Acclaimed medical specialist Dr Nicole Sides was PLC Armidale’s annual Speech Day guest speaker.
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Dr Sides attended PLC Armidale for six years as a boarder from Glen Innes in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, graduating in 1982.
She was back in Armidale to speak at PLC about an IVF clinic she runs in Canberra.
She attributes her success to her country upbringing, and the solid foundations for success she acquired whilst a student at the 131 year-old college.
“Success is about turning up! It’s about turning up and working hard every single day. It’s about doing what you love, having pride in whatever job you do and building a good team around you who share the vision,”
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Dr Sides graduated as a doctor from the University of Sydney School of Medicine in 1988.
After completing her residency in Canberra and Western Sydney, Dr Sides studied to become a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Royal Hospital for Women in Paddington, Sydney.
Returning to her country roots as a medical specialist, she established the Tamworth IVF & Fertility Clinic.
Now based in Canberra, Dr Sides established Compass Fertility, a highly successful and well-respected IVF clinic in the Parliamentary precinct, which also includes a day surgical centre, a pharmacy, a GP practice, and a group of commercial properties in the CBD.
These achievements earned her the Telstra Business Woman and Entrepreneur of the Year award for the ACT in 2016.
Her next project is a chain of specialised medical clinics in Australia and Asia she is developing with husband Ken.
Dr Sides holds a Master’s degree from the University of NSW; graduated from the Institute of Company Directors; sits on boards and government advisory groups; and serves on the committee of the Fertility Society of Australia.
In an engaging and articulate twenty-minute address to PLC Armidale students, staff, and parents yesterday, Dr Sides delivered some key, pragmatic words of advice.
“You need to ‘be on” and in the moment on the job. Pick something you’re really passionate about and support that. Success is hard … It’s about sheer hard work, but it does give you the ability to have choices. It’s about failing and trying again and again. And It’s about having integrity in all you do, and giving back to your community.”
In the same program, Dr David Lim, long-serving, well respected chair of the PLC College Council, delivered his emotional farewell address.
Dr Lim was elected to College Council in 2009, and has served as chair on the council that has governed both PLC Armidale and PLC Sydney for many years.
He thanked principal Nicola Taylor, the executive team, staff, parents and students for all their dedication and efforts.
Incoming chair Leah Russell, an audit partner with an international firm, then thanked Dr Lim for his contributions.
Girls from Year 7 to 11 were then presented with various awards, including Academic Distinctions and awards for leadership.
2018 head prefect Chloe Stier wrapped up the year saying how proud she was of all PLC Armidale girls for doing what they do best… having a good go at anything and everything!
The school moves into Guild Drama mode, the much-anticipated student driven drama performances involving every student from Kinder to Year 11, which have concluded the school year for the past 40 years. The school also awaits the 2018 HSC results!
