Victorian Honour Roll of Women

Ruth Austin Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, AM The Hon Justice Sally Brown Fanny Brownbill Marg D’Arcy Linda Fenton The Hon Caroline Hogg Vol 3 Varvara Athanasiou- victorian honour roll of women Ioannou Betty Lawson (Stevenson) 2003 Professor Nancy Millis, AC, MBE Brenda Murray, OAM (Bich) Cam Nguyen Thelma Prior Professor Dimity Reed Jodie Ryan Jill Smith Mavis Taylor Katherine Teh -White Margaret Wirrpunda victorian honour roll of women 2003

ISBN 0 7311 1457 4

The Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2003 is a Victorian Government publication prepared by the Office of Women’s Policy, Department for Victorian Communities

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 Vol 3 Ruth Austin introduction Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, AM The Hon Justice Sally They come from many sections of the community, representing the arts, Brown women’s and children’s health, government, community, the law and Fanny social justice. Brownbill They are women who have contributed significantly not only to the growth of the Marg D’Arcy Victorian community generally, but also to bettering the lives of other women, both Linda Fenton at home in their own communities as well as overseas. The Hon Their generosity of spirit, their ingenuity and their dedication have marked them Caroline Hogg for special mention. Varvara The Victorian Government is committed to honouring the role of women through the Athanasiou-Ioannou I am delighted to present the stories of on going initiative of the Victorian Honour the 20 remarkable women who have Roll of Women. It is a tribute not only to Betty Lawson been added to the Victorian Honour Roll those who have been named, but to of Women in 2003. women everywhere and the contributions (Stevenson) they make every day of their lives. The inaugural Honour Roll, launched in Professor Nancy 2001 as part of Victoria’s Centenary of Federation Women Shaping the Nation Millis, AC, MBE event, recognised the contributions of women from all walks of life. Brenda Murray, OAM Again this year, we illustrate the HON MARY DELAHUNTY, MP (Bich) Cam Nguyen diversity of Victorian women, their skills, strengths, determination and courage. Minister for Women’s Affairs Thelma Prior Professor Dimity Reed Jodie Ryan Jill Smith Mavis Taylor Katherine Teh -White Margaret Wirrpunda 1 victorian honour roll of women 2003 Contents

Ruth Austin 4 (Bich) Cam Nguyen 16

Nina Bassat 5 Thelma Prior 17

Gracia Baylor, AM 6 Professor Dimity Reed 18

The Hon Justice Sally Brown 7 Jodie Ryan 19

Fanny Brownbill 8 Jill Smith 20

Marg D’Arcy 9 Mavis Taylor 21

Linda Fenton 10 Katherine Teh-White 22

The Hon Caroline Hogg 11 Margaret Wirrpunda 23

Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou 12

Betty Lawson (Stevenson) 13

Professor Nancy Millis, AC, MBE 14

Brenda Murray, OAM 15

2 Ruth Austin Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, AM The Hon Justice Sally Brown Fanny Brownbill Marg D’Arcy Linda Fenton The Hon Caroline Hogg Vol 3 Varvara Athanasiou- victorian honour roll of women Ioannou Betty Lawson (Stevenson) 2003 Professor Nancy Millis, AC, MBE Brenda Murray, OAM biographies (Bich) Cam Nguyen Thelma Prior Professor Dimity Reed Jodie Ryan Jill Smith Mavis Taylor Katherine Teh -White Margaret Wirrpunda victorian honour roll of women 2003 ruth austin

Infant Ruth chose Bright in the Alpine Shire. Welfare Sister Initially, she worked in temporary facilities at the Mt Beauty Medical Centre and later at the Guide Hall before a For 28 years, Ruth Austin was an Infant permanent Infant Welfare Centre was Welfare Sister for the North-East Victorian built in the town in 1964. New centres townships of Bright, Myrtleford and Mt were also opened in Myrtleford in 1959 Beauty. In that time she cared for more and Bright in 1964. The Shire’s than 7000 newborn babies, many children community grew with the arrival of of newly arrived migrants. Her support migrant workers for the Kiewa Hydro and care for mothers and their babies Electricity Scheme and the tobacco farms was invaluable. around Myrtleford.

Born in Leongatha in Gippsland in 1922, Ruth travelled extensively throughout the Ruth trained as a nurse at Prince Henry’s Shire, operating weekly clinics in three Hospital in Melbourne during World War II. townships. Many mothers spoke little or She then went to Sydney to the King no English and Ruth was always supportive Sister Ruth Austin made a lasting George VI Hospital to complete her and responsive to their needs and made contribution to the women, children and obstetrics qualification. many house calls. families of the Alpine Shire community.

After the war, Ruth went to New Zealand During her nearly three decades of In a small rural community like the where there was a shortage of trained service, hearing tests were introduced and North-East Alpine area, someone like nurses and worked in several provincial immunisation became widespread. She Ruth is an inspiration and a life force. hospitals. imparted new ideas and knowledge into the community, including the introduction “I’ve had a sense of satisfaction and pride In 1953, Ruth and her twin sister Mary of the contraceptive pill for women. sailed to England and for the next two in infant welfare service in three towns and their surrounding areas,” she says. years they both nursed in the UK and in Ruth was concerned about the lack of Montreal, Canada. community facilities for old and frail people and helped to instigate the Back home, Ruth completed her infant Community Welfare Association, which welfare training on a bursary at the Queen was instrumental in providing meals-on- Elizabeth Hospital for Mothers and Babies in wheels. She also helped to establish the Carlton. In return for the bursary, she had Senior Citizens Club rooms in Bright. to work for one year and the options were either Cranbourne in Melbourne’s outer-east or Bright in north-east Victoria.

