The Story Behind the Jocelyn Smith Philosophy Art Prize

I have dedicated this prize to my mother-in-law, Jocelyn Alice Smith (dates), nee Howieson, from Geraldton, Western Australia.

This fabulous woman gained honours at university in Perth, met Ivan and moved to Sydney, where she lived a life amongst artists of all types, through times that were very tough on artists.

She was one of the first women on ABC radio to edit, write and present; music and I believe history and poetry. After leaving the ABC she and her husband Ivan worked for the UN in New York then returned to live in Sydney Australia to raise their son Steven. Jocelyn taught Higher English in Sydney while Ivan presented and eventually managed at ABC Radio, including writing “Death of a Wombat” and other works.

Jocelyn was widowed shortly after I met her. My partnership with her only child Steven, gave us the joy of two beautiful daughters before he passed suddenly….from chickenpox!

Jocelyn supported me immensely in the raising of her grandchildren. Sadly she passed from breast cancer in 2013. I miss her dearly.

Thanks to her legacy I am able to offer this Art Prize in her memory.

 - Victoria Bilger, daughter-in-law & prize patron