Julie began her career as a secondary English-History teacher and later moved into the area of supporting students with learning difficulties. When she retired for the first time in 2006, she was the head of a learning support department in a large independent boys’ school. After only five months of retirement, she returned to another independent boys’ school and retired from that school at the end of 2019. She chose the perfect time to really retire as she avoided having to cope with the educational challenges of COVID-19.
She is passionate about history; especially Australian history, and has loved Sydney since she came here from the country to attend University. Both these passions combine in her volunteering with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. She has been a volunteer since 2007 in the areas of Oral History, interviewing people who have worked and/or lived at Harbour Trust sites, and as a Speaker to community groups.
For some years she was a Teacher Guide hosting school groups on Cockatoo Island and at North Head. She finds being able to share Trust presentations with community groups and interview people who have connections to Harbour Trust sites, both fascinating and rewarding.
Our speaker will delve into the history of this one-time convict penal establishment, reformatory school and shipbuilding yard. Hear how the island’s convicts were shaped by harsh living and working conditions, how vulnerable boys were gathered from the streets of Sydney and taught trades, and how shipbuilders made Cockatoo Island the major shipbuilding and dockyard facility for the South West Pacific in WWII.
Liverpool City Library
Thursday 10th August
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
No bookings are needed, tea and cuppa are provided.
This event is delivered in partnership with Liverpool U3A
