Santosh Baral

Tag: Perth Residential College

  • Six Noongar Seasons with Dandjoo Darbalung

    Our Indigenous access program Dandjoo Darbalung has spent several years putting together a series of large canvas artworks that represent the six Noongar seasons. These pieces are the work of our Indigenous residents, with contributions from the wider St Catherine’s community and schools that have participated in the Dandjoo Darbalung outreach program.

    If you would like further information on our cultural immersion programs, please get in touch with our Indigenous Program Coordinator Maxine Brahim

    Birak: December – January The first summer. Noongar people would practice burning to force native animals into the open, making hunting easier.
    Birak: December – January The first summer. Noongar people would practice burning to force native animals into the open, making hunting easier.
    Bunuru: February – March The second summer. The hottest time of the year, with little or no rainfall. Noongar people would move closer to the estuaries for fishing.
    Bunuru: February – March The second summer. The hottest time of the year, with little or no rainfall. Noongar people would move closer to the estuaries for fishing.
    Djeran: April – May It’s all about good tucker as the cooler weather sets in. Noongar people would continue fishing along the coast. Bulbs, seeds, Jam gum and berries were plentiful and were collected.
    Djeran: April – May It’s all about good tucker as the cooler weather sets in. Noongar people would continue fishing along the coast. Bulbs, seeds, Jam gum and berries were plentiful and were collected.
    Makuru: June - July The first rains. Noongar people would move inland once the rains had replenished the water systems and prepare for Djilba, the following season, which has heavy rains and cold nights. Noongar people would stock up on free tools and medicine.
    Makuru: June – July The first rains. Noongar people would move inland once the rains had replenished the water systems and prepare for Djilba, the following season, which has heavy rains and cold nights. Noongar people would stock up on free tools and medicine.
    Djilba: August – September The second part of winter and the wettest and coldest time of the year, with clear cold nights. Food is abundant in this season, and it is a perfect time to stock up on good tucker like native potatoes.
    Djilba: August – September The second part of winter and the wettest and coldest time of the year, with clear cold nights. Food is abundant in this season, and it is a perfect time to stock up on good tucker like native potatoes.
    Kambarang: October- November The wildflower season, when the days become longer, warmer and drier. The baby birds are born, reptiles surface from hibernation and wildflowers bloom. Noongar people would move closer to the coast where the frogs, turtles and freshwater crayfish were.
    Kambarang: October- November The wildflower season, when the days become longer, warmer and drier. The baby birds are born, reptiles surface from hibernation and wildflowers bloom. Noongar people would move closer to the coast where the frogs, turtles and freshwater crayfish were.

  • 50 Years On – St Catherine’s Memories

    From the outside, our UWA campus looks quite different now. With the additions of our new buildings in 2014 and 2019, our College has grown significantly. However, some things at St Catherine’s are timeless, like catching up with friends in your room, getting dressed up for a special event, or having fun. These photos were taken in 1972 and were kindly provided to us by Ann Osborne, who resided at the College in the early 1970s.

    Ann McIlroy posing out the front of St Catherine’s in 1971
    Ann McIlroy posing out the front of St Catherine’s in 1971
    Ann McIlroy in Park Road 96, 1972
    Ann McIlroy in Park Road 96, 1972
    Jane Taylor, Ann McIlroy, Lorraine Patterson, Eleanor Thorburn, Nola Hanstrum, Jenny Falck and Maureen Hoddell
    Jane Taylor, Ann McIlroy, Lorraine Patterson, Eleanor Thorburn, Nola Hanstrum, Jenny Falck and Maureen Hoddell

    “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” – Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

    Residents getting involved in College sports
    Residents getting involved in College sports
    Valedictory Dinner 1972. Maureen Hoddell, Bev Vickers, Penny Clowes, Lyn Angel, Jane Burgess, Ann Osborne, Di McQuillan and Jenny Muir
    Valedictory Dinner 1972. Maureen Hoddell, Bev Vickers, Penny Clowes, Lyn Angel, Jane Burgess, Ann Osborne, Di McQuillan and Jenny Muir
    Residents gathering at Whitfield room
    Residents gathering at Whitfield room

    See more articles on our blog site here.

