About
The Helen McBride Annual Lecture is a celebration of knowledge, inspired leadership, and enduring legacy – bringing distinguished guest speakers to The Women’s College to share powerful ideas and perspectives with our community.
Established in 2025, this signature event honours Helen McBride’s remarkable contribution to the College, while creating a platform for thought leadership, meaningful dialogue, and intellectual engagement.
Each year, the Lecture aims to inspire current students, connect alumnae, and enrich the broader College community through compelling keynote addresses that challenge, inform, and inspire.
History
2025
Date: Wednesday 24 September
Guest lecturer: Professor Ruth Dill-Macky (1981 – 1983)
Topic: Microscopic Challenges – Global Impact: Defending the World's Cereal Crops Against Microbial Challenges
We welcomed 2025 Alumna of the Year Professor Ruth Dill-Macky for a powerful keynote address on global food security and the future of agriculture. Based at the University of Minnesota, Ruth is a world leader in plant pathology. Ruth spoke about the ongoing threats to food crops and production, the cooperative approaches being used to understand and control plant diseases, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of researchers.
2026
Date: Wednesday 23 September
Guest lecturer: Kristie Young (1992 – 1994)
Topic: Critical Minerals, Critical Decisions: Leading Through the Next Resources Era
Drawing on her experience as a mining engineer, company director and leader in the resources sector, Kristie Young explored the vital role critical minerals play in the technologies we rely on every day, from renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles to AI, data centres and advanced manufacturing. She also highlighted Australia's unique opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable and secure global future.