4 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon nina bassat Justice Sally Brown Jewish leader She is on the Executive Council of Fanny Australian Jewry, the official elected Nina Bassat is a prominent leader in organisation and authority of the Brownbill Victoria’s Jewish community. She was the Australian Jewish Community, serving first woman to head the Jewish as its second woman President from Marg D’Arcy Community Council of Victoria and the 1998-2001. second woman to be President of the Linda Fenton Executive Council of Australian Jewry. As President, Nina set up the National Restitution hotline to deal with all Born in Lwow, Poland in 1939, Nina and restitution enquiries and facilitated The Hon her mother survived the Holocaust and restitution claims. She led a leadership came to Australia in 1949 as refugees mission to Israel in January 2000. Caroline Hogg after two years in a displaced person’s In 2002, Nina was invited to be a board camp in Germany. They settled in Varvara member of the Monash University Centre Melbourne. for Jewish Civilisation Foundation. Athanasiou-Ioannou Nina studied arts and law at the In 2001, Nina was made the honorary University of Melbourne, married and patron of the 16th Maccabean Team in Betty Lawson had three children. In 1980 she started recognition of her ‘outstanding her own legal practice. contribution in assisting victims of the (Stevenson) For 20 years Nina has been on the bridge tragedy at the XV Maccabiah in National Council of Jewish Women Victoria Israel in July 1997’. Professor Nancy and served as its Vice-President from In 2000, the National Council of Jewish 1984-1995. Millis, AC, MBE Women of Australia presented her with As head of the Jewish Community the Woman of Achievement Award. Brenda Murray, OAM Council of Victoria in 1996, she initiated Nina is very low key and self-effacing the Taskforce for Jews from the former about her achievements and (Bich) Cam Nguyen Soviet Union, established the Demography leadership roles. Committee, which produced the current Thelma Prior demographic study of the Jewish “The fact is that 1.5 million Jewish community in Victoria, and set up Noar, a children died in the Holocaust. Those youth group for dealing with the problem Professor Dimity Reed that are left have had to assume some of street parties. level of responsibility. Jodie Ryan Since the mid 1980s Nina has also been “People have asked me to become on the National Council of Jewish Women Jill Smith involved and do things and really there of Australia and has chaired the aren’t a lot of us to turn to, I just couldn’t Constitution Committee, the Overseas Mavis Taylor say no.” Jewry Committee and the Anti Semitism and Racism Committee. Katherine Teh -White Margaret Wirrpunda 5 victorian honour roll of women 2003 gracia baylor, am

Women’s served as Shire President from 1977-78. affairs, Local At the time she was the first female Government, Shire President in Victoria. Victorian Member From 1973-76, she was President of the Australian Local Government Women’s of Parliament Association and actively supported and encouraged women to stand for local government. Gracia Baylor was the first woman President of the Shire of Healesville now In March 1979 she was one of the first Yarra Ranges Shire Council and one of two women to be elected to the Victorian the first two women to be elected to Legislative Council as the member for the Victorian Legislative Council. She has Boronia. Gracia resigned from this seat played a leading role in the Victorian and in 1985 to contest the lower house seat Australian National Council of Women, of Warrandyte, but was unsuccessful. helped to establish the Queen Victoria In 1999, Gracia was made a Member of Women’s Centre and has been involved As an MP, Gracia was instrumental in the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition with many issues facing women. helping to save the main building on the of her services to Parliament and women’s Queen Victoria Hospital site by persuading affairs. She is a member of two Federal Gracia Baylor was born in Brisbane in 1931. fellow Upper House colleagues to block Government Advisory Committees. During the war her father was in the air legislation to sell this piece of Crown land force so the family moved to Victoria and to developers. The building became the As a mature age student, Gracia went back they also spent some time in Hobart. Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC), to study and in 1992 gained a Bachelor of a focal point of reference for women to Arts from Deakin University. In 1950 she completed a Diploma of Fine access services and facilities. In 1995, Arts at the National Gallery Arts School in she became a Trustee of the QVWC. Gracia firmly believes that women should Melbourne and afterwards did a teacher have equal status to men. training course. Gracia taught at secondary For many years, Gracia has been an active schools and after marrying, worked as a leader of women’s organisations, including “I’ve always believed in equality ... that law clerk and manager of one of her President of the National Council of Women women should have equal opportunity to husband’s three law practices. (NCW) of Victoria 1990-93 and President of share in the decision-making processes NCW Australia 1997-2000. of the nation at any level, whether it Gracia developed her interest in local be parliamentary, corporate, or at the politics from her concern for the need for a She has helped to prepare many local level.” kindergarten in Healesville where she lived submissions to government on issues and worked. She was elected to the concerning women’s health, migration, Healesville Shire council in 1966 and education, nutrition and environment.

6 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon the hon justice sally brown Justice Sally Brown First woman She has been responsible for a number Fanny Chief Magistrate of significant judicial education initiatives within the Family Court, including the Brownbill of Victoria and Gender and Judicial Awareness Family Court Conference in 1994, the Equality and Marg D’Arcy Judge Justice Conference in 1995, the Violence Conference in 1996, two Aboriginal Linda Fenton Awareness Conferences and the As Chief Magistrate, Sally Brown was the development and delivery of the first first woman to head a Victorian Court and three national judicial orientation The Hon subsequently she was appointed a Judge programs conducted by the Australian of the Family Court of Australia. Institute of Judicial Administration (AIJA). Caroline Hogg

Her particular concerns are juvenile justice Justice Brown is a member of a number Varvara issues, reform of the law relating to of Boards and Committees including the sexual assault and domestic violence and Board of Management of the Australian Athanasiou-Ioannou judicial education. Drug Foundation, Patron of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Shilling Fund Betty Lawson Born in Melbourne in 1950, Sally Brown and she is on the Advisory Board of the was school captain of Mac Robertson Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution (Stevenson) Girls’ High School and went on to the and Judicial Administration at the University of Melbourne to study law University of Melbourne. Professor Nancy and arts. Justice Brown has been invited to present Millis, AC, MBE After completing her articles, she worked at several international conferences and as a solicitor, lectured in law, started her in recognition of her services, the AIJA has Brenda Murray, OAM own legal practice and became a barrister. made her an Honorary Life Member.

In 1985 she was appointed a Magistrate in Justice Brown has made a significant (Bich) Cam Nguyen Victoria, then Deputy Chief Magistrate in contribution to the practice of law and 1987 before becoming Chief Magistrate is held in high esteem by her peers. Thelma Prior in 1990. She has worked to break down the barriers to equal participation in the Professor Dimity Reed Justice Brown was appointed a Judge of law and to work towards a more open the Family Court of Australia in 1993. In and inclusive system of justice and has Jodie Ryan 2001 she was made the Administrative been at the forefront of judicial education Judge of the Family Court for Victoria and on social issues, particularly those relating Jill Smith Tasmania. to gender. Mavis Taylor Throughout her career, Justice Brown has been committed to reforming the law Katherine Teh -White relating to family violence and is Chair of the Victorian Family Violence Protocols Margaret Wirrpunda Committee. 7 victorian honour roll of women 2003 fanny brownbill

