2009

Community Development Division Department of Premier and Cabinet MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

It is with great pleasure that I present the biographies of the women selected for inclusion on the 2009 Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women.

The life stories of these women are inspirational. They have made a real difference in the lives of others and have assisted in building a culture of social inclusion.

Their diverse stories reveal an impressive range of contributions to the Tasmanian community. Some of these women are quiet achievers, who have worked tirelessly for their local communities. Other women have made contributions at a level of state, national and international significance.

The Honour Roll salutes women who have contributed so much to our wonderful community, from all walks of life and fields of endeavour, from humanitarian pursuits and community service, to business, science and the environment. The members of the Honour Roll have set a precedent that will continue to inspire all members of the Tasmanian community.

Through this public recognition, we can share their stories and celebrate their achievements now and in the future.

I commend these biographies to you and I’m left in no doubt that you will feel as inspired as I was when reading about the lives of these remarkable Tasmanian women.

David Bartlett Premier CONTENTS

Baker, Florence Jean 4 Masterman, Evelyn (Eve) Loois AM 19 Barnes, Vera Florence OAM 5 Mead, Isabella Jane 20 Bjelke Petersen, Marie Caroline 6 Miller, Dame Mabel Flora DBE 21 Colville, Margaret Jean AM 7 Park, Priscilla OAM 22 Crisp, Mary Murdoch 8 Rooney, Marjorie Lorna MBE 23 Fitzallen, Lilah Maude 9 Searle, Myrtle 24 French, Sandra Anne 10 Shields, Ethnee Patricia AM 25 Frohmader, Carolyn Patricia 11 Smit, Nellie (Nel) Suzanna 26 Fullard, Corrie Lavinia 12 Sparkes, Jantina (Jan) Maria 27 Greig, Annie 13 Swan, Louisa 28 Hodgetts, Diana 14 Watson, Lilian Delsa 29 Irvine, Alice Christina 15 Wayn, Amelia Lucy MBE 30 Jackson, Judith (Judy) Louise 16 Weeks, Josephine (Jo) Frances Emily 31 Jackson, Marilyne Jayne 17 Wellard, Sister Emmeline Louisa 32 Kelly, Merma 18 Willson, Barbara Brenda 33 BAKER, FLORENCE JEAN

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO DEFENCE

Florence Jean Baker (nee Crawford) was born in Launceston on 13 January 1920. A successful student, sportswoman and fondly remembered mother, Jean inspired many as an exceptional role model during WWII.

In her early days at school, Jean underlined a quote from one of her school principals “…for these higher things are not only knowledge and scholastic attainments, but the higher graces of character and above all service.” This sentiment epitomised how Jean lived her life.

Jean has been described as a gentlewoman who sought no recognition but who quietly contributed to and served her community. She had great enthusiasm and excelled at what she did. A keen tennis player, she became both singles and doubles champion of Tasmania. In later years she was an A-grade champion at bowls.

However, her great determination and courage was manifest during WWII. Jean joined the Australian Women’s Army Service in 1942 and was commissioned as one of the first two female officers from Tasmania. By the end of the war, Jean was the Commanding Officer of the female barracks in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The then 26 year old Tasmanian female officer was given the responsibility for hundreds of female soldiers who served in the Pacific.

Her courage and service has been well recognised. For her services in WWII, Jean Baker was awarded the 1939-1945 Star; Pacific Star; 1939-1945 British War Medal; 1939-1945 Australian War Medal; and the 1945-1975 Australian Service Medal (PNG).

Following the war, and as a young mother, Jean continued her contribution to her community. She became one of the first welfare officers in Tasmania. She also joined the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service and served as its President for 50 years. Jean is also remembered for her service to the Royal United Services Institute, where she was made Life Member for her outstanding contribution. Jean died in Hobart on 8 May 2007.

4 BARNES, VERA FLORENCE OAM AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Vera Florence Barnes was born on Currie, King Island, on 21 July 1907. She married Jeffrey Barnes and together they raised five children. Before her marriage, Vera had worked at the King Island Hospital in Currie. They moved to Longford in 1940.

Vera’s commitment to the Longford community saw her give her time generously to many community organisations. In 1966, her 20 year voluntary service to the Toosey Memorial Hospital was rewarded with a Certificate of Merit, presented on behalf of the Minister for Health. Vera was also the Country Women’s Association nominee to the Hospital Board.

Vera joined the Country Women’s Association on King Island and was Secretary of the Longford branch for over 35 years. In 1974, Vera’s commitment to the Country Women’s Association of 37 years earned her an award for outstanding service.

A long standing member of the R.S.L. Memorial Club, Vera was made a Life Member in 1987. Her voluntary work included organising six R.S.L. balls and arranging the catering at Longford Motor Racing, the Longford Agricultural Show and R.S.L. fairs, all of which proved to be excellent money raising events for many years. Vera also assisted with the Anzac ‘Dawn Breakfasts’ as well as luncheon and afternoon teas at the annual Anzac Sports.

Vera was a keen bowls enthusiast and a great supporter of the Longford football and cricket clubs. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 January 1980 in recognition of her service to the community. Vera died at Longford on 28 July 1988.

5 BJELKE PETERSEN, MARIE CAROLINE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE ARTS

Marie Caroline Bjelke Petersen was born in Jagtvejen near Copenhagen, on 23 December 1874. She migrated to Tasmania with her family, arriving in Hobart on 13 October 1891.

A talented artist, Marie initially pursued a career in art to please her father, but without a ready outlet for her work she did not enjoy much success. Her real passion was writing, a profession of which her father disapproved.

Marie’s brother, Christian, was a physical education teacher. He recognised the benefit of physical education for women and asked Marie to join him teaching. Together they taught at The Friends’ School and also gave private lessons at Christian’s newly established Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture. Ill health eventually forced Marie to abandon this career, allowing her the opportunity to pursue her long-held ambition to write for a living.

A devoted Christian, Marie’s first published books were the religious tracts The Mysterious Stranger (1913) and Before an Eastern Court (1914) followed by Muffled Drums (1914). This genre of books only appealed to some segments of society and Marie turned her talent to writing romance novels.

Her first romance novel,The Captive Singer (1917), was set in Tasmania and was highly successful. Marie was one of the first authors to include vivid descriptions of the majestic Tasmanian scenery in her novels, providing excellent publicity for the State. Her other books set in Tasmania included Dusk (1921), Jewelled Nights (1923), Moon Minstrel (1927) and The Rainbow Lute (1932). Jewelled Nights was turned into a film in 1925, another great promotion for Tasmania. Over 250,000 copies of Marie’s books were sold world-wide.

Marie Bjelke Petersen lived an independent and successful life full of achievements that were rare for a woman of her era. She remained a proud Tasmanian until her death on 11 October 1969.

6 COLVILLE, MARGARET JEAN AM AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Margaret Jean Colville was born in Victoria on 21 July 1943. She met her husband Jim at a Melbourne church, where he was a Minister in training and Margaret a member of the choir. They moved to Tasmania in 1967. They have four children.

