Former College Captain takes on Federal role

A former College Captain made headlines nationally last year when she successfully stood as an Independent for the seat of Indi in Federal Parliament.

The north-east Victorian seat takes in areas around Wodonga, Wangaratta and Benalla - Kelly Country.

It is now held by Helen Haines (nee Carew), a health worker and researcher from Wangaratta and a former St Joseph's - Trinity College student leader.

Back in 1979 Trinity College and St Joseph's College commenced an experimental phase of co-education for boys and girls.

While they shared the Pound Road site from 1976, the first tentative steps towards co-education began with a three year trial and a move towards a shared administration.

The inaugural College Captain for the combined schools in 1979 was Helen Carew, with Vice Captains Cathy McGuane and Wayne O'Brien, and prefects Linda McDonald, Dianne Paatsch, Pat Ryan and Shane Serle.

Brother Ron Stewart commenced his eight year reign as Principal in 1979 with Sister Diane Brebner as Deputy.

Helen was quoted in the College's 50 year history book by Helen Paatsch as saying:

"I was left in no doubt that the career of Brother Stewart would be judged by the pedagogical equivalent of 'boy meets girl'. Rightly or wrongly I didn't get the same sense of a personal 'win-lose' situation from the Vice Principal Sister Diane Brebner... They were a strong team and I admired them for different reasons".

She went on to say: "I have no recollection whatsoever on how I came to be school captain, but I do recall my parents receiving a letter announcing the appointment. Was Brother Stewart in his own way, something of a feminist? Perhaps he saw a young woman being the first school captain as emblematic of the vision he was charged to lead in Colac."

Helen said the entire senior prefect team and Year 12 class was aware that they were part of an historic juncture in the story of Trinity College.

And now Helen, a dairy farmer's daughter from Eurack, continues to create history as an Independent in Federal Parliament - the first Independent ever to succeed an Independent and retain the seat.

In her maiden speech to Parliament last year, Helen paid tribute to her predecessor, Cathy McGowan AO, and championed the need for more female representation in Parliament to provide diversity and the creation of the best public policy for our nation.

Helen expressed gratitude to her husband Phil, three children and her extended family, many of whom still live in the Colac region, and praised health care workers for the vital roles they play.

"In total I have spent three decades working in rural health care as an academic researcher, administrator, not-for-profit company director, midwife and nurse. I salute my colleagues in health care all over Australia for their expertise and devotion", she said.

"I am a regional Australian and I am a defiant optimist, but one who recognises the scale of the challenge ahead. We have some essential issues to tackle both in Indi and across rural Australia."

Helen's maiden speech included an account of growing up in Eurack, attending a one teacher primary school, life on the land and life lessons from a host of family connections. Anyone with an interest in local history will find it very entertaining. A link is provided below.

When we contacted Helen recently she had this to say about the new role:

"In regard to the what the role now requires, I can say that it requires a strong moral and ethical compass! I aim  to stay true to my desire to ‘be the change I want to see in political life’ – that being I want our Federal Parliament to act respectfully, to be transparent and maintain integrity in decision making. I wish to see a political discourse that is inclusive of our diverse population, that is evidence based, that is kind and that is focused on a future which brings all people along rather than leaving some behind. 

The role requires a keen eye to understand what matters to the electorate I represent and what matters to the nation. It requires a lot of reading and analysis and a genuine desire to help people. The role requires tremendous energy and stamina, it requires the support of a talented team and a loving and encouraging family. I am very fortunate to have both."

You can view Helen's maiden speech to Parliament here.