National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame presents the

HerStory Archive

This is a collection of stories which tell of the achievements of over 1,500 pioneering women in various fields. We are proud that our HerStory Archive brings Australian women and their achievements to light, and we hope that you enjoy discovering these inspiring women.

This archive contains more information about some women than others. As a small, not-for-profit museum, our limited resources often prevent us from collecting as much information as we would like. The information we do have, however, brings Australian women and their achievements to light. If you have additional information on any woman who features in our Herstory Archive, please contribute it here.

HerStory Home

SHUTTLE, Linda Joyce

Also known as: Sister Linda Mary, Reverend Sister Linda Mary

2009 - First Mother Superior of the Anglican Community of Sisters of the Church (CSC) (in the order's 140-year history) to live in Australia, instead of England.
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

GREGORY, Uanita

Born 03 March 1911, Died 1990

Also known as: née Gregory

The electoral roll for 1940 indicates tha less than 5% of the female population were in paid employment. The most popular work was domestic service in positions such as housemaid,…
CAVANAGH, Suzanne

First woman President of Country Liberal Party (CLP) in the Northern Territory (1994-2001)
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

OSBURN, Lucy

Born 1/04/1836, Died 22/12/1891

She trained at the Nightingale Training School, St Thomas' Hospital. One month into her training she was selected to lead a team of nurses to establish the Nightingale nursing…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

BESLEY, Florence

Also known as: née Ruthven

One of two first white women to climb Mt Gillen, Northern Territory. 1900 - Left Adelaide, for Alice Springs to become companion to Mrs South (wife of Stuart Arms Hotel owner),…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

LUDBROOK, Nelly Hooper

Born 14/6/1907, Died 9/5/1995

Also known as: née Woods

The first South Australian-born palaeontologist to demonstrate the importance of palaeontology to the mining industry and founded what is now known as the Biostratigraphy Section of…
KIBBLE, Nita Bernice

Born 8/6/1879, Died 4/2/1962

1919-43 — first woman librarian at the State Library of New South Wales. Miss Kibble set up the Library's first research department in 1918. She was appointed the Library's…
JENKINS, Elsie May

Born 1889, Died 9/9/1974

Also known as: née Goodrich, Ma

Pioneer opal miner (with husband) at Lightning Ridge (NSW) and Coober Pedy (SA). Known as the “Opal Queen.”
1915 - “A wonderful horsewoman and the Best Hack and Hunter [equestrian show…
MCIVER, Dale

2005 - First woman to become Captain of a “battleship” (HMAS Defender) at the Henley-on-Todd regatta in Alice Springs.
SEAGER, Alexandrina

Born 27/11/1872, Died 12/3/1950

Also known as: née Laidlaw, Alexandra

First woman to hold Vice Presidency of Returned Services Association (later known as the RSL). 1909 - Started her own business, “Scholastic Agency,” to supply labourers, governesses,…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

RALSTON, Mary Carlisle

Born 10/11/1900, Died 1/09/1990

Married World War I veteran in Scotland then sailed to Australia to take up soldier settlement block at Urangeline, near Bulgandra, New South Wales. Was first woman on the settlement…
PROUDLOVE, Martha Patricia

Died 13/10/1997

Also known as: Patti, Pattie

1930s - First woman to hold a bus driver's licence in Western Australia. Ran a public and tourist bus service with husband and family from Denmark to Albany, Western Australia and…
ANDERSON, Clara Victoria Elizabeth

Born 21/2/1872, Died 6/4/1975

Also known as: Vic Campbell (maiden name)

Pioneer of Theodore, Queensland. As a child, Clara lived with her family at several different stations before settling at their property, “Claravale”, in Queensland. In her married…
HAINES, Monica Augustine

Born 1897, Died 1996

Also known as: née Minahan, Mona, Mona Minahan

1932 - First barmaid in Central Australia.
1959-60 - First woman to own a Hotel in Alice Springs, 'The Riverside' (now Todd Tavern).
Opened first dress shop in Alice Springs,…
TAYLOR, Valerie May

Born 9/11/1935

Also known as: née Heighes

1960s - Became first female producer and filmmaker of underwater documentaries in Australia.
1992 - They are credited as the “first people to film great white sharks without the…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