Margaret has long been committed to her community. Her involvement became even more focused after the birth of her third child who has Down syndrome. Her drive for services and support for parents of children with Down syndrome led her to establish Towers Incorporated, a multifunctional service for people with special needs; Toy Town, a toy library for children with disabilities; and the Down Syndrome Association of Tasmania.

Margaret is a strong advocate for people with special needs. For many years, doctors referred parents of newly born Down syndrome babies to meet with Margaret. She passed her skills onto others who continue this work today. In 1973, Margaret assisted her husband Jim when he founded Colony 47. She held office both nationally and locally with the Australian Association of Special Education and Down Syndrome Association. She also was President of the Hobart Zonta Club.

Margaret served on the Guardianship and Administration Board of Tasmania for ten years, before being appointed Deputy Public Guardian in the Office of the Public Guardian in 1998, a position she still holds. She brings to the role her supportive and warm personality as well as her immense insight into the needs of those with special needs.

Margaret, with her husband, has also spent ten years restoring their historic home ‘ Bangalor’ in Bagdad. The cottage and gardens are often visited by community groups for fundraising purposes.

Margaret was named as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2002 for her service to people with disabilities, particularly through Towers Incorporated, Toy Town: Toy and Equipment Library and the Down Syndrome Association of Tasmania.

7 CRISP, MARY MURDOCH

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Mary Murdoch Crisp was born in Hobart on 30 April 1924. She has lived in the Coal River Valley all her life and is widely recognised for her extensive community involvement.

Mary was educated at home, Cambridge Primary School and Fahan School, becoming President of the Fahan Old Scholars Association in the 1960s. She began her voluntary work early in life, joining the Junior Red Cross in 1934, an association she has continued to the present day.

As a member of the Red Cross during WWII, Mary was a member of the ladies’ groups that provided support, hospitality, entertainment and catering for soldiers in various camps in the Coal River Valley. She has been a volunteer of the Richmond Branch of the Red Cross since 1940 and has been President of the branch since 1976. Mary was President of the Southern Regional Council twice and a member of the State Divisional Council for approximately 24 years. Mary’s service to the Red Cross has been recognised through a number of presentations, including the Red Cross Long Service Award to mark 70 years service, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor of Clarence City Council in recognition of her outstanding service and the Distinguished Service Medal in 1999.

Mary’s service to her community has included years of leadership and service to the Richmond Hall and Reserves Committee, the National Trust Ladies’ Committee, the Richmond Agricultural Show, Meals on Wheels and the South East Nursing and Home Care Association.

Mary has also been recognised for her contribution to the Sorell Rotary Club, receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988 for her contribution to the local community. Her extensive volunteering contribution to her community was recognised in 2001 when the Clarence City Council presented her with a Centenary of Federation Local Hero Award.

8 FITZALLEN, LILAH MAUDE

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Lilah Maude Fitzallen was born on 11 December 1924 in Rosevale, Tasmania. On completion of her schooling, Lilah worked as a domestic at the Launceston General Hospital. She continued her work as a member of the relief staff at the Hospital after marrying and while raising her two daughters.

Lilah has given generously of her time and this is shown through her community involvement and contribution to local organisations for over 50 years.

When Tasmanian football resumed after WWII, Lilah became a volunteer for the North Launceston Football Club. She started selling raffle tickets in York Park in 1945 and became Chairman and Secretary of the Social Club. Lilah catered for the Club, organised players’ teas and assisted with numerous fundraising activities. She has even boarded players when needed. It is said that there would not be many football fans in Launceston who has not bought a pie or saveloy from Lilah.

In 1969, Lilah was awarded Life Membership to the North Launceston Football Club. In 2005, she received a Service Award from the Club for her 50 years of outstanding service to the sport. She received a standing ovation when presented with her certificate.

Lilah has also been a member of the Australian Labor Party Sisterhood for over 40 years. She continues to play an active role by supporting candidates with fundraising, catering for functions and promoting the status of women.

In 1996, Lilah was recognised by the Launceston City Council for her contribution of 5 000 hours of voluntary work to the local community. Lilah was also honoured with a Citizen Award in 2004 for her outstanding contribution to the community.

In 2008, Lilah’s contribution for her tireless volunteer work for the Launceston General Hospital Auxiliary was recognised with a Life Membership from the Tasmanian Hospital Auxiliaries.

9 FRENCH, SANDRA ANNE

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Sandra Anne French was born in Suffolk, United Kingdom, on 28 June 1946. She migrated to Tasmania with her family in 1957 and attended Devonport and Penguin primary schools and Ulverstone and Burnie high schools. She gained her Tasmanian Teaching Certificate from Launceston Teacher’s College and spent over 20 years teaching in a number of schools. She married Dexter in 1967, and they have two daughters.

Sandra’s passion for her community shows strongly in the numerous organisations that have benefitted from her willingness, enthusiasm, professionalism and reliability. Sandra sits on an impressive number of boards and committees. She has represented the interests of a variety of health organisations, including the National Heart Foundation Tasmania, the Cancer Council Tasmania, the Rural and Clinical Medical School North-West, and the North-West Medical Research Board. Her interest in her community is wide-ranging, covering the Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Arts Council Burnie, the Burnie Historical Society, Rotary Inner Wheel, the Girl Guides Association of Tasmania and the Abbeyfield Society Australia, amongst others.

Sandra worked as a special education teacher from 1978 to 1985. She has had continued involvement with the School of Special Education and the Society for Multiple Disabled People Tasmania as a result of her affinity with disabled organisations.

Sandra was naturalised in 1985 at the Burnie City Council Chambers and ran that year in the Burnie City Council elections. She became the second ever female elected to the Council, and the first female elected Mayor in 1990. Sandra is one of the three longest serving Burnie City Councillors, with her terms spanning 1985 to 2009.

Sandra’s involvement in so many facets of the Burnie community has enriched both Burnie and Tasmania.

10 FROHMADER, CAROLYN PATRICIA AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO HUMAN RIGHTS

Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is one of the leading disability advocacy organisations in Australia, and this is largely due to Carolyn’s work. (Graeme Innes AM, Australian Human Rights Commission, 2009)

Carolyn Frohmader was born in Hobart on 18 February 1965. Educated at Sorell Primary, Ogilvie High School and Elizabeth College, Carolyn went on to complete a Bachelors Degree from the University of Tasmania and a Masters Degree from Flinders University, where she achieved the inaugural Michael Crotty Award for an outstanding contribution in Primary Health Care.

While working as a Women’s Health Coordinator, Carolyn researched and wrote In Our Own Words, one of the first comprehensive needs assessments of women in South-East Tasmania. Building on this work, Carolyn took on the role of Executive Director of WWDA in 1997. Under her management, WWDA has emerged as a leading and resilient voice in national human rights debates. It is internationally acknowledged as a leader in the international disabled women’s rights movement. In 2001, Carolyn received the ACT Woman of the Year Award in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of women’s rights in the ACT.

