2023 inductees

Author Patricia (Patsy) Adam-Smith craved adventure and helped preserve and record community history, national traditions, folklore, and oral histories.

During World War Two, Patsy, aged 16, joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment as a nurse with the Australian Army First Orthopaedic Unit. She was posted to Queensland where she met her Tasmanian husband, who was medically discharged in 1944. The couple moved to Ulverstone when Patsy was 19.

Patsy’s chance for adventure came through an encounter, at Ulverstone wharf, with Captain McCarthy who had just returned from a mutton birding trip in the Furneaux Islands

in Bass Strait. Patsy then wrote to the editor of the Australia Magazine telling him that she was “going to write about the most exciting place in the world, the last frontier”. Patsy’s letter was obviously persuasive as she received air tickets, expenses, and a photographer.

Patsy was also approached by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to become a stringer from 1952-1955 reporting on northern Tasmania and writing articles for magazines.

Patsy’s life of adventure included working on the ketches Sheerwater and the Naracoopa. The books Moonbird people (1965) and There was a ship (1967) are narratives of her adventures aboard the Tasmanian small ketches that worked the coastline, often in hazardous conditions. During this time, Patsy became the first woman in Tasmania to gain a Radio Operator’s Certificate.

Patsy’s unique vernacular style recorded Tasmanian history. In 1968 Tiger Country was published about pioneering Tasmanian piners, miners, lighthouse keepers and fisher folk.

Patsy went on to write over 30 books. The ANZACs, shared the 1978 Age Book of the Year Award and was made into a popular television series.

While living in Tasmania, Patsy worked in Hobart for the Adult Education Office from 1960-1967 and travelled to King Island in 1966 to provide lectures during Book Week.

Patsy returned to Victoria in 1970 having contributed significantly to recording Tasmanian history through her books and collaborative works with artists such as Max Angus.

Dr Alison Alexander is a seventh-generation Tasmanian and an award-winning author who has written 34 historical works about Tasmania.

While Alison was a University of Tasmania Honours student, her thesis about Australian children’s author Mary Grant Bruce was accepted by publishers Angus & Robertson. Billabong’s Author was published in 1979 and was the start of her writing career. Alison went on to complete a PhD at the University of Tasmania.

In 1998 Alison was employed by the Glenorchy City Council to write the history of the city. Glenorchy 1805-1964 was the first of her commissioned histories.

When Alison found information about Caroline Denison, the governor’s wife, starting a refuge for fallen women it led to an interest in governors’ wives and the book, Governors’ Ladies: the wives and mistresses of Van Diemen’s Land governors, published in 1986. The book The Ambitions of Lady Jane Franklin: Victorian Lady Adventurer won the Australian National Biography Award 2014.

Alison has also written numerous journal articles and edited publications including The Companion to Tasmanian History (2005).

In 2022, The Waking Dream of Art: Patricia Giles, Painter by Alison Alexander won the Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History. The award recognised the important role of women in Tasmanian history.

The discovery of Alison’s own convict ancestors led to her writing Tasmania’s Convicts, published in 2010 by Allen & Unwin.

Alison is the President of the Convict Women’s Press (CWP) a not-for-profit book publishing association. CWP publish books about female convicts, particularly those written by members of the Female Convicts Research Centre, of which Alison has been a long-term committee member, author, and editor of many of their publications.

Alison is a Life Member of the Tasmanian Historical Research Association and was awarded the Clive Lord Memorial Medal by the Royal Society of Tasmania for her research in Tasmanian history.

Hospice nurse Barbara (Barb) Baker lobbied to raise the profile of palliative care and re-establish end-of-life care services in northern Tasmania.

During nursing training at Launceston’s St Vincent’s Hospital, Barb learned that end-of-life nursing was an area where she could make a difference. Palliative care became a great interest throughout Barb’s nursing career of over 30 years.

Barb was a founding staff member of the Philip Oakden Hospice, in 1993, and was involved in professional development to assist staff keep abreast of advancements in palliative care.

Although Barb is regarded as “always alongside others, never out front” she became a public voice for the hospice by organising annual memorial services, Palliative Care Week and participating in Relay for Life.

When Philip Oakden House closed in 2007, northern Tasmania was left with no public palliative care beds. Barb attempted to reverse the decision by campaigning, organising rallies, advocating, and meeting politicians. Fifteen years of lobbying paid off. In 2022 the Australian Government committed $20 million towards a new palliative care hospice facility within the Launceston General Hospital precinct.

Barb is spokesperson and Vice Chair of the Friends of the Northern Hospice, northern representative on the Palliative Care Clinical Network, a former Board member of the Northern Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation and Council member of Tasmanian Association for Hospice and Palliative Care.

Barb is past President, Secretary, and current Board member of The Helping Hand Association (Longford) an ecumenical emergency relief venture assisting community members in need. Barb always offers practical help such as meals for families, when needed, or assistance when their loved ones need palliative care. Many a time Barb has been found at the side of a dying person.

Barb has also had active roles in Church of the Apostles and St Patrick’s College in Launceston; St Augustine’s Catholic Church and Toosey Residential Aged Care Facility in Longford. Barb was also involved with upgrading the Mill Dam recreation area.

Barb was the Northern Midlands Council Citizen of the Year in 2016.

