Fiona Hollier has been an active and valued part of the MLC School community for over 60 years.

Fiona commenced at the School in Kindergarten in 1962. As a secondary student in the early 1970s, Fiona was actively involved in Drama, both in lead roles and production, performing the roles on Lydia Languish in The Rivals (1972), Regan in King Lear 1973, and in Twelfth Night, she played the central role of Olivia, and as well, was the director for the production. Fiona was also a member of the 6th Form Debating team, and was the Editor of Excelsior in 1973.

Following the HSC, Fiona completed a Bachelor of Social Studies (Anthropology, History, Social Theory, Social Work) and later a BA (English, History, Political Economy) at the University of Sydney. She is also an Associate Trinity College, London (Speech & Drama). During all her studies, Fiona maintained her connection at MLC School as an active member of the Old Girls’ Union.

In her varied professional career, Fiona values the foundations received at MLC School which she considers nurtured her confidence, adaptability and resilience. Having worked initially in roles in the not-for-profit sector, Fiona combined parenting her three children with commencing her own consultancy in the early 1990s. Her consultancy focussed on interpersonal communication and conflict resolution with her main client base comprising NSW Public Sector agencies. For the past 25 years Fiona has been an accredited professional mediator.

From 2006 to 2019, Fiona was Chief Executive Officer of Resolution Institute, the professional membership organisation for more than 3000 Alternative Dispute Resolution professionals (including mediators, adjudicators, arbitrators and restorative facilitators) across Australia and New Zealand.

Fiona returned to her consultancy in 2020 where she continues to conduct mediations, facilitate meetings, particularly in the public housing sector, and facilitate restorative conferences under the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional sexual abuse, for the Departments of Defence and of Social Services and for the Stolen Generations Scheme.

Both of Fiona’s daughters Rachael (Class of 2002) and Naomi (Class of 2004) completed their high school years at MLC School. During this time, Fiona joined the MLC School Parents and Friends’ Association (P&F), becoming President in 2002 until 2004 when her youngest daughter completed Year 12. During her tenure in the P&F, she was elected the P&F representative on the MLC School Council. Following her daughters’ time at the School, her contribution to Council was so valued that she was asked to continue as a full member of Council.

Fiona said that in her role as a member of the MLC School Council, she aimed to be ‘an active and conscientious participant, listening carefully, interacting with others respectfully and thinking critically about strategic and governance matters.’

She contributed, as a member of Council, to enliven the School’s vision of the girl being at the heart of everything it does. She played a part in embedding the Council’s role to work as a collaborative team, to support and energise the Principal and her executive team.

During Fiona’s tenure, Council appointed three consecutive Principals. She was a member of the then Governance Committee and more recently the Nominations and Review Committee, as well as the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee. In the years 2006 – 2010, she facilitated a number of short sessions on generative thinking and assisted in the planning of Council Retreats.

Fiona says, ‘I hope that I was able to provide a measured, thoughtful and values-driven approach to the many issues addressed by Council as it exercised its strategic responsibilities to oversee the delivery of girls’ education, to ensure fit-for-purpose educational facilities and long-term financial sustainability.’

MLC School is grateful to Fiona for her unwavering commitment to the School. Her dedication to supporting the School in many ways and for many years, exemplifies loyalty and generosity. Through her ongoing contributions, whether through time, resources, or mentorship, she has made a profound impact on the lives of students and the broader School community. Her steadfast commitment to giving back and nurturing the next generation is truly inspiring. We celebrate her remarkable generosity and the enduring legacy she has created within her old school.