Author: Richard Morgan

170 Years Ago: The Laying of the Foundation Stone

Posted on by Richard Morgan

Photo above shows the College in c. 1877 from the east, largely as it was built in 1858.

“In an age of new scientific discovery, Paul’s was designed to offer all‑round learning to the whole student, asking him in return for dedication Deo Patriae Tibi, to God, community, and his own better self. In this sense it was more innovative than the University itself.”
—Atkinson, Hearts and Minds, p.2

On 25 January 1856—the Feast Day of the Conversion of St Paul—Sir William Denison, Governor of New South Wales, “ordered the lowering of the foundation stone into a 15-feet-square ditch somewhere in the vicinity of the present day Denison Wing” (The Pauline 1981, p. 20). The ceremony took place on open ground along a ridge west of Orphan School Creek’s headwaters, at the site of Paul’s Oval today. As Atkinson notes, the 1850s were a time when “everyone was interested in education, especially moral education and the formation of conscience” (ibid p.9).

The Path to Establishment

The St Paul’s College Incorporation Bill received Royal Assent on 1 December 1854, with the condition that it would come into effect once £10,000 had been raised and a Warden and Fellows appointed:

  • Fellows were first elected on 13 December 1855.
  • On 15 January 1856, a proclamation by the Governor officially brought the College into existence.
  • Building plans were then approved by the University Senate, and ten days later the foundation stone was laid in the presence of many of the Colony’s most prominent citizens.

Left is the portrait of Sir Alfred Stephen GCMG CB PC, who was Chief Justice of NSW (1845-73) and founding chair and a Fellow of St Paul’s College 1856-70. Sir Alfred is regarded as the driving force behind the establishment of St Paul’s.

This portrait hangs in the dining hall on loan from the City of Sydney Collection. Artist: Robert Dowling, c. 1865

Robert Ebenezer Johnson was a joint secretary, with Sir Alfred, of the committee to draw up a plan for an Anglican college. Johnson was a solicitor and a member of the Legislative Council 1863-66.

The founding fellows were Sir Alfred Stephen (chair), Rev’d Canon Robert Allwood, William Branwhite Clarke, Robert Ebenezer Johnson, James Macarthur and Rev’d William Horatio Walsh.

Support for the funding of the College arrived from all over Sydney and throughout the Colony of New South Wales as well as from England, with total subscriptions reaching £12,367. That same year, Rev’d Henry Hudge Hose, a 28‑year‑old English clergyman and teacher, was selected as the first Warden—all requirements met by 15 January 1856.

Early Construction

Builder John Dinwall of Woolloomooloo oversaw the construction of:

  • 36 student rooms
  • Corridors
  • The library

These being first occupied in 1858 a full two years before the University buildings were ready.

UG - Dining hall

The College Hall followed soon after and was completed in 1859. Architect Edmund Blacket designed the College in the Early English style, while Warden Hose influenced the design of the Hall in a High Gothic style. The remainder of Blacket’s original vision was not realised; however, as student numbers increased, the first additions were constructed several decades later.

A Tribute to St Paul – a coat of arms created

Atkinson also records the Warden’s contribution to the College’s symbolism:

“The Warden devised a simple tribute to St Paul’s … starting with a chevron … he placed on it two swords in memory of the saint’s supposed decapitation and on its point the Maltese cross.”
—Atkinson, p.81

As we mark this 170th anniversary, the vision laid down in 1856 continues to flourish. The College is now home to a vibrant, multigenerational community of wonderful, studious men and women from Australia and all over the world who bring energy, curiosity, and purpose to their academic and residential life in Sydney. Their achievements—in scholarship, leadership, service, and the arts—stand as living proof that the foundations laid over a century and a half ago continue to support a thriving culture of excellence and character.