Victoria’s first She went on to hold the seat at the next woman Labor MP four elections, sometimes unopposed - a testament to her popularity with the local electorate. Fanny Brownbill held the Legislative Assembly seat of Geelong for 10 years As a committee member of the Old Folks from 1938 until her death in 1948. At the Home and through her long association and time, she was only the second Labor work with the Geelong and District Ladies’ woman to be elected to a State Parliament Benevolent Association, she gave in Australia. considerable support to elderly members of the Geelong community. She worked hard In Parliamentary debates, Fanny raised to assist elderly and deserving people to many issues relating to the rights of obtain the old-age pension. women, children and family. Her inaugural speech to Parliament on 20 July 1938 was Fanny was President of the Matthew against the ban on perambulators on Flinders Girls’ School Council and the The Acting Leader of the Opposition at the suburban trains in Melbourne. Geelong and Western District Orphanage time of Fanny’s death, Mr L W Galvin MP, Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the said that Fanny exemplified the Christian Fanny was also a tireless worker for the Geelong Young Women’s Christian approach to politics. Geelong community. Association (YWCA). “Victoria will be the poorer for her Fanny was born at Modewarre near In addition to her parliamentary duties passing,” he said. “Women in particular Geelong in 1890 and was educated at local and community work, Fanny was a Justice have lost an advocate to whom they state schools. Her marriage to Bill of the Peace. indeed owe much.” Brownbill in 1920 marked the start of her long association with the Australian Labor The Geelong City Council named a ward Party. Bill was the Member for Geelong for after Fanny Brownbill in commemoration of a total of 15 years, first from 1920 to 1932 her contribution to Geelong and in honour and then from 1935 to 1938, when he died of her achievements as a woman in in office. Fanny decided to stand for his Victorian Parliament. seat in the resultant by-election. When Fanny died, she was the only female Fanny won the seat of Geelong in 1938 Member of Parliament in Victoria. At her by more than 2000 votes despite stiff funeral, thousands of people lined the opposition, including a call by the then streets of Geelong as a mark of respect. Federal Treasurer, Richard Casey, that parliament was no place for a woman.

8 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon marg d’arcy Justice Sally Brown Prevention of Victoria Police employed Marg as Fanny violence against Coordinator of the Family Violence Project Office from 1988 until 1991 where she Brownbill women developed policy and provided strategic advice regarding the role of police in Marg D’Arcy For the past 20 years Marg D’Arcy has family violence. worked to develop and implement new Linda Fenton and improved policies and methods of From 1991-93, she was the Women’s supporting and assisting women, while at Policy Officer for the Office of Corrections. the same time empowering women who The Hon have been abused by men. For four years (1993-97) Marg worked for the Victorian Community Council Caroline Hogg Born in the western district town of Against Violence during which time Hamilton in 1950, Marg moved to stalking legislation was introduced. Varvara Melbourne with her family as a teenager and left school at 16. In her late 20s, In 1998, Marg was a research officer at Athanasiou-Ioannou she did a Bachelor of Arts at Latrobe the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA University and became interested in House) at the Royal Women’s Hospital Betty Lawson feminist politics. where she managed the Sexual Assault Incidence and Prevalence Project. (Stevenson) In 1981, Marg started work at Southern Halfway House, a women’s refuge in Marg is currently Senior Program Professor Nancy metropolitan Melbourne. The experience Manager, Royal Women’s Hospital opened her eyes to the horrific violence with responsibility for the management Millis, AC, MBE and harassment that some men of CASA House and the statewide, perpetrate on a daily basis against after hours Sexual Assault Crisis Line. Brenda Murray, OAM women. The services provide telephone counselling, support, information and (Bich) Cam Nguyen Marg has been responsible for a huge advocacy, 24-hour crisis care and ongoing variety of projects and actions that have counselling, support and advocacy for set the agenda in the continuing struggle women and men following sexual assault. Thelma Prior to reduce violence against women. Until November 2002 she was convenor Professor Dimity Reed Marg was the coordinator of the Southern of the National Association of Services Halfway House collective for two and half Against Sexual Violence and a member Jodie Ryan years. She then conducted an evaluation of the board of the National Women’s of Victorian women’s refuges for the Justice Coalition. Jill Smith Victorian Women’s Refuge Action Group and coordinated the Women’s Emergency “My commitment is to work towards a Mavis Taylor Services Program for the Department of world where women can exercise their Community Welfare. right to live free from fear of violence, Katherine Teh -White whether it is as victims of war and torture or whether it is in their homes Margaret Wirrpunda or workplaces.” 9 victorian honour roll of women 2003 linda fenton

Aboriginal to Swan Hill to teach Sunday school. She In mid 1995, under Linda’s leadership, the community leader started up the Mirranjippa Dance Group and Wamba Wamba Aboriginal Land Council taught Dreamtime dancing and ballet built upon its successful 13-acre market and mentor for dancing to local children and was also garden and established a hydroponic Indigenous women a pre-school teacher. She married her facility that has become a role model for husband Geoff in 1981, who was a other Aboriginal Land Councils. Salvation Army pastor. They had three Linda Fenton was a great inspiration for the daughters. The Wamba Wamba people lost an women of the Wamba Wamba people, important community leader when Linda many of whom suffered drug and alcohol, In the late 1980s she became involved died in February 2000. She is greatly domestic violence and social isolation with the Wamba Wamba Aboriginal Land missed by her people. problems. Council, which occupies 40 acres of traditional land on the banks of the Murray In particular, Linda was an inspiration for Through her efforts to establish the Wamba River near Swan Hill on the NSW side of the women of the Wamba Wamba. The Dagz sewing group, Linda developed and the river border and in 1993 was elected sewing group is growing into a clothing created a social, educational and cultural Chairperson. business, giving the women confidence program for the Wamba Wamba women, and self-esteem. They now have a goal giving them skills and helping them to Linda Fenton worked constantly to improve to achieve in business thanks to Linda’s take control of their lives. the welfare and the confidence of the support and vision. Wamba Wamba people. She was also influential in the Wamba Linda planted the seed for the Wamba Wamba people’s development of a market As Chairperson of the Land Council, she Wamba women to bloom. garden and a commercial hydroponic helped to establish two important and facility, enabling the community to become successful initiatives for the Wamba self-sufficient. Both enterprises provided Wamba people. important employment and educational opportunities. In 1992, Linda applied to ATSIC for a grant of $6000 to purchase sewing machines and Linda Fenton was born in 1956 in Swan materials and to employ a sewing teacher. Hill, where she went to school until Year Starting out in a tin shed at the back of a 10. At primary school Linda learnt ballet house, the Wamba Dagz sewing group has dancing and gave many performances, over the years operated successful street then at high school she became a stalls selling their clothing, arts and crafts committed Christian. After leaving school and is now a profitable small business she attended the Gnowangerup Bible enterprise. College in Western Australia and returned