Heather Barwick was first elected to the George Town Council in March 1989 and is the longest continuously serving Councillor, was Deputy Mayor for two years and was the first female Mayor of George Town (1995-1997).

In 1992, Heather was one of the awardees of the inaugural Tasmania Day Medal (for services to Tasmanian Local Government).

In 2014, Heather received the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s Outstanding Commitment and Service to Local Government Award.

In 2022, at the age of 83, Heather stood for re-election believing not being re-elected would be the only acceptable time to retire.

Being available for the community has defined Heather’s approach to being a Councillor and the community responded by re-electing her a seventh term.

Heather has secured more than $817,000 for community projects and always seeks community involvement when applying for funding. Heather met with young people to form a fundraising committee for a skatepark and held fundraising sausage sizzles every Saturday for several years.

Heather has chaired the George Town Safety Committee for 10 years. The committee’s please slow down, consider our kids stickers campaign was considered for a national road safety award. Other municipal areas have since adopted the program.

Heather’s other achievements have included securing the opening leg of Targa for George Town, securing funding for the new Life Trail Seniors Exercise Equipment in Regent Square, and the first stage of the kanamaluka trail walking path. Heather also advocated for the preservation of the Mt Direction Semaphore Station as an area of historical significance.

Heather has served her community as a Justice of the Peace for over 27 years.

Before becoming a Councillor, Heather worked for a solicitor and was a Manager at Kmart.

Heather has five sons, and her influence has extended to caring for others in the community.

Jane Bovill is an award-winning and innovative educator with an exceptional capacity to transfer theory into practice to improve learning outcomes for students. Increasing literacy levels and improving learning and social outcomes has been the focus of Jane’s teaching career of over 40 years.

Jane was first appointed to a Principal position at Waverley Primary School in 2002. Under Jane’s leadership, the school became a forerunner to the Launching into Learning initiative and won a national improvement award for improvements in education outcomes.

During her 20-year career as a Principal, Jane has received numerous awards, including the Tasmanian Principal of the Year Award 2012 in the early years and schools’ category, and the National Excellence in Teaching Award for community education (2004).

In 2005 Jane was awarded the Tasmanian Government’s Westfield Premier’s Education Scholarship and studied in the United States and Germany, focusing on building the social responsibility of young students and the wider community.

In 2008, Jane was awarded an opportunity to attend a summer school at Lesley University in the United States to build capacity as an instructional leader in literacy. Jane brought these valuable international learnings back to Tasmania to share with colleagues and benefit students.

When Jane was in a variety of school leadership roles in Launceston, she volunteered as State Director and Northern President of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association and organised conferences and events for the professional development of teachers. Jane has also supported her colleagues as a representative on the Principal Advisory Group and was a facilitator of the Thrive Principal Induction Program.

During the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Jane worked with her school team to initiate a process enabling families to support their children’s learning by organising a drive-through service where parents could pick up resources. This was a mammoth task for Tasmania’s largest primary school.

In 2021, Jane was selected as an expert member of the Tasmanian Government’s Literacy Advisory Panel which aims to create a community-wide framework to achieve a literate Tasmania.

Virginia Cairns was born with intellectual disabilities and negotiated life with a rare debilitating condition called Smith Kingsmore Syndrome (SKS).

In the 1970s, a time of prejudice and ostracism, Virginia’s parents Graeme and Joy Cairns OAM, ignored specialist advice to place their daughter in an institution. This decision was pivotal in Virginia reaching her full potential.

Virginia initially attended mainstream schools, unusual for the time, learning basic words and socialising with other children. Most of Virginia’s schooling was at Talire Special School.

Graduating from Talire, Virginia worked as a Founding Artist at Planetree Studio in Salamanca and their Murray Street Handmade Paper Mill producing exhibition artworks for 15 years.

With Virginia being denied access to sport and recreation programs during her youth, Joy established COSMOS (Community of Significant Members of Society), the first fully funded recreation service for people with disabilities in Australia. Virginia participated in camps, concerts, recreation, and sport, including as an athlete at the inaugural New Zealand Special Olympics. One of her proudest moments was becoming a Girl Guide through the COSMOS Girl Guide Company, paving the way for other girls.

In witnessing the many trials Virginia experienced to live independently, Joy established AURORA Disability Services. As a Founding Member, Virginia thrived in this environment discovering pathways to greater independence and a fulfilling life. She modelled what was possible for people with significant learning and physical challenges, breaking through previously impenetrable barriers. Through AURORA, Virginia met her partner Shane Burles, acquired skills, gained confidence, participated in literacy and hospitality training which resulted in work at the Old Chapel Tea Rooms and Car Yard Café; and used her art skills to create goods to sell. Virginia expanded her sporting, musical and social life, and represented Tasmania at the National Ten-Pin Bowling Championships in New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT.

Virginia’s accomplished life created great optimistic change in society and was instrumental in transforming the lives of people with disabilities for the better.

Virginia died of rapid onset vascular dementia in June 2022

Gertrude Cowle passed the Junior Public Examination for university entrance in 1921 and enrolled in the Commerce Diploma at the University of Tasmania where there was staunch male opposition to women attending the university.

