorable and I look forward to another year of shared laughter, connection and cherished memories.

Secretary’s Report 2025

It is once again my pleasure to present the Secretary’s Report for The Hermitage Old Girls Association for the year 2025. It has been a very happy and successful year.

As always, the annual Christmas Lunch is a well-attended and very happy occasion. We have a wonderful pianist Kristine Mellens, who provides the music as we all join together to sing a couple of carols. This year we have changed the venue, which was a very big decision, as we have held our Christmas Lunch at All Saints, for as long as I can remember. This decision was not taken lightly, but with some of the Committee growing older and the heavy work of setting up the hall with tables, chairs, crockery, organising food, then packing up, at the end of a busy day, as well as washing dishes etc, and, prices have increased. Parking has also been an issue, and the Noble St hill just hasn’t got any less steep for our ladies. This year it is being held at Sawyers Arms. The committee thought the price was acceptable, when we compared it with other venues. This also includes a main course, sweets and a drink. Also, there is parking out the back of the venue.

We held our first Autumn lunch for a number of years, and thanks to Sally Cohen’s membership, we were able to hold it at The Kooyong Tennis Club. This is a very easy location to travel to, either by public transport, or driving, as there is a large car park. The President’s Room where we held our lunch was light and inviting, plus the service and food was wonderful. We even had an Old Grammarian looking after us. We had mainly Melbourne members attend but had a good representation of Geelong ladies as well. This has encouraged us to again book the venue for another Autumn Lunch next year in May.

We had a very successful Casual Lunch in Geelong in June, with a lovely lot of happy ladies attending. The enjoyable part of my role as Secretary, is the contact I am so lucky to have, with a range of Old Girls, for many different reasons. It may be a change of address, notifying us of a death in the family, just a chat and catch up. I do get so surprised and amazed as to where in Australia and the World that our Old Girls end up.

I had a wonderful surprise receiving a book that “Dewie”, (Eilene King, nee Dew) who lives on an island off Spain, had written. You may remember I wrote about her in the newsletter a few years ago. She is one of our Evacuees, who stayed at Spray Farm and attended The Hermitage, for a number of years during the 2nd World War, then when the war had finished she made her way home. Her life story is very interesting.

Once again, the Ladies in Adelaide had a lovely lunch gathering together and will be holding another gathering later in the year.

I love assisting Old Girls organise a reunion. Those that do organise the reunions have wonderful feedback from the Old Girls that come together, some of whom haven’t seen each other for many years. It also amazes me the distance that some of the ladies’ travel to attend these reunions. Many old friendships are reignited, and they always say they must catch up in a couple of years and not wait for a significant date. If you left school in a year ending with a 6 or just think it is time to catch up, like my year group who catch up every five years, I would love to hear from you, so that I can assist with contact details of those in your peer group.

The Golf Day was different this year, as only golfers could attend, I think those that attended enjoyed a great day. The Representative Golf Team had an enjoyable day and hoped to repeat this again next year.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Alex Hocking who is Head of the Alumni and Community Relations at Grammar. Her assistance in everything we plan is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble, and those who attended Old Girls day last year, would have heard about the amazing career that she has had so far, that only some can dream of. Alex and Rylie have supported us and attended all of our functions as well. Unfortunately, Rylie has moved on and now we have Hannah, who I would like to extend a warm welcome to and look forward to working with her.

The Old Geelong Grammarians Association have continued to support us generously with payment for the printing of our Newsletter and the Geelong Grammar School very generously pays for our postage. On that point, if anyone has changed any contact details, or you know of anyone, please let me know. Many get disappointed when they don’t receive our correspondence but have not thought of updating their details.

In closing, I would love it if you could take a Cooeegram form home to fill in or do it while here. Everyone loves to hear news of their friends from school days, and if we don’t have any news, it’s difficult to write a Newsletter. As without your news there is no Newsletter.

I look forward to hearing from you and wish you all a healthy and safe year ahead.

Jill Nicholls (Holmes, ‘68)

Treasurer’s Report 2025

It is my pleasure to present the Treasurer’s report for The Old Girls’ Association, an independent, incorporated, not-for-profit community organisation.

I am providing the Treasurer’s Financial Report within the legal requirements placed upon me as Treasurer of The Hermitage Old Girls Association, to provide members and regulatory authorities with a detailed account of our organisation’s operating and financial performance over the accounting year July 2024-June 2025.

I would like to thank Dean Miller for generously giving up his time to conduct a review of the financial statement of the HOGA.

Financial Report 2025

The opening balance in our operating account, Term Deposit, and cash as of 1 July 2024 was $22,028

Income – $7,884

Income was derived from sources being the AGM Lunch, Book and Mug Sales, Christmas Lunch and Kooyong Luncheon.

Expenditure - $8,921

Expenses were derived from costs of running our events (catering, hall hire) annual awards to Geelong Grammar and Geelong College.

Operating deficit - $1,037

Closing Balance - $20,991

Archive Report 2025

The aim for the Archives this year is to digitalise the catalogue, in this we have been greatly helped by Sarah Brown (‘69) and Gail James (‘70), who is a retired university librarian. Sarah is a professional archivist and has designed our new digitalised catalogue. Under Gail’s guidance, the details of the old handwritten catalogue have been transferred to this new digitalised catalogue. We are now auditing the archives to check that we have all the items as well as making an itemised record of them, listing donor, dates and other details. It can take up to four hours just to do one box and we have over 90!

Felicity Hocking (Waterman, ’68) and Kristeen Hunter (Horne, ‘65) are both assisting. Kristeen’s knowledge of the archives is outstanding and invaluable. We hope that the archives in the future will be easier to access for genealogy and for historical and social records. May I thank Darren Watson the school Archivist, for his expertise and generous assistance.

Felicity Hocking (Waterman, ’68)

OGGs Report 2025

Report of HOGA Representative on the Old Geelong Grammarians Association Committee

2025 was an exciting year for the OGGs, and it was a pleasure to represent The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association as a member of the OGGA Committee as it continued its important work, and to attend several GGS and OGGs events. The year was highlighted by the 125th Anniversary of the founding, in 1900, of the Old Geelong Grammarians Association. Celebrations included a most enjoyable August visit by the OGGA Committee and Principal Rebecca Cody to Government House, hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, the Governor of Victoria. This was followed, in September, by a marvellous OGG Spring Drinks event held at The George Ballroom in St. Kilda, attended by multiple generations of OGGs. The usual annual OGG events also took place throughout the year with great success. These included a Timbertop Open Morning, various regional events, the OGG Business Breakfast, OGG Art Exhibition, the OGG Motoring Event and, of course, the OGGA AGM on 6 May 2025.