Sources:

  • https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
  • Alan Atkinson, Hearts and Minds, St Paul’s College, Sydney University, 1815-2016, 2017, ‘Part I: Foundation’.
  • City of Sydney – portrait on loan to the College by Robert Dowling ‘Sir Alfred Stephen’ (oil on canvas) c. 1865, has hung in the Dining Hall since 1972.
  • Mitchell Library – 1877 photo of the College.
  • Richard Morgan, “The College 1856-1981”, The Pauline 1981, p.20 ff.
  • St Paul’s College Archives – portrait of Robert Johnston by Freeman & Prout (studio), Sydney, (watercolour) c. 1867; and Blacket’s east elevation of St Paul’s College (pen and ink), c. 1853.

Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, 1930-2026

Posted on by Richard Morgan

Remembered for her distinguished service as Chancellor of the University of Sydney and as one of the most respected Governors of New South Wales, Dame Marie Bashir was a regular visitor to the College and a generous supporter during her time in office. The College community joins in giving thanks for her extraordinary contribution to public life, education, and medicine.

Born in Narrandera, Dame Marie was educated at Sydney Girls High School before studying medicine at the University of Sydney and music at the Sydney Conservatorium. She was an alumna of The Women’s College from 1950 to 1955 and later served as Chair of its Council from 1982 to 1990.

In 1957 she married Sir Nicholas Shehadie in a service conducted by the Warden of St Paul’s College, Felix Arnott, at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Sydney.

Dame Marie’s distinguished medical career included service at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children and appointment as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney. She was a deeply committed teacher, lecturer, and mentor to generations of medical students.

Dame Marie Bashir served as the 37th Governor of New South Wales from 2001 to 2014 and as the 17th Chancellor of the University of Sydney from 2007 to 2012.

Requiescat in pace.

For more click here.

New Portrait Celebrates the Legacy of Robert Albert

Posted on by Richard Morgan

The College with the Albert Family has commissioned a new portrait of Robert Otto Albert AO RFD RD, 1934-2024 (in College 1953-56, Foundation co-Chair 1977-2016, Fellow 1981-2002), which is now hanging centrally in the Dining Hall. Robert is celebrated as one of the greatest benefactors to St Paul’s and is honoured in the naming of the Albert Wing and the Albert Scholarships.

Renowned Australian realist painter and sculptor, Robert Hannaford, painted the portrait from photographs in 2025 and the portrait was unveiled at a special dinner with his widow, Libby, and members of the Albert family representing three generations.

Celebrated for his evocative portraits and depictions of rural life Robert Hannaford was born in 1944 in South Australia and developed a distinctive style rooted in observation and naturalism, often capturing the character and essence of his subjects with meticulous detail. His works include portraits of prominent Australians, as well as intimate studies of everyday people and landscapes, reflecting a deep connection to the Australian environment and culture.

Hannaford’s portrait of Robert Albert is an exceptional example of his skill. Many of his works have earned numerous awards and a lasting reputation as one of Australia’s leading figurative artists.

For Robert Albert’s obituary CLICK HERE

In 2026 we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Alberts at St Paul’s. We will be inviting all Albert Scholars past to a special dinner to honour the Albert legacy on Thursday 14 May.

Appointment of Vice Warden – Ms Dieni Powell

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St Paul’s College is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Dieni Powell as our next Vice Warden, commencing in mid-February. The College community warmly looks forward to welcoming Dieni as a resident member and leader within our vibrant community.

Dieni joins St Paul’s from St Mary’s College at the University of Melbourne, where she has served as Dean and Deputy Principal, supporting all aspects of college operations. She brings a wealth of experience in higher education, leadership, and student life, having been deeply involved in university residential colleges for more than two decades.

Her own college journey began as an undergraduate at Lincoln College, University of Adelaide, giving her firsthand insight into the transformative experience of collegiate living. Since then, Dieni has held numerous leadership roles, including Advisor to Women Students at Trinity College, and has contributed significantly to student development and wellbeing.

Beyond her work in colleges, Dieni’s career spans education and publishing. She has taught in both private and government schools across Australia and internationally, including at Utahloy International School in China, where she helped establish an international exchange program. She has also served as Assistant Principal and Head of Campus at Berry Street School, bringing expertise in trauma-informed practice and alternative education pathways.

