Dr Jean Calder AC

Dr Calder’s award was accepted by her sister, Mrs Clarice Barker

Congratulations to Dr Jean Calder AC, winner of the 2012 Diversity Award for Alumni.

About Dr Calder's work

Dr Calder began her working life as a physical education teacher, but found her calling in supporting the disadvantaged and people with a disability. It was this calling that led Jean to Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, leaving behind a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle in Australia. That was over 30 years ago.

Dr Calder established the many programs of the Al-Amal City, Center of Ability Development of the Palestine Red Crescent Society to help disadvantaged Palestinians and Palestinians with a disability. She feels that as a foreigner working alongside the Palestinians in their country sends a clear message that they are not alone in their struggle.

Dr Calder's actions reinforce her belief that education is one significant factor in overcoming adversity and disadvantage, by replacing these feelings with self-belief, purpose and pride.

Dr Calder very much embodies the University’s engagement aspirations, “…to provide real solutions to society’s problems…and to engage actively in the community to effect social change.”