After four years of study, Gertrude was the first female accountant from the University. Gertrude commenced work in her father’s accountancy firm, Reynolds and Cummins, in 1925, where she worked as a senior accountant until the late 1930s. The gender pay gap was evident. In 2000, accountant Ray Wilson CPA, who spent his early accountancy career at the practice, recalled: “Your mother taught us all she knew, and her father paid her half the wage we received”.

Following five years of work experience required for membership, Gertrude successfully sat and passed the entrance examination for the Commonwealth Institute of Accountants and was admitted as an Associate Member on 6 August 1928. She was the second female to join and one of 11 female Associates at the time.

When Gertrude married Edward Cowle in 1938, marriage meant she could no longer practice as an accountant and auditor. The couple moved to Old Beach where Gertrude learned many new skills as a farmer, and later hotelier. As was customary in marriages at the time, financial responsibilities were handed over to Edward. Gertrude continued to use her accountancy skills as an honorary auditor to various committees, clubs, women’s groups, and other organisations. In 1956, Gertrude returned to paid work as the bookkeeper for the Scout Association of Tasmania, in Hobart.

Gertrude was passionate about women’s rights and was an active member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association (BPWA) in Hobart and later Queensland. Her particular interest was affirmative action and workplace equality. In 1977, she travelled to Helsinki as a member of the BPWA International Congress, The Challenge of the New Woman. Gertrude often used a quote from the congress:

“Only when women trust women the way men trust men, will women really get somewhere”.

Carolyn Cross touched the lives of many by teaching music and volunteering her time and enthusiasm to support Tasmanian amateur musicians in a range of school and community bands.

Carolyn completed her Associate Diploma in Music in 1989. In 1996, she started her first permanent music teacher role at Ulverstone High School. She dedicated significant time outside her paid role to helping students rehearse and perform, and supported student ensembles to enter competitions and tour.

Carolyn co-wrote the Tasmanian Curriculum K-10 music syllabus and was curriculum leader and moderator for the North West and West Coast region. In recognition of the success of Carolyn’s music program, she received a Department of Education Award for Educational Excellence in 2004. In 2005 she received a Hardie Fellowship to study at the Lincoln Centre Institute in New York.

Carolyn established the Barrington District Brass Band in 2007, which she ran for several years. Carolyn was the first female musical director of the Latrobe Federal Band. She directed the band between 2005 and 2010 and led them to become B Grade Champions of Tasmania. She also led the Latrobe Federal Youth Band (Juniors and Beginners).

In 2010 Carolyn moved to Hobart and taught music at several schools before moving permanently to Bellerive Primary School in 2012. She worked as part of the instrumental team for the Combined Primary Schools Band Program and conducted the Grade 6 Eastern Band from 2013 to 2015.

From 2015, Carolyn began writing educational resources for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO). This involved writing Teaching Resources Booklets to accompany TSO productions, such as Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra (2015) and The Magic of Merlin (2017). She lectured for the University of Tasmania’s Master of Teaching program between 2015 and 2019.

Carolyn received an Australian Society for Music Education Incorporated Music Education for Life award in 2019.

Following her death from cancer in 2022, ex-students told of the unconditional love and support Carolyn provided as a music teacher.

She is survived by her husband Adrian Loone.

Andrea Dawkins is passionate about improving lives and providing a voice for marginalised Tasmanians and animals. Andrea has championed policies to ensure that people should not be discriminated against for any reason – including gender and sexual diversity.

Andrea successfully owned and operated a small business for 20 years and was committed to delivering improved business for economic and environmental sustainability. Her passion for the local food economy led to the development of Fresh, in Launceston, a hybrid social enterprise business linking community interests into a vibrant social network of ideas and shared resources.

In 2014, Andrea was elected to the Launceston City Council. From 2015 to 2018, Andrea was the Greens Member for Bass in the Tasmanian House of Assembly. As a parliamentarian Andrea argued for the decriminalisation of consensual adult sex work and access to abortions within the public health system.

After State Parliament, Andrea was re-elected to the Launceston City Council. Both in Local and State Government, Andrea championed the cause of animal welfare. After leaving State Parliament, Andrea’s day job was working for the RSPCA. Her leadership led to the City of Launceston opening Australia’s first council operated off-leash area for greyhounds. Andrea also continued to work to address the impacts of family violence, through her leadership in programs such as the RSPCA’s ‘Safe Beds’, emergency boarding of pets for families leaving family violence and experiencing homelessness.

At the 2022 International Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Awards, the City of Launceston was recognised for Andrea’s motion and subsequent policy to phase out single-use plastics in council businesses and sponsored events by 2022. The success of this motion was based on Andrea’s ability to build shared values among Councillors and secure buy-in from stakeholders.

Many memories, social and community histories have been captured thanks to Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Doddridge encouraging people to write.

In the 1990s Libby ran and coordinated the Adult Education course, “Writing Memories” and organised “Scribes and Scribblers” for people wanting to continue their writing.

Independent groups such as “The Memory Writers” also formed. To facilitate writers wishing to progress further, Libby arranged an eight-week course “Typescript to Manuscript”.

Libby arranged the venues, brought morning tea, set up the room and welcomed participants to the class. Each week Libby took notes on the individual’s contributions, sensitively critiqued work and invited writers to inspire classes. The classes resulted in many memories becoming published books.