  • 5 Myths About Living at College

    Living at College is an amazing experience, but it can be hard to know what to expect. To help you better understand what life at St Catherine’s is like, take a look at some common misconceptions about College.

    Myth= College is only for rich people

    College can seem expensive at first, but when you compare the costs of living at college to the cost of renting in Perth, there is only a marginal difference, if any. At College you also get experiences and assistance that you won’t find when you’re renting or living in other student housing.

    St Catherine’s was founded with a mission to make education accessible for the disadvantaged by providing affordable accommodation to those who needed it. This is still a priority for St Catherine’s today, and we offer the most generous scholarships on College Row.

    Myth = College is super strict like boarding school

    College is a place for young adults, and we value your independence. There is no curfew and you are free to come and go as you please. Any rules we do have are put in place for the safety and comfort of our community, such as noise restrictions on weeknights and around exam time. When you live at St Catherine’s, our College is your home!

    Myth= People just drink and party all the time at College

    College is primarily a place for people to live while they study, and it’s important to us that everyone feels comfortable here. As mentioned above, our residents are independent young adults and they are free to have fun and party if they so choose. However, St Catherine’s has practices in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves safely and without disturbing those around them.

    St Catherine’s hosts many different events throughout the year, most of which do not involve alcohol. However, at our more celebratory events where alcohol is served, we always ensure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available too. College is a place where we look out for each other, so everyone can have fun and relax however they choose.

    Myth = College is for lazy people who don’t want to cook and clean

    While having your room professionally cleaned and eating meals prepared at the dining hall feels like a great luxury, it doesn’t mean our residents are incapable of looking after themselves. You still have to clean up after yourself and you can prepare your own food if you want to. It is very important to maintain a healthy diet and a clean living environment, but the reality is that it can be difficult to balance university and work commitments with things like cooking and cleaning.

    The benefits of having more free time can help you relax and make the most of your time at College. Eating at the dining hall is also a surefire way to make new friends, have interesting conversations and can be a great break compared to eating at your desk or spending money on food at uni.

    Myth= You don’t get any privacy at College

    You don’t have to share a room at College, and your space is entirely your own. Nobody else will have access to your room except for a staff member in case of emergency. If you use the communal bathrooms, there are unisex or female only facilities available. While there is always something going on at college, sometime you’ll just want to chill out in your room alone and that is totally fine.

  • 5 Reasons to Have a College Experience in WA

    You might be convinced you can only get a proper university experience in the Eastern states, however universities in Perth have just as much to offer. Whether you decide to study at UWA (a world top 100 school), Curtin, or Notre Dame, there’s a chance for you to immerse yourself in the rich university and college culture. Here are 5 reasons why you don’t need to go east for a “true” university experience and some testimonials from our interstate students.

    1. Our universities have rich campus culture and so do the colleges

    Living on campus at UWA means you’re exposed to both the college and university culture. St. Cat’s hosts events every week, and if you have an idea for one, you can host your own! These range from casual events like movie nights to formal events like our balls. You also have a chance to get involved with the other colleges on college row with inter-college events. College row hosts IC sporting events, debate, and battle of the bands so there are many opportunities for you to branch out and meet students from other colleges. On an even larger scale, visiting UWA campus gives you many opportunities to network and make friends with other students. Reid library and the guild village are two popular spots for students to hang around campus and mingle. Further, we host students from all of the universities in Perth. No matter if you’re looking to study at Notre Dame in Fremantle or ECU in Joondalup, we have the accommodation for you!

