We are delighted to hear that Joan Hartigan Bathurst (Loreto Kirribilli, ’28) was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame on 25 January. A three-time Australian Open singles winner, Joan made her Australian Championship debut in 1931 before an illustrious and international tennis career in the years leading up to the Second World War.  

She left a powerful legacy, paving the way for women in tennis as “the first Aussie woman to make an international impact” when she played in her first Wimbledon semi-final in 1934. Upon the nationally celebrated win of Ash Barty in the 2022 Australian Open, we are reminded of the significance of such role models of grace and grit in sport, and very proud to have a Loreto alumna and former parent recognised in this way. 

Joan is also fondly remembered to our community for her generous contributions to Loreto Normanhurst. An ex-student of Loreto Kirribilli, Joan was also a former LN parent of Mary Cook (Bathurst, ’69). Our community loved to see her volunteering in the canteen, on the tennis courts or at fundraising events to support our Building and Bursary programs.