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Ailsa Thomson Zainuddin

Ailsa Thomson Zainuddin is a writer and scholar who has specialised in the history of education. Born in Melbourne in 1927, Ailsa studied English and history at the University of Melbourne, and received her MA for a thesis entitled ‘The Bulletin and Australian Nationalism’. In 1954, Ailsa travelled to Jakarta under the Volunteer Graduate Scheme, working at the English Language Inspectorate. In 1965 she joined the Faculty of Education, Monash University, where she carried out pioneering work in relation to Southeast Asian history of education, and the history of education for girls and women. Ailsa was awarded a PhD from Monash University in 1983 for her centenary history of Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew, the school she herself attended, and which she maintained an association with for over fifty years. Ailsa’s published works also include A Short History of Indonesia, and an Indonesian cookery book. She retired from Monash in 1992. Ailsa and her husband Zainu’ddin (Minangkabau), whom she married in 1954, have two daughters.


Publications View All

  • Bridges of Friendship

    Ann McCarthy and Ailsa Thomson Zainuddin

Events

Book Launch: Vinyl Dreams by Tony Wellington

Noosa Arts Theatre 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville, QLD

Noosa Arts Theatre is pleased to host the launch of Tony Wellington’s latest book, Vinyl Dreams: How the 1970s Changed Music. Brimming with beguiling stories and little-known details, Vinyl Dreams...

Book Launch: Failed Ambitions by Lee-Ann Monk and David Henderson

RHSV Gallery Downstairs 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, VIC

La Trobe University and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria invite you to the launch of Failed Ambitions: Kew Cottages and Changing Ideas of Intellectual Disabilities. To be launched by Dr Colleen...

Book Launch: Cruel Care by Jordana Silverstein

Muse Ground Floor, East Hotel, 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith, ACT

Jordana Silverstein in conversation with Frank Bongiorno Australia has long grappled with how to treat refugees, particularly children, who come to our country. Cruel Care asks why Australia pursues such...

$10 – $42

Book Launch: Cruel Care by Jordana Silverstein

Gleebooks 181A Glebe Point Road, Glebe, News South Wales

Launched by Zora Simic Australia has long grappled with how to treat refugees, particularly children, who come to our country. Cruel Care asks why Australia pursues such unforgiving immigration policies,...