Foundation

Celebrating Exceptional Redlanders

Yesterday we celebrated International Women’s Day which provided the opportunity for reflection on equity between genders. Education plays a vital role in equipping students with the relevant skills to succeed in life beyond school gates. At Redlands, our students especially benefit from learning in a coeducational school, where their academic learning is complemented by developing life ready skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. 

At Redlands, our students also benefit from a long, rich history of persevering and inspired educators. From the visionary founding co-Principals Misses Elizabeth Liggins and Clara Arnold in 1884; to Miss G A Roseby, capably steering the School through the Spanish Flu, Great Depression, and two world wars; to the almost 30-year post-war tenure of Isobel Humphery. These women created foundations benefiting many Redlanders.

Legacy of Alison Hattersley, Redlander 1926

A sporting legend and Redlands secret weapon in interschool sports, Alison Hattersley maintained an “unbroken association” of more than 80 years with her alma mater, from her time as a student (1917-26) through to the very end of her life, aged 91. Even in 1997, it was reported that Alison, then 88, was taking an active role in Redlands life and “still a member of the Redlanders Committee, only missing meetings when she is overseas from time to time.”

Alison also excelled academically, achieving Dux in her final year, and the Herald reports that the 1926 Redlands Speech Day Redlands was almost a “one girl event” with Alison’s name appearing in top place on nearly every list. Alison’s positive experiences at Redlands were the basis for a lifelong devotion to the School and an enduring relationship with Principal Miss Roseby, whom she held in high esteem and her on Sunday afternoons on her way home from visiting her own aunt.

Her many connections inspired Alison to make a generous bequest to the School, which was realised on her passing in 2000. This gift of $500,000 made a significant contribution to the renovation of the Junior School Campus in early 2000.

Inspiration from Dr Jennifer Butler, Redlander 1975

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Dr Jennifer Butler (Redlander 1975), which have included serving as Director & Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the Pacific Multi Country Office, Deputy Director for the Asia and Pacific region, and as a Commonwealth AIDS Post-Doctoral Research Fellow.
 
Dr Butler’s passion for social justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and gender equality led to a career focused on people and communities who experience social exclusion, spanning rural and remote areas, indigenous and minority communities, and people living with and affected by HIV.
 
Dr Butler was the Global Coordinator on ICPD25 and UNFPA@50 directing the watershed Nairobi Summit on ICPD25: Accelerating the Promise, which reinvigorated the global march to achieve sexual reproductive health rights and choices for all.
 
Jennifer reflected on her time at Redlands as a place where girls were encouraged to be independent thinkers, to discuss ideas and to use their education and opportunities to build social and human capital. She is grateful to the wonderful women teachers who inspired a life-long love of learning and public service. 

Mrs Dana Casimaty
Director of Development
dcasimaty@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9858