    2. There is so much to do!

    A big misconception about Perth is that it’s boring, but there is so much to do and see. Whether you want to explore on a road trip, check out some live music or eat some delicious food, Perth has got something for you. Having fun doesn’t need to break the bank, and there are plenty of student-friendly entertainment options close to College for you to enjoy. St Catherine’s also has a full calendar of social, sporting and artistic events for you to enjoy throughout the year

    3. Make friends from all over the world

    When you stay at college, you have opportunities to meet students from around the country and from around the globe. Although COVID has caused us to have a limited international population the past two years, St. Cats is hosting 80 international students this school year, 24% of our student population. Before travel restrictions, we had an international population of around 50%. Interstate students make up 10% of our population, so there are many opportunities to meet people from different walks of life and find friends from similar backgrounds, even if you’re not from Perth!

    4. Feel safe on campus

    At St. Cats, your comfort and safety is our priority. Each student has their own keycard they use to get access to areas around college including entry points, the dining hall, and their room, making us one of the most secure colleges in Perth. University security can walk you back from class, and our residents also have access to 24/7 support from staff. We are also equipped with indoor and outdoor security cameras, so if a problem does arise, it can be easily resolved by our staff.

    5. Receive support to achieve your best

    University can be a stressful time, and it can be hard to balance study, work, social life and looking after your mental and physical health. St Catherine’s offers comprehensive support to it’s residents so that you can focus on the important things. Whether it’s having your room professionally cleaned, getting free academic tutoring, joining in a sport or keeping busy with social events, College helps you make time for the important things in life.

    An interview with our interstate students

    We asked some of our interstate students about their decision to study in Perth. Here are their responses:

    Why did you choose Perth?

    “I chose to study in Perth because I received a very attractive course offer at UWA that I couldn’t refuse. Coming from a big city like Melbourne, I had not heard much about Perth other than the two AFL teams that they had. However, after being in Perth for 9 months, I have fallen in love with the city and it has impressed me in so many ways, from the beaches, to the nightlife, to its scenic beauty. However, most of all, I’ve met some truly wonderful people in Perth which has completely elevated my experience.” – Peter from Melbourne, VIC, studying Dentistry

    What expectations did you have about the college experience?

    “I thought there would be a lot of partying etc and it’s probably actually more low key than I expected. I was just hoping to meet some people and was slightly concerned that there would be hardly anyone near my age, but there are more than I expected.” – Tor from Brisbane, QLD, studying Medicine

    “Having done my undergraduate Bachelor’s degree at the University of Melbourne, I had friends at college who had told me stories about college life in Perth and the lively nightlife scene. Thus, I was excited but slightly wary, since I’m personally more reserved and don’t tend to indulge in such activities too often.” – Peter from Melbourne, VIC

    What has your college and university experience been like in Perth?

    “Really liked Perth and college, although I feel like college is probably best experienced as a fresher.” – Tor from Brisbane, QLD

    “I have had a phenomenal time at college so far! It has been incredibly different from my expectations. Through college, I have found amazing friends, a tight-knit community, and been able to attend so many fun and wholesome events, from charity concerts, to firepit nights, to intercollege sports competitions. In terms of university experience, I think the UWA campus is one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen, with its luscious green gardens and iconic sandstone buildings. It is a pleasure to stroll through (or rush through in my case when I am late to class). Furthermore, student life is great, with so many university clubs and societies meaning that there is something for every type of student and interest!” – Peter from Melbourne, VIC

    What would you say to interstate students who are considering studying in a WA university?

    “I genuinely think college is a great way to find your feet after moving interstate, even if it’s just for the first year so that you can meet people to move out with. I think using flatmates.com etc is risky as you can end up with difficult people and I am really glad I came to college and have made some great friends.” – Tor from Brisbane, QLD

    “Do it! The prospect of moving across the country was such a scary thought for me when I first received my offer to study Dentistry, but in retrospect it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The capacity for personal growth and development has been immense, and I have learned so much about myself through the process of being independent. St Cat’s has been incredible for helping me make that first step in living alone, where they have still provided a great network of friends and staff to lean on when I am struggling with anything!” – Peter from Melbourne, VIC

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  • Things You Should Know Before Renting a Campervan

    Have you ever thought of renting a campervan? Neither had I, until my recent trip to Exmouth with a 12-people group of friends. There were some highlights and lowlights that I mentioned in the previous article about renting a campervan and I’m here to share with you all.