During the year, most ably led by OGGA President Andrew Burgess (FB’81), the OGGA Committee spent time developing plans for the future of the Association, including a strategic planning workshop aimed at bringing greater structure and direction to the Committee, identifying new pathways to meet the Association’s objectives and strengthen engagement and outcomes. The Committee was wonderfully supported by the School, by the GGS Alumni Office, in particular Alex Hocking, Head of Alumni and Community Relations, and Brendan McAloon, Director of Community Engagement. OGGA President Andrew Burgess, having made an extraordinary contribution to the work of the OGGs during his tenure, recently handed over to James Robinson (FB’77) in a smooth transition.

On a personal note, having greatly enjoyed my time on the OGGA Committee, I will hand over the position of HOGA representative to Janny Ryle (Bone, ‘76) at the OGGA AGM on 5 May 2026, confident that Janny will continue the work of assisting the OGGA in its important twin missions to promote the welfare of GGS and to unite former GGS students, including those from Glamorgan, The Hermitage and Clyde.

Deidre Griffiths (‘68)

HOGA Web Page

HOGA Web Site: ogg.org.au/hoga

Finally, after a lot of ‘to-ing and fro-ing’ our very own web page is up and running. If you enter the above URL into your search engine, it will take you straight to the beautiful Ingpen picture of The Hermitage and from there you can select scroll through the menu.

The Main Menu contains the following:

- A list of the committee members and the committee’s contact details;

- A brief history of the school with a quote from Melanie Guile’s Proud to be Women;

- Reunions and Events with a calendar of current events for 2026 together with ways in which the committee and the Alumni Office can help;

- Hermitage Mementos: where you can purchase our history book and our mug;

- The Archives and information about donations, who to contact, together with some interesting samples from the Hermitage Archive;

- Update Your Details: a section where you can update your personal details;

- Scholarships: The Hermitage is associated with two scholarships, the HOGA Scholarship and the Elsie Morres Scholarship. Here, there is an explanation of who is eligible for these scholarships and a link to the school’s page about all the school’s scholarships, the application process and how you can support them;

- I recommend you listen to Lilli Cowan’s (He’21) short video describing the impact that her scholarship has had on her. She emphasises how the connection between the House and HOGA has forged a continuing legacy to be ‘the best version of ourselves’;

- Deaths and Bereavements: Details of who to contact in these circumstances so that we can include the information in our newsletter;

- HOGA Newsletters: How to access recent past newsletters; how to contribute to upcoming newsletters and how to access the Image Library.

Have fun exploring the web page! We will progressively be adding important dates for reunions and gatherings as they are finalised and updating information as required.

The Year That Was

HERMI AUTUMN LUNCH 2025

The Autumn Lunch was held on Thursday 1st May and was attended by year groups from the 70s, 60s, and earlier.

This year we enjoyed an exciting change of venue to previous years, trying out the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in the President’s Room.

The change of venue prompted a very positive response. Located near Kooyong Station, the venue was easily accessed by train for several ‘girls’ travelling from Geelong and beyond and those coming by car could easily access the free parking, available in the car park on Glenferrie Rd.

From the many rooms available within the Tennis Club, the choice of the President’s room offered a space with an open ambience. Large round tables encouraged conversation to flow enthusiastically and easily across and between and at times groups stood and chatted happily moving around to catch up with ‘girls’ in different year groups, all adding to a feeling of a friendly time together. The lunch menu which included a drink on arrival, two courses with the wine selected from several listed, provided choice while also catering for specific dietary requirements. From the happy vibe over the course of the afternoon, the change of venue was very successful.

Top: Jan Curtain (Schofield), Katherine Richardson (Annois), Mandy Edwards (Bowen), Jill Hill (Schmidt), Sue McFarlane (Waterhouse) and Andrea Hogan (Donald).

Middle: Head Prefects - Sally Cohen (Michaelis), Shirley Whitaker (Lamb) and Judy Oakley (Lamb).

Bottom: Robyn McIntosh (Jones) and Georgina McGuinness

HOGA CASUAL LUNCH

Once again this was a very popular lunch held at The Waurn Ponds Hotel on the 19th June. As usual we had a very good attendance. The chattering in the room was wonderful to hear, with many ladies catching up after months of not seeing each other. We celebrated a number of our very special Old Girls who joined the “Nineties Club”. We are so very proud of these amazing ladies, who still love to join their friends at our gatherings, and have, and keep supporting us in every event that we hold. We do appreciate and celebrate these ladies. The Hermitage flag was on show very prominently, which gave a sense of home coming.

Thank you to Sue Callahan (Holmes, ‘71) and Janny Ryle (Bone, Fr’76) for co-ordinating this event.

Judith

Middle: Jill White (Baker), Jane Caldwell (Newman), Beverley Foster (Smith), Felicity Hocking (Waterman), Nancy Cole and Jenny Jordan (Gray).

Bottom: Mel Bowen, Jeannie Crispin (Buntine), Janet Down (Ingoldsby), Carla Story (Muir) and Janny Ryle (Bone).

HOGA TOWER LUNCHEON REPORT - THE 24th TOWER LUNCHEON

Saturday, 8th November was the coldest November day in Victoria since 1913. It was also the day of the 24th Tower Luncheon at Corio. If it is cold in Victoria, then you can guarantee that it will be at least 2 degrees colder at Corio with the wind whipping across Limeburner’s Bay.… and it was.

The brave and hardy souls who attended the luncheon were driven from the carpark in the school golf buggy and scurried into the warmth of the Dining Hall for a delicious and very welcome morning tea of scones and quiches, tea and coffee. The weather is always a good starter to any conversation and, this year, the conversation flowed.

Running in the background was a slide show of photos from Grammar, Clyde and The Hermitage from about 50 years ago and it was fun to see girls you recognised from the Sixties and photos of Armytage House when it was Hermitage. As well, there was a photographic display of the fires which have beset Grammar over the years and explains the several impressively large water tanks now housed at the school’s entrance.

The Corio Dining Hall is my ‘Harry Potter’ moment with its soaring ceiling, wooden beams and wood panelling which hark back to an earlier time. The portraits of the Principals of Geelong Grammar gaze down and I wonder what they would think of the ‘old’ Old Students gathered there and of the lives which they have lived; did they live up to expectations, disappoint or exceed expectations? How would they respond to the challenges of education?

Once we had thawed, warmed up, had a cuppa, something fortifying and delicious to eat, chatted and made new connections, we went to the Chapel for another one of the traditions of this day, the Chapel service. This is always a time of reflection, a moment of calm, in what is a busy day, but we were all glad to get out of the Chapel - unheated - and go to the SPACE - heated.

At the SPACE we were able to shed our coats and umbrellas and were given a very welcome pre-lunch drink. People found their tables, bumped into more old friends and friends of friends and were able to once again catch up and put names to faces. All were looking forward to lunch.

