ESU President Update
2025 has been a pivotal year for the Ex-Students’ Union, combining memorable community moments with important progress toward structural review.
The Alumni Networking Event at Qantas Head Office in May was a standout, featuring inspiring career journeys shared by Fiona Ellis-Jones (2001) and Li-Enn Koo (1991). The evening provided a valuable opportunity for alumni to reconnect, and the warm, energetic atmosphere, even on a wet and stormy Sydney night, was a wonderful reflection of the vibrancy of our ESU community.
In July, Commemoration Day brought us together in the War Memorial Chapel. Guest speaker Zoe Robinson (2001) delivered a powerful address advocating for children and young people, while the ESU Choir performed beautifully. The morning tea that followed offered a welcome opportunity for conversation and connection.
At the end of Term 3, we were delighted to formally welcome the graduating Year 12 cohort into the ESU, marking this important milestone with a small gift for each student. Sharing in their excitement during their final days at school was a privilege, and we look forward to staying connected as they begin the next chapter of their journey.
The Garden Party was blessed with glorious weather, and the much loved tradition of the chicken sandwich and champagne stall continued, thanks to the dedication of the Committee and the generosity of our volunteers.
Alongside these events, the ESU Committee has been working diligently on proposed structural changes to modernise and future-proof our alumni network. Over time, managing the ESU has become increasingly complex due to data security considerations, administrative demands, compliance requirements, legislative obligations, funding challenges and difficulties recruiting volunteers. In response, we have explored alternative governance structures aimed at creating a more sustainable and contemporary model.
This process has included close collaboration with the College, independent legal advice, and consultation sessions with members during 2024 and again in October this year. Feedback from these sessions has been carefully considered, and preparations are now underway for an online vote on the proposed structure in early 2026. Further communication regarding this vote will be shared in due course.
I extend my sincere thanks to Katrina Corcoran, Fiona Crawford, Kate Murray, Courtney Stanley, Andy Lang and Dr Kate Hadwen for their unwavering support throughout 2025. The partnership between the ESU and the College remains vital, and we deeply value the collaborative and transparent approach that underpins our shared work.
This progress has been driven by our dedicated volunteers, who balance ESU commitments alongside careers, family life, study and other responsibilities. My heartfelt thanks to Amy Graham, Kris Graham, Louise Kellaway, Jane Makeham, Jennifer Makeham, Victoria Muller, Susan O’Sullivan, Natalie Reid and Zoe Wang. It has been a privilege to work alongside you as we represent our members and prepare for a sustainable future.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a significant year as we celebrate 110 years of the College. We are proud to honour this rich tradition while shaping the next chapter of our alumni community.