In recognition of the invaluable role WWDA plays in giving women with disabilities a voice to ensure that their human rights and fundamental freedoms are promoted, protected and maintained, the organisation has been awarded the National Violence Prevention Award (1999), National Human Rights Award (2001), Certificate of Merit, Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (2008) and the Women’s Safety Award, Tasmanian Crime Prevention and Community Safety Awards (2008). WWDA was also a nominee for the French Republic’s Human Rights Prize (2003) and for the UN Millennium Peace Prize for Women (2000).

Carolyn has achieved professional success and undertaken voluntary work while being the sole parent of her daughter, Lottie. She also supported her mother, Wendy Frohmader, through her illness with cancer.

11 FULLARD, CORRIE LAVINIA AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE ARTS, ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS AND EDUCATION

Corrie Lavinia Fullard was born on Flinders Island on 2 September 1931. While growing up, she watched her mother and father undertake the traditional art form of shell necklace making; gathering, drying and cleaning shells before stringing them into necklaces. At the age of 16, Corrie Fullard decided that she would dedicate her life to continuing the tradition of shell necklace stringing.

Auntie Corrie, as she is known, continues this complicated, traditional art form which has been practiced by generations of Tasmanian Aborigines for thousands of years. It is Auntie Corrie’s commitment to handing on this art which inspires so many.

Auntie Corrie’s first national exhibition of artwork was the 5th Indigenous Heritage Art Award at Old Parliament House, Canberra in 2000. In 2003, the National Gallery of Australia included a necklace of Auntie Corrie’s in the exhibition Tactility – two centuries of Indigenous objects, textiles and fibre. In 2001, in collaboration with her daughter Jeanette James, Auntie Corrie was selected as a finalist in the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art Award. In 2007, the Bett Gallery displayed their work in the Corrie Fullard & Jeanette James exhibition.

Although now retired, Auntie Corrie continues her commitment to preserving this important art form. From 2000 to 2006, she was a tutor in the Tasmanian Aboriginal Education Schools Visiting Program, conducting workshops on shell-working. Auntie Corrie has also conducted shell-stringing workshops at numerous festivals Australia-wide.

The necklaces of Auntie Corrie are displayed by many museums and private collections throughout Australia and internationally. Within Australia, Auntie Corrie’s work is exhibited in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Australia; the Lake Macquarie City Gallery, NSW; the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston; and the Museum and Art Gallery of Tasmania, Hobart.

As well as her contribution to cultural arts, Auntie Corrie also served as a member of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Education Association Committee. Auntie Corrie is a well-known and highly respected elder of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

12 GREIG, ANNIE

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE ARTS

Annie Christine Greig was born in Launceston and began her dance training there. Annie is well respected in the national and international dance community, generously giving of her skill to mentor and nurture other young dancers, choreographers and directors. She has dedicated her life to helping others in this field.

Annie began her dance training in Launceston before studying contemporary dance with the Australian Dance Theatre in Adelaide. She received a Fulbright Scholarship enabling her to complete a Master of Arts Degree in Dance at New York University.

Returning to Tasmania in 1991, Annie has been Artistic Director of Tasdance since 1997. During this time, Annie has been a visionary leader and an outstanding and inspirational role model. Under Annie’s direction, Tasdance has received national recognition and awards as a leading Australian dance company. Annie has worked in many other capacities to enrich the lives of those in dance. Some of these include: Course Director with the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association; lecturer at the University of Tasmania for the Bachelor of Performing Arts; and Performing Arts Program Officer with Arts Tasmania. She has also served on the Tasmanian Cultural Industries Council and the Advisory Committee for the Australian Choreographic Centre in Canberra. She was President of Ausdance, NSW and a former National Vice-President of Ausdance, the Australian Dance Council. Annie is currently the Secretary for the Asia Pacific Performing Arts Network, and a member of the Australian Dance Awards Selection Panel.

Annie received a Centenary Medal in 2003 for her services to Australian society and dance. She also received an Honourary Life Membership to Ausdance in recognition of her services to dance. Annie was one of six nominated for the Distinguished Tasmanian Artist Award as part of the Island Inspired Minister’s Awards, 2009.

13 HODGETTS, DIANA

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO HUMAN RIGHTS

Diana Hodgetts was born in Bristol, United Kingdom, on 2 July 1940. She migrated to Australia in 1968. Diana and her late husband Darrel had two children, both of whom are deaf.

Diana, who is profoundly deaf, has been a committed worker and tireless volunteer for the Tasmanian Deaf Society, the Deaf community, the Department of Education, Adult Education and any organisation needing input from a Deaf community perspective. Her paid employment was part-time but her commitment, energy and passion has been full-time for over 30 years.

A founding member of the Deaf Society, Diana began working part-time for the Society in 1987 after the Blind and Deaf Institute separated to form two organisations. An inaugural Board member, Diana gave her time generously to see the Deaf Society develop from a new organisation to its present form. She has diligently kept the history of the Society by voluntarily finding, collecting and collating photographs, articles and items of interest, which are now in the Deaf Society library.

Diana has taught Auslan and Deaf culture to new staff members of the Deaf Society, as well as running classes through Adult Education. She taught Deaf Studies to deaf students in schools and was involved in interpreter training and deafness awareness training for a range of service providers.

Diana’s representation of the Deaf community has been extensive. As well as being a committee member for a variety of deaf forums and committees, Diana has also been a member of the Deaf Signing Choir, a member of the organising committee for the Australian Deaf Games held in Tasmania in 1991, a committee member for the National Deafness Conference, held in Tasmania in 1996, and has organised many social events and festivals for the Deaf community.

14 IRVINE, ALICE CHRISTINA

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO EDUCATION

Little did she realise it, but Miss A. C. Irvine would single-handedly send thousands of Tasmanian kids into the world armed with the ability to knock up a feed. (Patsy Crawford, The Mercury, 1 June 2002)

Alice Christina Irvine was born in the North-East Tasmanian mining town of Mathinna on 12 May 1879. She was educated at Mangana State School and in 1897, at the age of 18, applied for a position to work at Mathinna State School. Her referee for this position wrote to the Minister for Education, recommending Alice as “…very desirous of adopting teaching as a career, and promises to do her best in her school duties.” She was given the position of monitor, and then moved to West Zeehan State School to take up a position as Junior Assistant in 1898. By 1902 she had been promoted to Assistant Teacher at Burnie State School.

In 1906, Alice attended the Melbourne Training College as a cookery student. Returning to Tasmania, she took up the position of Head Teacher at the Cookery School in Launceston, a position she held for seven years.

In 1926, Alice was granted leave to attend the Emily MacPherson College of Domestic Economy in Melbourne. Upon returning to Tasmania to teach, Alice began work on a text for cookery education in Tasmanian schools.