Academically, Dieni is a graduate of Melbourne and Adelaide universities, holding degrees in Arts and Education, with part of her Master of Teaching completed at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in Toronto. Her leadership experience extends to serving as CEO of a national publishing company and as a board member for several organizations, including Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS).

Originally from rural South Australia, where she grew up on a citrus orchard by the River Murray, Dieni understands the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to university life. At St Paul’s, she will oversee residential life, working closely with the Deans, Middle Common Room, and Students’ Club to foster a supportive and enriching environment for all members.

We are thrilled to welcome Dieni Powell to St Paul’s College and look forward to the energy, experience, and vision she will bring to our community.

Annual Carol Service Delights the College Community

Posted on by Richard Morgan

On the final Sunday of Semester, the College was filled with the joy and spirit of Christmas. This year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols took place on the evening of 30 November, drawing a congregation of more than 150 guests and a festival choir of 45 voices. The Chapel was alive with beautiful carols and anthems, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

The service began with the choir singing outside before processing into the Chapel to the traditional medieval carol Gaudete in Latin. This was followed by the beloved Once in Royal David’s City and the Opening Prayer from the Warden. The nine lessons were then read, interspersed with music, by a distinguished group of readers:

  • Lara Holburn (DSc), chorister and postgraduate
  • Isabella Watson (BA/LLB I), chorister and undergraduate
  • Orlando Throsby (BA/BAdvStud III), undergraduate
  • Sarah Siegloff, Development Associate
  • Prof Eric Knight, alumnus (in College 2002–05)
  • Matthew Newcombe, Dean of Undergraduates
  • Libby Albert, benefactor to the College
  • Matthew Gerber, alumnus and Fellow (in College 1993–96, Senior Student 1996)
  • Revd Antony Weiss, College Chaplain

The Choir and organ presented a stunning program, including:

  • Mark Wilberg’s arrangement of Ding Dong! Merrily on High!
  • June Nixon’s arrangement of The Holly and the Ivy
  • Piers Kennedy’s setting of A Spotless Rose
  • Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium
  • Sir John Rutter’s The Shepherd’s Pipe Carol
  • Philip Stopford’s exquisite Lully, Lulla, Lullay

Many of these pieces were reprises from the Choir’s recent internal tour, showcasing their exceptional talent.

Following the service, refreshments were served in the Quad for musicians, students, and guests. This early carol service is often described as “the real beginning of Christmas in Sydney”, and continues to attract strong support from Old Paulines and their families.

The Chaplain also paid tribute to the College Choir for their outstanding contribution throughout 2025. Drawn from both undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with many talented non-resident singers, the choir continues to delight audiences under the expert direction of Dr Jack Stephens.

Choir members in 2025:

Sopranos
  • Alice Dawson-Damer
  • Jess Allen-Waters
  • Tara Gold
  • Sophie Green
  • Lara Holburn
  • Brianna Louwen
  • Clare MacPherson
  • Sofia Palleschi
  • Bridget Power
  • Caitlin Power
  • Lucy Tucker
Altos
  • Isabel Allan
  • Michael Burden
  • Freya Carmody
  • Arianwen Dastoor
  • Emma Derbidge
  • Maayan Leibenson
  • Jaime Lock
  • Maxine McKellar
  • Isabella Watson
  • Jemima Williams
  • Tiffany Wong
Tenors
  • Charles Beavis
  • Kian Chan
  • Xavier Cook
  • Johnny Derbyshire
  • Hector Saker
  • Andrew Siu
  • Sebastian Stagg
  • Bailey Yeates
Basses
  • Tom Almeida
  • Darcy Blaut
  • Lucas Chen
  • Gabe Desiderio
  • Taj Mace
  • Michael Masi
  • Deuchar Taylor

Organists: David Drury; Bailey Yeates (Organ Scholar)

Director: Dr Jack Stephens

Graduate House Valedictorians

Posted on by Richard Morgan

Our Postgraduate students farewelled a number of their cohort who have completed higher degrees and are either moving into industry locally or returning to home overseas. In the traditional way College provided a Valedictory Chapel Service based on the Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent on 28 November, at the end of the final week of Semester 2 Exams. The readers were Claudio Garcia Ramirez (MPublic Pol) who has completed his term as the 2025 Middle Prefect, Brianna Morrison the retiring Associate Dean of Graduate House, Isla Joyce (MN) the newly elected Middle Prefect for 2026, Dr Antone Martinho-Truswell, the founding Dean of Graduate House. The preacher was the Warden and the service was supported by members of the College Chapel Choir and College Organists and Composer-in-Residence David Drury and Organ Scholar Bailey Yeates.