Confidentiality and respect were the foundation of Libby’s classes. Participants in Libby’s groups have included people writing about family histories, traumatic experiences such as childhood sexual abuse, harrowing experiences during war, family issues, illness and more. Some researched family stories, remembering precious holidays, recounting early days of adventures in marriage and family. Others gradually uncovered trauma and made sense of their life experiences. For each the support and friendship of the group was sustaining as was Libby’s affirming and professional guidance.

Libby’s community interests were not just restricted to writing. Her community contributions included a long-term involvement in the Bothwell Golf Club, the Bream Creek Show, working tirelessly (but unsuccessfully) to save her family’s parish church, Old Farmers’ Day an initiative towards mental health and wellbeing for the country people, and membership of the Tasmanian Council of Adult Literacy. Libby has also served 15 years with Women’s Golf Tasmania.

Libby and the Scribes and Scribblers continue to meet 30 years on, sharing their stories, supporting each other, and preserving social history in the process.

In 2022, Dr Mary Duniam was the first female elected Mayor of the Waratah-Wynyard Council.

Dr Duniam was elected to the Waratah-Wynyard Council in 2005 and elected Deputy Mayor in 2014. Her mother Iris Graham OAM was the first female councillor elected to the Burnie Council in 1953.

Being involved with local government resulted in Dr Duniam undertaking research into female civic leadership in Tasmania and how this can influence change. Dr Duniam has co-published two book chapters on interactive community governance.

Dr Duniam was awarded a University of Tasmania PhD scholarship at the age of 62, graduated at 67 and was honoured with the 2017 Valedictorian at the University’s Cradle Coast Campus. Her PhD research has contributed to the understanding of the relationship between local government and local social enterprises and the possible influence of these relationships on community capacity-building.

As a Councillor, Dr Duniam has served on various Waratah- Wynyard Council’s committees and on the Cradle Coast Authority which represents councils in the Cradle Coast region. She is also North West Councils’ representative on the Tasmanian Selection Committee of Tas Water and Waratah- Wynyard Council representative on the Premier’s Flood Advisory Group.

Dr Duniam is a representative on the Tasmanian Women’s Council, Chair of Australian Local Government Women’s Association Tasmania, local government representative on the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board and a member of Local Government Division Governance Group. She is also Deputy Patron of Surf Life Saving Tasmania, past Director of Heritage Tasmania and Volunteering Tasmania, and a current member of the Rural Clinical School Community Advisory Board and Big hART Community Advisory Board.

Dr Duniam is actively involved in her community and is currently an Assistant District Governor of Rotary Tasmania and is Past District Secretary, Past President and Past Secretary of the Rotary Club of Somerset Inc.

Ros Escott has made outstanding contributions to breastfeeding education, convict women’s history and family history research.

Ros has been a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor and educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association since 1987 and was made an Honorary Member in 2007 for her contribution nationally and internationally, including serving on the national board and national training team. She has been an active member of advocacy group Breastfeeding Coalition Tasmania since its inception in 1996 and has convened the group since 2011.

Since 1995, Ros has volunteered with the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Health Initiative. Ros was one of a two-person taskforce that rewrote the Australian Baby Friendly Health Initiative Standards to assess breastfeeding practices in maternity and community facilities. In this role, she has assessed numerous Australian maternity facilities, and trained assessors in New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Ros worked for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for 17 years. She managed exam and business operations in Australia, Asia Pacific, and Southern Africa, and helped establish the lactation consultant profession in Japan and Korea. When the Executive Director retired, Ros went to America for a year to run the international organisation. Ros has been a speaker at numerous national and international breastfeeding conferences.

Ros served on the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site Community Advisory Committee from 2013 to 2021. She started volunteering with the Female Convicts Research Centre (FCRC) in 2014 later taking on secretary, treasurer, and public officer roles for FCRC and its sister organisation, Convict Women’s Press. She has also been treasurer of From the Shadows since its inception in 2018.

In 2015, Ros established and became convenor of the Tasmanian Family History Society’s DNA Interest Group.

By mastering the intricacies of analysing DNA for family history research, Ros has helped dozens of individuals identify previously unknown parents and family members. This has been described by recipients as ‘life changing’. Ros has also helped one of these Tasmanian women write a book about her life.

Kathryn Fordyce is committed to championing the rights and voices of autistic people, and her leadership has provided life- changing and neurodiversity affirming support to hundreds of children and their families.

Kathryn worked for Autism Queensland, Autism Spectrum Australia, and the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom before moving to Tasmania in 2011 to lead the newly established North West Tasmania Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre. Kathryn successfully partnered with other organisations to secure funding for research, and to implement early autism surveillance state-wide. She has co-authored peer reviewed academic papers on autism, best practice, and early intervention.

Kathryn has applied her expertise on numerous boards and committees, including Autism Tasmania, the Minister’s Autism Advisory Panel, the National Disability Insurance Agency Autism Expert Panel, and various Tasmanian Government committees.

Kathryn has served on the boards of Playgroup Tasmania and Playgroup Australia, where she has worked to expand inclusive programs for children with disabilities across the nation. She has also assisted Councils to design all-abilities playgrounds.

