Both Thomas sisters now graduated

She has been nursing for five years and works at Albury/Wodonga Health as a Registered Nurse.

Myranda Thomas completed a double degree in Media and Communications (majoring in marketing and advertising) and Creative Arts (majoring in Graphic Design) at the University of Wollongong in July 2021.

The 23-year-old lives in Wollongong and works remotely from home for Albury City Council as a Strategic Project Officer.

Bridget and Myranda attended Mulwala Public School, with Bridget going on to Sacred Heart College Yarrawonga and Myranda attending Yanco Agricultural High School before embarking on their careers.

Proud grandmother of the sisters Joan Thomas was a nurse and had three nursing daughters.

It was also a proud mother Bronwyn Thomas. “It was an absolute pleasure to attend our daughter’s graduation at Wodonga,” she said.

“The Faculty of Health Sciences was well represented by 84 students gaining recognition for their studious achievements in health-related studies.

“A highlight was the Dean's acknowledgement of Mr John Richards’ ongoing contribution and support to medical research at La Trobe. Many of these young enthusiastic graduates would have benefited and as will many to come, a continuation to gain further medical research opportunities thanks to John's philanthropic philosophy. A round of applause was given to show appreciation.”

Mr Richards OAM of course is a well-known Yarrawonga identity. The vision of the former jackeroo, soldier and farmer, who was the inaugural president of the Yarrawonga district Health Service board of management, is to support ageing in country Victoria. It was backed by his generous donation which enabled the establishment of the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research within La Trobe University.

Officially launched on March 13, 2018, the centre is the first independent research medical centre under the La Trobe Rural Health Service. The whole Thomas family was so impressed with the work of John Richards.