Vale Justice McMillan

The Hon Kate McMillan KC was a distinguished jurist . Only the second woman to chair the Victorian bar.

Kate worked tirelessly in the public interest as a justice of the Victorian Supreme Court, as judges of superior courts do. Kate was a kind, clever and loving friend.

Her interest in Baroque music and Pinchgut arose through her friendship circle. That was Kate’s way. If you were her friend she took an interest in you and all your endeavours and so through friendship her interest and passion for Pinchgut was formed.

Pinchgut was something of an antidote to the structured and cloistered life of a judge. Kate became part of our Melbourne supporter base and followed with interest and financial support the company’s reemergence from its Covid freeze. Supporters come in all shapes and sizes and across all parts of our community. That is what makes Pinchgut such a special, caring and connected family.

Kate's passing after a brief illness came as a shock to her many colleagues and friends and reminds us of the indigenous proverb: “that we are all but visitors to this time, this place. Our purpose is to observe , to learn to grow to love and then ..we return home.”

Peter Jopling AM KC
Board Member, Pinchgut Opera