Kathryn is committed to improving speech pathology services particularly in regional and remote communities. She has raised awareness of speech pathology shortages in Tasmania and has advocated for and advised on the development of a new speech pathology program at the University of Tasmania. She has served on the national board of Speech Pathology Australia and as Tasmanian Branch Chair and has been the speech pathology representative on the Primary Health Tasmania Allied Health Network Advisory Group.

Kathryn’s most recent achievements include advocating for victim-survivors of sexual violence, particularly those living with disability. Since becoming Chief Executive of Laurel House in 2021, Kathryn has also joined the boards of the National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence, and Providers of Sexual Assault Care.

She was appointed to the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Group, and the Disability Royal Commission sought her expertise regarding the experience of sexual violence and access to specialist supports for women and girls with disabilities.

Genevieve Gates is an internationally renowned mycologist who encourages the community to learn about fungi.

Genevieve developed an interest in fungi in the 1990s through her involvement in the Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club.

Her PhD included a 14-month survey of a single hectare of Tasmanian bush, where she found 850 fungi species.

Genevieve co-authored A Field Guide to Tasmanian Fungi in 2014. This book contains about 600 common Tasmanian fungal species, and the photos (many of which she took) were collected during about 1,000 field trips. The Field Guide was updated in 2016 to include another 50 fungi. She co-authored FungiFlip – a water-resistant, fold out pictorial guide to Tasmanian fungi in 2018.

Genevieve has contributed thousands of fungi to institutions in Tasmania and Victoria. As a volunteer at the Tasmanian Herbarium, she provides advice regarding fungi ingestion to Tasmanian medical staff. Genevieve has personally identified over 70 new species and has two species named after her – Lactifluus genevieveae and Fomitiporia gatesiae.

Genevieve is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Tasmania and volunteers around the world teaching mycology. She learned Spanish to communicate better with students in South America. She is Professor and mycologist in residence at Amazonian State University, Puyo, Ecuador, and Professor and mycologist at the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco. She received an award for her teaching in South America in 2017.

Genevieve established the Tasmanian Fungi Facebook page in 2014. By 2022, the page had 18,000 members. She established the Field Naturalists of Tasmania Facebook page in 2015, with over 8,000 members. Genevieve posts photographs and identifies specimens frequently, including on the Facebook pages Fungi of Ecuador, and Fungi of Latin America.

Genevieve was awarded life membership to the Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club in 2019 and received the Australian Natural History Medallion in 2022.

Long before Governments supported social welfare, Hyacinth Green saw a need for aged care.

Hyacinth was one of five children. Tragically, Hyacinth’s father, Frederick Clarence Green, died in 1887 only four months after Hyacinth’s birth leaving her mother, Isobel, to raise five children and run the property, “La Mascott”, in an area now known as Mornington.

While the three older children married and left the family home, Hyacinth and her sister, Mabel, remained unmarried and stayed working the homestead alongside their mother.

As Isobel aged and became frail, Hyacinth and Mabel became increasingly concerned about the plight of the elderly and decided to raise funds to build a Home for the Aged in memory of their mother. To raise funds, they sold eggs and vegetables at the Bellerive Ferry Terminal. Mabel’s last Will and Testament dated 8 August 1952 bequeathed proceeds towards the establishment and maintenance of a Home for Aged Ladies of limited means, at Bellerive, to be known as the Isobel Home for Aged Ladies.

After Mabel’s death in 1956, Hyacinth was left to realise their shared vision. By April 1957 Hyacinth approached the Presbyterian Church offering an immediate donation of 1.41 hectares of land on Cambridge Road on which to build the home on the condition that she retain a life-time interest. Hyacinth also donated an additional £1,110 raised from selling produce.

A court judgement in 1958 determined the Home be named the Lillian Martin Presbyterian Home incorporating the Isobel Green Home. Lillian Martin also made a significant contribution to the construction cost. The Foundation stone was laid on 4 July 1959. The first wing, called the Isobel Green Wing, opened in 1960, accommodating 17 residents. The Mabel Green Wing opened in 1964, named to honour Mabel.

Hyacinth continued living independently on site long after the home had opened, although with failing health she eventually relented to stay “just one night”. Hyacinth remained living in the Home until her death at age 86, in 1973.

Dr Rebecca (Bec) Harris was a prestigious climate scientist who helped put Tasmania on the map for climate change research.

Dr Harris was a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Senior Lecturer in Climatology at the University of Tasmania. She authored 66 publications, won numerous research contracts and consultancy projects, and was awarded a prestigious Humboldt Fellowship in 2016.

In 2018, Dr Harris was appointed Director of the University’s Climate Futures Program. Under Dr Harris’ leadership, Climate Futures achieved global recognition. The Climate Futures work that Dr Harris contributed to is foundational to climate- related planning and decision-making for Tasmanian State and Local Governments. Climate Futures has also led to a better understanding of climate change threats to Tasmanian agriculture and provided insights about the bushfire implications for people.

Dr Harris gained national recognition for leading a multidisciplinary team of 15 researchers who launched Australia’s Wine Future: A Climate Atlas in 2020.

One of Dr Harris’ most impactful research papers illustrates why ecosystems collapse suddenly under the pressures of slow climate change, and extreme weather events. “Biological responses to the press and pulse of climate trends and extreme events” was published in the journal, Nature Climate Change.