    Where can I book a campervan?

    Our campervan was from Britz, which is a business under THL, a tourism company based in New Zealand. They also have two other companies available in Australia, Maui and Mighty. Depending on your needs, the company provides several options for customers to choose. We chose the 6 Berth Frontier because that was our only option. The van includes everything, toilet, shower, oven, stove and more.

    How much does it cost to hire a campervan?

    It really depends on the time you book and the offers they have at the moment. As you can see below, they have deals occasionally so make sure to keep an eye on them if you are interested. Our trip was from 14-19 June and it costed us $2022 a van ( $337 per person).

    Plus, you need to remember that fuel costs money as well. Our van runs on diesel which is relatively more expensive. It cost the van an extra $600 for fuel and the fuel tank wasn’t really that big so we had to stop for fuel quite often.

    Where to find campervan accommodation

    We stayed at RAC resorts and caravans which provided power to plug into the van. It is best to look for a powered site so you can use the AC and other things. Most of these sites do provide communal kitchens so you don’t always have to cook in your van which can make your whole van smell. For us, the cost for staying at a powered site ranged from $80 to $110 a night.

    Liabilities of renting a campervan

    There are several packages you can choose from for your liabilities, the more you pay, the less liabilities you have. If you decide to not pay any extra for liabilities, you need to deposit another several thousand dollars. And you are liable for another several thousand dollars depending on the vehicle. I would suggest at least choose the option that your liability is reduced to $0.

    The Little Incident From Our Trip. 

    If you have already read the 5 Day Road Trip in Western Australia: Perth to Exmouth article, then you’ll know that we had a little incident when we were at Exmouth Town Beach, so now I’m here to tell you the story. 

    Basically, after we were done chilling at the beach, we divided to go back to the campsite. But right as we decided to start going, the driver realised that the gear was stuck in “park”, he couldn’t shift gears at all. 

    We tried restarting the car over and over again but it still wasn’t working. This is when we decided to call the number the campervan agency provided on the key. We tried to call but we couldn’t reach them as it kept on saying that the number wasn’t available so we tried another number they provided in the van. But it wasn’t working either so we started to panic. While we were trying to call the numbers again, there was a light flashing on the dashboard indicating that there were some issues with the engine. One of our friends suggested calling the number he used to enquire about the payment and thank God a staff picked up.  The staff help us to find solutions and got in contact with their branch in Exmouth. However, the tow truck could only come during the day that means the campervan would be stuck there overnight. Obviously, we didn’t really like the idea so the staff continued to look for other solutions. BUT, as we were waiting, we tried to shift the gears again and it actually worked. We were so confused about how did that even happen but also glad that we can finally head back and have dinner. 

    Things you should know before travelling with a campervan.  

    1. Plan your stops before taking off

    It’s really important to plan before your trip, especially if you’re going with a big group. Plan out where you’re going to fuel the van, and how you’re going to spend at that stop. What I’ve learnt from this trip was that it’s better to agree on a time like 20 minutes where everyone comes back to the van after their break. Otherwise, people will come back whenever they want which causes delays in the trip, affecting our check-in times. 

    2. Only book a campervan if you’re using all the features

    One thing I regretted the most is that we didn’t get to make full use of the campervan. We didn’t use the bathroom, we didn’t use the oven and stove; basically, we only slept in the van. The reason why we didn’t use most of the facilities is that we were too lazy to clean after using them. As in the agreement, we are responsible to clean the wastewater tank and all the stovetops before handing the van back to the agency.