First published around 1930, the Central Cookery Book was intended for use in Tasmanian domestic science classes. However, the popularity of the Central Cookery Book has extended far beyond the classroom and it has become one of the most published and widely utilised texts in Tasmania.

A pioneer in domestic science teaching, Alice became Mistress of Domestic Science in the Education Department’s School of Domestic Arts in 1928, a position she held until her death from cancer in 1940.

15 JACKSON, JUDITH (JUDY) LOUISE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO GOVERNMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Judith (Judy) Louise Jackson was born in Hobart on 31 August 1947, the daughter of Bill and Jean Perkins. She was educated at Glenorchy Primary School and Hobart High School. Judy graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education and Bachelor of Laws.

Judy was elected as a Member of Parliament in the Tasmanian Government in 1986. In her first speech to Parliament, Judy outlined her reasons for entering politics: “I joined the Australian Labor Party at 17 years of age and I was politicised by the tragedy of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War”.

During her career, Judy pursued social justice for all with a particular emphasis on women’s issues, which she believed had been largely ignored by a male-dominated Parliament.

As the Minister for Health and Human Services from 1998 to 2002, Judy was instrumental in deinstitutionalising mental health and disabled services. In a combined effort with all women in Parliament, she achieved amendments to the Criminal Code to place the decision to terminate a pregnancy in the hands of women and their doctors.

In 2002, Judy became the first female Attorney-General in Tasmanian history, a position she held until 2006. In that portfolio she introduced some significant legislation, including theRelationships Act 2003 and the Family Violence Act 2004.

During her 20 year career, Judy held a number of Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial positions. In an interview before her retirement, Judy summed up her career:

In this job I’m able to do good things I’ve really wanted to do. That’s why I am very fortunate that I’ve been able to do what I’ve wanted - achieve what I’ve wanted to achieve and I’m satisfied to leave on that note.

16 JACKSON, MARILYNE JAYNE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO SPORT AND RECREATION

Maybe I can inspire some people to be more positive in their lives. (Marilyne Jackson, 2006)

Marilyne Jayne Jackson was born in Hobart on 19 July 1964. She began ballroom dancing competitively at the age of 16 years, an early hobby that would lead to national success.

In 1984, Marilyne and her partner competed in the Australian Ballroom Dancing Championships, and won their grade. Following this early success, Marilyne made her way to the top of competitive dancing in Australia, winning numerous titles, including the Commonwealth, Southern Cross, Melbourne Cup and Australasian championships. In 1990, Marilyne won the Australian Professional Rising Star New Vogue event at the Australian Ballroom Dancing Championships.

Marilyne’s true devotion, though, has been in promoting ballroom dancing for all. She returned to Tasmania in 1997 and served on the Australian Dancing Board of Control. She was elected as a coach representative on the newly formed DanceSport. In this role, Marilyne has served to promote and develop dance sport for over nine years.

In 2004, Marilyne was involved in a serious car accident resulting in severe injuries including the loss of the lower part of her left leg. Marilyne spent 12 weeks in hospital rehabilitating and underwent five major operations. While in hospital, and despite trauma and pain, Marilyne visited other patients to encourage them and offer support.

Marilyne has continued to volunteer her time to DanceSport and is a major contributor to the management and organisation of DanceSport.

Through untold hardship and ongoing rehabilitation and recuperation, Marilyne has remained positive and always has time for others. Marilyne has spoken publicly about her disability and continues to encourage others. She continues to coach at the highest level and to represent Tasmania as an adjudicator at interstate events. She is an inspiration to all who know her.

17 KELLY, MERMA

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

Merma Kelly was born in Manila, Philippines, on 27 May 1943 and migrated to Australia in 1981 with her two daughters. Since her arrival, Merma has been a strong advocate for migrants, recognising the benefits of cultural diversity to the wider community. She is widely recognised as a leader in the Tasmanian Filipino community.

Being a member of the first Filipino family to arrive in the small North–West town of Smithton, Merma was instrumental in establishing support groups and networks for Filipino women. She was an inaugural member of the Australia-Filipino Friendship Group in Northern Tasmania and was a founding member of the continuing Bayanihan Group.

Merma has been a voice for the Filipino community, representing their particular needs to services and government. Her skills in identifying and representing migrant needs, as well as actively contributing to current issues, has led to Merma being sought for membership on a number of committees.

In 1993, Merma was appointed to the Tasmanian Women’s Consultative Council to represent migrant women’s issues. She is also a founding member of the Circular Head International Friendship Group and has been an active contributor to the group for 15 years, representing over 15 cultures. Since her retirement, Merma has been a valued volunteer at the Wyndarra Centre, a community resource centre in Smithton.

In 2001, as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations, Merma was awarded a Local Hero Award by the Circular Head Council for her contribution to migrant services. In the same year she received a Tasmanian Filipino Women Achievement Award for her outstanding achievement in the category of cultural and social development.

In 2009, Merma was appointed to the Tasmanian Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs, allowing her to continue to advocate for the multicultural community of Tasmania.

18 MASTERMAN, EVELYN (EVE) LOOIS AM AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO HUMAN RIGHTS

Evelyn (Eve) Loois Masterman was born in Kent, United Kingdom, on 31 May 1907 and migrated to Tasmania with her family in 1912. She was educated at Collegiate School and completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tasmania in 1933.

After graduating from University, Eve taught French and history in England and Switzerland until she returned to Tasmania at the outbreak of WWII. On her return to Tasmania, Eve befriended and helped translate for French Antarctic crews arriving in Tasmania.

Eve studied librarianship in Melbourne and was appointed as the first Tasmanian Parliamentary Librarian in 1945, a position she held for over 20 years. In 1958, she was awarded the Sir John Morris Memorial Scholarship and travelled overseas to visit large legislative libraries in London and Washington. Eve was named a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to public service in 1976.

Eve has worked tirelessly for social justice, peace and the environment her entire life. She joined the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Australian Section in the 1940s and was the Australian Branch Delegate to Geneva for international conferences in 1968 and 1973.

Eve has also been a long-term member of Alliance Francaise, amongst other organisations, and an inaugural member of Servas International. She was instrumental in the establishment of the International Peace Forest (Peace Park) at Berriedale.

Eve has received a number of peace awards, including the Australian Peace Prize in 1986 for her work with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and a United Nations Award in 2001 for her lifetime of dedication to the cause of peace and loyalty to the United Nations and its Tasmanian Association.

In recognition of Eve’s significant contribution, the WILPF Tasmanian Branch established the Eve Masterman Peace Poetry Prize.

19 MEAD, ISABELLA JANE

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO CULTURAL HERITAGE

Isabella Jane Mead (nee Thomson) was born in Launceston on 1 February 1912. Isabella was educated at Glen Dhu Primary School and the Methodist Ladies College. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania in 1935, majoring in history and philosophy. Prominently associated with the Australian Student Christian Movement, she obtained an Associate Diploma of Theology in 1931.