I find feeding the family for Christmas Dinner a challenge and so I am in awe of the kitchen staff who can feed about 140 people with a hot and delicious lunch (Menu: slow cooked beef ribs, sweet potato variation, beef jus, tomato and herb salsa followed by Sticky Date Pudding with butterscotch, vanilla semi-freddo, pepita praline) accompanied by a choice of eight wines and three beers. We did

not leave hungry. All the time the rain kept coming down. Is there anything quite so relaxing as good company, good food and wine and sitting warm and snug whilst outside the rain pours down?

The guest speaker was David Bowman (Cu’75), Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science at the University of Tasmania, who spoke of how he developed an interest in botany when he was at Timbertop and that led to an academic career in botany and later to explore the interdependency of fire and plant life to further our understanding of our planet and the changes in our climate. This in turn put him in contact with the aboriginal community of Arnhem Land, from whom he learnt about their approach to their environment. He emphasised the need to encourage the young to be optimistic about the future; he emphasised how his education had taught him to be resilient and to be open to new ideas and how we need to foster these qualities in our youth.

After lunch, the brave and those armed with thick coats and umbrellas went on a tour of the school.

This is not my first Tower Luncheon, and I look forward to it for three reasons;

Firstly, my husband is able to accompany me. He enjoys this event as much as I. Like many there, he is not an OGG. He is a Past Parent, that is, he is one of the ones who earnt the wherewithal to send our children to Grammar. Hats off to all the parents who made and make such schooling possible for us, our children and our grandchildren.

Secondly, both of us find that the people we meet are so interesting and have led full lives. It is a great opportunity to connect and reconnect with your contemporaries not just those you went to school with but those who have lived through the same events and have had similar life experiences. Occasionally, you bump into someone you know already in a different sphere of life and it is a delightful surprise to find that you have the school in common. Their stories are fascinating. I sat on a table with Geoff Mann (FB’62) who has recently won an award for his voluntary work which takes up to 4 ½ days of his week. He drives people to hospital appointments, works in a charity food service which feeds hundreds of people and feels that he is blessed.

Thirdly, it is such a well organised and enjoyable gathering. The Alumni team is to be congratulated for that. The event moves effortlessly. Everything has been thought of from the first cup of tea to the last. A school bus picks up attendees at Corio station and drives them back to catch the train to town. A buggy drives you from the school carpark to the Dining Hall and then from the Chapel to the

SPACE. Even the table placings show thought with every effort made to put you on a table with fellow students from your school or your year, to ‘match’ you and put you at ease.

Amidst lots of applause, a table of Perry students and our very own Lesley Robinson (Donaldson, ‘51), who had all reached the milestone of 90, each received a bottle of Pol Roger champagne, the favourite of Sir Winston Churchill, from the Principal, Rebecca Cody.

The Hermitage was well represented this year:

• Gail Arkins (Willis, ‘59)

• Jillian Bamforth (Scott, ‘65)

• Deidre Griffiths (‘68)

• Felicity Hocking (Waterman, ‘68)

• Jenny Porteous (Irvine, ‘59)

• Judy Read (Tucker, ‘53)

• Mary Reside (Buntine, ‘75)

• Lesley Robinson (Donaldson, ‘51)

• Sheryl Townsend (Hunt, ‘75)

• Gillian Trahair (Howell, ‘60)

• Robyn Webster (Wilkinson, ‘59)

Please note: The year given is the year you left The Hermitage, rather than the year you would have been in year 12

Organising a table for the Tower Lunch is an easy way to have a get together for your year and given that 2026 will be the 50th Anniversary of The Hermitage and Clyde School’s amalgamation with Grammar, it might be a good opportunity for the those girls who left 50 years ago, to make it a double celebration. Just a thought.

I look forward to seeing you next year.

Save the Date: 25th Tower Luncheon on Saturday 7 November 2026.

The HOGA social dates for 2026 are also available on the HOGA page of the Old Geelong Grammarians website.

Felicity Hocking (Waterman, ‘68)

HOGA CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

The HOGA Christmas luncheon is always held in the first week of December and for me, it heralds the countdown to Christmas itself. But in the best possible way.

This year, we gathered, all 58 of us, at the Sawyers Arms Tavern on Latrobe Terrace. It was a break from the past, a new venue, and the committee was a little bit nervous of the change but the staff couldn’t have been more helpful, even when car keys did a disappearing act, and the food was delicious. (I took my husband back for lunch the following week.)

As always, it was an opportunity to catch up with friends, some not seen for a while, before being overwhelmed with the busyness and stress of Christmas and ‘To-Do’ lists.

Janet Ryle (Bone, Fr’76) made beautiful bouquets to present to the ladies who had had significant birthdays during the year, these being Jane Caldwell (Newman, ‘52), Bev Foster (Smith, ‘52), Jenny Jordan (Gray, ‘51) and Lesley Robinson (Donaldson, ‘51) and they were delighted with them. Thank you, Janny, it was very thoughtful and was appreciated by everyone, not just the recipients.

Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66), our president, welcomed us all and in wishing us the best of Christmases, wished us a very happy day together. We had the usual Christmas ‘trimmings’ – bonbons & silly hats, chocolates - but my lasting memory is of people suddenly recognising old school friends and the looks of delight on their faces, of the stories of school and the good and bad of life after school that these occasions always elicit. For a few brief hours, we are back in the brown gingham uniforms, the brown blazer and hat with the green head band and wearing gloves as we compared memories of life as a Hermie girl. This is what makes this event so special and captures the spirit of the season.

The only thing absent was that we did not sing any carols this year but the Christmas spirit was still in abundance.

The 2026 Christmas lunch will be held on Monday, 7th December and at this stage, we will be hoping to be at the Sawyers’ Arms again.

Check on the HOGA web page for details: ogg.org.au/hoga

2.

3. Jane Caldwell

celebrating a significant birthday, with Roslyn Claringbold

4. Celebrating significant birthdays - Lesley Robinson (Donaldson) and Jenny Jordan

Reunions to be held in 2026

1956 YEAR GROUP – FRIDAY 22 MAY 2026,

12 noon at The Sawyers Arms A wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends. Cost $45.00 choice of 5 mains, 2 desserts and a drink. RSVP by Monday 17 May 2026

For any more information contact Zoe De Vries (Cain) on 03 5221 2542 or email zadevries2@bigpond.com

I would love someone to offer to organise a reunion for the 1966 ladies. Or just a reunion for your year. It doesn’t have to be a significant year, just a casual get together which is a very rewarding occasion for all.

