Sisterhood Series Begins with Dr Carmen Lawrence
Connection, inspiration and meaningful conversation set the tone for the first Sisterhood Alumni Networking Series of the year. Held at the College, the event brought together 23 alumni from across generations and professions to reconnect, share stories and hear from one of Santa Maria’s most distinguished past students, Dr Carmen Lawrence (Class of 1964).
In a Q&A session led by Margo Bastow, Director of Community Relations, Dr Lawrence reflected on her extraordinary path from a Wheatbelt childhood to becoming Australia’s first female State Premier, drawing on her experiences in psychology, politics and public service along the way.
From the Wheatbelt to the Premier’s Office
Growing up on a Wheatbelt farm, Dr Lawrence was surrounded by capable and determined women from the very start. Her mother, her sisters, her teachers and the Sisters of Mercy all shaped her early understanding of what women could do and be. She said she never once questioned whether women should have a voice or take on leadership roles. Influential men also played a part, challenging her thinking and broadening her perspective.
That foundation carried her through a career in psychology and into public life. When she was selected as Premier in 1990, she described the appointment as both an honour and a privilege. She acknowledged that she stepped into the role during a challenging period for both the Labor Party and the State, but believed that when an opportunity to lead presents itself, there is a responsibility to step forward.
Looking back, Dr Lawrence noted that while some people initially found the idea of a female Premier unusual, the overwhelming response was one of support and goodwill. She recognised the significance of the milestone for women in political leadership.
Leadership with Purpose
Leadership emerged as a recurring theme throughout the evening, and Dr Lawrence was direct about what she believes it requires.
“There is no point being a leader unless you have an agenda. What is it you want to achieve?”
For Dr Lawrence, effective leadership begins with purpose. It is not about status or personal advancement. It requires engaging with people, persuading and informing, and remaining focused on creating meaningful outcomes.
Drawing on her background as a psychologist, she also shared reflections on human behaviour and decision-making. While she has always valued science, data and evidence, experience taught her that people are often influenced more by emotion than logic.
Progress and What Remains
The conversation turned to the status of women and how far things have come since Dr Lawrence first entered public life. Reflecting on six decades of change, she acknowledged the significant progress women have made in education, professional life and political representation. However, she was clear that important challenges remain, particularly around violence against women, persistent inequality and the pressure women continue to face around appearance expectations.
Questions from the audience prompted further discussion about modern politics, media and community life. Dr Lawrence encouraged attendees to think critically about the way issues are presented through traditional and social media, urging them to question fear-based narratives and resist messages that seek to divide communities.
Staying Curious, Staying Involved
Throughout the evening, Dr Lawrence returned again and again to the importance of community involvement. Whether through volunteering, local advocacy or simply showing up for the people and causes around you, she was clear that participation is not optional. It is how we stay connected to what matters and how we create change.
When asked how she stays so fit and healthy in both mind and body, her answer was simple. Stay curious. Stay engaged. Keep learning, keep moving and never stop being interested in the world around you.
The evening concluded with a question about what advice she would offer her younger self sitting in a Santa Maria classroom.
“If you enjoy doing something and you’re passionate about it, don’t let anyone stop you.”
She encouraged alumni to pursue opportunities that align with their passions and values, while recognising that life often presents challenges beyond our control. The key, she suggested, is to remain true to your sense of purpose and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Alumni left the evening with valuable insights from Dr Lawrence’s remarkable career and a renewed sense of connection to one another and to the College. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Carmen Lawrence for her generosity, wisdom and honesty, and to all alumni who joined us. We look forward to bringing more alumni together at future Sisterhood Series events.
- Alumni Events, alumni networking Perth, Community Engagement, Dr Carmen Lawrence, Featured, female political leaders, leadership and purpose, Mercy Education, Santa Maria College alumni, Sisterhood Series, Women in Leadership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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