Empowerment of Women

Bobbie Brazil AO is a business leader and philanthropist. She is a former solicitor who assisted local, state and federal governments in multiple capacities. She served as Deputy Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland prior to being appointed Chancellor and serving eight years in this position, one of few women in Australia who have held this office.

• M. Business (1998), The University of Queensland
• B. Laws (1987), The University of Queensland
• B. Arts (1966), The University of Queensland

• AO for distinguished service to tertiary education governance, to agricultural, environmental and resource management organisations, and to women in rural and regional areas. (2017)
• Centenary Medal for distinguished service to education as Deputy-Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland. (2001)

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.

• B. Arts (1966), The University of Queensland
• Dip. Journalism (1973), The University of Queensland
• M. Education Administration (1991), University of New England

OAM for service to the Queensland Ballet through administrative roles, and to women. (2012)

The Honourable Anna Bligh AC resided at The Women’s College in 1978, during her first year of studying a Bachelor of Arts degree at The University of Queensland (UQ).

Before entering politics, Anna worked for various community organisations. She was then first elected to the State Parliament in 1995. In July 2005, Anna was promoted to Deputy Premier, and was subsequently promoted to Queensland Premier in 2007. In office from 2007 to 2012, Anna served as the 37th Premier of Queensland. After retiring from politics, Anna was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Banking Association, a role she held from 2017 to 2025.

• B. Arts (1981), The University of Queensland
• Doctor of Laws honoris causa (2010), The University of Queensland

• AC for eminent service to the Parliament of Queensland, particularly as Premier, to infrastructure development and education reform, as an advocate for the role of women in public life, and to the not-for-profit sector. (2017)
• UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award (2023)

Professor Judith Goh AO is a doctor specialising in urogynaecology and gynaecologyurinary. She offers women a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options, and has spent a considerable amount of time volunteering overseas in developing countries to treat women.

• B. Medicine & B. Surgery, The University of Queensland
• FRANZCOG, PHD, CU

AO for distinguished service to gynaecological medicine, particularly in the field of fistula surgery, and to the promotion of the rights of women and children in developing countries. (2012)