10 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon the hon caroline hogg Justice Sally Brown Victorian Member until 1991, she was Minister for Health. Fanny of Parliament and During that time, she worked to ensure that Victoria had one of the best Brownbill supporter of prevention and support programs in social justice Australia for people with HIV. Marg D’Arcy issues She took on the demanding role of Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Linda Fenton Caroline Hogg had a noted parliamentary Community Affairs in January 1991 and career for 17 years. She championed a held the portfolio until the change of The Hon range of social justice initiatives and was Government in 1992, when Labor committed to community development. moved into Opposition. Caroline Hogg Since retiring from Parliament in 1999, she has continued this commitment From 1990-96 she was the Deputy Varvara through a range of voluntary positions. Leader of the Labor Party in the Legislative Council. Born in Somerset in England in 1942, Athanasiou-Ioannou Caroline and her Australian-born mother Caroline then held various Shadow moved to Australia in 1950. She went to Ministerial positions when in Opposition Betty Lawson school and university in Adelaide, later and was the ALP Whip in the Legislative moving to Melbourne, where she taught Council, when she retired in 1999. (Stevenson) at Fitzroy High School for 15 years. In addition, Caroline made major Professor Nancy Caroline’s interest in politics was kindled contributions to a range of Parliamentary in the turbulent 1960s, when she became and Cabinet committees, including the actively involved in demonstrations Social Development Committee of Millis, AC, MBE against the Vietnam War and capital Cabinet and the Rural Affairs Committee punishment. She joined the Australian of Cabinet. Brenda Murray, OAM Labor Party in 1966. Throughout her political career, Caroline (Bich) Cam Nguyen For nine years from 1970 to 1979 she made many friends in the women’s was a councillor at the City of Collingwood community, including women from Thelma Prior and its first woman mayor in 1978-79. culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and was well loved and In 1982, Caroline stood for the Victorian respected in the neighbourhood house Professor Dimity Reed Parliamentary seat of Melbourne North and rural women’s networks. and was successfully elected and went Jodie Ryan on to become Victorian Labor’s longest Since her retirement she has chaired serving woman MP. the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Jill Smith Women’s Health and Wellbeing and In 1985, she was sworn in as Minister since July 2000 has been on the Board Mavis Taylor for Community Services in the Cain of beyondblue, the National Depression Government and held that ministry until Initiative. 1987, when she moved to head the Katherine Teh -White Education portfolio. "My commitment to public life was underpinned by a very strong desire to Margaret Wirrpunda In 1988, Caroline became Minister for make life better and fairer for people," Ethnic Affairs. For two years from 1989 says Caroline. 11 victorian honour roll of women 2003 varvara athanasiou-ioannou

Human resources on teaching Greek from prep to Year 8. consultant This was later translated into 16 other promoting a languages. climate of In the mid 1980s, she taught and implemented a new curriculum across inclusiveness the Coburg West Primary School.

Varvara has held senior consultancy and Since her arrival in Australia 30 years human resource management roles with ago, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou has Ericsson Australia and Australia Post. Most been instrumental in the evolution of recently she has been running Australia multicultural policy and has worked Post’s Get A Balanced Life Program and the towards changing the policy of Women’s Information Network (WIN). She assimilation to inclusiveness. She is has also been a sessional lecturer at committed to social justice and human Swinburne University of Technology in the She was also on the Board of the RMIT rights for migrant women refugees and Bachelor of Business program. University Course Advisory Committee other disadvantaged groups. for Logistics and Transport for three years. In 1996 Varvara was nominated by the Born in Greece in 1953, Varvara immigrated Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne Varvara’s work is based on diversity to Australia when she was 19. She initially and Victoria to represent women of Greek principles of inclusiveness for everyone. did a teaching diploma, then completed a background from Oceania at the She creates opportunities and actively Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University International Conference held in Greece by removes barriers to allow people to and started a Masters in Education. the World Council of Hellenes Abroad. succeed and is enormously energetic and dedicated. Varvara is a positive Varvara has a combined educational, In 1999 she was elected to the 11-member role model and mentor for many women, consultancy and human resources board of the World Committee for Hellenic not just within the Greek community. background. She has worked extensively Women Abroad. in the field of curriculum development, She has a passion for wanting to make a including writing, initiating and Through the Cultural Association of difference in the world. implementing policy for the Victorian Hellenic Women of Victoria, Varvara Education Department dealing with cultural has been the founder of a unique and change in schools introducing language dynamic, non-profit initiative called other than English (LOTE) frameworks. ‘Food For Thought Network’ - a women’s network with a developmental focus in She worked with the Ethnic Education the areas of work, family, language, Services division of the Education culture, health and wellbeing. Department and wrote national curriculum

12 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon betty lawson (stevenson) Justice Sally Brown

First woman the position of principal of the Sunshine Fanny president of North Technical School. This opened up the Technical the system for other women. Brownbill Teachers In 1967, Betty was one of a group of Marg D’Arcy technical teacher members who Association of perceived a lack of representation in Linda Fenton Victoria the VTU. They formed the Technical Teachers Association of Victoria. The Hon Betty Lawson (formerly Stevenson) Betty served on the 1967 Interim helped to form the Technical Teachers Council as Vice President and the Caroline Hogg Association of Victoria (TTAV) in 1967 following year, she stood uncontested and in 1968 was elected its first for the President’s office. She was the Varvara woman president. She was the first woman President of the TTAV and first woman principal of a co-educational only its second President. Betty chose Athanasiou-Ioannou technical school. not to renominate the following year, but served on the TTAV Council for the next Betty Lawson Born in Melbourne in 1920, Betty started four years. Betty was also President of her teaching career in 1938 as a student the national body, the Technical Teachers (Stevenson) teacher at the Ellinbank state school in Association of Australia. Gippsland. She completed her Trained Primary Teachers’ Certificate in 1940 and Professor Nancy In 1974, Betty was awarded life later earned a Commerce degree from the membership of the TTAV in recognition University of Melbourne whilst teaching Millis, AC, MBE of her executive roles and contribution and also raising three children. to the national organisation. She was the Brenda Murray, OAM first woman member to be honoured life Betty joined the Victorian Teachers Union membership and was one of only seven (VTU) in the late 1950s and joined the (Bich) Cam Nguyen people in ten years to receive Council in 1961 as a representative of the honour. Metropolitan Technical Women. At the Thelma Prior time she was a Class II Assistant at Betty retired from teaching in 1975. Sandringham Technical School. Prior Professor Dimity Reed to that she taught at Box Hill Girls’ When Betty was awarded life Technical School. membership of the TTAV, she was Jodie Ryan commended for her leadership in many In 1969 Betty was unsuccessful in her matters, particularly concerning women Jill Smith application for the position of principal at technical teachers. a co-educational technical school. She Mavis Taylor was refused the right to appeal on the She says her goal was to achieve equality grounds that the position was not and justice for women teachers and in Katherine Teh -White advertised for women applicants. With the late 1960s she was involved with the assistance of the TTAV, her right to the campaign for equal pay for women appeal was upheld, a battle ensued and Margaret Wirrpunda in the workplace. in the following year she finally won 13 victorian honour roll of women 2003 professor nancy millis, ac, mbe

