Alisha Withers (Class of 2001) joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2002, after graduating from Mentone Girls’ Grammar. Since conducting her initial officer training at HMAS Creswell, Alisha’s incredible career includes roles in maritime warfare, air warfare and border protection. She has continued to strive and rise through the ranks, recently completing a Masters of Military and Defence Studies at the Australian War College. She has now assumed Command of the Royal Australian Navy Recruit Training School on the Mornington Peninsula. We take this opportunity to celebrate Alisha’s many outstanding achievements during her 20 years in the Navy.

Professor Vera Mackie (Class of 1973) has authored and edited a number of books which bring together her interests in languages, the Asia-Pacific region, and the history of women. After graduating from Mentone Girls’ Grammar, Vera completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters, before completing her PhD in History and Women’s Studies which formed the basis of her first book, Creating Socialist Women in Japan, 1900-1937 (Cambridge 1997). Now, Professor Mackie is being recognised with an Emeritus Professorship from the University of Wollongong (UOW), in honour of her immense contribution to research and to raising the international profile of UOW’s work in history, gender and sexuality studies, and Asian studies.

Reena Ghelani (Class of 1973) is the Director of Operations and Advocacy at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Reena’s incredible career has seen her working as an advocate for human rights in remote, war-torn and politically volatile environments. Some of her recent projects include addressing food insecurity in South Sudan, raising awareness and funding for those fleeing violence in the Congo, response efforts following the blasts in Beirut and negotiating with the Taliban regarding the education and working rights of women. Reena’s commitment to making a difference on a global scale is truly inspirational.