I have been indebted in the preparation of this thesis
to my supervisors Dr Pam Macintyre
and Dr Marnee Watkins. Pam’s enthusiasm and passion for literature is
contagious while her encouragement and timely
suggestions were invaluable in inspiring
and challenging me from the very early stages of this research. Marnee’s
constructive comments, and her ability to ‘see’ my thesis from a visual
perspective nourished an oasis of ideas and possibilities. Above all, Pam and
Marnee provided me with enormous encouragement and support in a plethora of
ways that has enriched my growth as a student and as a researcher. I thank them
for their honesty, and friendship.
This
thesis arose from a chance comment by Helen Dixon, Olga Ernst’s daughter in the staffroom at Mt. Dandenong Primary School. I am
grateful to Helen and her extended family who generously shared their memories
of Olga and their understanding of family history: Henry Dixon, Mary Newham,
David Waller, Gwen Winter, Margaret Ford, Trevor Mattiske, and Hans Ernst’s
grandchildren. I am also indebted to Herbert Mees and Daniela Timm who took an
academic interest in my research and offered assistance.
 |
| My dad and meI thank my family and friends whose steady support and encouragement has kept me going. I pay tribute to my friend and neighbour Susan Oakley whose ability to do battle with microfiche, get joyously lost in archives with me, and know instinctively when I needed a ‘coffee and cake’ break was amazing. I acknowledge my father Peter who instilled in me a strong work ethic along with my mother Elaine who shared her love of Australian literature. They have been exceptional role models. Also, my daughters Kellie and Belinda who I love dearly and who think any idea I have is a good one! |
Lastly,
I thank Ross, my husband and best friend, and my personal champion, who
maintained an unswerving belief in my ability to finish while working full-time as an Assistant Principal and who had the energy to read every single word I
wrote (time and time again). Thank you Ross for your willingness to follow me
anywhere, at anytime, in my quest to learn.
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