Pioneer in the Nancy’s main leadership has been in study of the introduction of genetic engineering to the fledgling field of biotechnology in biotechnology Australia. The first course in biotechnology in Australia at the University of Melbourne was taught by Nancy to chemical engineering students. The contributions that Professor Nancy Millis has made to agriculture, protection From 1980 to 2000, she chaired the of the environment, science, medicine and Federal Government’s genetic engineering engineering have been immense. Without surveillance committees (RDMC and GMAC), her leadership, genetic engineering would which set up guidelines that have become not have flourished in Australia. models for most of the South-East Asian region. Born in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton in 1922, Nancy Millis was the fifth of six Nancy Millis is also a leader in the In 1977, she became a Member of the children, whose enlightened parents made environmental management field. She was British Empire (MBE) and in 1990 was sure the family was well educated even aware early of the importance of the purity made a Companion of the Order of during the Depression. of water and one of her main projects was Australia (AC). In 2002, Nancy and her the development of techniques to treat work was honoured and recognised by Her father’s ill health meant Nancy had excess or wastewater after industrial use. being part of the Australia Post Legend to leave school at 16, but she went to Stamp series. night school and matriculated and then Professor Millis has served on a wide range studied Agricultural Science at the of committees and boards. Her integrity, Nancy Millis is a person with the rare University of Melbourne. persistence, forthrightness and the ability to combination of having scientific knowledge, collaborate with others to achieve a industrial application and the ability to In 1948 she went to England to obtain her successful outcome are some of her liaise with political, business, educational PhD at the University of Bristol and did her outstanding characteristics. She has great and scientific workers not only in Australia, thesis on the fermentation of cider, her skill in determining the path science should but worldwide. introduction to industrial process take and leads others to follow. technology. Her knowledge and advice has been In 1992, Professor Millis was appointed the greatly appreciated by her many students On her return to Australia she was first woman Chancellor of La Trobe over four decades of lecturing and appointed Lecturer in the Microbiology University. She was Chair of the Victorian PhD supervision. Department at the University of Melbourne Government’s Water Strategy Committee and a Professor in 1982. that advised on the supply and use of water for the Melbourne area.

14 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon brenda murray, oam Justice Sally Brown Dedicated In 1979 Brenda was the founding Fanny community chairperson of the Orbost Continuing Care Appeal, which raised money to build Brownbill worker and local an aged persons facility for Orbost. She government also worked to provide facilities for Marg D’Arcy councillor people with a disability, as the founding chairperson of the Merindah Day Training Linda Fenton Centre now part of the Noweyung Centre. Brenda Murray is recognised in her East Gippsland community has a tireless In addition to her community welfare The Hon community worker, leader and instigator work, Brenda was the chairperson of the of many important initiatives. East Gippsland Economic Development Caroline Hogg Born in London in 1930, Brenda was and Employment Committee established evacuated from her Wimbledon home in 1986-87, which aimed to identify ways Varvara to Australia during World War II and lived to improve the prosperity of the region. in South Belgrave until the end of the She was a commissioner of the Orbost Athanasiou-Ioannou war. Back in England, she completed Water Trust and Sewerage Authority from school, but found it difficult to settle 1972 until 1980 and its chair from 1977- Betty Lawson down and decided to return to Australia. 79, a period that oversaw the expansion Brenda became a secondary school of the water supply and provision of (Stevenson) teacher, married and had three sons significant new sewerage services. with her husband Keith. In 1960, they She has been a Justice of the Peace for Professor Nancy moved to Orbost where she taught and more than 24 years and was an honorary was headmistress of the Orbost Secondary probation officer at Orbost before being Millis, AC, MBE College and became an active member appointed as a JP. of her community. Brenda Murray, OAM In 1985, Brenda was awarded the Order Brenda first became an elected local of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to (Bich) Cam Nguyen government councillor in 1971 for the the community. After the severe 1998 Shire of Orbost, where she spent 17 years floods in East Gippsland, the Red Cross on the council including three terms as awarded Brenda the Red Cross Medal for Thelma Prior Shire President. Meritorious Services for her work as an Brenda pulled together towns and emergency services liaison officer. Professor Dimity Reed communities heavily reliant on the timber In her more than 40 years in East Jodie Ryan industry for their economic well being. Gippsland, Brenda has been involved with They formed a body called Timber Towns many cultural, community and sporting Jill Smith Victoria, which aimed to speak with a groups and associations. united, common voice and support the future of families whose livelihoods were Brenda says she’s been fortunate to have Mavis Taylor dependent on the timber industry. many wonderful opportunities after a tumultuous childhood. She hates to see With the reintroduction of local council Katherine Teh -White injustice and compassion is what fires her elections in Victoria in 1997, Brenda up. “You have to do your best to put became Mayor of the newly formed Margaret Wirrpunda something back into life all the time.” East Gippsland Shire, encompassing five 15 previous shires. victorian honour roll of women 2003 (bich) cam nguyen

