Australia's Most Inspiring Woman

In the build up to International Women's Day on 8 March, The Melbourne Age is asking for comment on who is Australia's most inspiring woman? 

In the early 90s I was a bored secretary and, being in a very unhappy relationship, was wondering what I should do next?  I've never been good at sitting still so I was keen to work out what I should do... but how?  And then I met Quentin Bryce!  At the time, she was heading up a review of child care provision in Australia.  She was (and is) elegant, intelligent, straight forward, chic and, at all times, focussed. 

She didn't have an assistant, so I would, on occassion, do administration work.  She encouraged me to go to university and suggested that I go to Deakin University to study with Dr Renate Klein - which I duly did.

It is because of Her Excellency that I developed my deep love of university, challenged my views and practice of 'feminism', left an awful relationship and feel in love with Melbourne.  She is one of Australia's most inspiring women.

The other most inspiring woman is my Mum.  I know that sounds cliched and maybe it is, but I don't care!  Mum is also elegant, focussed, intelligent and chic.  She had a long and inspiring career as a school teacher and taught hundreds of children to read, think, question and love.  I have had the good fortune to meet many of them as adults and they remain big fans.

Even in the last few years, as times have been tough, she has remained hopeful and stoic.  She loves my Dad with passion and enduring friendship and now, as a grandmother, is repeating the love, songs, stories and silliness from our childhoods. 

Importantly, Mum taught me to be loving, independent, question faith and knowledge, be educated, read everything, always have matching handbags, the great value of lipstick to make you feel better and to always think of others.  She continues to inspire me on a daily basis.