Isabella did honours work in psychology at the University of Sydney and taught for a short time in Sydney before returning to Tasmania in 1935. From 1936 to 1940 Isabella taught at Broadland House, before resigning to engage in patriotic work at Paton & Baldwins from 1941 to 1946. She worked in the mill and also taught mathematics and English to RAAF recruits in the evenings.

In April 1947, Isabella was appointed to the staff of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) as Assistant to the Director. She was assigned the task of giving particular attention to the museum’s historical and fine arts activities and was instrumental in having the library’s holdings catalogued. In July 1950, Isabella was appointed Acting Director of QVMAG and appointed Director in January 1951, making her the first woman to head a major public museum in Australia. Her contribution to QVMAG was impressive, however, she resigned in 1953 to marry Ernest Mead.

Isabella was a foundation member of the Tasmanian Historical Research Association, becoming Chairman in 1963. She also held office in the Royal Society of Tasmania (Northern Branch), the Historical Committee of the National Trust, Women’s Graduate Association, National Council of Women and the Launceston Literary Society.

Isabella died on 21 August 1969. Her name is remembered in the biennial Mead Smith Von Stieglitz Memorial Lecture established by the National Trust in 1973 to honour its three former members.

20 MILLER, DAME MABEL FLORA DBE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY

Mabel Flora Miller was born in Broken Hill on 30 November 1906. She was educated in Adelaide and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide in 1927. She was admitted to the Bar in South Australia in 1927 and practiced in London and Sydney. In 1930, Mabel married Alan Miller and they settled in Hobart.

In 1941, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force and served as a Deputy Director from 1942 –1943.

After WWII, Dame Mabel Miller became committed to community work including serving: the Red Cross Society, the Queen Alexandra Hospital: the Mary Ogilvy Homes Society; the Right to Life Association and in 1955 she was instrumental in raising funds to establish the Women’s and Children’s Memorial Rest Centre in Hobart. She also served as President of the National Council of Women for 12 years.

In 1952, Mabel was elected the first female Alderman of the City of Hobart. In 1955, she was elected to the House of Assembly becoming, along with Millie Best, one of the first women elected to the House. In 1961, she was elected Federal Vice-President of the Liberal Party.

Mabel was appointed a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1967 for distinguished community service.

Nationally, Mabel served on the Interim Council of the Australian National Gallery and on the Metric Conversion Board. In 1967, she represented Australia at the UN Status of Women Commission and closely worked on the UN Declarations on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

Dame Mabel is well remembered for her service to Parliament and local government and her war and community service. She was a woman ahead of her time and provided inspiration to many. Dame Mabel died in Hobart on 30 December 1978.

21 PARK, PRISCILLA OAM

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT

It’s all because of a love of birds. I just hate to see their habitats being desecrated. (Priscilla Park, 2007)

Priscilla Park was born in South Africa in 1929. She came to Tasmania in 1960 after living in England and training as a physiotherapist at a London hospital.

Over a period of 40 years, Priscilla has made a significant contribution to the improved conservation status of birds in Tasmania, particularly shore birds. She is considered an authority on many aspects of Tasmanian birds and their habitats by state and local governments. She has had papers published in respected scientific journals. Priscilla has also been involved in the field supervision of numerous higher degree students from the University of Tasmania and Macquarie University.

In 1971, Priscilla was a founding member of the Bird Observers’ Association of Tasmania, now Birds Tasmania. She continues to be an active member of its Executive and Conservation Committees.

Since the establishment of Birds Tasmania, Priscilla has conducted almost annual summer and winter shore bird surveys in the Derwent and South-East region. More recently she organised statewide shore bird counts, including on the North and North-West Coasts.

Priscilla has been described as a dynamo. She is a passionate and tireless worker for the cause of bird conservation. In the words of Sally Bryant, a noted Tasmanian zoologist: “she remains singularly the best liked, most respected and most valuable member of an non-government organisation with respect to shore bird conservation in Tasmania.”

Priscilla’s work to preserve coastal habitats is carried out not only for the conservation of the birds’ dependent on these environments, but also for future generations of Tasmanians. She is an inspiration for those involved in the protection of the environment.

In 2007, Priscilla received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the environment.

22 ROONEY, MARJORIE LORNA MBE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO EDUCATION

Marjorie was well respected and loved by former pupils, and could always put the right name to the girl. (Faith Layton, former Deputy Headmistress of Broadland House School)

Marjorie Lorna Rooney was born in Western Australia on 23 December 1898. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Western Australia at a time when very few women gained university qualifications. She went on to become Headmistress of the Girls’ High School in Claremont, Western Australia.

Marjorie Rooney arrived in Tasmania in 1931 to take up the position of Headmistress, Broadland House in Launceston. Under Marjorie’s guidance, Broadland House grew from 70 to 400 girls and became a very successful school.

Marjorie and a small group of teachers ran the school and the boarding house. They were often on duty from 5.30am until 9.30pm. Marjorie Rooney had three meals a day with the boarders and read them excerpts from the morning paper over breakfast.

It has been said that Marjorie’s greatest quality was her ability to get on with everyone. She was genuinely interested in all those involved with the school. She had a reputation as a woman who was kind and understanding, with an appreciation of scholarship.

Marjorie’s involvement in her community was not restricted to the school. She was a member and President of the Soroptimists, a member of the State Executive Committee of the Girl Guides’ Association, President of the Northern Tasmanian Women’s Hockey Association, a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Association and a member of the committee of the Northern Auxiliary of Jane Franklin Hall.

Marjorie Rooney remained Headmistress of Broadland House for 30 years. In 1964, Marjorie was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (civil division) for her contribution to education, in particular, her valued time as Headmistress of Broadland House. Marjorie Rooney died on 22 April 1983.

23 SEARLE, MYRTLE

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO HEALTH

Myrtle Searle was born in 1892. She registered as a midwife in Victoria in 1917. In 1918, she arrived in Launceston at the age of 26 to take on the role of one of the first two child welfare nurses in Tasmania. She was to become a pioneer in the field of child and family health nursing.

Myrtle was employed to try to curb the infant mortality rate by educating mothers on the proper care of babies and children. Six weeks into her employment, the Examiner reported that Myrtle had made 26 home visits, seen 17 women in her clinic and provided another seven women with antenatal advice.

The annual reports submitted by Myrtle Searle and her Hobart colleague, Laura Richardson, show they firmly believed that education in nutrition, hygiene, the importance of breastfeeding and modern baby care would achieve the goal of lowering infant mortality and child morbidity.

In 1919, when the Spanish Flu reached Tasmania, the Department of Health diverted Myrtle from her usual duties to coordinate nursing services for flu victims. She was responsible for the distribution of food, milk, blankets and firewood as well as organising home nursing for the sick. By the time the epidemic waned, Myrtle had entered hundreds of poor households, nursing individuals and families in overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions.

Myrtle was interviewed by the Examiner at the end of the epidemic and was outspoken about the need for improved housing and sanitation, recognising the link between socio-economic circumstances and health.