At the Valedictory Dinner the College farewelled 35 students, Brianna and the departing Dean Antone and his wife Emma and children Flora and Clara. In her valedictory speech Emma mentioned the amazing gift that St Paul’s postgraduate community has given her family and the shared joy of living in the McMillan Building: “My two girls are ‘college kids’, and this is the only home they’ve ever known. This was our community through COVID, when we sat at spaced-out tables while Flora learned to wander between them. They talk to their friends about fancy dinners, candles and formals and ‘their oval’. .. They have watched, as I have, as their dad grew a graduate community from scratch, invented traditions with the confidence of a visionary … I have seen how much he has loved and been loved here, how much a difference he has made to hundreds of students.”

The St Paul’s College postgraduate community welcomes students to the University of Sydney from the world over. In 2025 students represented every faculty with a diverse range of courses:

  • Law, including Juris Doctor: 16
  • Medicine, including Doctor of Medicine: 12
  • Business, Finance, Commerce: 7
  • Science: 6
  • Health, including Physio, Occupational Therapy and Public Health: 5
  • Computer Science: 5
  • Engineering: 5
  • Architecture: 4
  • Doctor of Philosophy: 4
  • Sustainability, Social Justice: 4
  • Dentistry: 3
  • Arts: 2
  • Education: 2
  • Public Policy: 2
  • Strategic Public Relations: 2
  • Agriculture: 1
  • Design: 1
  • Management: 1
  • Music: 1
  • Nursing: 1

Applications for Graduate House in 2026 are open – CLICK HERE

Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister – a reprise for the 50th Anniversary of his Government’s Dismissal

Posted on by Richard Morgan

Of the old Pauline Prime Ministers so far, The Rt Hon Sir William McMahon GCMG CH, (in College 1927-31) and The Hon Gough Whitlam AC QC (in College 1935-42), it is Whitlam who has stood out most strikingly in the Australian political discourse.

In the 1975 edition of The Pauline, another alumnus, Ted St John (in College 1934-38) wrote: “Few who knew Gough at Paul’s could have guessed his potential as a future leader — least of all, perhaps, leader of the Australian Labor Party.” [1] Ted remembered him as a much loved member of the College and an intellectual who didn’t become politically active until sometime after 1939.

In Troy Bramston’s latest biography of Gough Whitlam he describes a College event that shows Gough’s typical character of the time he was a Pauline:

Gough Whitlam first became prime minister in May 1940. Not the Australian prime minister – that role was played by Robert Menzies. Whitlam portrayed Neville Chamberlain in the St Paul’s College Revue at the University of Sydney, clad in bowler hat and holding an umbrella. He was parodying Chamberlain’s infamous return from Munich in September 1938, when he held aloft a piece of paper with Adolf Hitler’s signature and proclaimed that he had achieved ‘peace in our time’. Whitlam, however, waved a trail of toilet paper. ‘I have seen their leader and I have his reply,’ he told the audience. ‘It bears both his mark and mine.’ The skit produced sustained laughter, as Gough wrote to his parents and (sister) Freda. ‘I was a really big success as Chamberlain, although he was out of office after the first dress rehearsal.” [2]

And from Ted St John:

Gough was a College man rather than a University man during the period I knew him so well. He attended lectures at the University but his whole life and interests were centred around the College and its denizens. He did not participate in the activities of the University clubs, political or other wise. Nor do I recall him engaging in heated political debate. He certainly did not identify himself then as a Labor supporter.[3]

Despite Ted’s recollections Gough was quite involved in University life. He was elected editor of Hermes in 1939, he was associate editor of Blackacre the Law School journal 1939-41 and 45-46, he was also a member of SUDS. He was a Fellow of the University Senate 1986-89 and was also a foundation member and Visiting Fellow in the Department of Political and Social Change at ANU from 1978 to 1980, and in 1981 he became the first National Fellow based at the ANU Research School of Pacific Studies.

