ALUMNI Program

From Wangaratta to Canberra: Georgina Ridley Inspires Wangaratta High School Grads!

Wangaratta High School was proud to welcome Georgina Ridley (Class of 2013) as our first-ever alumni guest speaker at the 2025 Year 12 Graduation Dinner. Georgina shared an inspiring reflection on her journey from Wangaratta High S to her current role as Assistant Director in the Office for Women, part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Georgina spoke warmly about her time at WHS, recalling favourite memories with friends and the teachers who opened doors and helped build her confidence. She admitted fearing school camps but loved subjects like Global Politics and Twentieth-Century History, thanks to the guidance of Mr McCarthy.

After school, Georgina chose a Bachelor of Arts for its flexibility, later specialising in Politics and Gender Studies and completing a Master of Business Administration. Today, she works to ensure the diverse needs of women are considered in government decision-making and volunteers as a Board Director for the Country University Centre – Ovens Murray, staying connected to her north-east Victorian roots while based in Canberra.

Her message to graduates was clear: You don’t need to have your entire future mapped out at 17 or 18. Success looks different for everyone, and it’s normal to have multiple jobs or career changes along the way. Follow what interests you, work hard, and don’t be afraid to try different things until you find your sweet spot.

Georgina reminded us that small details matter and that perseverance pays off. Her favourite quote sums it up perfectly: “You can make up for what you lack in talent through hard work and determination.”

The evening was made even more special as we celebrated Georgina’s upcoming wedding and met her supportive partner, Charlie. Thank you, Georgina, for inspiring our graduates and making history as our first alumni speaker at this event.

Stay Connected!

Join our Alumni and school community on Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch.

Join the Alumni Program!

Do you, or someone you know, want to join the Wangaratta High School Alumni Program? By joining the program, you can stay updated on school events, reconnect with old friends and teachers, and even help inspire the next generation of Wangaratta High School students.

To join our alumni community and get involved, please complete the form on our webpage https://www.whs.vic.edu.au/alumni/ or email us at alumni@whs.vic.edu.au with your contact details, and Megan De Fazio will be in touch with you.

Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue to grow and strengthen our alumni network!