    3. Be prepared for the unexpected

    After the little incident from our trip, I’ve learnt to be prepared for any uncertainties. It was such a hassle for us to reach out for help cause the phone number on the keys were not actually available. To prevent these kind of things from happening again, stay calm and make sure that the emergency number they provide is actually legit.

    4. Download offline maps

    Make sure to download offline maps whenever you have an internet connection. In case you lose connection in the middle of nowhere, at least you’ll have the map to guide you to your next destination. 

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  • 5 Day Road Trip in Western Australia: Perth to Exmouth

    Going on a road trip is fun and all, but have you ever thought of travelling in a campervan? I recently went on a five-day road trip in Western Australia from Perth to Exmouth with a campervan, and I would like to share some of my experiences. There were 12 of us, and we booked 2 campervans, 6 people per van. During these five days, we drove up to Exmouth and slowly driving back down. 

    Why Campervan?

    We’ve never really thought of driving a campervan until our friend told us about their experience with a campervan. We felt that it would be such a pleasant experience for all of us as we’ve never lived in a campervan before. Besides, splitting the cost for the van among 6 people is quite reasonable in our opinion. That’s why we were like, ‘Why not?”. Read our reviews and experiences of going on a road trip with a campervan in our article Things You Should Know Before Renting A Campervan.

    Before the Road Trip

    There are several things we had to do before the trip

    • Plan out our route and stops for fuel

    • Decide on places we want to visit

    • Book our campervans

    • Book campsites

    • Look for restaurants we could go 

    • Grocery shopping for the trip

    It’s really important to make a plan before the trip, especially with a group of 12. We need to make sure everyone knows what’s going on to prevent any miscommunications. Planning a trip for 12 is actually not as easy as you think. We have to consider everyones’ physical abilities, preference for food and expectations for the trip. You’ll be surprised how much food we bought for the trip.

    Our 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

    Day 1 – LOTS OF DRIVING

    We picked up our vans at 12 and started loading things into our vans. We left college at around 4 and started driving up north. To be fair, we left at a pretty bad time as it was rush hour and driving the van in Peth wasn’t the best. Our first servo stop was Metro Petroleum Jurien Bay. We’ve been told that their kebabs are actually quite good for their price. 

    After lots and lots and lots of driving, we arrived at Hamelin Pool Free Camp. This stop is usually for trucks, so there’s no electricity, and they charge you $5 if you’d like to shower there. Other than that, the site is a really peaceful and quiet place to spend the night resting. 

    Another thing that fascinated me was how lovely the sky was. With the stars sparkling, I took a gasp. Without all the light pollution,  you could definitely see a lot more stars — you can even see the milky way. The picture here is not doing any justice to what I saw, but you can definitely see more stars here than in Perth for sure. 

    Day 2 – A BIT MORE DRIVING

    After a bit more driving, we arrived at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park. As it was closed to sunset, we decided to go to town beach to take some pictures and play a bit of frisbee. I have to say, looking at the sea, after almost a day of travelling, it’s finally time for us to chill a bit.

    After our break at the beach, we decided to head back to the campsite. Unfortunately, something happened to the campervan, which caused everyone to panic. For more details about the story please read the article Things You Should Know Before Renting A Campervan. 

    We finally got back to the campsite and ready to have dinner after that minor incident. We were super excited as it was our first proper meal since we left college and finally got the chance to cook. We turned on the grills and started cooking the patties onions. To be honest, cooking for 12 people is not as easy, especially when you’re using two grills during the night; you don’t want to disturb other people on the campsite.

    Day 3 – Charle’s Knife Canyon, Exmouth, Monkey Mia

    We woke up to a breezy morning full of excitement because we could finally explore around Exmouth. Just only 30 minutes drive, we arrived at Charles Knife Canyon. Visitors can walk on the Badjirrajirra Walk trail from the Thomas Carter Lookout, a 4.6km return walk that lasts approximately 3 hours. I personally loooove hiking, I enjoyed the hike a lot. Honestly, looking from where I was, I felt tiny. You really got to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature.