At Sydney University Gough completed BA in 1938 with a Classics major, LLB in 1946, and was made DLitt (Honoris Causa) in 1981. At St Paul’s he was Student’s Club Secretary in 1941,  Senior Student in Michaelmas Term 1941, Editor of The Pauline, Chapel Warden, managed the Library, member of the Debating Team, and in the Rawson Cup Rowing Team.

He was called up for service in June 1942 joining the RAAF as a navigator in the Pacific theatres of WW2. His 1942 valete states: “His manner and attitude to life was reminiscent of Pooh-Bah…. Few men have done more for the College during their stay here. His activities were legion…” [4]

The College’s record of War Service was the work of Gough after he returned from active service to complete his Law degree and again live in College. Once he’d left College he was a regular visitor to work in the Library on the College Archives. His handwritten notes remain an important part of the collection and were ‘discovered’ by Troy Bramston during his research for the new biography.  Gough was also Honorary Secretary of the St Paul’s College Union and “his administrative enthusiasm was essential to the Union’s post-war revitalisation – he continued afterwards as its “records secretary”. Finally, he was a Fellow of the College 1947-53.” [5]

After developing his interest in Law, Gough chose politics. Ted St John describes him as “a first-class Parliamentarian, of a kind quite rare in Australian politics”. From his by-election win in the seat of Werriwa for the Australian Labor Party in 1952 he spent some 20 years in Opposition. In 1960 he became Deputy Leader, and Leader of the Opposition in 1967.

Seizing the mood for change in 1972 he led the ALP to election victory under the slogan “It’s Time”. His first ministry was himself and Lance Barnard holding all appointments! After which he took a more conventional approach “and many very worthwhile and long overdue things were accomplished.” [6]

He moved to immediately withdraw Australian troops from Vietnam, recognised the People’s Republic of China, established a Department of Aboriginal Affairs, abolition of university fees, needs-based funding for government schools, the introduction of universal healthcare (now Medicare), Legal Aid, the Family Court of Australia, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, and welfare payments to support mothers and the homeless. Other changes were the Racial Discrimination Act, Aboriginal Land Rights, the purchase of Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, the construction of the National Gallery, establishment of the Australian Film Commission, the Australia Council (for the Arts), handing over traditional lands in NT to the Gurundji people, the first visit to China by an Australian PM[7], changed Australia’s stance on apartheid in South Africa, and the Order of Australia was established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on the advice of prime minister Gough Whitlam. 

Subterfuge, deceits, coverup and scandal led to his downfall with its beginnings in the “Loans Affair” in late 1974[8]. This gave the Opposition the ammunition to block supply in the Senate, hoping to force an election. It was when Gough refused to go to the polls that the Governor-General Sir Joh Kerr made the “explosive move” on 11 November 1975 to use his Constitutional powers to dismiss the government of the day and appoint the Leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Fraser, Caretaker Prime Minister—The Dismissal. “There is no doubt Kerr’s strategy could have been delayed and disrupted with uncertain consequences. But Labor, under Whitlam, was not prepared for such a task or able to seize the opportunities when presented.” [9]

The key to understanding the crisis lies in its dual nature: this was a struggle between men and a conflict between institutions. It is unparalleled in our history as a gladiatorial struggle between two wilful leaders. It is equally unparalleled for the pressure it applied to the principal institutions of the state – the parliament, the office of the governor-general and the High Court – and its destructive effect on the series of conventions that underwrite the consensus and stability required in a constitutional democracy. …

…Predictions that the crisis would permanently undermine our democracy have proven unfounded. [10]

Gough remained Leader of the ALP which was overwhelmingly defeated at the 13 December 1975 double-dissolution election, and stayed on as Leader of the Opposition for another two years. Afterwards he went to Paris as Australia’s Ambassador to UNESCO and with his wife Margaret were part of the successful Sydney Olympics bid team.

We cannot fail to remember that the Constitution designed the Senate to be a House of greater power than any ordinary second chamber—Rt Hon Sir Edmund Barton PC GCMG, first Prime Minister of Australia.

I don’t mind taking on a fight, and I have yet to lose one—(August 1974) The Hon Gough Whitlam AC QC, 21st Prime Minister of Australia.

Gough Whitlam visited the College in 1973 (while PM) as Guest of Honour at the Union Dinner and again for the Union Dinner in 1982, and as guest of honour at the College’s Academic Dinner in 1989.

1982 and 1989 visits

[1] Edward St John, “Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister”, The Pauline Number 73, 1975, p. 47

[2] Troy Bramston, Gough Whitlam, the Vista of the New, 2025 Harper Collins, p.35

[3] St John, op cit, p. 48

[4] Exeunt Alunmi: ‘E.G. Whitlam BA’, The Pauline, No. 40 1942, p. 24

[5] Obituary “Edward Gough Whitlam AC QC”, The Pauline vol. CXII, 2014, p. 72

[6] St John, op cit, p. 49

[7] See: https://www.stpauls.edu.au/a-50th-anniversary-old-pauline-visits-china/ and https://www.stpauls.edu.au/pm-follows-gough-whitlams-path/

[8] As Bramston puts it: “the secret and unorthodox loan raising”, op cit, p. 456

[9] Paul Kelly and Troy Bramston, The Dismissal in the Queen’s Name, 2015 Penguin Australia, p. 247

[10] Ibid, pp. x-xi

Mummers Brings the 60s Back to Paul’s

Posted on by Richard Morgan

“I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such an enthusiastic and generous team” is how Director Olivia McMillan described working with Mummers this semester. Richard Bean’s One Man Two Guvnors is set in 1963 Brighton, UK and its physical comedy and absurd characters provided a riotous show for all to enjoy with the addition of the director’s special twists and the cast’s own humour and originality.

In the audience was old Pauline and internationally acclaimed Australian actor John Gaden AO (in College 1959-61) (pictured here with Mrs Edwina Waddy).

Commenting on being back to see Mummers after a gap of 60 years, John said “I loved the show, witty, great timing. The Waddy Theatre is brilliant for this work and really honours Lloyd who was at Paul’s the same time as me”. At the end of the show John joined the cast and crew in the green room and he said “Student drama at Paul’s is still strong after all these years, well done to everyone involved.”

Award-winning playwright Richard Bean has reimagined Carlo Goldoni’s celebrated 18th-century play The Servant of Two Masters into a fresh and dynamic interpretation of one of the great works of European comedic theatre.

The story follows Francis Henshall (Sam McCredie), recently dismissed from his skiffle band, who finds employment as a minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a minor East End criminal visiting Brighton to collect a substantial dowry from his fiancée’s father. However, Roscoe is, in fact, Rachel Crabbe (Freya Carmody), disguised as her deceased brother, who was killed by her lover, Stanley Stubbers (Hugo Sudell). As events unfold, Francis—ever motivated by hunger—accepts a second position with Stanley, who is in hiding and awaiting reunion with Rachel. To maintain his dual employment and avoid exposure, Francis must navigate the increasingly complex task of keeping his two masters apart.

Bean’s adaptation retains the essence of Goldoni’s original while infusing it with contemporary wit and energy. Themes of identity, desire, and survival are explored through a fast-paced plot where food, money, and romantic entanglements drive the action. On the Mummers stage numerous twists and turns, some masterful ad lib, and females playing males lifted the play to a whole new level.

The main characters were well suited to Mummers’ experienced thespians including Sam McCredie who played Francis Henshall living the double life of having two bosses each with competing demands, Freya Carmody as the devious male/female character of Rachel/Roscoe Crabbe,  Jack Rowe who played Charlie “The Duck” Clench one of the two guvnors, and Stanley Stubbers played by Hugo Sudell the other guvnor.