In 2019, Dr Harris was selected for the Working Group II report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report 6. Every one of the 195 United Nations governments makes use of these reports. For many developing countries, the reports are their only resource for climate- related decision making. Dr Harris was a lead author for “Chapter 2, Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their services” and the Cross Chapter paper “Deserts, semi-arid areas and desertification” released on 28 February 2022.

Dr Harris supervised many postgraduate students. In 2020 she led the development of two new undergraduate units in the Diploma of Sustainability at the University of Tasmania. Both climate change units have been extremely popular.

Dr Harris died on Christmas Eve 2021, after a battle with cancer.

Dr Harris is survived by her husband John Harkin and their two adult children, Theodore and Francesca.

Gwendoline (Gwen) Hesketh made an outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian Girl Guide Movement and led a team providing relief in post-war Europe.

Gwen joined the Girl Guides as a Ranger in 1924 and became Captain of Launceston’s St Aidan’s Guide company, before moving to the rank of Commandant.

Following the outbreak of World War 11, Gwen was asked to help train members of the Australian Women’s Land Army and Civil Evacuation Committee. In 1944, the British Government called for volunteers to follow the army into Europe and help relieve distress in war-torn countries where equipment, comforts and food would be limited. Gwen was one of five Tasmanian Girl Guides who joined the Guide International Service (GIS).

To prove fitness for the job, Gwen was required to complete a nine-day commando training course in the Welsh mountains. This included harsh physical training, semi-starvation, and sleep deprivation.

Once deployed to Germany, Gwen saw utter horror: cities reduced to rubble and millions of people dying of disease and starvation. Gwen was given the honorary military rank of Major General and oversaw the GIS in Germany where she acted as a liaison officer between the British occupation authorities and all voluntary bodies in the field.

Though recalled several times, Gwen refused to return home. When the GIS wound up at the end of 1951, Gwen was the last Australian to leave.

In 1953, Gwen embarked on a national lecture tour, describing what she had seen, and the life-saving work of the GIS. Over the following decade Gwen visited India, Korea and China promoting the work of the GIS. In Korea she spent six months helping to establish guiding. There remains a memorial to her in Pune, India.

Gwen was State Commissioner for Girl Guides from 1956 to 1962.

Gwen was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1950 for service to social welfare. In 1953 she received the Silver Fish award – the highest award in Girl Guiding.

Christina Holmdahl was born to Polish parents in a refugee camp in Germany and immigrated with them to Australia in 1949. The family lived in camps in Victoria and Tasmania before settling in North Hobart.

Christina started her career in television, film, and journalism at TVT6 in Hobart before working for the Tasmanian Government Film Unit, where she produced content on issues impacting Tasmania.

Christina then joined CTC-7’s special projects division in Canberra, producing extended reports and documentaries and was the station’s Production Manager for 6 years. Her assignments took her to North America, Europe, and Asia. She later moved to Adelaide and worked in a senior public affairs role with the Australian Railways Commission.

When Christina retired to Clarence Point in Tasmania an issue that concerned her greatly was the state of the West Tamar Highway, a road she travelled daily. She joined the Northern Ratepayers Association which successfully lobbied the State Government to fix the Supply River section of the highway.

In 2009, Christina was elected to the West Tamar Council, serving as Deputy Mayor and in 2014, as Mayor. Christina was also President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania and Australian Local Government Association’s Vice President.

Christina is an active volunteer in the arts, small business, and local community. She was the inaugural vice chair of the Festival of Golden Words Writers Festival (now Tamar Valley Writers Festival), and an active member of West Tamar Rotary Club, West Tamar Arts Group, West Tamar Chamber of Commerce, Tamar Valley Film Society, Tamar Valley U3A, Kelso Fire Brigade, Beaconsfield Rural Fire Service and Australian Independent Retirees Northern Tasmania Branch.

In her spare time Christina enjoys travel, gardening, reading and opera.

Elizabeth (Liz) Little advanced the rights of Tasmanian women and children, and assisted the rural community navigate drought, the impacts of bushfires and floods, and the drop in dairy prices.

In 1990, Liz was appointed as the inaugural Director of the newly created Tasmanian Office of the Status of Women, where she was instrumental in developing women’s policy. In 1995, the Tasmanian Sex Discrimination Act came into effect. Liz was appointed the inaugural Sex Discrimination Commissioner, a position she held for four years. She was awarded a United Nations Day Certificate of Recognition for furthering the rights of women during her time as Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Director of the Office of Status of Women.

From 2001 to 2009, Liz worked for the Department of Justice, where she was instrumental in developing the Tasmanian Government response to family violence: Safe at Home. In 2009 she was invited to China by the Chinese Government under the Australia Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program to work with senior Chinese justice officials developing a framework for Cooperative Mechanisms Against Domestic Violence.

Liz also worked under the Australia – Vietnam Joint Programme on Gender Equality on improving responses to domestic violence in Vietnam. In 2011 she was invited by Cambridge University to a symposium on Women Changing the World and spoke at the House of Lords in London on the elimination of violence against women.

From 2010 to 2015, Liz was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sexual Assault Support Services, where she oversaw work to develop collaboration between services to address sexual assault and problem sexual behaviour. She was the Chair of the National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence from 2012 to 2015.