    We went exploring Exmouth and went to The Beach Shack to have lunch and let me tell you, I loved it! The staffs there were super super nice, plus the food was soooo goood, especially the Exmouth prawns with garlic butter. Mmm mmm, I wish I could go back and try their other food.

    It was time for us to start driving and head down to Monkey Mia. And oh boy, that drive was long for sure.

    We arrived at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort around midnight, and we were all starving. We went to the community kitchen, cooked some ramen and sausages, and filled up our bellies to call it a day. And wow, what a day. 

    Day 4 – Dolphin feeding, Shell beach, Kalbarri National Park, Northampton

    We woke to another chilly morning with a beautiful sky. Most of us were super stoked about that morning because we could get closer to the dolphins and learn more about them. As they have strict rules on interacting with dolphins, the park rangers were only allowed to feed at 7:45 am and 12:00 pm every day. 

    The dolphins of Monkey Mia are still wild, despite their frequent interactions with humans, making it one of the few dolphin experiences in Western Australia where you may observe dolphins behaving naturally. If you’re interested, here are some things you need to know about Monkey Mia Dolphins. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures here because I got carried away with the cuteness of the dolphins but here is a picture I took at the Resort when the sun was still rising.

    After feeding the dolphins, we start driving to our next destination, Shell Beach, which took us less than an hour to get there. And OMG, the beach is sooo pretty. I have nothing much to say but “Wow”

    From one spectacular place to another, we started driving even further down to Kalbarri National Park, another 4-hour drive. We did all the touristy things we could have possibly done. There were a couple of walk trails you can walk on, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to walk the tracks due to time restrictions.

    Day 5 – Geraldton, Leeman, Gully Stockyard Caves

    Geraldton was actually not on our itinerary, but our friends Geraldton recommended several food places. The first one was Beached Barrel. And wow, the doughnuts looked and tasted amazing. We basically ordered the most popular ones to make sure don’t miss out on anything.

    The next place we went was Cafe Fleur. I personally didn’t order much, but the food my friends’ order was pretty lovely, and the staff there were super friendly. Unfortunately, I only took photos of the cafe with my film camera, and it hasn’t been developed yet, but I’m sure to tell you that you’ll really like this place. 

    The final tourist attraction that we visited was Stockyard Gully Cave. This is definitely one of the trip’s highlights, not because of the cave but also in our walk to the cave. As the way to the cave was off-road and only 4WD can enter, so we decided to park our vans and walk to the cave. The walk was definitely a workout for us because of the sand. Some of us played games along the way, which made the walk less hard. We were super nervous and a bit scared when we reached the cave as the sun was already setting, so there was literally no light in the cave. We all stuck together and walked through the cave safely. Honestly, I wish I could go back again and actually enjoy and look at the details of the cave. The majority of us mainly focus on sticking with one another.

    Day 6 – Back to Perth

    We didn’t do much that day, as we had to drive back to Perth and hand over the vans back.

    What We’ve Learnt 

    1.Have a better estimation of the food you need to buy for the trip

    There were a lot of leftovers from our trip; we should’ve bought less. We overestimated how much everyone could eat; not everyone eats the same amount. 

    2. Not everything will go according to plan

    This is so true, especially when you’re going with 11 other people. You need to understand that everyone is different; some might want to explore as many places as possible. Some might just want to chill. 

    3. Campervans can’t go everywhere

    Several times, it took us longer to get to our destination because of the limitations of the van. We should do more research on the destinations we’re going to so we can be prepared. To know more about this, see our article on Things You Should Know Before Renting A Campervan.

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  • Mental Health Awareness at St Catherine’s

    This week is Mental Health Awareness week, and Last month on Thursday, 10 September, Australia had its annual R U Ok? Day. It’s a day to remind Australians that starting a conversation about mental health is really as simple as just asking a 3-word question: Are you okay?

