Arija Austin is an immensely strong woman in her own right, who survived a European childhood disturbed by the post-war spread of communism.

In Australia she has been a successful businesswoman, developing one of the first fashion design houses in Australia. Her fashion designs have been exhibited at a Melbourne gallery.

She has developed a network of friends of high status, and in her untiring efforts to support this University, she has never hesitated to contact them to elicit their support.

From our earliest days, her personal support to the University has been inspirational.