Maria Myers is a woman who has made a difference in many dimensions of Australian public life. Her commitment to justice, education and Indigenous culture is long lasting and far reaching. Maria’s sense of service to the community and to philanthropy has been recognised at the highest levels and reflects the values of justice and verity which lie at the heart of her Loreto education.

Maria completed her primary years education at Loreto Toorak. Following her secondary education at Loreto College Ballarat, she resided at St Mary’s College whilst completing her studies at the University of Melbourne. Maria has degrees in Arts, Law and Social Work and has worked as a teacher, family and marriage counsellor and academic tutor.

Maria has had an extensive involvement in many areas of Australian life, including the arts, education, environment and Indigenous communities. She is highly regarded for her work with ancient Indigenous rock art in the North Kimberley. Her research into and promotion of the Aboriginal cultural heritage in the communities where this rock art was located, led to its preservation and the development of education programs for children in these communities.  

She was awarded an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2007 for service as a philanthropist, supporting and endowing a range of charitable, Indigenous, heritage and art organisations. Maria received the nation’s highest Australia Day honour in 2016, a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her work in the arts, culture, education and for the protection of Indigenous rock art.

Maria has had a long association with Loreto education. She was a member of the inaugural Loreto Education Board and served on the Board of Loreto College Ballarat and the Council for St Mary’s College. Maria has also been a member of a range of not-for-profit boards, including the Kimberley Foundation of Australia, the State Library of Victoria Foundation, patron of the Australian String Quartet and is a long-term supporter of the Australian Ballet and the National Gallery of Victoria.