UQ Women's College opens new Playhouse

Queensland Governor and University Visitor Major General Peter Arnison AO opened the Women's College's new Piddington Wing and College Playhouse on Friday, October 17.

Major General Arnison said the Women's College provided an atmosphere of encouragement which supported the opportunities available at the University of Queensland.

'This College is a young person's environment, and I am prompted to say that Queensland is very fortunate to possess, in the young women here, a great wealth of talent, energy and creativity,' Maj. Gen. Arnison said.

Maj. Gen. Arnison also identified former Women's College residents former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson and United Nations Ambassador Penny Wensley as 'prominent leaders' among 'many fine examples of Women's Collegians'.

Women's College principal Maureen Aitken said the new wing had been named after former principal Margaret Piddington.

'Miss Piddington was the principal of the College from 1947 to 1958 when it was based at Kangaroo Point. She spent her time raising money for a new College to be built at St Lucia,' Dr Aitken said.

'The past week has been the first time she has stayed in this ?new' College and the wing was named in her honor in recognition of her work.'

Dr Aitken said the College Playhouse seated 150 and would be used by both residents and the community, catering for events including drama productions, debating, music performances and conferences.

'The Theatre has the latest in audio-visual equipment and has already been the venue for Aida rehearsals. There has also been interest from a number of Olympic teams in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.'

For more information contact Dr Maureen Aitken on (telephone 07 3377 4500)