19 August 2014
The University of South Australia will pay tribute to Australia’s former Governor General Dame Quentin Bryce, AD, CVO, today by awarding her an Honorary Doctorate that acknowledges not only her very public service to the nation, but also her consistent support for women, children, young people and families.
Dame Quentin will be awarded the Honorary Doctorate from UniSA on Tuesday August 19 at the University’s morning graduation ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre commencing at 10.30am.
Australia’s first female Governor General, Dame Quentin graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws in 1965 and the same year was one of the first women admitted to the Queensland Bar.
Announcing the award UniSA Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd says Dame Quentin has been unusual in her ability to break down barriers without causing a storm.
“She is what I would describe as a quiet trailblazer, a person who has focussed on a cause – whether that is equal opportunity and human rights or the welfare and rights of children, with a steady, intelligent desire to make a difference in the world,” Prof Lloyd says.
“And she has been at the vanguard of change for women in society, taking on the challenges of being either the ‘first’ or one of the first women in roles that had been traditionally occupied by men – and has done so with great success.
“She was the first woman appointed to the Faculty of Law at the University of Queensland, the first Director of the Queensland Women’s Information Service, the national Sex Discrimination Commissioner, the founding chair and chief executive officer of the National Childcare Accreditation Council, Principal and CEO of the Women's College at the University of Sydney, and only the second woman to be appointed Governor of an Australian State.
“Dame Quentin has used every opportunity in her career to provide support, encouragement and advocacy for people who struggle to be heard. Hers has truly been a life of dedication and public service and we are very proud to honour that contribution.”
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli office: +61 8 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: Michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
