Class Notes 1981–1985
Anderson, Kerrin (1985–1988)
Kerrin pursued a career as an IP lawyer for 20 years, becoming a partner in a Brisbane-based corporate law firm. She left 10 years ago to start her own practice working with First Nations organisations assisting with legal, governance, strategy and risk management services. Kerrin studied indigenous governance at the University of Arizona and has been working with native title bodies on implementing the principles of indigenous governance for Nation Rebuilding in Australia. She co-founded the Institute for First Nations Governance Professionals with two First Nations colleagues to further this.
Armstrong, Lea (1983–1985)
After finishing Arts (Hons) and Law (Hons) degrees at ANU, Lea moved to Sydney to work at a commercial law firm, later at the New South Wales Crown Solicitor’s Office, and then as a government solicitor for NSW Treasury. In 2015, Lea was appointed as NSW's first female Crown Solicitor, and in late 2018, as a NSW Supreme Court Judge and President of NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Bassam (Grant), Louise (1981–1984)
Louise spent twenty years as a University administrator, at various universities both in Australia and the US, taught senior Geography and History at a girls' boarding school in Queensland and for the past 10+ years has been a full-time author (yes you can make a living from writing!): A New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Audible bestseller of award-winning historical fiction. (You can learn more by visiting https://www.lucindabrant.com) Louise thoroughly enjoyed her four years at Burgmann, making the most of college life—as a resident tutor, editor of Omphalos magazine, member of WOBCO, and as a student rep on the College Council. She also forged lifelong friendships, and met her future husband Brant—a Burgmanite and resident fellow—and they have been together ever since.
Cosgrave, Margie (1982–1983)
Margie worked in secretary, personal assistant and administrative roles at the Australian National Gallery (now NGA) and then in a series of charitable organisations in Victoria and Queensland. Margie’s career also included aquaculture farming and teachers aiding. Margie is now freelance copyediting and proofreading.
Fermio, Steve (1981–1983)
Steve Fermio (1981–1983) describes his time at Burgmann as ‘Just the best time of [his] life’!
He has worked as a geologist, environmental officer, and natural resources officer, and as a planning and environmental manager/director for various Sydney rail projects.
In 2012 he started Wolfpeak, an environmental consulting company that provide environmental support to infrastructure projects, and he also serves as its Director. Wolfpeak employs 30 staff based in Sydney, Melbourne and Port Macquarie.
Steve is married and has four children.
Russell, Nigel (1984–1986)
Nigel lived and worked as a lawyer in Vietnam for twenty years. He set up the office of Allen’s in Ho Chi Minh City and founded and chaired the Australian International School, also in Ho Chi Minh.
Scarborough, Dee Dee (1985–1985)
I returned to America, graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, worked in banking for 13 years in Philadelphia, New York and Zurich, met my husband, raised our family of six in Manhattan, and now travel and front our children (not necessarily in that order).
Turnbell, Sarah (1985–1987)
After completing her BA, Sarah Turnbull worked as a television journalist including four years at the SBS in Sydney.
At 27 she went backpacking around Europe and, after meeting a Frenchman, she settled in Paris. Almost French, Sarah’s bestselling account of her years in the city, has sold half a million copies.
It was in France she first saw the work of Australian Impressionist John Russell who is the subject of her latest work, a nearly-finished biographical novel.
“I walked into a small museum in Brittany and was stunned by his canvases, full of colour and energy. Back then I’d never heard of Russell and I was fascinated by his experiences as an art student in Paris a century earlier. Finally, two decades later, I realised I had to write about him.”
Now living in Sydney with Frédéric and son Oliver, Sarah recently completed a Doctor of Creative Arts. She also leads creative writing workshops. From her years at Burgmann, Sarah has precious friendships and many fond memories.
“How often in life do you get to live under the same roof as so many wonderful people? I feel incredibly lucky to have had the experience.”