These performers were supported by Abby Long as Pauline Clench, Anna Morrison as Dolly, Ryan Bond as Alan Dangle. And in one of the director’s twists, Olivia Dight was in the male role of Lloyd Boateng, Heidie Best as the old man Alfie, Charlotte Ellis as Harry Dangle and Lili Alexiou in another male role as Gareth.

To complete the ensemble were Nick Carmody as the Cab Driver, and Kate Eggleston and Angie Ramsay, not as the bumbling bobbies, but as latter-day American-styled high-energy policewomen.

A great addition to the performances on 1st and 2nd November was the band of Felix Power, Rex Bouvier, James Ford and Deuchar Taylor pumping out hits of the 50s and 60s, from jazz classics to rock.

Crew were kept busy with multiple scene changes and numerous lighting cues, great costume, hair and make-up:

  • Director: Olivia McMillan
  • Stage Manager: Milly O’Connell;
  • Producer: Freya Carmody;
  • Backstage: Tahlia Sorgiovanni, Seamus Shepherd, Huckleberry Jurd, Emily D’Souza and Nick Carmody;
  • Costumes: Ines Treharne, Anneka Steel, Nanette Washaya, Mia Spiers;
  • Hair/Make-up: Lily Wood, Sophie Pancino, Milly Simpson, Ava Dunnett, and Holly Dawson ;
  • Lighting: Rory Lambert and Jemima Williams;
  • Marketing: Ria Alva, Rose Brown and Tara Gold;
  • Props: Aidan Cheung, Sybilla Hooke and Zara Bond;
  • Set Design: Ria Alva, Jack O’Rourke, Matthew McKee, and Lily Richards;
  • Sound: Alex Mudri and Ella Wilden;
  • Photography: Lili Alexiou

The Waddy Centre again provided a great opportunity for live performance with all the trimmings of a professional theatre, including the bar for pre-show and interval, flexible seating for the large audience on both nights, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and the performers’ green room.

USU Refectory Glitters for Graduate House Ball

Posted on by Richard Morgan

On Friday, 24 October, the Middle Common Room hosted its annual Graduate House Ball, a highlight of the College calendar. This year’s event was not only a celebration of community but also an opportunity to honour some remarkable contributors to Graduate House.

The Ball Committee—Isla Joyce, Hannah Mance, Taryn Cameron, Samuel Houghton, and Justina Emoh—crafted an elegant evening for current members and alumni. Guests gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Antone and Emma Martinho-Truswell, acknowledging their extraordinary dedication since Graduate House’s inception. The night also celebrated Associate Dean Bri Morrison, whose service and vibrant contribution to the musical life of the College have left an enduring legacy.

The University of Sydney Union Refectory located in the Holme Building on campus provide a beautiful setting for the 100 guests to enjoy a range of music, dancing and refreshments. The evening was opened with trio MS3 strings (‘cello, violin and piano) who played an hour of classical background music as guests arrived. In addition to the musicians four ballerinas danced creating a beautiful atmosphere setting up the night for success.

Entertainment continued with award-winning cartoonist Steve Panozzo, whose live caricatures were a crowd favourite. Guests enjoyed flowing wine and cocktails paired with delicious food, while photographer Tony Newby captured the night alongside a popular photo booth and disposable cameras—ensuring every joyful moment was preserved.

As the night unfolded, DJ Jesse kept the dance floor alive well into the evening, even leading spirited lessons in the iconic Nutbush. The energy and camaraderie reflected the diverse and vibrant postgraduate community that Graduate House proudly represents.

Explore the photo gallery below and relive the sparkle of an unforgettable night.

2025 Valedictions and College Awards

Posted on by Richard Morgan

On 29 October Valedictorians gathered for the traditional end-of-Semester 2 celebration, marking the completion of their time at St Paul’s College. The Valedictory Chapel Service serves as a symbolic ‘bookend’ to their journey—echoing the Welcome Week Service that began their College life and bringing the resident community together once more.

