CamNews

Connected Community

August 15, 2025

Inspiring Women Ceremony

We proudly honoured this year’s Inspiring Women at a special ceremony on Thursday 31 July 2025 in the Brooksbank Library. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements and contributions of the 2025 honourees across a diverse range of fields and communities.

During the evening, School Leaders shared a short biography of each Inspiring Woman before presenting her with a commemorative gift as part of her official induction into the Inspiring Women program. The unveiling of each profile was led by Dr Nikita Weickhardt, Chair of Council, alongside Abigail L, School Captain.

The ceremony brought together honourees, their families and friends, student leaders, and staff in a warm and uplifting celebration of leadership, service, and impact.

This year’s recipients represent a broad spectrum of influence—from global health and legal reform to sustainable business, community education, and public service. Each woman exemplifies the many ways a Camberwell Girls education can take root and flourish in the world.

We will share more about the 2025 Inspiring Women in the next edition of CamNews on 14 August.

The 2025 Inspiring Women are:

Mrs Lorraine Elliot AM (Golder, 1960) – Posthumous
Mrs Julie Fleming (Carmichael, 1966)
Dr Kate Forbes (Hassall, 1997)
Ms Eleanore Fritze (2000)
Ms Kim Henderson (1987)
Ms Sue Thomson (1977)
Dr Mary Thornton Kent-Hughes (Cantwell, 1913) – Posthumous
Dr Rebecca Yuen Shi Wong (2004)

You can view their profiles via https://cggs.vic.edu.au/community/success.

All of our honourees will serve as a reminder of the inspiring women connected to the school and we anticipate their profiles will inspire our current students. Their biographies are displayed on a prominent wall at the school for all to view.

Do you know an alum, staff member or parent who has significantly contributed to their area of expertise, or in the community? If so, nominate her now for the Inspiring Women Program via https://cggs.vic.edu.au/community/success/#nominate

Community Spirit Shines at Pre-Show Refreshments

Before the performances of Wolves Are Coming For You on Wednesday and Thursday evening, the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) brought a wonderful sense of warmth and hospitality to our school community by hosting pre-show refreshments.

Guests enjoyed light refreshments before the show and a delightful cake stall during intermission. These thoughtful offerings were more than just a treat—they beautifully echoed the production’s themes of community and connection.

The welcoming atmosphere created by the PFA helped set the tone for the performances and served as a powerful reminder of the joy and strength that comes from coming together to support our students.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the PFA and all parent volunteers who generously gave their time and energy. Your contributions ensured every guest felt part of something special, and your ongoing support continues to strengthen the bonds within our school community.

Building the Magic Behind the Scenes

Laura Tong (Class of 2024) recently returned to Camberwell Girls to lend her creative talents to the Senior School production of Wolves Are Coming For You. Currently studying architecture at the University of Melbourne, Laura relished the opportunity to reconnect with the school community and contribute to the visual storytelling of the production.

Drawing on her design skills and love for theatre, Laura helped build sets and props, bringing the world of the play to life for the performers and audience alike. Her involvement was a wonderful example of alumnae giving back—and a testament to the lasting connection between past students and the school’s vibrant creative arts program.