Liz served as the CEO of Rural Alive and Well from 2016 to 2019 and built resilience and capacity in rural communities.

Liz has undertaken a range of consultant positions, including national Ethics Case Reviewer with the Australian Association of Social Workers; Family Group Conference Facilitator with Child Safety; and Official Visitor – Tasmanian Prison Service in 2019-2021.

Inspired by creative talent, Mary Machen has brought professionalism and innovation to the Launceston arts scene, helping to build the region’s reputation as a hub for significant cultural events.

Mary began her writing career as a cadet journalist for The Examiner newspaper in 1979. She worked interstate for more than 20 years, but her love for Launceston never dimmed. In 2002 Mary decided to move back to Launceston, where she rejoined The Examiner and immersed herself in the Launceston arts scene. For the past 20 years she has been an active volunteer member on cultural boards and management committees.

Her participation and engagement in cultural Launceston were the impetus for her becoming the arts writer for The Examiner for some seven years from 2009.

Most recently, Mary has brought her love of words and storytelling to an audience of more than 3,500 in total through her role as both President and then Festival Director of the Tamar Valley Writers Festival. She held these roles from 2017 until late 2022. The Tamar Valley Writers Festival has come to be recognised as one of Australia’s premier literary festivals, and Mary was influential in ensuring the festival withstood the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mary’s first board role, however, was with Festivale from 2003 to 2009. Since then, she has also served on the Junction Arts Festival Board; the QVMAG Arts Foundation; QVMAG Friends; and has been a co-convenor of the Friends of Theatre North. For three years she was a judge for the prestigious annual Theatre Council of Tasmania Awards.

Mary is also a life member of Design Tasmania.

May Maxwell was born in Victoria in 1922 and has been dedicated to volunteering.

May was educated at Modella, Victoria close to her parents’ dairy farm. From there she studied abroad gaining her Business Certificate in New Zealand.

In 1946 at the age of 24 May married Frank, who was enlisted in the armed forces. A few weeks after marrying, Frank was posted in the occupational forces in Japan.

On Frank’s return from the war, he was employed as a sales representative for Kiwi Shoe Polish and in 1956, was transferred to Launceston, Tasmania.

Putting her Business Certificate into action May worked as a secretary at many firms and for high-profile citizens including Senator Reginald Turnbull, Sir Raymond Ferrall, Neil Pitt’s Menswear and for Senator Don Grimes AO.

May believed in volunteering and was the secretary of the Royal Society of St George, Launceston branch collection, and a secretary of her Probus branch. She volunteered at the Red Cross Shop at the Launceston General Hospital for 10 years and has been a long-time volunteer at Launceston’s Old Umbrella Shop, operated by the National Trust.

May is a huge supporter of the Arts and has been involved in both the Northern Tasmania Arts Council and Launceston Film Society.

May is also a life member of the Tasmanian Labor Party and a member of Australian Labor Party Sisterhood.

When Frank died, Legacy House became like May’s new home and family. May was a member of War Widows, which had since dissolved and become part of Legacy. May also was an inaugural member of the Psychiatric Auxiliary at the Launceston General Hospital, Lindsay Miller Clinic and held her membership for 15 years.

May has travelled throughout Australia and overseas, yet states her fondest memories are in Tasmania.

May has given so much time to others and at the age of 100 May still gives back her state.

Colette McAlpine has been instrumental in developing a database of women convicts.

Colette joined the Female Convicts Research Centre in 2006 and took on the task of transcribing and electronically recording the handwritten records of female convicts. The database is a rich resource for family and academic historians and medical researchers.

Colette’s driving ambition is to make sure the 13,000 women transported to Tasmania are not forgotten and their contributions are recognised.

As part of the project, Colette wrote to over 80 historical societies in the United Kingdom and Ireland outlining the project and inviting contributions. Colette also transcribes records, methodically reviews existing data for accuracy, enters data from volunteers, and searches for records in obscure places.

The database is a valuable resource for the authors of eight books published by the Convict Women’s Press. Colette has served on the committee of the Convict Women’s Press since its inception in 2010 and was a vice-president.

She co-edited the book From the Edges of Empire: Convict Women from Beyond the British Isles, and set up an online biographical dictionary of these women. Colette was a member of the first Cascade Female Factory Historic Site Community Advisory Committee and the earlier Female Factory Historic Site Ltd board.

Colette worked as an English and History teacher for 33 years and was a much-loved teacher at Ulverstone, Latrobe,

Claremont and New Town High Schools and the Don College.

During her career, Colette represented teachers on various panels, sat on the State Service Review Panel, and was Southern Deputy President of the Australian Education Union Tasmania branch from 2002 to 2004.

Over the last 45 years, Colette has served on the Community Youth Support Scheme, Women’s Shelter in Ulverstone, North West Community Health Forum, Turners Beach Play Group Association, Australian Labor Party State Administrative Committee, Dental Board of Tasmania 2005–2010, and the Tasmanian Registration and Notifications Committee and Immediate Action Committee of the Dental Board of Australia.

Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas is a Tasmanian marine scientist internationally recognised for her contributions to social-ecological systems research and climate change science. Jess’ background is in mathematical modelling and her work focuses on connecting research to decision-making for sustainability and climate change adaptation.

