Dr Margaret Burgess AO MD, Professor of Paediatrics and Preventative Medicine at the University of Sydney, and Fortian 1954 (School Captain), delivered an inspiring address at Fort Street’s Speech Day and Prize Giving. She reflected on her time at the school, shared insights from her medical career, and encouraged students to embrace the future with curiosity and courage.

Margaret’s connection to Fort Street dates back to 1949 when she commenced at Fort Street Girls’ High. That year was particularly special as it marked the school’s centenary. She recalled celebrations including a special centenary school badge, an open day, a pageant depicting the school’s history, and a dinner and ball for former students. The school’s principal, Miss Cohen, encouraged participation in these events while reminding students not to neglect their studies. Drawing a parallel, Margaret acknowledged the significance of the school’s 175th anniversary, celebrated the previous year, and hoped students would remember it as fondly as she did the centenary.

Reflecting on her education, Margaret spoke about the rigorous classical curriculum at Fort Street in the 1950s, which provided opportunities for careers in business, teaching, nursing, and professional university studies—opportunities many girls of the era did not expect. She and her classmates remained grateful to teachers who inspired them to aim high.

Margaret was fortunate to study medicine at Sydney University, which was vastly different then, with only 4,000 students compared to today’s 40,000. After graduating, she worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital before moving to the Children’s Hospital in 1965. That year saw an unusually high number of babies born with severe disabilities due to their mothers contracting rubella during pregnancy. Working with colleagues at the Children’s Medical Research Institute, Margaret helped show that babies were still infected with rubella at birth, as their immune systems were too weak to fight it. Alarmingly, hospital staff even contracted rubella from the infants. Fortunately, the rubella vaccine was soon introduced, and today, thanks to widespread vaccination, the disease is rarely seen in Australia.

Margaret concluded with two pieces of advice: enjoy school life—embracing new subjects, friendships, and experiences—and look ahead to 2049 when Fort Street will celebrate its bicentenary. She encouraged students to consider their future roles in tackling climate change, space exploration, food security, and medical advancements, emphasising that they would shape the world to come.

She congratulated students, staff, and parents on a successful year and wished them well for the future.

We warmly invite all Fortians to join us for an engaging and enjoyable event! Connect, share ideas, and learn together.

The event includes a 2-course meal.

Cost: Members $85, Non-Members $90.

The bar will be open; drinks not included.

Raffle tickets available on the night.

Parking is available at the venue with access from Clarence Street.

Speaker: Professor Olav Nielssen

Olav graduated from Fort Street High in 1977, studied medicine at Sydney University, and trained in psychiatry at St Vincent’s Hospital. Fellowships in Forensic Psychiatry at Maudsley Hospital, London, and UCLA. Over 30 years’ experience in the homeless sector, 15 years at Justice Health, PhD in early psychosis, and professor at Macquarie University. Founder of Habilis Housing, providing care, support, and long-term housing for people with severe mental illness who are homeless or at risk, developing innovative programs based on decades of practical experience in clinical and community settings.

Date

Friday 17 October 2025 6:45 PM - 11:30 PM (UTC+10)

Location

Club York

95-99 York Street 

Sydney NSW 2000

Booking Information at the bottom of the page.

Annual Dinner Booking Information

We are using the online booking system provided by TryBooking for this year's dinner.