Once the epidemic had passed, Myrtle returned to child welfare nursing and even travelled to New Zealand to study the Truby King System at the Karitane Mothercraft Home in Dunedin.

Myrtle’s tenure in Tasmania finished in 1922 and nothing is known of her after she moved to London in the mid 1920s.

24 SHIELDS, ETHNEE PATRICIA AM AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO HEALTH

Ethnee Patricia Shields was born in Launceston on 27 November 1920. She grew up on the Clarendon Estate at Nile, where her father worked. Ethnee married John Shields and they had two children.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, Ethnee taught French at the Methodist Ladies College for many years. She was very involved in her church and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League.

Ethnee’s contribution to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness began with her own battle with an episode of serious mental illness. She became a founding member of the Association for Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI), and following her retirement from teaching, committed herself to the organisation. Ethnee then spent 20 years advocating for change in community attitudes and worked tirelessly to build support networks for the mentally ill and their relatives. This was particularly important when mental health services were deinstitutionalised, with many mental health patients requiring understanding and support in the community.

Ethnee’s work with ARAFMI included lobbying both the State and Commonwealth governments, producing written information, including newsletters, to educate the wider public on mental health issues and establishing the first telephone befriending service in Tasmania manned by carers of the mentally ill. For many years, Ethnee also served on the national Consumer Advisory Group for the Mentally Ill. In 1992, ARAFMI received a Tasmanian Human Rights Award for humanitarian activities.

Ethnee was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996 for her service in the field of mental health, particularly through ARAFMI and the national and Tasmanian community advisory groups on mental health. Ethnee died on 27 March 2006 in Launceston.

25 SMIT, NELLIE (NEL) SUZANNA AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO EDUCATION

An environmental ethic permeates the way I teach and it affects how I relate to students, staff and parents…it is important that we develop a sense of place and learn to care for our surroundings. (Nel Smit, 2007)

Nellie (Nel) Suzanna Smit was born in Hobart in 1951 and began teaching in the 1970s. Nel has been a key driver in the formative years of environmental education in Tasmania. Since 1982, in her voluntary capacity as State Convenor of the Australian Association for Environmental Education, Nel has promoted the networking of Tasmanian teachers and professionals interested in environmental education. She has led teams of volunteers in expos, workshops and conferences.

Nel encourages children to participate and take action in developing sustainable environmental practices. An example of this can be found at Woodbridge School where Nel was a senior teacher and Landcare coordinator. Woodbridge was the first school in Tasmania to adopt a whole school sustainability program, winning the Tasmanian Award for Environmental Excellence in 2007.

Nel has been recognised locally, nationally and internationally for her work. She was invited to present papers at the UNESCO International Conference on Schoolgrounds, A Sense of Place, UK and the Landcare Links: Global Implications, Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa Conference. Nel has been adviser for two international publications regarding environmental education.

Locally, Nel has been a committee member and Secretary of the Taroona Environment Network and a founding member of the Taroona Neighbourhood Garden. Nel Smit’s generous work has been recognised through numerous awards. Some of these include: a National Excellence in Teaching Award; a National Landcare Education Award; the United Nations World Environment Day National Education School Award; the Professor Harry Bloom Memorial Award for Environmental Excellence; and the Tasmanian Environment Minister’s Award for Excellence in Environmental Education. She was recently invited to be a member on the Premier’s Climate Change Action Council.

26 SPARKES, JANTINA (JAN) MARIA AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Jantina (Jan) Maria Sparkes was born on 30 March 1938 in Indonesia. Jan lives in St Marys and has been a generous and dedicated contributor to her local community. She has instigated numerous projects and has inspired others locally and internationally.

Following the 2006 East Coast bushfires, Jan had a vision for the recovery of the community. She brought together a small group of people to establish Regener8. Her group worked with Dr Rosa McManamey from the University of Tasmania’s Department of Rural Health to produce a book; Regener8: Stories and impressions of the Tasmanian East Coast Bushfire 2006. This project focused on resilience in response to the bushfire and also involved art exhibitions and music.

Proceeds from the book were donated to the local fire brigade and Carers for Wildlife Tasmania Inc. The Regener8 project was featured in a paper written by Dr McManamey and presented at conferences both within Australia and internationally.

Jan was also the instigator behind the establishment of the Tasmanian Lymphoedema Centre (TLC) at St Marys. Tasmanians who suffer from lymphoedema previously had to travel to South Australia for treatment.

TLC was established in St Marys in 2000 after months of lobbying and fundraising to buy a $19 000 scanning laser. This is the only scanning laser in Tasmania. TLC has two full-time therapists and is run by a local committee of 12 volunteers headed by Jan. The TLC regularly conducts clinics, bringing in experts from around Australia.

Jan recently assisted with a fundraising event for the Victorian bushfire appeal. She is also involved in groups in the area promoting health and wellbeing, such as the Women Get Active program and Break O’Day Health Resource Association.

In recognition of her contribution to the community, Jan was awarded the Break O’Day Citizen of the Year in 2006.

27 SWAN, LOUISA

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE ARTS

Louisa Swan was born into a wealthy pastoralist’s family in Hobart in 1860. She studied art at the Hobart Technical College but was largely a self-taught artist. Louisa was a landscape painter and enamellist and was pivotal in the promotion of art in Tasmania.

In 1883, Louisa visited Melbourne and learnt about art societies and their importance in promoting and assisting artists. At the age of 24, she returned to Hobart and along with fellow artist Maria Evans, she founded the Tasmanian Art Association, later to be known as the Art Society of Tasmania. Louisa was the first Treasurer and Maria Evans the Secretary.

The Society held annual exhibitions. Louisa helped organise these exhibitions and gave lessons in the art of painting and drawing. In the 1890s, Louisa was instrumental in persuading major mainland artists to exhibit in Tasmania. Louisa continued to hold various positions within the Tasmanian Art Society and in 1901, Louisa was made an honourary Life Member.

Louisa was also a founding member of the Launceston Drawing Club, which later became known as the Launceston Art Society. Both this Society and the Art Society of Tasmania flourish to this day.

Louisa exhibited widely with the Launceston and Tasmanian Art Societies from 1893 until 1949. Her work was also shown in the Sesquicentennial Art Exhibition 1804-1954 (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery) and at the Victorian Art Society Exhibition in 1901.

Louisa had many other interests including the Queen Mary Club and political groups. Louisa was also fundamental in the formation of the Tasmanian Red Cross.

Louisa Swan died in Hobart in 1955. She is remembered not only for her own art, but for the support and assistance she afforded other artists in establishing their careers. She was an important figure in Tasmania and a role model to other women in achieving in a field largely dominated by men.

28 WATSON, LILIAN DELSA

AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO CULTURAL HERITAGE

Family history gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure...when you learn about history you understand yourself better. (Lilian Watson, 1995)

Lilian Watson was born in Queensland in 1932. She moved to Tasmania in the 1950s and it was here that her interest in family history developed. This interest grew into the formation of the Tasmanian Family History Society, an organisation used by thousands of people to trace their family history.