INFORMATION REGARDING REUNIONS

Could all girls who are making reunions happen please email the date and a contact email address to: hermitagegirls@gmail.com

These dates can be printed in the Newsletter and Light Blue so girls, particularly those overseas, can have some advance warning. Please also email us with the updated contact lists you make up from your reunions so that our database for year groups can be updated with correct details for all Old Girls.

May I also ask that the girls organising the reunions please send in a group photo and a written report for the Newsletter. Over the last couple of years some have not been reported on, as no information has been received. Girls who were unable to attend do like to read of their year group reunions.

Photographs for Light Blue and the Newsletter need to be 1mgb. Photos are much clearer with a camera rather than a tablet or phone. Girls who are not currently listed as Old Girls can be added by forwarding details.

All girls that attended the Hermitage are Old Girls.

Reunion Reports

CLASS OF 65 — 60 YEAR REUNION

For those who were in the class of 1965, it was a very special reunion for 19 of us to mark 60 years since we left school. We met on 19th March, and thanks to our very kind hosts, Peter and Sue Duras (Russell), we enjoyed lunch and a great opportunity to renew friendships and reminisce about our school days, highlighted by a rousing rendition of ‘Cooee’ very ably led by our head prefect Prue Taylor (Thomson), assisted by head day girl Susan Hewson (Baker) who had travelled from Sydney, and head boarder Susie Hargreaves (Richardson), who had travelled from New Zealand. We also enjoyed a great poem from Julie Bingley (West) which brought back many memories from our school days. Photos also reminded us of our time at school and we were very impressed with a collection of colour slides sent by Kathy Baulch, which included marching practice and parade in the streets of Geelong.

The rest of the roll call was Casey Macleod (Whitehead), Jean Lonsdale (Thornton), Laurel Hinchcliffe (Staples) and Louise Headlam (Bubb) who had travelled from Adelaide, Judy Street (Brian) who had travelled from Brisbane, Vanda Steel (Hocking), Sally Morello (Lyons), Jill Bamforth (Scott), Ann Andrew (Gooch), Julie Richardson (Birrell), Carolyn Menzies (Dennis), Carolyn Braun, (McKenzie), Jo Ritchie, Kaye Smith (Harrison).

We also remembered those who are no longer with us with a lovely collection of photos - Chris Ainsworth, Marg Allen, Lainey Webster, Darlene Hatwell and Jill Davies.

We were so happy with the day we decided on a reunion in five years, which we would hold in Geelong. Plans are under way.

REMEMBER

Read and composed by Julie Bingley (West)

Remember the Hermo days long long ago, without all the pressures schools these days bestow.

School milk delivered each day in a crate, And your gloves and hats were checked at the gate.

In Junior School old Mrs Jones was in charge, hair in a bun, her bosom quite large. And the big boss, Miss Krome, of her we were wary of striding out, black gown flowing, she really was scary!

Skipping ropes, handstands up against the wall, Grazed knees, gravel rash from the odd fall. Sack races, egg and spoon at the school sports Winning a ribbon uppermost in our thoughts.

We played hopscotch and jacks and swap cards as well. Our playtime would end with the ring of the bell.

They taught us our tables and taught us to think, a milestone was reached when we wrote in Quink Ink.

Remember those boxes we filled all through Lent, And Divinity classes with Deaconess Kent. Silver cross ‘round her neck and always in grey, she read wonderful stories and taught us to pray.

P6, Miss Lamb, then on to Form One, arithmetic classes with Dunk were no fun!

Madame Fifi tried to teach us all French, bright lipstick, bad breath, oh what a stench!

Remember Science in the dusty old Lab, Mr Blain in his suit, so boring and drab.

In Form 2 it was either 2F or 2E, Art or Latin that was the key.

And who could ever forget old SLAB?

A rotund little barrel and ‘round her neck flab.

She’d shake, rant and rave and look over those glasses, I don’t think too many of us starred in her classes.

Out of the window the idle would gaze, while the bright ones were entered in Alliance Francaise!

French and German, both were Slab’s passion. But a couple of years and we’d had our ration.

Dr. Renowden and medical inspections, In alphabetical order we lined up for injections.

Then Dr Alderson, better by far, But we still had to bring along wee in a jar!

The Misses Moon, you thought they were sisters. But no, it’s not true, we have since heard the whispers!

Poppa Jones, Reuter and old Norvydas, they were cast-offs from College and Grammar alas!

Austin and Mores, Volum and School, the Swimming Sports down at the Eastern Beach Pool.

Singing comps in the Rec Hall, a song and a hymn, a stand-out conductor essential to win.

The rules never ended, don’t walk on the lawn, don’t talk in assembly, wear undies of fawn.

No summer dresses til the pom poms are down, no eating in uniform, especially in town.

Exams in the summer, the noise of cicadas, rows of desks, foolscap paper, we all took our places.

The end of our school days had finally come, we learnt a small bit, made friends and had fun.

Now we are gathered some 50 years on, we all look much older, the school has now gone.

Life has taken us all down many a track. But just for today...isn’t it great to look back

Top: Sue Duras (Russell), Julie Richardson (Birrell), Laurel Hinchcliffe (Staples), Jo Ritchie, Cal Menzies (Dennis), Jean Lonsdale (Thornton), Sal Morello (Lyons), Kaye Smith (Harrison), Jude Street (Brian), Carolyn Braun (McKenzie), Susie Hargreaves (Richardson), Ann Andrew (Gooch), Prue Taylor (Thomson) and Susan Hewson (Baker), Jill Bamforth (Scott), Louise Headlam (Bubb), Vanda Steel (Hocking), Julie Bingley (West) and Casey Macleod (Whitehead).

Bottom: Susan Hewson (Baker) - Head Day Girl - from Sydney, Prue Taylor (Thomson) - Head Prefect, and Susie Hargreaves (Richardson) - Head Boarder, who travelled from New Zealand.

1975, 50 YEAR REUNION

Esse Quam Videri- 50 Year Reunion

August 4, 2025 saw the illustrious class of 1975 officially gather for the first time in 50 years!!! Fyansford Hotel had little idea when it graciously accepted our booking, that a solid few hours of excited chatter, reminiscing, laughing, poking fun, telling of yarns, confessions of all varieties and the general reuniting of friendships and the celebration of our school spirit was to reverberate through the hotel.

Our class was in Year 11 when the 1975 amalgamation was announced. Many of us had not seen each other since that time. A tremendously positive response to the invitation for a 50 year reunion resulted in 16 of our class attending and seven apologies being offered. Sadly, we have already lost two of our 26 class buddies so all in all, it was a full roll call apart from one lass. Quite a remarkable achievement in itself.

