Meet the Family Shaped by the University of Newcastle Across Three Generations
For the Wilson sisters, education was more than a personal pursuit – it was a shared family value that shaped their lives. From arts and science to music and leadership, the University of Newcastle had everything the sisters needed to forge their respective paths in education, music, medtech and executive leadership. That same passion has been passed down, with their children and grandchildren proudly continuing the legacy. Despite now being based across the globe, the sisters’ connection to each other, and to the University, remains deeply rooted.
JANE (Bachelor of Arts 1986)
Jane’s journey to higher education was far from ordinary.
As the eldest of the Wilson sisters, Jane began her journey juggling part-time study, primary school teaching and motherhood.
About a year into her Bachelor of Arts, Jane discovered she was pregnant with her first child, Kristen. She came close to giving up on her dream, even submitting a withdrawal form to the University. Thankfully, Jane chose to pause her studies, determined to return when Kristen was older and more independent. It’s a decision she now looks back on with immense pride.
“The day Kristen was due, I woke up with mild cramps and decided to attend my lecture. After the lecture, I drove to my mum’s, working on an assignment. That evening, I headed to the hospital and welcomed my beautiful firstborn, Kristen. In those days, studying was logistically challenging. Now, the digital world makes education more accessible for women. I hope the progress we’ve made continues to empower others.”
Jane's perseverance laid the foundation for an extraordinary career spanning nearly five decades and multiple countries. From Abu Dhabi to Singapore, she has thrived in leadership roles including Vice President of the International School Library Network (ISLN) in Singapore, Treasurer of the Newcastle Teacher Librarian Association (NATLA), and Secretary of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (NSW).
Today, Jane serves as Co-Director of Libraries at Dulwich College Singapore, where she oversees four libraries, champions information literacy, supports curriculum development, and teaches Theory of Knowledge.
Continuing the Legacy: Jane's Daughters
Kristen, Jane’s eldest daughter, experienced a full-circle moment when she began taking her son Max to tutor groups and the University library, just as her mother had once done with her.
Having completed a Bachelor of Business (2006) and a Bachelor of Commerce (2008), Kristen founded a successful NDIS Support Coordination pro-bono consultancy, acting as both a support person and advocate for those navigating Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) matters.
Max, Kristen's son, represents the third generation studying at the University of Newcastle.
He recently completed Open Foundation and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Chemistry – Medicinal and Organic).
Jane’s youngest daughter, Ellenor, has built a global career fuelled by curiosity and purpose after completing a Bachelor of Communication in 2009 and a Bachelor of Laws in 2012 at the University of Newcastle. Her passion for international law was ignited during an exchange to Stockholm University; a transformative experience she actively lobbied for.
That experience shaped her career in intellectual property law, taking her to New York, Vietnam, and eventually back to Sweden, where she worked with Spotify as an Intellectual Property Business Partner & Staff Engineer. Today, Ellenor is a freelance consultant, advising start-ups and scale-ups in Sweden’s tech scene on IP strategy and commercialisation.
ANNE (Diploma in Music Education 1989)
Anne’s love of music shaped both her career and her connection to the University of Newcastle.
The second eldest of the Wilson sisters, Anne followed her passion to the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music and the Newcastle College of Advanced Education (now part of the University of Newcastle). She went on to enjoy a fulfilling 37-year career as a Specialist Music Teacher, educating students from Kindergarten to Year 12 across both public and private schools.
Anne’s dedication to teaching and the arts not only enriched the lives of her students but also strengthened the family's legacy of learning. Her daughter Katie proudly continued that tradition, graduating from the University of Newcastle and becoming part of the next generation to follow in her mother’s and aunt’s footsteps.
CATHY (Bachelor of Science 1987)
Cathy, the fourth Wilson sister, blended science, education and adventure into a rewarding career.
After earning her Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle, Cathy quickly channelled her passion into the lab and beyond. Early in her career, she worked as a Scientific Officer in Medical Technology, spending seven years in the Middle East—an experience that not only deepened her scientific knowledge but also shaped her global outlook.
Following time off to raise her two daughters, Elouisa and Joselyn, Cathy retrained in 2008 as a high school teacher, a shift she describes as deeply meaningful. She has since dedicated herself to teaching Science, Mathematics, and Special Education within Maitland Newcastle Catholic Schools.
Continuing the Legacy: Cathy's Daughters
VIRGINIA (Bachelor of Science 1994)
Virginia, the youngest of the Hayes sisters, has built an impressive career in global leadership.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in 1994 from the University of Newcastle, Virginia launched into the energy and resources sector, starting at Woodside Energy as General Manager. She then took on a director role at globalORE before joining BHP, where she progressed through several senior positions—from Regional Marketing Manager in Singapore to General Manager in Houston, and later Vice President of Marketing and Sales back in Singapore.
Her expertise continued to grow through roles including South Flank Integration Lead in Australia and Head of Marketing for Fortescue Future Industries, a global green energy leader. Today, Virginia is the Chief Commercial Officer at Southern Ports, where she oversees strategy and operations, helping connect Western Australia to international markets.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.