130 Trailblazers

Professor Margaret Seares (1965)

Chair of PIAF, Chair of Australia Council, and more

Margaret Seares (1965) began her academic career as a specialist in 18th century keyboard music before becoming head of music at the University of WA. She was chair of the Perth International Arts Festival from 2012 to 2016 and senior deputy vice chancellor at the University of WA from 2004 to 2008. She was seconded by the WA State government to head the Department of Culture and the Arts. She has been chair of many arts-associated bodies, both State and national.

Diana Warnock (1957)

Radio, Women’s Rights, State Politician

Diana Warnock (1957) is a former journalist, State Member of Parliament, author, ABC broadcaster and women’s rights advocate. In 1996, she helped steered a controversial pro-choice Bill through State Parliament which effectively decriminalised abortion and enabled women to access abortions of pregnancies up to 20 weeks on the basis of informed consent.

格蕾丝-福雷斯特（2010）

Human Rights Activist

Grace Forrest (2010) is the founding director of Walk Free, an international human rights organisation working to eradicate modern slavery. In 2018, Walk Free successfully campaigned for the implementation of an Australian Modern Slavery Act, supported by both major parties and the business community. A sought-after public speaker she was appointed the United Nations Association of Australia’s youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Anti-Slavery.

Margaret Pitt Morrison (1916)

First Female Architect in WA

Margaret Pitt Morison (1916) was WA’s first woman architect, working in both Perth and Melbourne. She worked on many notable buildings in Perth, including Lawson Apartments. The University of WA awards the Margaret Pitt Morison Memorial Prize to outstanding environmental design students. The WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects named their annual Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage after her. In 1979 she was made a Life Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Pippin Drysdale (1961)

Ceramic Artist WA, Living Treasure

Pippin Drysdale (1961) is a widely acclaimed ceramic artist. A State Living Treasure and Master of Australian Craft, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of the arts by Curtin University and was recently a finalist in the Wynne Prize, awarded by the Art Gallery of NSW. Recently she held a major solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA

Jo Horgan (1985)

Founder of MECCA, Melburnian of the Year

Jo Horgan (1985) is the founder and CEO of Mecca Cosmetica, an independent company which has grown from a single store to over 100 stores and an annual turnover of $70 million. Her business vision has changed the face of cosmetic retailing in Australia. She was named Melburnian of the Year in 2025.

Katerina Bara (1999)

Arnhem Aboriginal Council Chairperson

Katarina Bara (1999) is a member of the Anindilyaka people, living on Groote Eylandt. Committed to empowering Aboriginal businesses and communities, she is chair of the The Arnhem Aboriginal Business Council, having served as deputy chair since 2019. She was on the East Arnhem Regional Council as a liaison officer and was a Centrelink agent before pursuing her passion to improve education outcomes for her people.

Fiona Stanley (1963)

Epidemiologist and Australian of the Year

Fiona Stanley (1963) is an epidemiologist and founding director of the Telethon Kids Institute. An Australian of the Year, her research into child and maternal health has been groundbreaking. Of special note is the institute’s work on the effect of folate in a mother’s diet, which led to a decrease in the incidence of birth defects. She was also a professor of paediatrics at the University of WA. Her work is recognised by the naming of the Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Kathleen Prendergast (1927)

First Female Major in the British Army

Kathleen Prendergast (1927) was the first female, and at the time of her death the only, Major in the British Army. Originally trained as a paleontologist, she won a Hackett Research Studentship at the University of WA before moving to Cambridge and being awarded a PhD in 1939. She then changed direction to study medicine at King’s College Hospital, London and when qualified in medicine in 1944 she was commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps and was appointed Regimental Medical Officer to the 1st Battalion, the famous Black Watch.

Elizabeth Mills (1967)

Australian Hall of Fame Paralympian

Elizabeth Mills (1967) is a Paralympic swimmer who won her first Olympic medals at the age of 14. A determined advocate for people with disabilities she was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, is a member of the Wheelchair Sports WA Hall of Fame and the Swimming WA Hall of Legends. In 2024 she became a member of the Australian Paralympian Hall of Fame.

Since its founding in 1896, St Hilda’s has built a proud legacy of academic excellence and leadership

Discover the inspiring stories of our remarkable 130 Trailblazers

Professor Margaret Seares (1965)

Diana Warnock (1957)

格蕾丝-福雷斯特（2010）

Margaret Pitt Morrison (1916)

Pippin Drysdale (1961)

Jo Horgan (1985)

Katerina Bara (1999)

Fiona Stanley (1963)

Kathleen Prendergast (1927)

Elizabeth Mills (1967)

Professor Margaret Seares (1965)

Diana Warnock (1957)

格蕾丝-福雷斯特（2010）

Margaret Pitt Morrison (1916)

Pippin Drysdale (1961)

Jo Horgan (1985)

Katerina Bara (1999)

Fiona Stanley (1963)

Kathleen Prendergast (1927)

Elizabeth Mills (1967)

Explore all 130 St Hilda’s Trailblazers and the incredible impact they made — and continue to make today

Pippin Drysdale (1961)