The morning, lunch and afternoon was filled with joyous chatter and much oooing and arrhing. Encouraged to bring something for our Show and Tell table display. There were many photographs of ourselves in a more youthful era, including a classic of us all secretly sunbathing behind the year 7 & 8 classrooms covered in lashings of oil and our dresses rolled up as high as we could. Items included leather wallets and handbags from Mrs. Stafford’s craft classes, class and sport team photos a plenty and some displays of trophies and ribbons. Numerous old Coo-ee Magazines, a Mikado musical cast list and program, coasters and even some academic reports. Lunch was delightful and confessions and ‘stories’ began to be shared. The reminder of the staff voodoo doll, the stories of boarding house shenanigans, the fears we had of some staff, the love of others. Which teacher came to class smelling of cigars, who came with their knitting, who was ever so ‘modern’ and sat on the top of the teacher desk, how were our dress lengths measured, whatever did our House girdle refer to and what were those ‘things’ we wore under our sport tunics!!! Recitations of House mottos and chants, tales of class excursions and the drive past of King Charles III to open Deakin University, were fondly dug from the depths of our long-term memories. Copious other trivia was recalled throughout the Trivia Quiz.

Our special thanks to all who were able to attend and assisted in organising the reunion. The help and encouragement from Jill Nicholls (Holmes, ‘68) with class records and contacts and the Heritage box of the school flag and other memorabilia. To Glenda Barr (Holmes, ‘75) who so enthusiastically offered assistance at every turn. Our What’s App group has been established to keep

us connected and up to date with the next informal gathering. If you should wish to be included on our communication lists, please just email or text me on 0424 043 865; michelecoventry@gmail.com or contact hermitagegirls@gmail.com

At the afternoon’s conclusion, all agreed we all looked ‘no different’ and without doubt we were as we had ever been, a band of ‘hermit crabs’ who truly emanated our cherished school motto –

Quam Videri- To Be and Not to Seem.

Standing

Apologies: Libby Annois (Thomson), Virginia Kratochvil (Vickery), Virginia Cook (Thomson), Pam Wiffen, Julie Schofield, Michele Stevens (Butcher), Glenda Biglin (Clark).

ADELAIDE GATHERING

Yvonne Thomas (Little) again kindly organised this reunion. Here was only a small group that attended, but those that did make the effort thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a lovely catch up. Yvonne hopes that more ladies in the area make the effort to attend this event and have the opportunity to meet old and new friends there. She is planning this for later in the year, Yvonne will make contact closer to the date.

Golf Reports

BARWON HEADS GOLF DAY REPORT

The annual Hermitage golf day was held at the Barwon Heads Golf Club on Monday 27th October. We were thrilled to be in the newly renovated clubhouse which meant we could welcome back our “lunch only” ladies. It was wonderful to see so many old girls attend and this made for a very happy day of golf and chatter.

The weather was extremely windy which made golf challenging but in true Hermitage spirit everyone battled on. Congratulations to Judy Wilson (Morgan, ‘69) on winning the individual championship with 36 points, a great result in the conditions. The winning team included Sue Cauchi (McIntyre, ‘69), Judy Vanrenen (‘69), Rosie Garner (Langlands, ‘65) and Judy Wilson. Cath Bell (Irvine, ‘70) won the nearest the pin on the 4th hole and Naida Hutton (Glen, ‘68) on the 8th. Congratulations girls.

It was nice to welcome both new players and lunch attendees and I hope this trend continues this year. I encourage you all to bring a new friend along and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday 19th October 2026.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sarah Tallent (Calvert, ‘72)

1. The winning team

Judy Vanrenen, Sue Cauchi (McIntyre), Rosie Garner (Langlands), Judy Wilson (Morgan), with Sarah Tallent (Calvert).

2. Ann Tyers (Fairley) and Bo Bayles (Ryan).

3. Cath Bell (Irvine) with Sarah Tallent (Calvert), following Nadia’s win for nearest the pin on the 4th.

4. Wendy Speer (Laidlaw), Sara Manifold (Hope), Fiona Austin (Ritchie).

5. Cath Bell (Irvine) with Sarah Tallent (Calvert), following Nadia’s win for nearest the pin on the 4th. 4 5

INTER SCHOOL GOLF DAY REPORT

Women’s Interschool Golf Challenge Cup (WIGCC) Event

The 2025 Women’s Interschool Golf Challenge Cup was held on 17 March at the Sorrento Golf Club. Thirty teams of alumni from member schools competed in an 18-hole stableford event on a mild Autumn day. A day ideal for golf. This year The Hermitage was represented by a very able team consisting of Jan Embling (Bell, ‘71), Prue Webb (Spittle, ‘70), Elizabeth Morgan (Schofield, ‘60) and Barbara Bruce (Brown, ‘54). The Tintern team were the winners of this year’s event. This is primarily a charity event. All money raised at the stall and raffle on the day goes to McAuley House which is connected to McAuley Community Services for Women based in the western suburb of Footscray and supports women and children who have faced family violence and homelessness to take control of their lives.

If you are a past student of The Hermitage and would like to express interest in playing in this golf event in the future, please contact Sandy Fraser (Bell, ‘72) (sandymayfraser@gmail.com) who is currently the school representative for WIGCC.

FOR SALE

We have two beautiful mementoes of our wonderful school.

Our beautiful mugs are now with an easy to grip handle and have our emblem on them. They are dishwasher proof and enjoyable to drink out of.

The price is only $15.00 plus postage.

We also have our amazing book, Proud to be Women: A History of The Hermitage, which has every students name and dates of attendance included in it. The price of this masterpiece is only $50.00 plus postage which is $15.00 within Australia.

If you live in the Geelong or Ballarat region we can assist with delivery or pick up from one of the Committee members homes.

Don’t miss out on these special items!!

To order, please contact Jill Nicholls Tel: 0400 800 136

Email: hermitagegirls@gmail.com

Payment Details

Account name: The Hermitage Old Girl’s Association Inc.

BSB: 063551

Account Number: 1041 0644

Look forward to hearing from you.

HOGA Book Committee

On July 21st 2025 the HOGA Book Committee together with author Melanie Guile celebrated the 11th anniversary of the launch of our book Proud to be Women. We are honoured to have played a part in creating this book not only for Old Girls, but for generations to come. - Kristeen Hunter (Horne)

CORIOBALD

Back row: Kristeen Hunter (Horne), Deidre Griffiths, Ann Tyers (Fairley), Rosalind Leigh (Tayler), Lib Nicholson (Calvert), Lesley Robinson (Donaldson) and Jenny Jordan (Gray).

Front row: Zoe De Vries (Cain) and Melanie Guille.

Absent from photo: Jan Koch (Campbell), Jill Nicholls (Holmes)

Back in April 2025, Year 10 Hermitage House student Chelsea Gardner decided to “shoot her shot” and asked Principal Rebecca Cody if she could connect her with an Old Geelong Grammarian for her Year 11 studios art project - Chelsea’s overall theme for this artwork being a connection to the Geelong Grammar School community.

