Save the Date: 28th March 2026

In 2026, John XXIII College will celebrate a defining milestone: 50 Years of Women at John’s. As the centrepiece of this milestone year, we are proud to present Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years, a major photographic exhibition honouring five decades of women who have shaped, strengthened, and inspired the College community.

On Saturday, 28 March 2026, Illustra will be officially opened by Her Excellency the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn at the college. The exhibition will launch as part of our celebration of 50 Years of Women at John’s and will run alongside our annual Women We Love event.

Together, these events will highlight the achievements, contributions, leadership, and stories of women who have left a lasting impact on the College.

Save the Date
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years
Opening – Saturday, 28 March 2026

Over the past months, alumni and friends of the College have nominated more than one hundred remarkable women for consideration. From this inspiring list, 50 women have now been selected, representing every era from the mid-1970s to today, and showcasing the breadth of talent, service, and achievement that defines the John’s community.

We’ll be announcing the full list of the 50 women in the next issue of The Pelican.
This special edition will introduce the selected alumnae and share the vision behind the Illustra project, offering a first look at the stories that will shape the exhibition.

Illustra will feature a bespoke photographic series by ex-ressie photographer Bronte Morel, bringing each woman’s story to life through a creative lens that reflects her work, passions, and contributions both during her time at John’s and beyond.

Full details will be shared closer to the date, but for now, we encourage all alumni, current residents, and friends of the College to mark this very special milestone in the calendar.

We cannot wait to celebrate these remarkable women and 50 years of women at John’s with you.