In his sermon, the Warden reflected on Abram’s journey through the land to what would become Jerusalem (Genesis 12: 1-9), drawing a parallel to the Freshers’ arrival at St Paul’s. He then turned to the Gospel of St John (19:28–37), where Jesus declares from the Cross, “It is finished”—Tetelestai in the original Greek. This powerful word, signifying the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission—where every prophecy concerning Him had been fulfilled, and the plan of redemption had reached its apex—was used to mirror the valedictorians’ own culmination of their College experience and contribution for God, for College, and for companions.

The first lesson was read by Kate Brenner (BE(Hons)(Mechatronics) III), and the second by Harry Scambler (BComm III). The choir, under the direction of valedictorian Gabe Desiderio (BMus(Performance) III), performed The Souls of the Righteous by Harry Bramma. Gabe has been a dedicated member of the choir since joining the College in 2023.

Following the service, the Valedictory Dinner celebrated 64 valedictorians, each honoured with a valete tribute. The Toast to the Valedictorians was proposed by 2026 Senior Student Heidi Best, while the Toast to the College was delivered by 2025 Senior Student Matilda Walker.

Tributes were shared by Max Anderson (BE(Hons) III), James Edwards (BE(Hons)(Aero) III), Jack Parker (BE(Hons) III / BA), Alexander Robinson (BE(Hons) IV / BComm), Timothy Robinson (BA III / LLB), Maddy Schmidt (BPharm III), Ben Scott-King (BComm III / BAdvStud), Amelia Tabary-Edwards (BComm III / BAdvStud), Lucy Tucker (BE(Hons) III / BComm), Angus Williams (BComm III), and Andy Xie (BAdvComp III).

The following College prizes for 2025 were presented by the Warden:

The Albert Medal for Instrumental Music was established in memory of Robert Albert AO (in College 1953–56), who later served as a Fellow and Bursar of the College, and was the Founder and Chair of the St Paul’s College Foundation:

Adam Wong

The Rechnitz Medal for Oratory was established in memory of Wilhelm Rechnitz, who served as Tutor at the College from 1946–47, and who founded the St Paul’s College Literary Society:

Kate Brenner

The Felix Arnott Medal for Drama was established in memory of The Most Rev’d Dr Felix Arnott, who served as Warden of the College from 1946–63, and later as Archbishop of Brisbane and Metropolitan of Queensland:

Freya Carmody

The Drury Medal for Singing was established in honour of David Drury, the long-serving Organist and former Director of Music at the College in residence since 1992:

Lucy Tucker

Gabe Desiderio (eq)

The Waddy Medal for Debating was established in honour of The Honourable Lloyd Waddy AM (College 1958–61), who later served as a Fellow and Chair of the College, was the Founder and Vice-Chairman of the St Paul’s College Foundation, and the Founder of Victoriana!.

Will Cox

The sports prizes are awarded to those participants in Rawson and Rosebowl who best demonstrate the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and, of course, great skill and ability:

The Fresher Sportswoman for 2025:

Lola Cayzer

The Fresher Sportsman for 2025:

Will Powell

The Sportswoman of the year:

Ali Radford

The Sportsman of the year:

Ed Taylor

Service awards:

The Kokoda Award is awarded to the members of the Students’ Club Committee for their service to the college:

  • Tilly Walker
  • Jack Dawson
  • Gus Gregg
  • Kate Brenner
  • Ollie Webster
  • John Rowe
  • Harry Scambler
  • Will Cox

The Kokoda Richardson Service Award is awarded to the student who best represents the ideals of service, courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice:

Katie Tyo

The Vessel of St Paul Himself is awarded to the student whose demeanour and involvement embodies the Pauline spirit and character – one who possesses and consistently demonstrates the qualities we hope to instil in all who attend this great College:

Ed Taylor

The Lehane Medal and Scholarship was established in memory of the late Justice John Robert Felix Lehane (in College from 1962 to 64), sometime Senior Tutor and Chairman of Council of the College. It is awarded to a student resident for at least three years who, by their participation in the activities of the College, and by their academic, cultural, sporting or other achievements, has made an exemplary contribution to the life and standing of the College:

John Rowe