Ngaire Kennedy (nee Horrocks) (1973)
Queen’s simply changed my life. As a 16 year old I had no thoughts of going to University. Listening to my brother Keith’s (Horrocks) (Wyvern 1969) tales of Queen’s – the people he met, the conversations in the JCR, the traditions, the celebrations, College life in general, changed that. Two years later I moved into one of the women’s colleges on College Crescent.
In 1972 the Queen’s Sports and Social Club passed the motion to admit women residents. My application was filled out and submitted the day after this historic vote. I took up residence in Queen’s in 1973 as a third-year student. The first intake of nearly 40 women took to College life fully, an example being Inter-Collegiate sport. Encouraged by the three Phys Ed students amongst us Queen’s fielded women’s teams in football, rowing, table tennis, swimming, tennis, basketball, athletics, hockey and netball. A great effort for such a small number.
The atmosphere, inclusiveness and sense of belonging at Queen’s was something I had not experienced before. Friendships made at Queen’s were special and many would be lifelong. The Wyvern connection extends through my family with a brother, two brothers-in-law, a daughter and a nephew also residents.
My working life covered The National Library of Australia, Aeronautical Research Laboratories (Dept. of Defence), CSIRO and Australia Post.
I am now semi-retired and enjoying the wonderful world of grandchildren.