Grammar Gazette - Issue 2, 2023

Barbara’s love of education only deepened throughout her career. In April 2003, Barbara, aged 71 years, graduated with a Masters in GP Psychiatry at Monash University. Today, Barbara believes there is nothing holding young women back from studying and pursuing their dreams. After an accomplished career and living interstate and abroad, Barbara is now retired and living among family and friends in West Melbourne. Barbara's bequest to Girls Grammar bestows a gift that will resonate through generations of young women, embodying the spirit of Nil Sine Labore. * Ref. Trinity College, Trinity College Archives, https://trinity-college.shorthandstories.com/ timeline-150-years-of-trinity/index.html

A timeless GIFT ENRICHING LIVES OF FUTURE WOMEN

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‘GIRLS GRAMMAR IS SO LIBERATING FOR GIRLS … INSTILLING IN ME THE STRONG BELIEF THAT IF YOU WORK HARD, YOU ARE CAPABLE OF LIVING YOUR DREAMS.’ —DR B A RB A R A BURGE

A Prefect in her graduating year, Barbara studied medical science at The University of Queensland where she obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. She graduated in 1956 and obtained the Fellowship of the College of General Practitioners, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. While studying medicine in 1954, Barbara met her husband, the late Revd. Dr Evan Laurie Burge. Barbara and Evan developed a deep, life-long relationship, encouraging and supporting one another’s interests and career aspirations while raising a family of six children. Throughout her career, Barbara served as a role model to many students, especially women aspiring to fearlessly pursue education while managing the responsibilities of family life and further studies.

W hen Dr Barbara Burge (Payne, 1950) graduated from Brisbane Girls Grammar School with the ambition of pursuing a career in medicine, she knew the male-dominated industry would present challenges. Barbara commenced at Girls Grammar in 1947 followed by her sister, Margaret, in 1952. A bright and enthusiastic student with a passion for learning, it was during her time at Girls Grammar that Barbara gained the courage, determination, and confidence she needed to pursue a meaningful, fulfilling career. Barbara fondly remembers her inspirational teachers and especially Headmistress Miss Lilley, who Barbara recalls as ‘such a strong, powerful woman’. ‘I think one of the things that Grammar does so well is that they encourage girls to do whatever they aspire to achieve.’ This belief in the encouragement of girls and young women inspired Barbara to be a founding member of the Sophia Beanland Circle in addition to continuing her connection with the School through supporting many philanthropic initiatives at BGGS.

Sophia Beanland Circle Including a bequest in your Will leaves a lasting gift that helps to enrich future generations of women at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Those who choose to include a gift to the School in their Will are recognised, if they wish, as part of the Sophia Beanland Circle. If you would like more information, please contact the Development and Alumnae Department for a confidential discussion on +61 7 3332 1300 or email development@bggs.qld.edu.au.

CAPTIONS 1 1950 PREFECTS; B PAYNE BACK ROW FAR RIGHT 2 BARBARA BURGE AWARDED MASTERS OF GENERAL PRACTICE PSYCHIATRY 2003

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GAZETTE • ISSUE 2, 2023 ISSUE 2, 2023

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL