Overlooking the very site where QG sport was played over 100 years ago, Old Government House played host to the recent QGSSSA 110 Years Celebratory Gala Dinner.
150 QGSSSA School Principals, staff and special guests gathered in black tie at Gardens Point for what was the pinnacle of celebrations commemorating the Association’s 110 years of girls in sport.
Past and present staff and alumni mingled in the historic courtyard of Old Government House, entertained by a unique and talented string quartet made up of four students from Somerville House, Moreton Bay College, St Margaret’s AGS and Brisbane Girls Grammar School.
MC Miss Nicole Rowles, Channel 9 News Presenter and Brisbane Girls Grammar School old girl, hosted the evening, giving a personal touch with her memories of QG Sport.
QGSSSA President Dr Julie Wilson Reynolds, Principal of St Hilda’s School, officially welcomed guests and gave a wonderful insight into the Association’s 110 years of history.
Minister for Education and Industrial Relations, Hon Grace Grace MP, also paid tribute to the work of the association and its importance to girls and women in sport.
Special Guest speaker Dr Susan Alberti AC had guests enthralled with her keynote speech, highlighting her experiences as a woman in the business, medical and sporting worlds.
Other special guests included past principals Mr Ken Waller (Moreton Bay College), Mrs Karen Spiller (St Aidan’s AGS), Mrs Judith Hill (Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School), Olympic Swimmers Bronte Barrett (St Margaret’s AGS), Jane Deane and Stephanie Rice (Clayfield College), Olympic Triathlete Maxine Seear (St Peters Lutheran College), Netball legend Vicki Wilson, and recent Commonwealth Games swimming silver medallist Laura Taylor (St Hilda’s School).
The history of the Association was showcased with each table’s centrepiece being a QGSSSA trophy from across a range of sports, dating back as far as the early 1900’s.
Guests reminisced throughout the evening of their QG sporting days, including past sports of Lifesaving and Ballgames, enjoying the wonderful memories, spirit and comradery that is unique to the Association.
Photo: Dr Susan Alberti AC (seated, left) with QGSSSA Principals L-R: Mr Wade Haynes (BSHS), Dr Peter Britton (IGGS), Mr Tim Kotzur (SPLC), Ms Ros Curtis (St Margaret’s AGS), Mrs Toni Riordan (St Aidan’s AGS), Ms Sam Bolton (Deputy Principal, Clayfield College), Dr Ness Goodwin (Somerville House), Ms Jacinda Euler (BGGS) and Dr Julie Wilson Reynolds (St Hilda’s School, seated, right).