Lilian was married and had six children. Despite heavy family commitments, Lilian’s knowledge of genealogy was such that she became a well-known national figure whose expertise was sought by many. In 1973, Lilian became accredited as a Genealogical Researcher. A few years later, Lilian organised a meeting under the umbrella of the Melbourne-based Australian Institute of Family Studies. The first Genealogical Society of Tasmania was formed in 1980, with Lilian the founding President.

From 1978 to 1998, thousands of Tasmanians benefited from Lilian’s tutoring of family history through Adult Education. She also wrote a series of books, became a regular contributor to the Tasmanian Ancestry journal and wrote a weekly column for The Mercury.

In 1980, Lilian led a campaign which resulted in the release of Tasmania’s pre-1900 birth, death and marriage records, the first such release in the English speaking world. Another major achievement instigated by Lilian was the transcribing and recording of all headstones in Tasmania.

Lilian’s achievements have been recorded in The World Who’s Who of Women, and family history awards have been named in her honour. Lilian was awarded the first Fellowship Award of the Genealogical Society of Tasmania, becoming one of only four recipients of the Society’s highest honour.

Lilian Watson passed away in Hobart on 10 March 1996. In 2001, the Genealogical Society of Tasmania became known as the Tasmanian Family History Society Inc. Since its formation, it has achieved a membership of 7,000. This is Lilian’s legacy.

29 WAYN, AMELIA LUCY MBE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Amelia Lucy Wayn was probably born in Germany in 1862, the daughter of Amelia and the Reverend Arthur Wayn. Reverend Wayn was appointed curate at St Andrew’s Church, Evandale, Tasmania, in 1864 and for 30 years Amelia accompanied her father (widowed in 1877) around the parishes in which he was the incumbent.

Following her father’s retirement, Amelia trained as a nurse at Launceston Public Hospital. Moving to Hobart, she ran the Fairfield Private Hospital from 1900 to 1915, before going to Launceston as matron-in-charge of the military base hospital until she was demobilised in 1921.

In March 1921, Amelia was appointed in a temporary capacity as a ‘lady indexer’ of the Tasmanian archival records, dating from 1820 which were held by the Tasmanian Chief Secretary’s Department. She quickly became recognised as the ‘authority on the historical records of the State’ and over the next 20 years she undertook work and provided replies for a wide range of researchers.

The Index to Tasmanian Government Records and Colonial Newspapers (Wayn Index) was undertaken from 1 January 1920 until 31 December 1940 and contains colonial records from 1 January 1825 to 31 December 1840. The handwritten card index compiled by Amelia, often on a voluntary basis, has proven an invaluable tool to researchers to the present day.

In 1941, Amelia was awarded an Order of the British Empire – Member (Civil) for public service in Tasmania. Amelia continued her indexing and research up until 1949, when a full-time archivist was appointed. The massive indexes and compilations that she created are held in the Archives Office of Tasmania, a lasting memorial of her work.

Amelia died in Hobart on 11 August 1951 and was cremated at Cornelian Bay.

30 WEEKS, JOSEPHINE (JO) FRANCES EMILY AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Josephine (Jo) Frances Emily Weeks was born in Sydney on 14 June 1943. She spent her formative years in Triabunna, later attending the Launceston Teachers’ college.

Jo has been an active member of St John Ambulance for 45 years, having joined the organisation at the age of 20. During her dedicated service to this organisation, she has been an exemplary role model to all those who serve St John. Jo currently holds the position of Vice President of the State Council. She has held numerous other leadership roles within the organisation including that of Divisional Superintendent at Ulverstone, since 1982.

Despite Jo’s demanding teaching career, she has given thousands of voluntary hours to hundreds of public events in the name of service to St John. She was a founding member of the Spring Bay Division and established a Cadet Division at Ulverstone.

She has also made a significant contribution through her support for State and Regional Cadet Camps and her attendance at training examinations for advanced skills first aid.

As well as her service to St John, Jo has been an active supporter and contributor in a range of other community service organisations. Notably, Jo was part of a small team responsible for establishing a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service at Triabunna. She served with the Tasmanian Ambulance Service as a volunteer for 13 years in Triabunna and six years in Ulverstone. She was also an active member of various Parents and Friends committees for 13 years.

Her dedicated and voluntary support of both the Tasmanian Ambulance Service and St John made a significant difference to the East Coast community. Jo was also a member of the Spring Bay Municipal Council for four years in the seventies where she was the Education spokesperson.

In recognition of her service, Jo was invested as a Member of the Order of St John.

31 WELLARD, SISTER EMMELINE LOUISA AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO HEALTH AND DEFENCE

Emmeline Wellard was born in North-West Tasmania in 1877. She was one of nine children. Emmeline eventually moved to Launceston and began training as a nurse.

Emmeline trained at both the Queen Victoria Hospital for Women and the Launceston General Hospital, qualifying with first class honours in 1906.

In 1916, Emmeline enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service and set sail for India. She was posted to British hospitals in Bombay and Deolali, caring for wounded soldiers from the campaigns in the Middle East.

In 1918, Emmeline was one of five Australian nurses posted to the British hospital at Bushire, Persia. This was a 150 bed hospital and was the only one near the Mesopotamia front staffed by Australian nurses. Conditions were harsh and difficult, with severe dust storms lasting days, intense heat and sometimes torrential rain.

These nurses had little time for breaks from work with convoys of sick and injured soldiers. As well as war injuries, soldiers suffered from many diseases such as malaria, cholera and smallpox. It was at Bushire that she was Mentioned in Despatches for her service.

On her way home, in May 1919, Emmeline volunteered to serve in the North-West Frontier region of India, just as the Afghan tribes began a revolt against British rule. Only seven Australian nurses served in what became known as the Third Afghan War.

Emmeline was commended for her “gallant and distinguished services in the field” and was awarded the Royal Red Cross, an imperial decoration received by only a few Tasmanian nurses. She also received the British War Medal, Victory Medal, British General Service Medal and the India General Service Medal. Emmeline was one of the most highly awarded Tasmanian nurses to serve in the Great War. She returned to nursing in Tasmania and died in Ulverstone on 29 July 1956.

32 WILLSON, BARBARA BRENDA AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Barbara Brenda Willson was born in Manchester, United Kingdom, on 16 October 1934. She completed her primary teacher training at Doncaster Training College and taught in Manchester, before moving to Africa with her husband, Peter, and young son in 1959. She taught in Zambia until the family, now with two young sons, migrated to Western Australia in 1965.

The family moved to Tasmania in January 1967 because Barbara wanted “…mountains, weather, views and rivers with water running in them”. After relief teaching at Snug Primary, Barbara took a full-time position at Kingston Primary School.

