Muriel Johnstone-Need OAM (14.2.1924-11.8.2026)

^{Pictured Muriel Johnstone‑Need OAM and Sir Lance Townsend celebrating his knighthood, 1970.}

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Muriel Johnstone‑Need OAM 14.2.1924-11.8.2026, who for many years served as Sir Lance Townsend’s secretary and was, in partnership with Sir Lance, a central figure in the formation and early history of The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Muriel’s contribution to establishing the Department and supporting its early work was widely respected and her death at the remarkable age of 102 marks the end of our direct links with the department’s original founders.

Read more about the origins of the University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology here.