As part of The Hermitage House and having attended the Community Engagement and The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association (HOGA) presentation earlier this year, Chelsea was especially motivated to engage a Hermitage Old Girl. Elizabeth Bennett (McDonald, ‘66), President of HOGA, was a natural choice, and the two met in the Alumni Office in May. During the catch up, Elizabeth shared stories about her time at The Hermitage and her subsequent career and life. Inspired by Elizabeth’s 47 years as a nurse and her ties to The Hermitage and Geelong Grammar, Chelsea got to work on a charcoal portrait on cartridge paper, choosing the medium to capture Elizabeth’s depth of character and history.

The 19th Annual Portrait Exhibition, the Coriobald, opened on Thursday 7th August and featured Chelsea’ portrait of Elizabeth. Excited to show Elizabeth her finished work Chelsea invited her to the Corio Campus on Tuesday 12th August. Elizabeth was delighted with the portrait and amazed that Chelsea had captured her likeness so vividly - including her dimples! Next year will mark 50 years since The Hermitage and Clyde School amalgamated with Geelong Grammar School. It’s wonderful that, despite five decades passing, there is an enduring connection.

Cooeegrams

Elizabeth Cook (McMillan, ‘42)

Dear Hermitage Girls,

For your records: My mother Elizabeth Cook (McMillan, ‘42) died on 16th June 2025, aged 100 years.

She absolutely loved her time at The Hermitage and many of her lifelong friendships were formed during her years there.

This is an extract of recollection of school days (recorded in her own words during Covid):

After correspondence school I went to The Hermitage, at about age 12. I slept on a balcony with no shutters or blinds. There were about 30 boarders. They were all from the country. My favourite lessons were English and History. I wasn’t good at gym. I did like tennis and I had lessons and was later in the team. My best memories were my friends and constant company which we didn’t have at home. The only people we saw at home were the cousins.

We went to church on Sunday to All Saints, in a crocodile. We would sit on rugs on the oval in the sun. The Geelong College boys would come and bang the fence. We had assembly twice a day with bible readings.

I enjoyed school but didn’t learn much. Miss Gill was nice and taught maths, that I was hopeless at. The geography teacher said my work was insufferable!”

Rowena Coutts (Daughter)

In Memoriam

Zoe Thomas (Lynette Thompson, ‘72) 16 April 1955 - 2 April 2025.

On looking at the articles I have of the work created by Zoe I realise the wide range of Art she was interested in. Ballet and Dance from when she could walk. She did not study Art in Senior School so her Art was a natural gift which enabled her to study for a Degree in Visual Arts, - Sculpture, painting, photography which she continued to do later in her Stage Presentations.

The Art period of her life included her sporting interests, hockey, basketball, tennis, Ice skating, horse riding, bush walking.

In 1971 Classical Ballet was included as a Melbourne University Leaving Subject. Lynette applied to take it as a subject and was told the high standard of R.A.D. (London) Ballet exams she had already passed, there was no need to do an examination.

Two months before the Leaving Examination it was reversed, which left her six weeks to learn a new syllabus which had been included that year by RAD, (generally taking 12 months of classes). The Ballet lessons were after school and Saturday with her Ballet teacher Peter Dickinson. Six weeks later with an Examiner from R.A.D. London, the examination was held and after an hour performing the syllabus, Peter was informed she had passed with Honours, the first to pass the Melbourne University (Ballet Leaving) Certificate subject and since then Ballet and Dance has been taught in the School Syllabus as a subject. A first for “The Hermitage”.

Matric in 1972. She auditioned for Ballet Victoria School (two years Grad. Dip),

commencing in 1973. During the second year in 1974, she was asked to teach Children’s Ballet Classes on Saturday. The third year after graduation the Company toured NSW including performances at The Sydney Opera House. In 1975 Ballet Victoria was asked to open a Ballet School in Stawell. Lynette was asked if she would open the Ballet School and she could use the name - Ballet Victoria School, which she did.

In 1978 The Flying Fruit Fly Circus started by the Albury/Wodonga Councils and she was asked to be a Foundation Director and teacher and decided to use Zoe Thomas as her professional name and did so legally, hence Lynette Thompson became known as Zoe Thomas.

Ballet took Zoe to Japan to perform and teach and later to America for three months being invited to do classes with the top Ballet Companies - Houston Ballet etc.

From 1981 Zoe created and performed herself many works of Art, which are found in many Galleries around Australia and the World.

• Director Murray River Performing Arts Group Flying Fruit Fly Circus

• Director-Choreo-Media, Promotions, designer, Workshop coordinator

• Past Member of Victoria State Board for National Association for the Visual Arts.

QUALIFICATIONS

• R.A.D. (LONDON) Member 1973

• Grad. Dip. (Dance) Ballet Victoria 1974

• B.A. (Visual Art) Sydney College of the Arts 1985

• Dip.Edu. (Art, Craft. Dance, Drama) S.C.V. Rusden 1887.

RESIDENCES

• Rutherglen Primary School 1980 Schools Commission Grant

• Brookfield, Queensland 1982

• Miami High School, Queensland 1982 Artist -in -Schools

• Geelong Grammar School 1982 Creative Arts Program

• Geelong Grammar School 1983 Creative Arts Program

Group Shows include:

• 1989, Roar Studio Artists Summer Salon

• 1990, Artzick Brunswick.

• 1991, Women “91, Brunswick Festival.

ANOTHER CAREER

• Cert 1V in Assessment and Workplace Training (BRIT)

• Dip. V.E.T. (BRIT)

• Trade

• Cert. 1V Hospitality-Patisserie (William Angliss)

• Cert, 111 Hospitality- Comm. Cookery (TAFE Kangan Batman)

• Chef de Partie -Qualified Chef, trainer of apprentices and kitchen staff

• (Chef de Partie or Head of Section, Sous Chef).

Sent to us by Joan Thompson

Jennifer Lindsey (Gill, ‘57)

Jenny died 4th May 2025. She attended The Hermitage in years 10 to 12 (forms 4-6 then) circa 1956 - 1958 as a boarder. Miss Krome was the much-respected Head Mistress.

She remembered those years with great affection, and for the friendships that stayed with her long after school ended.

Her achievements were House Prefect and Captain of the Seconds Hockey. She is survived by her husband and children Timothy, Christopher and Kiera (Tanya Dec)

Fiona Maud (Gill, ‘63) - Sister

What a Wonderful Surprise

In May this year I received a parcel, and in it was a book by one of our Evacuees from the Second World War. I have written about Eilene King (Dew, ‘46) “Dewy“ many years ago, and now she has finished her book covering her life story.

Here is the letter that accompanied the book titled: Long Ago and Far Away.

