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

RODEN, Ruby

Born 8/07/1871

Also known as: née Barrett, H. Roden

Pioneer of Southern New South Wales and Victoria.
KENNEDY, Monica Teresa

Born 1892, Died 28/12/1970

Also known as: nee Sheeran

Married Michael Frederick Kennedy (“Fred”) in 1929 and moved to Elkedra Station in the Northern Territory. Mother of five children who she supervised with their schooling through…
SNEDDON, Kathleen Frances

Born 1908, Died 27/10/2005

Also known as: BB, Kath

1954 - First president of the Country Women's Association of the Air, Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Written on the back of the drawing: Resident 9 years in Alice. Husband…
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

NAPANGARDI, Dorothy

Born 1958, Died 1/06/2013

Dorothy began painting in 1987. Her artist sister Eunice Napangardi introduced her to it.
1991 - Dorothy won the Best Painting in European Media and 8th Telstra National Aboriginal &…
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

SOMERVILLE, Dorothy Christine

Born 12/5/1897, Died 24/9/1992

Also known as: Dumps

1922 - She was the third South Australian woman admitted to the Bar.
1925 - Part of first female law practice with Mary Tenison Woods.
1928-1991 - Practiced as a sole law practitioner…
LIEBLER, Johanna Maria Luise

Also known as: née Kuffner, Luise

Johanna Maria Luise Liebler came to Hermannsburg more than thirty years after Dorothee and Wilhelmine. She arrived on 1 May 1910 with her husband who was a newly graduated…
MAC KILLOP, Mary Helen

Born 15/1/1842, Died 8/8/1909

17 Oct 2010 - Australia's first Catholic saint - Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross - Canonized in Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI.
2001 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. n 1867…
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

STEGGALL, Zali

Born 1974

1997 - First Australian to win a World Cup Slalom Alpine event
1999 - First Alpine World Champion in the Southern Hemisphere to win Gold in Women's Slalom event at World Skiing…
SUTHERLAND, Joan

Born 1926, Died 2010

Also known as: Dame Joan Sutherland, La Stupenda

Joan Sutherland was a world famous soprano, one of the greatest voices of the twentieth century. Joan studied at the Royal College of Music in London, making a successful debut at…
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,…
YOUNG, Beryl

Beryl became famous when she was the chief pilot who flew Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Peterson all over the state. Pioneer Pilot.
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

WEBB, Hilary Joy

Also known as: Joy

Stella was an Allowera (Allyawarr) woman, Jane Webb's trusted Allyawarr Aboriginal friend, who lived at Mount Riddock Station with the Webb family for eighteen years.She helped…
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

BLOOMFIELD, Mary Paulena

Born 20/07/1917, Died 9/05/1994

Also known as: née Hayes

Daughter of Ann Jane “Jane” Hayes.
MITCHELL, Roma Flinders

Born 2/10/1913, Died 05/03/2000

1962 - First woman Queen’s Counsel in Australia.
1965 - First female Supreme Court judge in Australia.
1972 - First woman deputy chancellor of a university.
1981-82 – First human…
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

KANGA, Marlene

First Australian woman to be President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations; has been an engineer for 30 years; founded a company specialising in safety, risk…
BIRDSEYE, Sylvia Jessie Catherine

Born 26/01/1902, Died 9/08/1962

Also known as: née Merell

Pioneer of transport services in South Australia. First woman in South Australia to gain a Commercial Driving Licence (1923). Memorial cairn on Eyre Highway; Birdseye Highway - first…
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

KIDMAN, Freda

Also known as: Freddie

One of the original air hostesses with Australian National Airlines. After finishing school, Freda trained to become a nurse before working with Australian National Airlines. She…
PRICE, Joyce Ethel

Born 8/11/1915, Died 19/08/2009

Also known as: née Brooke

1956 - Lifetime devotion to Girl Guides as District and Division Commissioners in South Australia. She served as: 1963–1968 - State Commissioner of Victoria. 1968–1973 - Chief…
CHATFIELD, Irene

First woman awarded the Australian Football League's (AFL's) inaugural Woman of the Year (1998)
STOTT DESPOJA, Natasha Jessica

Born 9/09/1969

Also known as: née Stott Despoja, Nat

2001 - Senator Australian Democrat Party. Youngest woman parliamentarian and youngest party leader in Australian history.
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

SHAW, Mary Turner

Born 14/01/1906, Died 23/04/1990

Also known as: Mollie

1941 - First woman Architect employed by Public Works (Department of the Allied Services).
MANFIELD, Alice Maud

Born 9/9/1878, Died 14/7/1960

Also known as: née Manfield

Pioneer of Mt Buffalo district.
“Guide Alice” conducted guided tours in Mt Buffalo National Park.
MACARTHUR, Elizabeth

Born 14/8/1766, Died 9/2/1850

Also known as: née Veale

Co-Founder of the Australian Wool Industry. With husband John, established “Elizabeth Farm” at Parramatta, Sydney, New South Wales.Imported merino sheep from Cape o Good Hope; made…
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

NAYLER, Faye

Born 22/10/1932, Died 25/10/2015

Also known as: Elma Faye

First woman to own and operate an opal mine in Coober Pedy, South Australia. Established “The Opal Cave” in 1963 and gave the first tour of Coober Pedy. Faye is the author of Warm…
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

LUCAS LUPPI, Dianne

Born 30/12/1954

Also known as: née Lucas, Dianne Lucas Luppi

First woman to own, train, and ride her horse in the Mount Garnet Cup (Queensland) race meeting (amateur).
First woman employed by Far North Queensland Amateur Race Association to do…
STONE, Grace Clara

