St Mary’s Women: Jane Gellel (Mellor ’84)

POSTED March 17 2022 , Old Girls

IN 30 SECONDS

Class of: 1984

Tertiary education: Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management), Curtin University, and Graduate Management Qualification, University of NSW.

Current role: Retired. Currently working in two volunteer roles – as Deputy Leader of our local Community Fire Unit, and on the Board for a company that provides a multi-arts program for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Dream dinner guest: Sammy J

Music you are currently listening to?  Any great dance tracks from the 80s till now … anything that keeps me moving!  

Favourite subject at school: Human Biology

Where has life after St Mary’s taken you?

On an unimaginable journey. I have lived in Perth, (twice) Melbourne, Canberra (three times) and Tokyo (three times). With all those moves came a wide variety of job experiences. I have worked at Royal Perth Hospital; for the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs; for the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, and as a member of personal staff for two Governor-Generals.

What do you think the biggest challenge was when you decided to move from your hometown? 

Moving somewhere new, where you don’t know anyone, is a great leap into the unknown. Every time we have moved, I have been so grateful to the wonderful people who have reached out to me, as a newcomer, and helped me settle in. It’s a kindness that is never forgotten, and one that I have always tried to pay forward.  

You have been paired with a fellow Old Girl as part of the Ambassador Program – how have you found the experience?

I was a boarder at St Mary’s for six years, so I know what it is like to be far from home. 

I was very happy to welcome Claire to Canberra, and offer a home environment that she could retreat to from Uni, if needed.

Who has been your biggest influence?

Definitely my parents, who always kept me grounded (in a good way).   Then my husband, who always lifts me up.

What is your fondest memory of your time at St Mary’s?

Dancing alone at dawn in Dannatt Hall! I used to get up early, meet Ms Van Nierop at the front door of Dannatt Hall at 6.30am and go upstairs alone to dance for half an hour. I had the place to myself. As a boarder, it was nice to have some alone time, and this was an essential part of my self-care through Years 11 and 12.  

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about moving away from Perth? 

Jump in … see where the river of life takes you. Sometimes it twists and turns, and it’s not always a smooth ride but around the corners there are sometimes opportunities you could never have imagined.