A month of reflection

Parkville is a truly wonderful place and events in February gave me time to reflect on two wonderful individuals we lost recently.

I was honoured to attend the commemoration of the life of Professor Emma Johnston, vice chancellor (VC) of the University of Melbourne, a former student of University High and a recent resident of Parkville.

In April Emma was our guest speaker at the Parkville Association AGM. The room was enthralled hearing about her research work and diving under the Antarctic Sea ice! She was, without doubt, the most wonderful speaker to have addressed our association.

Emma was clearly the most approachable VC and bumping into her at the gym or at the tram stop she always had a smile and time for a chat. Not only that she was a keen supporter of the Carlton Football Club! As “O” week begins it is hard to believe this time last year Emma was just taking the reins of the University. RIP Professor Emma Johnston AO.

We also lost a very long-time resident of Gatehouse St, Brian Hogan. He had an amazing celebration, musical numbers, readings and a finale all said goodbye to Brian, among other things head of drama at University High. In fact, Brian actually featured on Olivia Newton John’s episode of This is Your Life.

Laughter filled the room as former students, friends and neighbours recalled an incredible life. Once in Brian’s circle of friends there was no escape! The program of the event will be kept for many years. RIP Brian.

To our new neighbours, the students joining our community for the first time, welcome! We love seeing you have fun during “O” week; we were all young once even if it is hard to believe looking at some of us. Your time in Parkville may be longer than you think as many of our older residents began life here as students and never left!

As my time closes as president of the Parkville Association I can reflect on many wonderful residents who have made the past 10 years fly by. More about this in my last column next month.

We still need new committee members in this, our 60th year, so please let me know if you are keen. We also need a new president and volunteers please.

Enjoy March and reflect on the wonderful people that have passed through Parkville in their lives. •