Supporting At AMES, Cam played a pivotal role in Vietnamese and lobbying the Federal Government to construct a purpose built education centre other migrants for the very large and growing immigrant and refugees to community in the St Albans area in 1990. settle in Victoria In the summer of 1982 Cam’s concern for new arrivals from Vietnam led her to Cam Nguyen was instrumental in approach a number of Vietnamese establishing the Australian Vietnamese professional women about forming a Women’s Welfare Association and women’s association dedicated to the developing a wide range of services for welfare, settlement and integration of the newly arrived migrants, principally from Vietnamese community in Victoria. Vietnam, but also from Africa and other Asian countries. The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Welfare Association (AVA) was formed in She has served on many committees The range of services offered critical early 1983 with Cam as the founder and including the Implementation Committee support such as welfare, training, housing, inaugural president, a position she held for for the Establishment of the Independent media, research, sports, recreation, 16 of the next 20 years. & Multicultural Broadcasting Corporation rehabilitation and employment. (the precursor to SBS), the Victoria From 1995 to 1998, Cam took on the 150th Anniversary Committee, the Born in Vietnam in 1940, Cam arrived in full-time paid role as executive director Ethnic Communities Council and various Australia as a refugee in 1975 with her of AVA during which time core staff were committees and taskforces for the Victorian husband, Dr Nguyen Trieu Dan (previously recruited and trained and the AVA Ethnic Affairs Commission in the mid 1980s. Vietnam’s Ambassador to Japan), and their experienced a quantum leap in the range four children, aged two to 11. of services provided. Cam succeeded in In 1986 the National Returned Servicemen’s establishing the AVA as an excellent not League (RSL) awarded Cam the Anzac of Cam completed a B.A. (Hons) degree for profit organisation with professional the Year for distinguished service to fellow at Cambridge University in 1962 and staff providing high quality services and in Australians. then a M.A. in 1966. She was fluent in the process making it the largest English and French but had no work Vietnamese community organisation in In 2002, she was made Ambassador by the experience, so initially she worked as a Victoria. Since 1998 she has again been City of Yarra for services to residents. clerk and an interpreter. Later Cam started honorary AVA president. teaching French to children and English Cam embodies the values of generosity to adult migrants. Thanks to her thorough understanding of and inclusiveness. She works not just for both cultures, Cam has been able to act as the Vietnamese community, but for all She did a Diploma in Education and a a bridge between the Vietnamese and Australians, particularly new arrivals from Graduate Diploma in Educational Australian communities. across the globe. Her vision is for a caring Administration while teaching at the Adult and harmonious Australian society. Migrant Education Services (AMES), becoming principal at the AMES Centre in St Albans in 1986. 16 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon thelma prior Justice Sally Brown Women’s rights Thelma convinced ICI to offer the Fanny campaigner and first-ever holiday care program for the union shop children of factory workers. Brownbill steward Thelma attended the United Nations Marg D’Arcy International Women’s Conference in Mexico in 1975 and then went to the Throughout her life, Thelma Prior has Linda Fenton conference in Nairobi in 1985 where campaigned for the wellbeing of women, she met many valuable international particularly factory workers. contacts. The Hon At 14, she started work as an unskilled Thelma retired from paid work in 1983 Caroline Hogg textile worker and continued to work in and continued her union involvement by the industry for the next 47 years, becoming a volunteer with the Union of Varvara campaigning for improved conditions. Australian Women (UAW). Athanasiou-Ioannou Born in 1922 in Essendon, Thelma In the late 1980s, she was a member attended the local state school. She left of the Victorian Women’s Consultative Betty Lawson in 1936 to start work at the Holeproof Council and was involved with the factory in Brunswick. campaign to save part of the Queen (Stevenson) Victoria Hospital for Women. At the young age of 15, Thelma was elected a shop steward and began her Professor Nancy Thelma has played an important part fight for better conditions and better in her local community and helped to rights for all women workers. Millis, AC, MBE set up a community health centre in Doncaster and Templestowe. She In 1948, Thelma was sacked from her job Brenda Murray, OAM has been vocal in highlighting and at Hilton Hosiery for campaigning for an supporting environmental issues. increase of 2/6d for junior wages. She (Bich) Cam Nguyen moved to ICI Zips where she worked until In 1991, Thelma was declared her retirement in 1983. Manningham City Council’s Citizen of Thelma Prior the Year in recognition of her work As elected shop steward, she campaigned and commitment. Professor Dimity Reed on issues such as childcare, special leave for women to care for sick children or Thelma is a quiet and steadfast activist Jodie Ryan carry out other family responsibilities and whose tireless campaigning has made unpaid maternity leave. a great and lasting impact on everything Jill Smith she has been involved in. She also addressed issues affecting the Mavis Taylor increasing number of migrant women She has a deep and abiding desire for workers and fought for English classes on world peace spurred on since she the job because she realised how difficult Katherine Teh -White attended the United Nations World it was for these women with the double Peace Congress in Poland in 1950. demands of work and family to attend Margaret Wirrpunda classes after work. 17 victorian honour roll of women 2003 professor dimity reed

Architecture, in Schools program, which aimed to public housing establish an understanding of our built and urban design, world as part of the primary school women’s issues curriculum. For four years she was Chairman of and local Directors of Archicentre, the home advisory government division of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), which provides advice to homebuyers and renovators. For nearly 30 years, Dimity Reed has been involved with promoting the role of In 1984, Dimity became the first woman architecture, planning and urban studies. President of a State Chapter of the RAIA. As Commissioner of Housing in the late She has received numerous awards from 1970s and early 80s, Dimity offered new the RAIA. views and approaches to old problems in For 22 years she was a Board Member of public housing. Throughout her career, Dimity has run her the YWCA and she is a Patron of the own architectural and urban design and Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. She She also has a long-standing commitment planning practice. was a co-founder of the Association of to women’s issues and was a founding Women in Architecture that for some years member of the Family Planning Association In 1994, she was appointed Professor in provided support and encouragement to and the Childbirth Education Association. Urban Design at RMIT University and since women working in architecture. 2001 has been Adjunct Professor. Born in the New South Wales country Dimity is the City of Melbourne’s town of Parkes in 1942, Dimity grew up For five years she was a part-time Member Ambassador for Architecture, a Trustee for in Melbourne. After her marriage ended of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s the Shrine of Remembrance and a board she returned to study architecture as a Planning Division and for nearly 20 years member of the Urban & Regional Land mature-age student, juggling the demands she has been the Chair or Member of Corporation and Zoos Victoria. of study and raising her three young panels hearing proposed amendments to children. She completed her Bachelor’s local government planning schemes. Dimity Reed has had a long-standing degree at the University of Melbourne in commitment to the roles that architecture, 1976 and in 1999 gained a Masters in Dimity has also been active in local urban design and public housing serve in Architecture from RMIT. government as an elected Councillor with our society. the City of St Kilda (1992-94) and as a From 1978-82, she was a Commissioner of Commissioner with the City of Moreland “How and what we build and how we Housing in Victoria and later became the (1994-96) with particular interest in share our resources around reveal our Chief Executive Officer of the White Paper planning and development issues. values as a society and the ideas that we Secretariat on Public Housing in Victoria. engage with. They are the biography of For many years, Dimity has worked towards our time that we give to our children, so Dimity coordinated the Victorian pilot improving the educational employment they must be good,” she says. program and then the national Architecture opportunities for young Victorian women.

