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Judith (Judy) Ellen Travers

Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women logo
Judy Travers

Awarded for service to education and training

8 February 1954
Died: 26 May 2023

Entered on roll: 2019


“Far-reaching, positive influence”

Improving student welfare and learning was a mission for Judy Travers who had a selfless commitment to public education, knowing education can transform lives.

Judy’s 48-year career encompassed policy development, teacher, principal, statewide leader of extended learning opportunities and online learning, and manager of learning.

At the age of 29, Judy was one of Tasmania’s youngest and first female principals. By 39, she was a district superintendent.

Judy initiated, promoted and oversaw significant projects and programs.

Judy was inaugural coordinator for the Hardie Fellowship that promotes study for Department of Education staff in American universities. Judy was also the recipient of travelling scholarships including Churchill, Hardie and Gandel fellowships, which enabled her to initiate middle schooling educational partnerships; build challenging environments to engage gifted and talented students; promote re-engagement of students in learning; and instigate curriculum revision to explore tolerance and prejudice through the teaching of the Holocaust.

Judy was the inaugural coordinator / chairperson of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize for grade nine students. Successful students travel to the Western Front, undertake research and mentor others.

Celebrating the arts across the State was a focus of many of Judy’s projects. Judy was State Manager of ‘What Matters?’ a writing competition where students publicly voice what matters to them; she supported the primary schools’ band program involving 1,500 singers and players; and she initiated the Young Archie portraiture competition for artists from kindergarten to grade 12.

Judy was recognised through a variety of awards, including the Tasmanian Telstra Business Women’s Award 2003 (Corporate), Microsoft Outstanding Education Leader of the Year 2003, Australian Lions Drug Awareness Award, and Life Membership of RSL Tasmania.

Judy served as a director on the advisory boards of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Kidsafe Tasmania and Hobart City Mission; she continues on the Drug Education Network, Sunshine Home and Soldiers Memorial Avenue boards.

In May 2018, Judy retired as the Department of Education’s General Manager, but continues part-time coordination of several education projects.

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