Dear Madam,

I am one of your very “old girls”, 96 years old in fact. Your Newsletter 2020 (Pp56-68) featured an extract from a book I was writing about my life. The extract concerned my wartime evacuation to Australia from my school in Sumatra, and the first part of my time in Australia. My autobiography was finally published last year, and is available from Amazon. I am here with sending you a copy. Chapters 4 and 5 are about my evacuation and my Australia years respectively. The name on the book is Eileen Hale, (my husband’s surname), although for the post office I am still Eilene King (my former husband’s surname). I hope you find the book of interest. Sending you and all the other old girls greetings from my home on the island of Ibiza, Spain.

Yours faithfully,

Eilene King (nee Dew)

I was so very excited to receive this, I instantly bought four more copies, and gave one to Zoe De Vries (Cain, ‘57), with whom Eileen stayed when she first arrived. Zoe has done a lot of research on the Evacuees who stayed with her as a child at “Spray Farm” and has had a number of enquiries from other family members of evacuees seeking information of that time in their lives. I then sent one to Margaret Daly (Bland, ‘45), with whom she lived for some time, before she was enrolled as a boarder at The Hermitage. Mrs Bland had become unwell, and it was too much for her having an extra member of the family all the time. I was going to give one to Pat Fisken (Falkiner, ‘46), as Dewy spent her school holidays on Pat’s family property, unfortunately Pat passed away the week before I could give it to her. However, I am giving a book to Pat’s son, David Fisken (FB’69), as it is part of his family history also.

If you are interested in the book, it is a very interesting read.

Margaret Daly (Bland, ‘45)

Dear Jill,

I have just finished reading “Dewies” book, Long ago and Far away. Thank you for sending it to me. “Dewie” was always a go-go girl after she went back to Malaysia. We kept in touch for a number of years and often got photos of her sitting on top of a car etc. The last time we saw one another was many years ago at Robe. She and her husband were visiting Australia.

Marg Daly

Patricia Irene Fisken OAM (Falkiner, ‘46)

Patricia Falkiner was born in Deniliquin on 20 August 1929 and died in Geelong on 11 June 2025, ten weeks short of her 96th birthday.

Her early years were spent in the Riverina in NSW on various properties belonging to F S Falkiner and Sons. At that time FSF, as it was known, owned and operated the world’s largest Merino Stud operation.

Her schooling had been a mix of local school, private governess (she and her younger brother Charles had the dubious distinction of accidently setting fire to the schoolhouse on Boonoke North) and a short-lived attendance at Wagga Grammar. In 1943 she became a boarder at The Hermitage – this may have been because there was no longer a schoolhouse on Boonoke North.

While at The Hermitage Trish (as her school mates called her, although later friends called her Pat) made great friends with Eilene Dew who had arrived at The Hermitage in 1942 having been evacuated from Sumatra. An extract from Eilene Dew’s memoir was published in the 2020 edition of The Hermitage Newsletter and she describes wonderful and exciting times spent with Trish on Boonoke North during the summer holidays.

Another great friend at The Hermitage was Topsy Fisken. During the war years travelling home to the Riverina from Geelong was quite difficult so Trish spent most of the shorter holidays with the Fisken family on their property Lal Lal near Ballarat. Topsy was a lifelong friend and became her sister-in-law when Trish married John Fisken (FB’44) in 1951.

They began their married life in the corrugated iron shearer’s quarters while their new home was being built – just across the lake from the Lal Lal homestead. By today’s standards, and probably even then, living in the shearer’s quarters was a rugged existence especially with their first child having arrived before the new home was ready for them to move in. She and John raised 4 children (David, Rena, Geoff and Anita) while living on Lal Lal.

In 2022 Trish and her brother Charles Falkiner (Cn’42) wrote and published a memoir, A Riverina Childhood, which describes in charming and amusing detail what it was like to grow up on the Falkiner properties in that time, before, during, and immediately after WWII.

Her love of horses and riding, so obvious in the memoir, never left her. She delighted in taking the children out on horseback all over the property, not to mention weekend rallies and summer camps with the Ballarat Pony Club. In

1977 she established the Ballarat branch of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and worked tirelessly over more than 40 years to grow the group and the services it provided to the local disabled community.

Her beloved Johnny died in 1989. Trish continued to live on Lal Lal until moving into Ballarat in 2014. She had developed a great passion for the game of bridge, and the Ballarat Bridge Club became yet another organisation in which she would make her mark.

Her lifelong dedication to Ballarat’s community earned her an Order of Australia in 2002 for service to the community, a Grampians Health Life Governor Award in 2022, and an Honorary Life Membership of RDAV.

Patricia Fisken is survived by her four children, their partners, eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

David Fisken (FB’69)

Patricia (Trish) Fisken

– some reflections on her school days from her daughter Anita Eyres (Fisken).

Mum was at The Hermitage during WW11, and life was difficult for a girl from the Riverina, who had mostly been schooled by a Governess. In fact, at some stage Trish and her brother Charles at Boonoke North, accidently burnt their school house down, something most of us can only dream of!

She arrived there not knowing anyone but happily for her, Dewy arrived from Sumatra (Eileen Dew was evacuated to Australia from Sumatra at around the same time) and they became lifelong friends.

2 & 3 Pat Fisken

and Eilene King

Several times she couldn’t travel home, one being due to a polio outbreak and she wasn’t allowed a cross the border and another time when the railway lines were for service personal only. In Mum’s memoir she mentions that to circumvent this problem “a ticket was sent to me, Tocumwal to Widgiewa return, I would buy a ticket Geelong to Melbourne, another from Melbourne to Tocumwal, and there I would change the labels on my case and sneak across the platform avoiding the station master”.

Trish was in the same wing as Topsy Fisken and they also became lifelong friends. The Fisken family were extremely kind to her and hosted her on holidays at their property Lal Lal when she couldn’t return home to the Riverina.

Topsy’s brother John had joined the Navy after he finished school. After leaving the Navy and returning home to Lal Lal, he met Trish and took ‘quite a shine to her’ she said (must have done because they were married in 1951).

Pammy Hodgson (Renton, ‘46) (a daybug) lived just behind the school. Pammy was a firm friend to Trish and the Renton family took her under their wing. That relationship between our families has continued down two more generations, strong as ever.

The Headmistress at the time was Miss Krome, a strict and revered woman who was also kind and fair. On one occasion Trish was busted for wearing a two-piece bathing suit at the boarders’ picnic in Torquay and was on detention for a party later that evening. Miss Krome came during the evening with some food for her, saying she didn’t deserve to entirely miss out. Miss Krome didn’t mention the smuggled in food that Trish had already received from the other girls, in plain view! Other times she remembered picnics to the You Yangs, the momentous celebration of the end of the war, with most of the school dancing along the school wall, something frowned upon at other times.

