Alumni News

Posted on December 14, 2020 / Alumni News, / General news

Jenny Brown (YG 1981)

Congratulations to alumna Jenny Brown (YG 1981) for being nominated in the 2020 Financial Standard Power 50. The list is comprised of the 50 most influential financial advisers in Australia according to the readers of Financial Standard and FS Advice. This is Jenny’s seventh consecutive year being named in this list along with her peers, a terrific achievement.

Liz Irwin (YG 1966)

Congratulations to Liz Irwin (Marsden YG 1966) who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) at this year’s Australia Day Honours. Liz was recognised for her service and dedicated work as a volunteer Occupational Therapist with Solve Disability Service.

Liz has been a volunteer with Solve’s Sunraysia branch since 1993, and an active member of the Mildura community right back to the 1970’s; co-founding SunAssist Volunteer Helpers, Special Needs Playgroup and the Mildura Toy Library. Liz was also founder of the Macular Degeneration Self Help Group, and is currently Chairperson of the Disability Access Advisory Committee.

A natural desire to help people drove Liz’s passion for volunteer work, “As an occupational therapist I became even more aware of how even simple problem-solving could give people more independence and enjoyment in life. After I had my three kids I wanted to remain engaged with the community and be useful.”

Now retired from paid work, including a remarkable 16 years with Vision Australia, Liz continues to engage with the community, leading an outdoor lifestyle with her husband and two dogs, and extended family.

After 26 years with Solve, Liz says, “Assisting people to do something they couldn’t do before is satisfying for all concerned – it’s a team effort – that’s why I keep doing it.”

Dot Burns (YG 1960)

Dorothy ‘Dot’ Burns (Tolson YG 1960) is one of the founders of the Wealden Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers in Sussex England. More than 35 years later and Dot is the current Chairman, though the guild meetings have been delayed due to Covid19.

First introduced to all things textile by her needlework teacher Mrs Pearse when a student at Tintern, she has never looked back. Her very first weaving was completed as part of her leaving certificate back in 1959, and her skill has only increased since then. Dot says, “Over the years I have used my skill to make presents for my friends and family and also join in guild projects. Every two years we dye, spin and weave silk scarves for raffle prizes at our by annual exhibition which are greatly sort after.”

During lockdown Dot has managed a phone hotline to support other Weavers Spinners and Dyers, as well as completing her own pieces. “Like most weavers I also spin and dye my own fibres and yarn. In fact mostly I see the complete process from start to finish.”

Included below are photos from her most recent pieces, a selection of cushions for her sitting room, a length of cotton fabric for a jacket and a length of wool for a winter jacket.”

Of her lifetime work and passion, Dot says, “Encouraging others to take up any of the allied crafts has always been my mission, and when I see others learning new skills and gaining enjoyment from their achievements this is my reward. To be able to take a collection of fibres and mold it into a wearable item is extremely satisfying.”

Natasha I’Anson (YG 2011)

Natasha graduated with first class honours in Bachelor of Fashion (Design), and soon commenced work with Politix Menswear as a stylist/manager in Malvern in early 2017, before securing her first ‘industry’ job at Tradie Underwear and Workwear. Working as a crucial part of the team, Natasha now looks after more challenging accounts such as Tradie Workwear and Tradie Outerwear.

During her spare time, Natasha works as a Costume/Textile Designer for Ukiyo, an interactive experience not dissimilar to an escape room. She designs and creates all the masks, apparel and textile installations, and had just finished designing/producing printed tote bags. When the Pandemic hit, Ukiyo had to temporarily close due to the lockdown restrictions.

Having always managed a blog and online portfolio at www.natashaianson.com, during the Pandemic Natasha suddenly had a lot more spare time. Directing her creative energy toward building her own Etsy store, Natasha says, “I really have experienced so much love for the things I make! I have also designed some new Christmas prints, as fans have messaged me begging for Christmas masks! The grey Australian Christmas print you can see on my Etsy store were the first, with two more fabric designs following soon after!”

People of Tintern

During Lockdown we shared the ‘People of Tintern’ project with our Community. Included were the following Alumni. Please select their picture to learn their stories: