Explore the history of the College below
Educator (tertiary) and Vocalist
Emeritus Professor Janet Delpratt AM was a teacher and performer, making significant contributions through decades of service to the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, particularly as Head of Voice.
In 1961, she was the first Conservatorium graduate to be granted a Master Diploma of Music. After further study in London, Jan joined the staff of the Conservatorium and taught there for the rest of her career, including 18 years as Chairman of the Vocal Department and three years as Acting Director. In 1998, she was awarded a Personal Chair in Singing for excellence in teaching, the first such appointment at an Australian university, and in June 2007 was admitted as an honorary Doctor of the University.
Jan served on the Council of The Women’s College, and was one of the first Fellows of the College.
AM for service to the performing arts and to music education as a teacher of voice. (2009)
Community Leader and Author
Judith Anderson OAM has qualifications to post-graduate level from The University of Queensland and the University of New England in arts, journalism and educational administration.
Her career included higher education and arts management, international marketing, journalism, and teaching at secondary, tertiary and community levels. For 13 years until her retirement from full-time work in late 2010, she was the General Manager of Queensland Ballet.
Since retiring, she has been employed in a wide range of writing and editing roles, notably for 15 years at Government House where she also acts as a volunteer tour guide. In 2021, she published her first book, Earning a Crust – a century of the baking trade in Warwick (1860s–1960s).
Judith’s other voluntary roles include serving as a Director and Honorary Secretary of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra for eight years until 2020, and as a member of Zonta International since 1983, being elected successively to a range of positions to international level.
Judith was awarded a Fellowship of The Women's College in March 2026.
OAM for service to the Queensland Ballet through administrative roles, and to women. (2012)
Literary Leader & Author
Lesley Reece AM established The Literature Centre in 1992. For over 30 years, Lesley championed and promoted Australian literature, inspiring many thousands of students and teachers through stimulating programmes. Her passion and dedication has broken through the barrier of indifference to bring awareness and investment in her field.
Chairman and Non-Executive Director
Sally Loane AM is a Chair, Non-Executive Director, business leader and former journalist and broadcaster.
A Chair of Destination NSW and Ignition Advice, Sally also sits on the board of Chubb Insurance Australia and the Garvan Medical Research Foundation. She is a member of the Advisory Board of consulting firm Orizontas and a mentor with McCarthy Mentoring.
Sally’s passion is women’s financial independence and economic security, and to this end has utilised her experience in financial services policy development, mentoring women (Minerva Network; Super Stars of STEM) and has advised government via corporate advisory boards on domestic violence prevention and fostering women’s economic independence.
She has had a long history of service to the community and charity sectors, currently as a Trustee of the ANZAC Memorial Building in NSW, Governor of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Ambassador for Business Events Sydney and a member of Chief Executive Women.
AM for significant service to business in board and governance roles, to charitable organisations, and to broadcasting. (2025)
Business and Community Leader
Paula-Ann Nagel AM was the first female reporter on ABC's current affairs program This Day Tonight in 1967. She worked in a number of roles at the ABC for 21 years, in particular producing education and arts programs. Following her career at the ABC, Paula was involved with more than 15 Boards and Committees, including with the University of South Australia.
