VCE Conference Dinner

In early May, the Year 12 cohort gathered together at the Bendigo Racecourse for the formal VCE Conference Dinner. Normally held over two days in Melbourne, the VCE Conference allows students to visit Universities in Melbourne and Geelong as well as attend workshops and study based sessions to sharpen their focus for their final year of schooling. Whilst COVID-19 prevented us from attending this event in January, we were still able to hold the formal dinner here in Bendigo, with two Old Girtonians, Annika Smethurst (2005) and Thomas Rochford (2012), joining us as guest speakers.

After graduating from Girton Annika commenced her journalism studies at Monash University. Currently, the State Political Editor at The Age newspaper, Annika is a frequent guest on ‘The Briefing’ podcast as well as the ABC Insiders. Throughout her impressive career, Annika has been recognised for many prestigious awards - a double Walkley Award winner, Annika has also received two Melbourne Quill Awards for political reporting.  Additionally, Annika has been twice named Canberra Press Gallery’s “Journalist of the Year” and has published two books: ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ in 2021 and ‘On Secrets’ in 2020.

Thomas initially intended to study Veterinary Science, but following a Gap year he considered what his interests and passions were and decided to change his study to a combined Bachelor Degree of Laws/Science, with Environmental Science as his Major. This five-year course took him to Melbourne where he had opportunities to learn through a variety of internships, work placements and travel overseas with his study.  In addition, he studied Sustainability at The University of Tasmania and is currently studying Climate Policy at Australian National University. Employed at KPMG since 2019 in the field of Climate Change and Sustainability, Thomas says that he hopes to continue to be an advocate for this generation as we navigate the bourgeoning global climate crisis.

Both Annika and Thomas spoke to the students about the lessons they took away from their time at Girton and the pathways they have taken since departing school.  Stressing the importance of having a community of people who can support you on your journey, both Annika and Thomas challenged the students to explore the notion that careers are not always planned; in fact, being focused yet flexible, seeking opportunities, and remaining positive during times of uncertainty enables one to engage with the question of “What would I like to do next?” rather than “What do I want to be when I grow up?”.  

Thank you to both Annika and Thomas for their generosity in sharing their thoughts and time with our Year 12 cohort. 

Mrs Lucy Bett

Careers Department