MEIN-BEL, Mabel

Born 1934, Died 5/06/2016

Also known as: Mabel Jimarin

First Aboriginal woman to have quadruplets (all girls) in 1968, as well as the first Northern Territory quads. Then, in 1969, gave birth to twin girls. Nanagu group; Brinkin…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

ROMARO, Cherie

Born 1950

Cherie was the first female radio music programmer, program director and radio network general manager in Australia. Featured in the book Women of Power (1990).
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

SMITH, Topsy

Born 1875, Died 1960

Topsy, born about 1875, was the daughter of Mary Kemp, of Arabana Aboriginal descent, and Arthur Evans, an Oodnadatta policeman. In the early 1890s she married William (Bill) Smith, a…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

KARTINYERI, Doreen Maude

Born 1935, Died 2/12/2007

Doreen Kartinyeri was a prominent Aboriginal activist and historian. She was a child of the stolen generation, worked as a domestic servant from the age of thirteen, had eight children…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

TREFRY, Christine

Born 10/05/1955

First Northern Territory woman Gold Medal Pistol Shooter. 1994 - Gold Medalist, Victoria Commonwealth Games.
1998 - Gold Medalist, Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.
KENNY, Elizabeth

Born 20/9/1880, Died 30/11/1952

Also known as: Sister Elizabeth Kenny

1911 - First person to implement an effective method of treatment for Infantile Paralysis (Poliomyelitis).
1927 - Designed and patented the “Sylvia”ambulance stretcher which reduced…
DENNIS, Sarah

Born 24/12/1841, Died 9/8/1910

Also known as: née Marks

Pioneer of Bendigo area of Victoria.
PADGHAM-PURICH, Cecilia Noel

Born 25/12/1927

Also known as: Noel, Noel Padgham

One of first female politicians in the Northern Territory (CLP), serving from 1977-1997. She is ranked as the fifth longest serving woman, 20 years and 4 months.
MIDDLETON, Doreen

Born 11/03/1912, Died 15/07/1985

Also known as: née Middleton

1931 - First person to ride a bicycle from Melbourne to Adelaide and return (both directions).
Aged 19 years, Doreen rode her bicycle from Melbourne to Adelaide (607 miles) in 4 days,…
MCDONALD, Margaret

Born 1858, Died 27/8/1943

Also known as: née Lamb

Pioneer of White Cliffs, New South Wales; Broken Hill, New South Wales; and Normanton, Queensland.
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

MACARTHUR-ONSLOW, Eliza Elizabeth

Born 8/5/1840, Died 2/8/1911

Also known as: née MacArthur

Founded co-operative dairy and creamery for sharefarmers on “Camden Park.”
Planted Mulberry trees to establish silk growing industry for farmer's daughters on “Camden Park…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

ARCHDALE, Helen Elizabeth

Born 21/8/1907, Died 11/1/2000

Also known as: Betty Archdale

Headmistress of Abbotsleigh Girls School, Sydney. Officer in W.R.E.N.s during World War II. Became Principal of Women's College at Sydney University. After her tenure at the…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

RIDSDALE, Mary Cecilia

Born 1924, Died 2007

Also known as: née Clancy

First Solicitor at Katherine, Northern Territory, Regional Legal Aid Service. 1942 - Winner of Harry Emmerton Exhibition for Articled Clerks.
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

MITCHELL, Lauren

Born 23 July 1991

First Australian female gymnast to win a World Cup Final. This was in Madrid, Spain, on the balance beam. 2009 World Championships silver medalist on balance beam and floor and 2010…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

TAYLOR, Florence Mary

Born 29/12/1879, Died 13/02/1969

Also known as: née Parsons

1909 - First known woman in Australia to pilot a heavier-than-air vehicle (similar to a hang glider). Took off from Narrabeen Beach near Sydney.
1920s - First Female Architect and Town…
EVATT, Elizabeth Andreas

Born 11/11/1933

Australian reformist lawyer and jurist. A leading trailblazer, her support of women's civil and human rights has left Australia with a significant and lasting legacy. A woman with…
ADLER, Mary

Born 17/2/1862, Died 8/6/1897

Also known as: nee Millar

Mary Adler came from Murtoa in the Wimmera. In 1893, she and her husband selected land at Lalbert, near Swan Hill, which they settled with their five sons. She died at 36 years of age,…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

