For fifty years, women have been part of the life and community of John XXIII College. Illustra marks this milestone through a portrait exhibition celebrating the women who have lived at, studied, and contributed to the College since women were first admitted in 1976.

The portraits were captured by John XXIII College Alumna Bronte Morel who is a London based Portrait and Wedding Photographer. The first portrait was taken in London before Bronte flew back to Australia to photograph the remaining forty nine. Driving over 5,500 kilometres across the vast landscapes of Australia and flying across the country from Sydney to Perth, Hobart and Brisbane. The series reflects the domestic and international reach of John’s women, including women who returned from New York, Abu Dhabi, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand to be part of the project.

The exhibition brings together fifty portraits of alumnae whose experiences reflect the diversity of the Johns community across generations. Their paths extend across many fields and professions, yet each story begins with time spent at the College.

The exhibition is displayed permanently in the foyer of John XXIII College at The Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. You can find out more about each of these incredible women by clicking the photo in the Portrait Gallery below.