Born 12/01/1860, Died 10/05/1957

Also known as: Clara, Grace

One of the first two women to graduate in Medicine from Melbourne University - Margaret WHYTE was the other.
She was named the first president of the Victorian Medical Women's…
TART, Margaret

Born 28/08/1865, Died 27/07/1916

Also known as: née Scarlett

1888 - First European woman to travel up the Sun-Ning River from Canton, China (visiting husband's mother). Margaret was an Australian school teacher married to a Chinese tea…
MAYO, Helen Mary

Born 1/10/1878, Died 13/11/1967

1914 - First woman elected to a university council in Australia (Council of the University of Adelaide). Held this position continuously for 46 years.
3 June 1935 - Appointed an…
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

ROSS, Fanny

Also known as: nee Wallis

Fanny Ross was one of the first English speaking white women at the heart of Australia. In 1885 she joined her husband Alexander, manager of Undoolya Station. She had her piano…
STANDLEY, Ida

Born 19/01/1869, Died 25/05/1948

Also known as: née Woodcock

1914 - First school teacher in first school in Alice Springs, Northern Territory and possibly the first multi-racial school in Australia.
Ida Standley was the township of Stuart's…
MCCRAE, Georgiana Huntly

Born 15/3/1804, Died 24/5/1890

Also known as: née Gordon

At age 17 - She won a silver medal for portrait painting, of her grandfather the fourth Duke of Gordon, and it was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. 1840 - Arrived in Victoria…
ARMFIELD, Lillian

Born 3/12/1884

Lillian Armfield was Australia's first policewoman. She was recruited as probationary special constable on 1 July, 1915, earned less than her male counterparts and was ot provided…
WICKHAM, Tracey Lee

Born 24/11/1962

Also known as: Tiger

1978 - Wickham was the World Champion for the 400 m and 800 m freestyle.
1978 - Made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
1978 and 1982 - Won gold in both events at the…
MCCAFFERY, Effie Gwyneth

Also known as: née Downie, Billie

1935- The first female hairdresser in Northern Territory. Apprenticed to a Miss Jockel, who ran a hairdressing salon in Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.In Alice Springs, as hostess…
DARCY FOWLER, Anne Isabella

Born 24/07/1911, Died 13/06/2003

Also known as: née Darcy, Ann, Annie

Annie was one of the first female drovers, and it is believed that she and her brothers photos adorn the walls at Daly Waters Pub as chararcters of the Territory. Annie was part of a…
MILLER, Robin Elizabeth

Born 8/12/1940, Died 7/12/1975

Also known as: née Miller, The Sugarbird Lady

Robin was a nurse and a pilot. From 1967-69 she flew to many remote Aboriginal communities administering the Sabin polio vaccine on sugar cubes. The children called her “the sugarbird…
JULL, Roberta Henrietta

Born 1872, Died 1961

Also known as: Roberta Ferguson-Stewart and Roberta Stewart

1897 - Western Australia's first woman doctor .
1897/8 - Foundation member of the British Medical Association, Western Australian Branch, Perth.
1918 - First medical Officer of…
A BECKETT, Emma

Born 1838, Died 1906

Author of diaries spanning half a century, they tell an absorbing story of the birth of one of Australia's most famous artistic families. Emma was a decisive influence in this…
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

GAGLIARDI, Antoinette

Antoinette, the first child of Maria Concetta “Connie” née Ciccone and Giuseppe Gagliardi arrived in Australia, via Argentina, with her mother in 1938.
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

SHADFORTH, Patsy

Northern Territory Pioneer of Seven Emu Station.
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

BRADSHAW, Edna Almurta
WOOD, Fiona Melanie

Born 2/02/1958

Also known as: née Wood

1992 - Established Perth, Western Australia, first human skin tissue culture laboratory.
In 2003, she was awarded The Order of Australia Member of the Order (AM) and the Australian…
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

MAXWELL, Jillian Fiona

Also known as: Jill

1997 - First woman to head Pulteney Grammar Schools governing body”, as chair, breaking a 150-year “men only” tradition and first non-clergy appointment in 125 years.
1995 - She was…
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

ROGERS, Nanette

First female Queen's Counsel (QC) in Alice Springs; despite declining press contact after her initial 2006 interview, became known for her public exposure of family violence in…
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…
MAHONY, Kathleen Mary

Born 8/1/1908, Died 30/04/2003

Also known as: née O’Shea, Kath

Pioneer as policeman's wife at Roper River, Lake Nash, Arltunga, and Anthony's Lagoon. Managers of Larrimah Hotel, Northern Territory (owned by O'Shea family -…
MOORE, Annie May

Born 4/01/1881, Died 10/06/1931

Also known as: née Moore, May Moore

May Moore, and her sister Mina Moore, were professional photographers. They began in Wellington, New Zealand, moving to Sydney and Melbourne. May’s speciality included famous…
LOVELY, Louise Nellie

Born 28/2/1895, Died 19/3/1980

Also known as: née Alberti, Louise Alberti (maiden name), Louise Carbasse (stage name), Louise Cowan (married name), Louise Lovely (stage name), Louise Welch (former married name)

She is credited by film historians for being the first Australian actress to have a successful career in Hollywood. She made 55 motion pictures between 1911-1922, most in Hollywood…
SPENCER, Mary Stuart

Born 15/05/1871, Died 19/04/1940

Also known as: née Huntly, Eleanor Huntly, Mary Stuart Cosens, Senora Spencer

1906 - First woman projectionist in Australia.
STARK, Amy Gwendoline

Born 3/04/1910, Died 28/11/1994

Also known as: née Stark, Gwen, Starkie, Gwen Caldwell

1941 - First service woman recruited by WAAAF in New South Wales. On 40th Anniversary of Anzac Day, she was the first woman honoured to give the Dawn Service Address in Sydney.
1968 -…