The End of an Era: Honouring the legacy of the Broadland House Old Girls Association

Article by Rosemary Stobart (Née Willis, 1963), and Dona Bradley (Née Drake, 1961), Archives Volunteers

When today’s students walk through the gates of our Junior Campus, few may realise that the ‘pisė de terre’ building at its heart, now the School’s reception, was once home to Broadland House Church of England Girls Grammar School: the oldest private girls’ school in the southern hemisphere. 

Established in 1845, Broadland House flourished for more than a century as a proud and progressive school for girls. Prior to amalgamating with Launceston Church Grammar School in 1982, the campus was a thriving centre of all-girls education and community. 

In 1893, the Broadland House Old Girls Association was formally established, one of the longest-serving alumni associations in Australia. ‘Old Girls’ gathered regularly to reconnect, raise money for various initiatives, and share memories of their school days. 

From 1929, Launceston became the home of the annual Broadland House Communion Service and breakfast, a much-loved event that continued without interruption for nearly a century. 

April 2025 saw the 96th gathering, which also marked a poignant milestone in the association’s history. At an extraordinary meeting, the committee voted to formally dissolve the Broadland House Old Girls Association. This was a decision years in the making, with care and consensus across the committee. 

"We have been a family where each member knows one another well and has the common purpose of upholding our ideals and learning to become equipped for life in the awareness of, and under the guidance of, our school motto, “Nisi Dominus Frustra” - without the Lord all is in vain."

Bettie Stevenson President of the Old Girls Association, 1982

When a committee member became unwell, and no one was able to take on the role, the remaining members knew it was time to rethink the future of the association.

“We are grateful for the guidance of the late Ewan Crawford and members of the Stevenson family who helped when we were contemplating dissolving the association. Their suggestion to close with dignity while we still had control was one we appreciated,” shared Rosemary Stobart. 

While emotional, the decision at the AGM was met with acceptance, a sense of peace, and a collective sigh of relief by the members. 

While the association may have formally concluded, its spirit will continue to live on. 

The annual gathering will now continue under a new name, the Broadland House School Communion Alumni Service and Luncheon, and is open to all who attended Broadland House up until 1982, no longer requiring a 50-year threshold for attendance. Alumni will also meet informally for lunch on the 4th Friday of every month. 

The association’s remaining funds will continue to support current students at Launceston Grammar through awards across both campuses at end of year Presentation Events, including the Nora Beresford Prize, the Broadland House Old Girls Association Art Prize, and the Broadland House Old Girls Award. Future donations from Broadland alumni will continue to be administered through this fund, with larger gifts directed to the Junior Campus.