    But the conversation shouldn’t stop there. This year the theme of R U OK? Day was all about what to say after taking the first step and starting the conversation.

    Residents celebrating R U Okay Day
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    We may not all be experts on mental health, but we are a community that cares about the wellbeing of our friends and neighbours. To celebrate R U Ok? Day, a group of residents got together for an informal chat over cups of tea, and wrote down some positive messages about mental health. The messages were later used as decorations for a formal hall themed around mental health.

    Talking about mental health can be difficult and awkward, but our residents looked to the prompts from R U OK? Day to direct the conversation. R U OK? Day offers a great 4 step plan you can follow when asking someone about their mental health, any day of the year.

    1.       Ask the question “Are you okay?”

    2.       Listen to the response

    3.       Encourage Action

    4.       Check in

    St Catherine’s College understands the importance of mental health for our residents. Our program of activities and events is designed to assist our residents to lead an active lifestyle and reap all the benefits of being a part of our college community. We also have a team of Residential Advisors trained in Mental Health First Aid that you can chat to, and wonderful staff that can help you access resources when you need them.

    We also have a number of residents that are actively involved with various organisations tackling mental health, such as Black Dog Institute, Zero2Hero, The Blue Tree Project, ManUp and many more. Mental health is clearly an important to issue to young people, and it is fantastic to see so many of our residents taking action.

    This mental health awareness week, take time to check in with those around you and remember to seek out help if you are struggling. Building communities that are supportive and accepting of mental health conversations is important, and St Catherine’s will continue to do their part in de-stigmatising this issue with the help of our amazing young people.

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  • Battle of the Bands 2020: A Night to Remember

    Every year all the Colleges along College Row take part in an epic Battle of the Bands competition, putting forward their most talented musicians to compete but most importantly, put on a great show at the UWA Tavern for everyone to enjoy.

    Every college performed exceptionally, keeping us grooving all night long. However, there is nothing quite like cheering on your own college as they belt out absolute bangers, from Queen to Tame Impala, with a bit of Ricky Martin sprinkled in, our St Catherine’s Band knocked our socks off.

    Our talented band members worked so hard in rehearsals for weeks in the lead up to the competition. When the time came for their set, the audience was flooded with blue St Cat’s polos (a few of which were taken off in the heat of the moment) and everyone sang their heart out!

    Congratulations to our band members for putting on such a great show, and we’re very grateful to the Residential Students Department at UWA for putting on yet another amazing event.

    We are already looking forward to next years competition!

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  • Woodside Scholar: Nova Breslin

    Nova Breslin is currently in her first year of studying Law and Society at UWA. She is a recipient of the Woodside Professional Indigenous Scholarship program. In partnership with the Dandjoo Darbalung program, this scholarship provides support to Indigenous students with funding assistance for costs associated with living away from home as a commencing student.

    Nova came to St Catherine’s in 2019, and continues to enjoy College life. With her sights set on becoming a lawyer, Nova aims to give back to the community with the skills she gains in her studies.

    What would you like to achieve in your career?

    I want to pursue a career as a lawyer in order to be a part of the impact law has on our society. I aim to use my studies to understand the influence the law has in daily life and use it as a tool to improve aspects of our day-to-day life at a socio-economic level. Overall, I would like to achieve a career pathway that drives me to be intuitive with how I approach problems, and the means I can take to effectively solve them.

    What are some hobbies you have outside of your studies?

    I’m naturally a very creative and active person. I’ve always had interests in the arts so I enjoy drawing, dancing, photography and music. I’d also like to try picking up more volunteering, learning instruments and going for hikes.

    What are your goals for the future?

    My goal for the future is to lead a successful life. Currently I am hoping to find more internship and volunteering opportunities throughout my undergraduate. And in the long term, I want to reflect on my studies and feel fulfilled with how much effort I put into working towards my career goals.

    Whats been your most memorable experience at St Cats?