18 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon jodie ryan Justice Sally Brown Young Indigenous United National Work Group on Fanny leader Indigenous Populations. At this forum, she spoke on international standards Brownbill setting for Indigenous people. Jodie Ryan is a leader and role model for Marg D’Arcy young Indigenous people across Ballarat In 2002, Jodie was elected to the and the Western Region of Victoria. She Tumbukka Regional Board of the Linda Fenton has represented Australian Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people at a state, national and Commission (ATSIC) with a record international level. number of votes and in the same year The Hon she became a member of the University Jodie was born in Ballarat in 1975 and of Ballarat Council. Caroline Hogg after completing her secondary schooling at Ballarat High School, she gained a Whilst at the University of Ballarat, Varvara Bachelor of Commerce at the University Jodie developed a six-day orientation of Ballarat in 1999. She is currently and recruitment program aimed at Athanasiou-Ioannou completing the Certified Practising introducing Aboriginal students to further Accountants (CPA) program. education programs, which has been Betty Lawson recognised by the Commonwealth Whilst studying at the University of Department for Education, Training and (Stevenson) Ballarat, Jodie was employed as the Youth Affairs as a best practice model. Aboriginal Student Support and Professor Nancy Recruitment Officer and during that Jodie is currently employed by the period she successfully doubled the Victorian Department of Innovation, Millis, AC, MBE number of Indigenous students enrolled Industry and Regional Development as an in higher education. Aboriginal Business Development Officer, Brenda Murray, OAM where she assists Indigenous individuals Jodie worked in the corporate business and community organisations to develop world as an accountant with Ernst & business ideas and concepts. (Bich) Cam Nguyen Young in Melbourne from 1999-2001. To build on her skills, in 2002 she attended Thelma Prior Already at her young age Jodie has a leadership program at the Australian received many honours and awards. Indigenous Leadership Centre in Darwin. Professor Dimity Reed In 1999, Jodie received the NAIDOC (National Aboriginal Islander Day Jodie says she enjoys trying to make a Jodie Ryan Observance Committee) Victorian difference to people’s lives. Aboriginal Young Achiever of the Year Jill Smith Award. The previous year, she was a “In my role as an Aboriginal Student finalist in the Koori section of the Victorian Support and Recruitment Officer, I could Mavis Taylor Outstanding Student of the Year awards see how positive opportunities can make for the TAFE sector. such a difference to communities. Katherine Teh -White Working in business development is such Jodie’s proudest achievement so far was a positive area: it’s possible to make Margaret Wirrpunda in 2002, when she went to Geneva as the positive change for people to be more Australian youth representative to the self-determined.” 19 victorian honour roll of women 2003 jill smith

Australian The opening plays typified the Playbox’s theatre approach to contemporary Australian theatre: 40 Lounge Café by Greek-Australian administrator writer Ted Lyssiotis and Robyn Archer’s Café Fledermaus - a bold Australian look at For more than 20 years, Jill Smith has European theatre. The opening season been involved with promoting the arts, also included the premiere of renowned contemporary themes and Australian Australian playwright Hannie Rayson’s playwrights through her work at the Hotel Sorrento, which was subsequently Playbox Theatre and with government made into a successful film. and arts funding bodies. Jill has supported and influenced the Born in Melbourne in 1948, Jill Smith Playbox Theatre’s policy of strong studied economics at Monash University multi-culturalism with Timorese, and then completed a MBA at Monash and Greek, Italian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Bath Universities. Her career was initially Japanese, Koori, Vietnamese, Philippine In 1995, Monash University recognised in the banking and finance sector. and Chinese co-productions or themes Jill’s achievements and inspirational extensively explored. leadership with a Distinguished Alumni In 1979, Jill followed a personal passion Award. The same year the Australia and made the leap into arts administration, She has also played an important role in Council awarded her the inaugural (and becoming General Manager of the Playbox Australian theatre by mentoring many only) Arts Administration Fellowship. Theatre Company in Melbourne. successful arts administrators who have worked with her at the Playbox. She is a Trustee of the Victorian Actors’ When a fire devastated the Playbox Benevolent Trust, a Director of Stable building in Exhibition Street in Melbourne’s In 1992 she helped instigate Melbourne’s Productions and a Member of the Rex central business district, the future of the first Arts House, adjacent to the CUB Cramphorn Memorial Committee. theatre company looked bleak. Malthouse Complex, to house small arts companies. Jill Smith’s vision and determination Jill set about the task of fundraising for ensured the growth and survival of a new contemporary theatre centre, at In 2002 the Ngargee building opened Australia’s leading contemporary theatre - the same time maintaining the extensive providing a home for the Australian Centre the Playbox. Thanks to her efforts touring and Melbourne seasons of Playbox. for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and Victoria’s Victoria has an outstanding arts complex flagship contemporary dance company, for contemporary performance and Funds were raised, sponsorship secured Chunky Move, with set construction and visual art. and the historic malting plant in South storage facilities provided at the Playbox. Melbourne was purchased and converted. She has given a generation of young The CUB Malthouse Theatre Complex Jill has been a member of various state writers and artists wonderful new officially opened in 1990 - a long awaited and federal government boards and opportunities, both here and overseas. dream for the company to have its committees including the Victorian own home was realised. Council of the Arts and the Theatre Board/Performing Arts Board of the Australia Council. 20 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon mavis taylor Justice Sally Brown Human rights Mavis was not deterred by difficulties and Fanny and community red tape and now there are 24 sewing centres. Hundreds of East Timorese Brownbill service women are now gainfully employed and countless others trained in sewing skills. Marg D’Arcy After a life time of caring for her large With the help of other generous family and community service work, at Australians, Mavis has sent more than Linda Fenton 86 years of age Mavis Taylor was moved 119 tonnes of donated household goods to do something for the people of East to the people of East Timor. The Hon Timor. Her work on the East Timor Project has given East Timorese women Mavis is still not content to take employment, hope and a sense of things easy, to relax and spend more Caroline Hogg identity where previously there had been time with her 27 grandchildren, 28 only heartache and despair. great-grandchildren and one great great Varvara grandchild. She continues to work for Mavis was born in 1914 in the Melbourne the East Timor Project and inspirationally Athanasiou-Ioannou suburb of Richmond and spent her maintains a work ethic that people many childhood in rural Tasmania. Her family years her junior would find impossible. Betty Lawson moved to Yarrawonga when she was 16. She married at a young age and had In 2001 she was the Victorian Senior (Stevenson) nine children. Achiever of the Year and in 2003 was made an official Australia Day Ambassador. Professor Nancy Her husband suffered a debilitating stroke when he was 48 so Mavis took In recognition of her extraordinary Millis, AC, MBE on the responsibility of helping to provide work, Mavis was chosen as one of four for them all. Her first retail foray was ‘Global Faces of Ageing’ at the United Brenda Murray, OAM opening a café. She then ran a Nations Second World Assembly on haberdashery store in Yarrawonga for Ageing in 2002. more than 30 years. (Bich) Cam Nguyen A major stage play, Mavis Goes to Mavis, like many people, was appalled Timor, has been produced about her East Thelma Prior at the devastation in East Timor following Timor experiences, with performances the successful vote for national held in capital cities across Australia. Professor Dimity Reed independence. But instead of just thinking about helping the people of Mavis is a wonderful role model for Jodie Ryan East Timor, she actually did something everyone, especially for men and very practical about it. women living in their “Third Age”. Jill Smith She is propelled by real, genuine altruism. In 2000, she effectively packed up her Mavis sets an example that no matter Mavis Taylor haberdashery store, loaded it into what our age or circumstance, we can shipping containers and headed to war- still make a difference; we can became Katherine Teh -White ravaged East Timor to establish a women’s engaged with the world around us. sewing collective. Mavis had never been “If the world is not a better place when Margaret Wirrpunda outside of Australia before. you leave it, then you may as well not have been here,” she says. 21 victorian honour roll of women 2003 katherine teh-white

