Meet Dolly: the curious cat helping RMIT students see the world

Meet Dolly: the curious cat helping RMIT students see the world

A curious cat with a fondness for bathtubs is helping create new opportunities for RMIT students, with Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO launching her first children’s book, Dolly the Bathtub Cat.

Friends, colleagues, RMIT staff and members of Melbourne’s business and sporting communities came together to celebrate the launch of Dolly the Bathtub Cat, written by Peggy O’Neal and illustrated by Louise Wills. 

Inspired by Peggy’s own rescue cat, named after Dolly Parton, the book follows a fiercely independent cat and the special friendship between a child and her feline companion. 

Reflecting Peggy’s longstanding commitment to education and creating opportunities, all profits from the book will support the Saskia Loer Hansen Memorial Scholarship. 

Honouring a much-loved RMIT colleague whose belief in the life-changing power of education inspired many, the scholarship gives students experiencing financial disadvantage the opportunity to broaden their horizons through international experiences. 

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From a love of reading to supporting students

For Peggy, Dolly the Bathtub Cat grew from her love of reading and belief in education’s power to transform lives. The project also provided an opportunity to work with RMIT’s Bowroen Street Press and involve Master’s students in the creative process. 

At the launch, journalist Konrad Marshall joined Peggy in conversation about the inspiration for the book, the role education has played in her life and her decision to donate all profits to the scholarship. 

“Saskia believed deeply in the transformative power of international experience, and it’s wonderful to honour her legacy by helping students access opportunities they might not otherwise have. I know from my own life just how profoundly education can open doors and change lives."

Inaugural scholarship recipient Louise King also shared what the scholarship has meant for her and the difference it has made to her journey. 

“Studying overseas was something I had dreamed about for years, but financially it felt out of reach. The Saskia Loer Hansen Memorial Scholarship changed that completely.” 

Guests were able to purchase the book and make further donations to the scholarship. 

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How you can contribute

You can purchase Dolly the Bathtub Cat at the RMIT Store, with all profits going towards the Saskia Loer Hansen Memorial Scholarship. 

21 October 2026

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21 October 2026

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