    There have been plenty of good times here. Yet the two most memorable events for me have to be last years Ball and Valedictory Dinner.

    What advice do you have for those applying for a scholarship?

    My advice is to actively take each opportunity as they come to you. But don’t be idle, take initiative by applying for whatever scholarships you can. It’s helpful as a student to search for them on your universities scholarship portal. Look at scholarships available to you, at the time, and there is likely to be something you are eligible for if you simply look. Don’t be discouraged if your first application is not successful, there are chances to try again for a next round.

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  • Cat’s at Sea: Courtney Hanlon Aboard

    By Sian O’Sullivan

    Courtney (left) at St Catherine’s College Commencement Dinner
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    St Catherine’s College and the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation are both non-profits working with young people in Western Australia, so it is no wonder so many of our incredible residents and alumni have been involved with both of the organisations at some point.

    One of our current residents, Courtney Hanlon, is studying a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Psychology. She recently shared with us her fond memories of her time on the Leeuwin, and how the College experience can be similar to an adventure on the high seas.

    How have you found your time at St Catherine’s?

    I have found my time at St Catherine’s to be among many other things, valuable, convenient and enjoyable. The available resources and connections that come as part of being a resident are extremely valuable, especially the faculty dinners! The location of St Catherine’s College is very convenient due to the close proximity to UWA, the city, and public transport services. Overall, my time at college has been enjoyable. The social aspects of being a resident are second to none, and being a regional student, is an experience you can’t get elsewhere. 

    What are some of your achievements and/or career aspirations?

    Over the years I have had many sporting and academic achievements. Throughout high school, I achieved many academic awards and was a successful netball state league player along with other sports. I am involved in the dirt track Motorsports community and have years of boating experience. Some of my aspirations involve wanting to pursue postgraduate studies in UWA’s Masters of Corporate Psychology course. I would love to own my own business one day and help others to operate successful businesses using my understanding of human behaviour and thought processing in the workforce. 

    When did you first participate in a Leeuwin voyage or sail?

    Courtney’s view from the rigging on board the STS Leeuwin
    Courtney’s view from the rigging on board the STS Leeuwin

    I first participated in a Leeuwin Voyage in 2016 when I was in year ten of high school. I was introduced to the Leeuwin program with thanks to my school, Geraldton Grammar School. I knew other students who had participated in the program and had many years of boating experience so I was keen to get out on the water and see what new skills I could learn. 

    What did you enjoy about your voyage?

    There was an endless amount of elements to enjoy about the voyage. Looking back, I really enjoyed the new information I was able to learn. I also really enjoyed working with so many other people from various backgrounds to achieve a big goal. At the beginning of the voyage, it felt as though the end goal would be near impossible, and by the end of the trip we were able to successfully achieve that goal, that was the most enjoyable feeling for myself. I also loved making some great friends who I am still in touch with today. 

    What skills or lessons did you learn from being involved with Leeuwin?

    I learned many skills and lessons onboard the Leeuwin- I think I would be lying if I said I remember them all! At the time it was really fun to learn all of the practical skills needed to operate the ship effectively. Reflecting on my experience, the most valuable lessons learned for myself was the developed understanding of leadership, as well as the self-development process I experienced. I have a sound resume of leadership experiences, especially in the sporting field. However, my time on the Leeuwin was a leadership experience like no other; I still implement skills I learned in that time nowadays. The Leeuwin also taught me endless strategies regarding working well in teams and finally, it taught me to make the most of your opportunities- which is a very valuable lesson to learn at that age! 

    What do you think of the community at St Catherine’s and the Leeuwin?

    I think the community at St Catherine’s and the Leeuwin, is strikingly similar. Despite the Leeuwin being a sailing ship program and St Cat’s being a residential campus, both programs have a very strong sense of community that I would compare to a family feel. Both communities are very resourceful and supportive; furthermore, in both these communities, you have the resources and the support that you need to challenge yourself, achieve big things, and obtain a very positive experience. 

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