Working against When Katherine experienced sexual sexual harassment harassment in her workplace she pursued action under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 and sought to change the public Katherine Teh-White is one of the 60% policy environment so that others didn’t of women in Australia who have been have to face the same difficulties and fears. sexually harassed in their workplace. However, she didn’t remain silent. She brought together a range of women’s The experience made her determined to groups to found WASH, which has help other women in the same situation. successfully put the issue of sexual Katherine is the founder of Working Against harassment on the public agenda. Sexual Harassment (WASH). WASH has called for the strengthening Born in Brisbane, Katherine grew-up in of legislation in Victoria, funding for an Malaysia until the age of six when her advocate for sexual harassment victims family moved to Melbourne. and grass roots consultation with victims. Katherine has been a strong force in WASH has joined with the Centre Against the community, bringing together many She started an economics degree at Sexual Assault (CASA House) to create women’s organisations to focus on an university, but switched to an arts degree the first self-help group for sexual issue that had been largely swept under when she successfully gained a cadetship harassment survivors. the carpet. with The Age newspaper where she worked for five years before moving to After working as a journalist and a Katherine was at the peak of her young The Australian. strategic and policy adviser within the career when at 28 she encountered minerals industry, Katherine is now sexual harassment and victimisation in the Katherine has an arts degree in politics managing director of Futureye, a network workplace. At first, she didn’t believe that and communication from Deakin University of consultants which provides strategic her harasser could exert as much power and has undertaken post-graduate studies advice to corporations and governments over her career as he did when she at the Boston College for Corporate across the sustainability agenda, from rejected his overtures, but she soon felt Citizenship. economics and trade to stakeholder the effects. engagement and diversity. Katherine knows from a personal “I was so angry, so upset and so shaken perspective how unfair the workplace In 2000, Katherine won the Telstra that my career could tumble down on his culture and the law has been in the past Victorian Business Woman Award for word, no matter how hard I had worked, regarding sexual harassment. There were the Private Sector. no matter what I’d done. I just had to do no advocates for action, no women’s something about it,” she says. groups that recognised it as an issue She is a popular speaker on a range of and no self-help groups. organisational change, social and environmental issues.

22 Ruth Austin victorian honour roll of women Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, 2003 AM The Hon margaret wirrpunda Justice Sally Brown Aboriginal In the mid-1970s Margaret became Fanny advancement the first female director of the Aboriginal Advancement League (Vic) and was a Brownbill representative on the National Women’s Margaret Wirrpunda has contributed Consultative Council to the Prime Minister Marg D’Arcy enormously to the development of and Commonwealth Government Cabinet state-based organisations involved during the Hawke Government. She later Linda Fenton with Aboriginal community development. became the secretary and served as She has worked long and hard for the President. In addition, she has also been advancement of Indigenous people, a member of the Victorian Aboriginal The Hon particularly women and children and she Advisory Committee to the Minister of has been a strong voice for Aboriginal Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in the 1970s. Caroline Hogg land rights. In 1996, Margaret was elected to Varvara Born in Cummeragunja in NSW in 1936, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Margaret is a Yorta Yorta woman who Commission for the East Melbourne ward. Athanasiou-Ioannou speaks fluent Gumatji as well as Yorta Yorta. Much of Margaret’s energy in the Betty Lawson past few years has been focussed on Her family has always been involved Aboriginal land rights as one of the (Stevenson) with supporting their community. Her plaintiffs in the Yorta Yorta land claim, mother was in the first Aboriginal which in 2002 was rejected by the Professor Nancy delegation to Canberra. Margaret High Court of Australia. learned at a young age how important Millis, AC, MBE it was to help those around her. For many years she has been associated with the Worawa Aboriginal College, the Brenda Murray, OAM With her mother, Geraldine Briggs only independent residential school for and aunt Margaret Tucker, Margaret young Aboriginals in Healesville, founded as a young girl and teenager helped to by her sister Hyllus Maris. She has served (Bich) Cam Nguyen fundraise for the Aboriginal Advancement on the school’s council as president and League. Together in the 1940s, the three vice-president. Thelma Prior women visited and had discussions with many Aboriginal community Margaret feels that working to improve Professor Dimity Reed members and families to identify how the rights of Aboriginal Australians was to improve their lives and worked to just something she had to do. “It is part Jodie Ryan provide a platform for Aboriginal women of our culture to help each other. We and children. have to put out a hand to others who Jill Smith can’t stand up for themselves.” From the mid-1960s, Margaret has Mavis Taylor worked as a volunteer on the National Council of Aboriginal and Islander Women, serving for 10 years as its secretary. Katherine Teh -White She was a co-founder of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Victorian Margaret Wirrpunda Aboriginal Health Service. 23 victorian honour roll of women 2003 messages victorian Ruth Austin Nina Bassat Gracia Baylor, honour AM The Hon Justice Sally roll of Brown Fanny Brownbill women Marg D’Arcy Linda Fenton The Hon Caroline Hogg Varvara 2003 Athanasiou-Ioannou Betty Lawson (Stevenson) Professor Nancy Millis, AC, MBE Brenda Murray, OAM (Bich) Cam Nguyen Thelma Prior Professor Dimity Reed Jodie Ryan Jill Smith Mavis Taylor Katherine Teh -White Margaret Wirrpunda