29 August 2024
Kate chatted to Sal about life leading up to her first SALA exhibition.
First up, why Pembroke? I know you had two sisters who didn’t go here.
In short, my parents thought Pembroke was down to earth and would suit me better.
And was it the right fit? (Apart from meeting me, of course?)
Yes, yes, yes! Whilst I didn’t love the first couple of years as much, I can genuinely say I loved my schooling years. The benefit of being a bigger school is that there are so many people with a variety of interests. It helps you to get along with lots of different people and that is a skill. Being able to relate to many different people has served me well in my life. Pembroke also encouraged us to do what we loved and were interested in. The emphasis was not on doing subjects just to get the points. That is something I really stand by.
Who were the most influential teachers at school?
Di Medlin was Principal when we started. She was so lovely and an incredible role model, demonstrating that you don’t need to be authoritarian to garner respect. I had Mr (Patrick) Wallace in Year 12 for English and found his humour, enthusiasm and passion so inspiring.
I know there are many, but can you share one particular memorable school moment?
Well, I’ve never forgotten when we were on the bus to Cross Country and Adrianne (Mrs MacDonald) tried to flick my ear and I almost smashed my head through the window!
What was your study path from school to university, and subsequent career?
I barely remember applying for law at Darwin University (I actually had medicine as my first choice) but when I got the offer I took it. Off I went, only 17.
I had many part-time jobs throughout my study, including one as a rounds clerk. And here’s my advice for any anyone wanting a job in the profession they are studying, get a job in the industry as soon as you can. Any job! It gives you an in. At the end of my degree, I was offered a couple of positions in Darwin.
I chose to work for a small law firm that practiced predominantly criminal law. I did my first trial in the magistrates court about two weeks after I started! It was very busy and diverse work – including flying out to the communities to defend or prosecute matters. Five years in I became a young partner. Whilst the firm I was involved with was really successful, and my career was going well, Darwin felt like a long way away, so my partner (now husband) and I made the decision to travel for the best part of a year before relocating back to Adelaide.
I determined I wanted to pursue areas of law that performed a social service. I worked as a solicitor and prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for 10 years before moving to the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) for 10 years – first as a senior solicitor/delegate in the area of victims of crime, then on the Royal Commission into Child Protections Systems (SA). I then spent a year with my former Pembroke and ODPP colleague, the lovely and wise Melati Lum (1995), outposted by CSO to SafeWork SA as a senior prosecutor before landing back within the CSO head office in the prosecution section.
Finally, at the end of 2022 I made the difficult decision to leave Crown. I really wanted to work more directly with everyday people, commit more time to volunteering at Operation Flinders who run wonderful programs to improve the lives of young people through nature therapy, and develop my art through study and practice.
I now have a sessional member role at SACAT (SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal) in the housing stream. My job consists of sitting as a member in hearings. It’s a good mix of communicating with people and using my skills to make well considered and timely decisions. Being 'sessional' I can list my availability and make time to pursue my other interest – art – which was key in my decision to apply.
At the start of 2023, I started an Associate Degree in Visual Art at the Adelaide Central School of Art. It has been joyous. Whilst there I met my very talented and lovely friend Giuseppe Pappalardo and we commenced an art residency at Pembroke part time this year, which I continue to do now together with my SACAT job.
Can you describe a particular career highlight?
Hmmm, isn’t that funny, not really. I could tell you about my worst experiences very easily. I could tell you a lot of funny stories. Being able to pursue and perform areas of law for the betterment of people and society is an ongoing highlight. That might sound over the top, but that’s really what I think.
My role as an Artist in Residence is very special too. The art facilities in the Shipsters Road Building are incredible, and the art produced by the students there is amazing. It’s such a collaborative space where everyone learns from each other.
It’s worth noting that you didn’t study art at school. Do you regret that?
Yes. But I’ve taken out that regret on my kids positively by enforcing that they should do what they like and what inspires them, and that they will get where they need to in the end regardless. It may not be the perfect philosophy, but it worked for me.
My favourite quote says it all really:
“For what it's worth, it's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you're proud of. And if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald
Both Patrick and Sofia did art in Year 12 and loved it and I feel very proud!
Given you knew the ropes, what advice did you give your children when they first started at Pembroke?
My son Patrick (McGrath) reminded me of the very serious advice I gave him, he said it was the best advice ever: make friends with the boarders.
Any advice for your younger self starting out at Pembroke? Don’t talk so much during Year 11 Maths, perhaps?
I think that was you talking, Kate. Speak more firmly with Mum about my haircut. And be kind in Year 9. I think we did a pretty good job though and had lots of laughs! My advice for all students is to just try. Do what you can at the time and enjoy as much as you can.