SHINING bright
Success appears in many forms. As International Women’s Day approaches, we chat to four high-flying SA-based women about the highs, lows, strengths, vulnerabilities and inspiration that helped get them to where they are today.
Words: Katie Spain
SHINING bright
Success appears in many forms. As International Women’s Day approaches, we chat to four high-flying SA-based women about the highs, lows, strengths, vulnerabilities and inspiration that helped get them to where they are today.
Words: Katie Spain
APRIL LAWRIE
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, chair and co-founder of Tjindu Foundation.
Where do you feel most at home in SA?
I was born in Kimba but far west coast is home. When I’m on country with my feet firmly planted on the Nullarbor, where my grandfather was born and where my family lived [Mirning people]. We’re coastal fishing people but I’m also Kokatha through my Nana whose people were hunters. Both are my heritage.
Who inspired you?
I didn’t really know how important Aunty Margaret Lawrie was until I was a little bit older. Like Lowitja O’Donoghue, she was one of those Aboriginal trailblazing nurses in SA in the 1950s.
What vivid childhood memory stands out?
My Nana taught us a lot about the bush and our heritage. She was absolutely resourceful. I remember my sisters and cousins going to the Gawler swimming pool but I didn’t have bathers. Our vertical striped green curtains were somewhat shorter by midday – Nana had made bikinis from them. I worshipped the ground on which my grandparents walked. They were sturdy, caring, kind and happy people. We were poor but we made do.
What drives you?
I’ve always been up for the challenge. Important work is not easy. I insert myself into spaces where I go hard and I’m a bit of a workaholic, so I’m not afraid of heavy lifting. I’m someone who is doggedly determined in going after something and seeing it through because holding a vision about what I want to see different at the end is what keeps me on track. I always do it with my people in mind.
"I’ve always been up for the challenge. Important work is not easy... I’m a bit of a workaholic, so I’m not afraid of heavy lifting.”
What keeps you up at night?
I worry about what the future holds for our Aboriginal children and young people, but at the same time, I’ve come across a whole bunch of Aboriginal kids who have this radical optimism that things will get better. I’m impressed, I’m inspired, I’m hopeful, because they show up and they ask our leaders, black and white, to show up for them.
KATHERINE BENNELL-PEGG
Astronaut with the Australian Space Agency.
What is your most vivid childhood memory?
I grew up in Sydney and we often would drive up to the Blue Mountains on weekends. I’d read science books and magazines in the car, and then being amongst nature up there – hiking and climbing and camping – fostered my curiosity. Whether travelling or at home, a vivid childhood memory is lying on the scratchy grass, getting spiked by bindis, looking up through binoculars at the stars, fascinated by the scale of the universe and how much remained to be discovered.
"Dream big, dream audaciously, and go for it. The effort is worth it.”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an astronaut. But when I grew up, we didn’t have an Australian Space Agency, let alone a path to being an astronaut, so I left Australia to pursue a space career internationally. The establishment of the Australian Space Agency brought me back home.
How do you describe SA to interstate dwellers?
SA is a hidden gem – a wonderful place to raise a family, great food and wine culture, friendly communities, wilderness to explore and increasingly having good job opportunities, especially in the space sector with the Australian Space Agency HQ here. I knew so little about SA when I moved to Adelaide in 2019 that I was surprised after arriving to see the beaches faced west – and now I treasure our beach picnics with the gorgeous sunsets. This state has given me tremendous opportunity.
What are your career highlights?
It was such an honour to graduate as an astronaut – better yet, an Australian astronaut. It’s pinch-me stuff to be mission-assignment-ready for a professional mission to the International Space Station or even beyond.
Any advice to youngsters on pursuing a career in space technology?
Dream big, dream audaciously, and go for it. The effort is worth it. If you pursue a space career, you’re at the centre of discovery and have the ability to help solve the great problems facing our world. To young girls in particular, I encourage them to pursue their STEM or space ambitions without hesitation. Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t suited to a career you aspire to. Don’t feel you have to be, look, think or act a certain way to succeed in space – be yourself.
KATHY GRAMP
President and Chairman of the RAA Board.
Where did you grow up?
My first five years were at what is now Jacob’s Creek in the Barossa Valley, then we moved into the town of Tanunda. My memories are of riding to school, family barbecues in the hills, and visiting the local swimming pool. Looking back, it was a nice time. My parents worked very hard to provide for us. We weren’t well off by any means, so we all got jobs during the school holidays. My first job was picking grapes.
"Children level you. Having two boys two years apart taught me to compartmentalise my life. When I was at work, I was at work, and when I was at home, I was at home.”
What’s your proudest achievement?
I was with the Austereo commercial radio group for just over 22 years. My personal achievement was building some really great teams. Those people have gone on to do some great things. For me, it’s about being able to give people opportunities to learn, grow and have the confidence to move ahead and realise their potential.
Any regrets?
I never took the opportunity to work overseas. I was able to fulfill a career and personal life from Adelaide but it would have been great to have lived and worked overseas.
What has motherhood taught you?
That you’re not good at everything. Children level you. Having two boys two years apart taught me to compartmentalise my life. When I was at work, I was at work, and when I was at home, I was at home. I tried to keep those two very separate and that worked, 99 per cent of the time.
When are you happiest?
When I’m with family, just chilling out and enjoying the simple things together. In those moments I feel good. It’s like all the planets aligning.
How do you keep balance?
We have a place down at Maslin Beach and we love to go down there. We also have a winery in Clare Valley [Tim Gramp Wines] which is a lovely little spot to go. I also like cooking and reading. I can find quite a lot of solace in my own company.
Any advice for young people with business aspirations?
This isn’t necessarily just for women with ambitions in the corporate world, but for anything. You can do it. Just be in the moment and trust your judgment. Be yourself and be authentic in whatever you do. Also, enjoy the ride.
TSERING HANNAFORD
Artist.
What enthralled you about art?
The way that art can transport you to another world. Especially with realist portraits, when you stand in front of a painting that is hundreds of years old, it’s like time travelling – you could be there, facing that person from another lifetime, and it can feel so real.
Who have been the major influences in your life?
My father [portrait artist Robert Hannaford] has been my biggest professional influence. He showed me that life as an artist was possible. After my dad, the international realist community who I have connected with during residencies in Europe and the United States have been big influences. They showed me that classical painting is alive and well in the next generation of artists.
“...when you stand in front of a painting that is hundreds of years old, it’s like time travelling...”
Your professional highlights?
Being an Archibald Prize finalist the past 10 years has been a professional highlight, and having a portrait of Stephanie Alexander acquired by the National Portrait Gallery was another pinch-me moment. Getting to know the amazing people who sit for me is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Any advice to youngsters?
Try not to be influenced by the pervasive negative messaging about being an artist, for example, the starving artist trope. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who support you, and go for it. Art can be a wonderfully rewarding career choice, especially if you love a challenge and welcome variety and adventure.
What do you like to do in your free time in SA?
We’re lucky in South Australia to be surrounded by such beautiful regions. I love driving up to visit friends in the Adelaide Hills, or family in the Mid-North, or going for a hike. I’m also on the board of Guildhouse, which supports South Australian visual artists, craftspeople and designers to build sustainable careers, and I’m co-head of 10x10 Philanthropy Adelaide, which supports local grassroots social purpose organisations.
IMAGES: Brad Griffen; Eugene Hyland; RAA/Mike Lockheart.
