TAFE teacher wins OAM medal

Part-time teacher in theatre costume at TAFE NSW Sydney Institute Jean Carroll has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the general division for service to the theatrical arts as a designer and teacher of millinery.
Carrol, who boasts more than half a century's experience in the industry, started as a 14-year-old fashion millinery apprentice in Sydney in 1937 when hats were a crowning highlight of any wardrobe.
She moved into theatrical millinery in the 1960s, designing numerous pieces for a range of Opera Australia, stage and film productions including the Beijing production of Phantom of the Opera.
Last year she honoured in an exhibition called Rare Trades at the National Gallery in Canberra. The exhibition featured fabrics, wires and blocks used by Carroll along with a selection of her handworked hats, including a braided skull cap and winter bonnet.
Australian honours recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of extraordinary of Australians. The Order of Australia was created in 1975, awarding service worthy of a particular recognition.
In any calendar year no more than 100 awards at Officer in the Order level are made.