Mum was an exceptionally good swimmer and I remember her saying how disappointed she was that her mother couldn’t make it down for the swimming sports when she was champion girl. Sport at school was particularly important part of her life.

The Hermitage was a steady force in Mum’s life; I believe at a time when the impacts of the War (even though far away) were quite disruptive to family life and to growing up.

How our Old Girls have shaped the world

Editor: after a wonderful conversation with Dallas Kinnear (Heath), I knew her story had to be shared. I acknowledge the Author Melissa Spurgin and Habitat for giving permission to use this article.

“We gave them something to do”: How Dallas Kinnear ignited a generation

By Melissa Spurgin

During her years at ACF, Dallas Kinnear lit a spark in young people that spread far beyond the classroom.

By giving them the tools to lead, she helped shape a generation of activists and changed the face of environmental around the world

Some facts change the course of a life. For Dallas Kinnear, hearing the truth about ozone depletion in the late ’80s was one of them. Recently divorced and a mother of four, she had walked away from a life of privilege in search of something real. This — protecting the planet for her children’s future — gave her something to hold onto. “I didn’t want the big house or the fancy clothes,” she says. “I wanted to live close to the earth. I wanted to fight for something better.”

With a background in education and business, Dallas walked into ACF and pitched a bold national education campaign on ozone depletion — one designed not just to inform students, but to mobilise them. “[Former head of ACF] Phillip Toyne said, ‘We’ve got no funds, Dallas, but if you can raise it, do it.”

So, she did, with the support of passionate people including Peter Preuss, the ACF Education Officer, and Mark Evans, Dallas secured $110,000 to write a book, produce posters and develop lesson plans for teachers across the country. The campaign reached thousands of schools and sparked a wave of student activism, including an 80,000 signature petition that was presented to Senator Ted Mack in a student protest outside Parliament House.

“We grabbed the attention of the youth of Australia,” Dallas says. “They were worried about the environment and felt hopeless. So, we gave them something to do.”

Dallas didn’t stop at schools — she pushed for young people to have a voice on the global stage too. Ahead of the 1990 renegotiation of the Montreal Protocol, she argued that young people should be included as official delegates.

“You had industry reps, politicians, environmental groups, but not the kids whose lives were on the line? It wasn’t right.”

With ACF’s backing, she selected one student from each state and led a youth delegation to the UN meeting in London. The delegation was chosen using an Australia-wide videoconferencing system that Dallas and Philip arranged with the CEO of Telstra (then called Telecom). Before the talks began, they painted ‘SAVE OZONE’ across a bedsheet and hung it from Lambeth Bridge. The image landed on front pages around the world — a striking symbol of youth activism that reshaped international environmental advocacy.

“You can’t see me, but I was squatting behind them on the bridge, holding onto their t-shirts for dear life! Lucky nobody fell off,” she laughs.

Two years later, the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was packed with young people. “You break the glass ceiling,” Dallas says, “and they bloody well climb through!”

For her efforts, Dallas received a UN gold medallion but shrugs it off: “It’s not about me. I had the privilege, the education, the time. All I did was use it!”

And yet the impact Dallas has made cannot be overstated.

She helped open the eyes of a generation of Australians to the dangers of ozone depletion and a warming planet. She showed them they had the power to act.

And the generation Dallas ignited? Still out there, still fighting — just like her.

Habitat Australia, Vol. 53 issue

1 Sept 2025 Pg 8-9

Obituaries: Deaths

(Ruth) Enid Ruth Bugg (McKenzie) 1951. Died January 2025.

Janet Marian Clarke (Hopkins) 1946. Died 16 August 2025.

Susan Elizabeth Cole (Thornton) 1952. Died 22 September 2025.

Elizabeth Cook (McMillan) 1927. Died 16 June 2025, 100 years old.

(Beth) Mary Elizabeth Delany (Phillip) 1952. Died 29 April 2025.

Margaret Ellen Evans (Beck) 1951. Died 4 June 2025.

Patricia Irene Fisken (Falkiner) OAM 1946. Died 11 June 2025.

Barbara June Fryer (Perry) 1949. Died 26 June 2025.

Odile Mary Just 1972. Died 21 November 2016.

(Cathy) Vera Catherine Letcher (Alexander) 1949. Died 14 May 2025.

Jennifer Elliott Lindsey (Gill) 1957. Died 4 May 2025.

Alison Gay MacKinnon (Madin)1958. Died 22 April 2025.

Marianne Mandel (Klein) 1946. Died 19 December 2025.

(Mary) Anna Mary Menzel (Newman) 1951. Died 24 September 2025.

Gilian (Jill) Anne Mohr (Donald) 1948. Died 13 January 2024

Judith Margaret Morrow (Tansley) 1951. Died 6 November 2024.

Mary Kathleen Henty Peace (Winterbottom) 1946. Died 18 March 2025.

Wendy Cleese Potter (Beilby) 1953. Died 1 July 2025.

Zoe Thomas (Lynette Thompson) 1972. Died 12 April 2025.

Sheila Deanne Waugh Gunson (Hope) 1954. Died 17 February 2025.

Bereavements

Jane Caldwell (Newman) - Sister

Rena Quick (Fisken) and Anita Eyres (Fisken) - Mother

Judy Hope - Sister

Bev Callan (McCann) - Husband

Fiona Maud (Gill) - Sister

Ann Tyers (Fairley) - Husband

Jan Koch (Campbell) and Angela Worthy (Campbell) - Brother

Diana Bissex (Clarke) - Daughter

Helen Borland (Clarke) - Mother

Wendy Ann Deane (Hopkins) - Sister

Judith Drinnan (Winterbottom) and Susan Duff (Winterbottom) - Sister

Cooee

To school fellows near us or distant, We send out our Cooee today; Wherever you be may you hear it, Whether hard at your work or at play. In our own sunny home or in lands far away Do you hear it? Just listen! We greet you today.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

Australia’s own call to her daughters is the call of your school now as well: May its echoes ring cheerily round you, Making feelings of gratitude swell.

May it be that your conduct will aye prove the worth Of the love of your school and the land of your birth.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

May lessons you learn in your school days, Through life make your path ever bright, May you grow in all virtue and beauty Gentle, honest, and strong in the right. In all games that you play, in all work that you do, Do the work, play the game, as a girl straight and true.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

May our song in far days waken mem’ries, Of comrades and friends tried and true, Days bright with the freshness of morning, Pleasures many and sorrows but few. Then here’s to you, schoolmates, young, old, far and near, Accept our glad greeting and ring it back here.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

Pictured opposite: The Hermitage House were the overall winners of the Athletics Day for 2025.

The Hermitage Church of England Girls’ Grammar School, Geelong NEWSLETTER 2026