MAY, Sandra
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

, Runge

Amboora, Amelia (Kunoth) and Runge, who worked for the Bradshaw family at the Telegraph Station…. as well as Aboriginal housemaids including Amboora, Runge and Amelia, supported Mrs…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

FILSELL, Myra

Born 1904, Died 2001

Also known as: née Scott

First Australian Inland Mission (A.I.M.) nurse at Oodnadatta, South Australia.
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

BAKER, June Rosalie

Born 27/6/1937

The first and only WRANS Officer to attend Royal Naval Staff College in Greenwich, England - 1976-1977 - The only WRANS officer to serve an exchange posting with the RN.
The last full…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

LITTLEJOHN, Annie

1916 - One of the first women (along with Juliet Stawell) to enroll in Architecture at Melbourne University - did not complete course.
TEAGUE, Una Sybella

Born December 1878, Died 1969

During the prolonged drought in Central Australia in the 1920s many Aboriginal people died of beri-beri and scurvy. Pastor Albrecht wanted to pipe good water from Kaporilya Springs 7…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

POTT, Marjorie

Born 1921, Died 27/01/2007

Also known as: née Thomson, Marj

Pioneer of Darwin.
UNDERDOWN, Daisy Fauthrope

Born 1883, Died 24/6/1963

Also known as: née Maloney

1933 - Pioneer and builder/owner of Hotel Alice Springs. 1902 - Arrived in Alice Springs from Oodnadatta to assist her sons with their general store “Underdown Bros.”
DALMAN, Elizabeth

Born 1934

Elizabeth Cameron Dalman was the pioneer of contemporary dance in Australia. She was the founder of the Australian Dance Theatre, this country’s first professional modern dance…
KELMAN, Margaret Mary

Born 6/4/1909, Died 23/12/1998

Also known as: née McKillop, Peg, Peggy

Peggy flew barnstorming flights in New South Wales in 1935. In one day's work she achieved 29 take offs. This Aussie pilot claimed but one record: “The first and only pilot to fly…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

KELLY, Nancy

Born 26/2/1915

Nancy Kelly was a woman of the land. To keep her family out of debt she took in boarders, taught dancing, did dressmaking, and bookkeeping. Also cattle buying and running several…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

MUNRO, Jude

First woman Chief Executive Officer of two cities: Adelaide and Brisbane. Chief Executive of councils: Adelaide, Brisbane, Moreland, and St Kilda.2010 – Ms. Munro received the keys…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

BURNS, Helene Katharine Frieda

Also known as: née Albrecht

Daughter of Hermannsburg Mission pioneers Pastor Friedrich Wilhelm Albrecht and Minna Marie Margaretha née Gevers.
AKHURST, Daphne Jessie

Born 22/4/1903, Died 9/1/1933

Also known as: Daphne Cozens

Daphne Akhurst was the first Australian woman to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals (1928), and the first Australian woman to figure prominently in tennis in overseas tours. She reached…
For various reasons, it has not been possible to include a photo with this Archive entry. If you’d like to come forward with photos, please see the Contribute page at the bottom left

KENNEDY, Marion

Born 1846, Died 1/9/1936

Also known as: née Murray

An early pioneer of western Queensland. Married to pastoralist Alexander Kennedy. Sir Hudson Fysch wrote the book Taming the North: the Story of Alexander Kennedy and other Queensland…
MCKENZIE, Florence Violet Mckenzie

Born 28/9/1890, Died 23/05/1982

Also known as: née Granville, Vi, Violet Wallace, Mrs Mac

Australia's first female electrical engineer, licensed woman amateur radio operator, and first female member of the Wireless Institute of Australia. 1939 - Opened school in Sydney…
MCLOUGHLIN, Patricia Rhoda

Born 26/11/1942

Also known as: née Sanderson; formerly Pat Camilleri

1991-94 - First female chair of the Caboolture Shire Council [The Shire of Caboolture, Queensland].
First female chair of the Caboolture Fire Brigade Board.
First female president of…
MORRISON, Sibyl Enid Vera Munro

Born 18/08/1895, Died 29 December 1961

Also known as: née Gibbs

New South Wales' first woman barrister qualified in 1924 after graduating LL.B. from the University of Sydney's law school. As the only woman students in their year, both she…