Oral Histories

Dr. Frances Elizabeth Collett, who completed a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, graduated in 2017

David John Purdie, Manager of the Adelaide University Roseworthy College’s residential section, has been involved with the University for 28 years, transitioning from a finance background to his current role in 2011.

This interview with Mark Rodda chronicles his experiences at Roseworthy Agricultural College (1993–1995), where he studied the inaugural Agricultural Business degree. He was originally from a family farm on Yorke Peninsula.

An oral history interview with Derek Mitchell details the creation and impact of PASRAC, a pre-entry program at Roseworthy Agricultural College in the mid-1980s that supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into agriculture and natural resources study.

2017 marked the 40th anniversary of the first female RDA students graduation in 1977. These students began their studies in 1974, a significant event given that the Roseworthy Agricultural College had been a male only student institution since its establishment in 1883. This interview is with three of those first female RDA Graduates: Ruth Robinson, Christel Schrank and Jane Cunliffe-Jones (nee Stapledon).

Alistair Gordon McFarlane (RDA 1972), also known as Bardy, discussed his educational journey at Roseworthy Agriculture College, recounting his initial challenges and the lively experiences that shaped his student life.

Graham Brookman graduated from the Roseworthy Agricultural College with an RDA in 1970. ‘Brooky’ was a very active and energetic student leader who chaired the Student Representative Council in 1969. Under his leadership the Roseworthy Open Day went from a low-key event to a significant day in the life of the College, attracting 5000 visitors.

John Dawkins AO graduated from the Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia in 1968 with a Roseworthy Diploma of Agriculture (RDA). From his early days in tertiary study, John was attracted to leadership, committee work and he was President of the Student Representative Council in 1967.

https://www.roseworthy-roca.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ian-Pickett.mp3 DATE 2018 FILES Ian Pickett Interview .MP3 Abstract

Bruce Eastick AM graduated from Roseworthy College in 1947 with First Class Honours. He was awarded the Albert Molineaux Prize, Morphett Prize and many others. Bruce pioneered rural veterinary practice in Gawler as its first self-employed veterinarian and became State President of the Australian Veterinary Association in 1961 and Federal President in 1966.