In 1974, Barbara and Peter bought a 16-hectare mining lease on the Melaleuca Plains, South-West Tasmania. Barbara helped Peter mine for alluvial tin during holidays, moving permanently to Melaleuca after her retirement in 1980. Their holding eventually grew to 175 hectares. All equipment was shipped in and the ore shipped out by Barbara and Peter. All fresh fruit and vegetables were home grown, with Barbara baking her own bread and brewing her own beer.

Although living in an isolated region, Barbara enjoys the company of park rangers, fishermen, birdwatchers, bushwalkers and yachtsmen. The Willsons also record the daily rainfall for the Bureau of Meteorology.

It is the invaluable work Barbara continues to perform in the Parks and Wildlife Service recovery program for the rare, endangered, Orange-bellied Parrots that has been her most significant community service. The parrots arrive each year from Victoria and South Australia to nest in the Melaleuca area and Barbara and Peter record the first arrivals and last leavers. They make daily observations and recordings of the band colour combinations to identify banded birds and count the parrots each morning and afternoon.

33

MEMBERS

Adams, Gwendolyn Butler, Heather Rose Espie, Nellie (Nell) Jane Ahearn, Patricia (Pat) Cairns, Joy Miriam Farrell, Lynne Andersch, Lynette (Lyn) Anne Cameron, Mary Fazackerley, Kim Andersen, Clair Cameron, Patricia (Patsy) Fernon, Catherine Archer, Geraldine Campbell, Enid Fitz-Nead, Joan Baker, Florence Jean Campbell, Mary Fitzallen, Lilah Maude Baker, Marjorie Gladys Campbell-Smith, Mollie Fitzpatrick, Cris Ball, Aida Olive Carey, Eleanor Eileen (Nell) Forlong, Eliza Barnes, Vera Florence Carswell, Joan Fox, Mary Elizabeth Gertrude Barnett, Barbara Cavanagh-Russell, Megan French, Sandra Anne Barron, Elizabeth Lauretta Chauncy, Nancen (Nan) Beryl Frohmader, Carolyn Patricia Barron, Jennifer (Jen) Clingeleffer, Janet Frohmader, Wendy Noeline Benjamin, Phyllis Jean Coaldrake, Maida Fullard, Corrie Lavinia Bennett, Elizabeth Gay (Beth) Coleman, Jill Estelle Gartlan, Patricia Frances Bennett, Jane Colville, Margaret Jean Geard, Helen Edith Berger, Shirley May Coombe, Shirley Gibson, Heather Beven, Mavis Cowen, Donna Gillanders, Sandra Binks, Mary Cowie, Roxena (Roxy) Giordano, Margaret Anne Binns, Sister Marlene Crisp, Mary Murdoch Given, Sheila Bjelke Petersen, Marie Caroline Curtis, Winifred Mary Goiser, Stella Blackburn, Elizabeth Dare, Margaret Frances Goss, Suzanne Bladel, Frances (Fran) Deacon, Clare Graham, Jessie (Iris) Bligh, Marjorie Alfreda Willis Degrassi, Kerry Grant, Linley Blizzard, Jan Mary Delrue, Chantale Greig, Annie Bond, Ailsa Gray Dennis, Margaret Linda Grey, Carol Aileen Braham, Elizabeth Beeton Dermody, Jacqueline Elizabeth Grey, Eleanor (Betty) Bright, Kathy Dobson, Emily Grounds, Lucy Margaret Brown, Daphne Joyce Dodson, Gladys Gurr, Elizabeth Joan Brown, Geraldine Mary Donohue, Mynie (Jane) Guy, Mary Phyllis Buckingham, Beverley (Bev) Drake, Anne Harris, Patricia Margaret Burbury, Marion (Jill) Duerinckx, Chantál Harvey, Pamela Burgess, Jean Heather Dulfer-Hyams, Joyce (Sue) Harwood, Gwen Burns, Kathryn Edwards, Dorothy Edna Annie Herbert, Rennie Elaine Burt, Glenn Vivien Edwards, Marie Hill, Mary

34 Hiller, Christine (Kit) Meredith, Bronwen Seen, Frances Ellen Hine, Vera Margaret Miller, Dame Mabel Flora Sherwin, Frances Lillias (Amy) Hodgetts, Diana Moore, Robyn Shields, Ethnee Patricia Holmes, Edith Lilla Morffew, Anne Lynnette (Lynne) Sing, Margaret Anne Hull, Patricia Joan Myhill, Marion Elizabeth Smit, Nellie (Nel) Suzanna Innes, Heather Newson, Lennah Smith, June Irvine, Alice Christina O’Byrne, Anne Smyth, Eris Mary Jack, Elizabeth O’Connor, Christine Sparkes, Jantina (Jan) Maria Jackson, Judith (Judy) Louise Olley, June Stanton, Catherine (Kate) Jackson, Marilyne Jayne Osborne, Leila (Margaret) Steele, Anne Mary James, Gillian (Gill) Hilma O’Toole, Miriam Evelyn Fairham Sumar, Sajini Jeffrey, Shirley Park, Priscilla Swan, Louisa Johnson, Linda Mary Parker, Dame Marjorie Alice Collett Trueman, Gwenith Patricia (Pym) Johnstone, Philippa Paterson, Ruth Joan Twibell, Christina Beverley (Bev) Clare Kelly, Joan Phyllis Paul, Lexie Venn, Kathleen Joan Kelly, Merma Pearce, Dorothy Philp Vickers, Carlene Kent, Julie Peardon, Annette Elizabeth Vincent, Marion Mary Kerslake, Irene Mary Perkins, Jean Walley, Janet (Jan) Layton, Faith Piemontese, Jenny Walsh, Mary Le Mottee, Noreen Pitchford, Phyllis Watson, Lilian Delsa Leary, Alma May Polack, Mary Catherine Wayn, Amelia Lucy Lindsay, Helen Ruth Pybus, Betty Jean Vyvyan Weeks, Josephine (Jo) Frances Emily Luck, Marjorie Ann Rawson, Joan Gladys Wellard, Sister Emmeline Louisa Lyons, Dame Enid Muriel Reeve, Valma (Fay) West, Ida Amelia Mallett, Mary Frances (Molly) Reid, Sandra Wilkinson, Robin Jane Mason, Norma (Lynn) Roberts, Mary Grant Williams, Nell Masterman, Evelyn (Eve) Loois Roe, Margot Wills, Beverley Matson-Green, Vicki maikutena Rooney, Marjorie Lorna Willson, Barbara Brenda McConnon, Joyce Elaine Rout, Ettie Annie Winter, Christina Beatrice McGarry, Anne Rowntree, Amy Woodberry, Joan Merle McIntyre, Margaret Edgeworth Rudge, Maureen Woolley, Myra Fay McShane, Clare Sattler, Barbara Millie McTye, Doreen Margaret Scott, Margaret Daphne Mead, Isabella Jane Searle, Myrtle

35 CONTACT INFORMATION

Women Tasmania Phone: 1800 001 377 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.women.tas.gov.au

ISSN 1837-0098

© State of Tasmania Published July 2009