When Laurie O'Connell found she could not study for a PhD in anthropology at the ANU because her US university credentials were not recognised, she decided to become an apprentice cabinetmaker.
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When interviewed by The Canberra Times, it was reported on this day 47 years ago, Mrs O'Connell, 29, of Turner, had a master's degree in folklore from the University of California at Berkeley.
During a three-month field trip in desert areas north-east of Alice Springs, Mrs O'Connell decided to apply to the ACT Apprenticeship Board to begin a four-year apprenticeship in cabinetmaking.
A successful application meant she could fulfil a position with the Custom Furniture and Joinery company at Oaks Estate to begin her first-year apprenticeship.
She was regarded as a novelty by many construction workers on the Cameron Offices project at Belconnen. She encountered lots of stares, but no hostility.
She had spent one afternoon carrying timber up five flights of steps meeting a growing audience on each floor and being greeted at various stages by the typically Australian "Good on ya, mate".