Jess credits her love of marine science to scuba diving with her father and brother as a youth.

Jess graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science with Honours. She received a Rhodes Scholarship and studied Marine Science at Oxford before returning to Tasmania to complete postdoctoral studies in Quantitative Marine Science. Jess worked as a research associate and statistician, before joining the Australian Antarctic Division.

In 2012, Jess undertook her first Antarctic scientific expedition. In 2021 Jess joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, to focus on working with stakeholders to link science, policy and practice.

Jess is committed to encouraging other women to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and recognised that while many women are completing STEM degrees, they are significantly under-represented in leadership roles. In 2014, Jess co-founded the International Women in Polar Science Network, which aims to inspire women at the early stages of their careers through shared stories, experiences, and professional mentoring.

In 2014, Jess was one of four founders of the Homeward Bound Project which encourages women in science to take up leadership roles in addressing environmental sustainability.

Homeward Bound is a 12-month leadership program aiming to equip women with the leadership and communication skills to solve wicked problems. The course culminates in an expedition to Antarctica.

In 2015, Jess was named as Tasmania’s Young Tall Poppy of the Year. In 2017, she was one of Science and Technology Australia’s first Superstars of STEM and was one of 12 global female scientists to be featured in the light show ‘Unseen Stars’ on the ceiling of Grand Central Station in New York. In 2020, she was Tasmanian Australian of the Year.

Glenda Mountney has been an outstanding volunteer to many groups, dedicating many hours for the benefit of her local community and more broadly the state.

At the age of 16, Glenda started volunteering with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and is still involved some 68 years later. Glenda is a Life Member of CWA and has held several positions, numerous times, including President and Secretary of the North East Group; and President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Winnaleah/Derby Group. Glenda has also been CWA Shop Launceston President and Secretary many times and is still cooking and making jam for the shop. She is also willing to knit or “lend a hand” wherever required for the CWA.

Glenda has been a member of the Dorset East Auxiliary for the Blind and Deaf for many years. Other voluntary contributions have been through the Junior Farmers (now Rural Youth) as the North West Secretary, Banksia Bell Ringers, Agfest, numerous catering committees, Tomahawk Progress Association, Herrick Hall Committee, Pioneer Football & Netball clubs and the Royal Guide Dogs.

Glenda has been involved in organising fundraising for the North Eastern Soldiers Memorial Hospital, James Scott Nursing Home and May Shaw Nursing Home. At the age 84, Glenda organised and raised $4,500 for May Shaw Nursing Home for the purchase of Wheelchairs and Princess Chairs.

Glenda has been acknowledged several times with various awards for her exceptional commitment including Dorset Council Australia Day Community Service Award, Centenary Medal, and was included in The Examiner’s publication of Tasmania’s 100 Local Heroes.

Glenda was married to Francis, who sadly passed away in March 2022, and is a mother of four, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Jessica Munday’s career in the trade union movement has been dedicated to dismantling barriers preventing women from fair and equal treatment at work. This has included campaigning for safe workplaces for women, equal pay, ending gendered violence, providing job security, flexible work, and social justice.

Jessica’s union involvement started as a workplace delegate at Centrelink in 2005. She later joined the Tasmanian branch of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) where she worked for 12 years, first as an organiser and then as the branch Regional Secretary.

In 2017, Jessica became the second woman to be elected Secretary of Unions Tasmania in the peak body’s 140-year history. In this role, Jessica ensured the peak body met its 50:50 target of women to men on its Board and has mentored other women in union leadership roles. Jessica initially chaired, but more recently oversees and provides guidance to, Unions Tasmania Women’s Committee. This committee has been integral to the growth in women’s programs and events including the annual Women’s Conference, the Anna Stewart Memorial Program, and International Women’s Day events.

For over five years, Jessica led the union movement’s campaign locally for the introduction of 10 days paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave provisions for all workers. In October 2022 laws were passed in the Federal Parliament to include provisions into the National Employment Standards.

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Tasmania in 2020, Jessica advocated to the Premier for targeted, direct support for workers, resulting in the establishment of the COVID Worker Helpline providing industrial and safety advice to workers impacted by the pandemic.

Jessica contributes to the national leadership of the union movement by serving as a member of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Executive and Women’s Committee.

In 2022 Jessica represented Tasmanian workers at the national Jobs and Skills Summit.

Jessica is a trustee director of industry superannuation fund, Spirit Super, a director of the WorkCover Tasmania Board, and the President/Treasurer of community legal centre, Worker Assist.

Susan Nolan was community-minded and knew it takes a village to raise a child.

In 1980 Susan became the founding Director of Blackmans Bay Children’s Services (BBCS) and gave thousands of children security and affection. In setting up the original centre, Susan recruited local mothers, who became long term employees (and friends). Staff were provided countless training opportunities to enhance their skills and lives.

In the 34 years Susan spent at the helm of BBCS (now Adventure Patch), the service grew from a small single-room service attached to the kindergarten, to a multi-site facility offering Long Day Care (two sites), Outside School Hours Care (four schools), and Vacation Care (three schools). Despite the growth, Susan remained steadfast in maintaining a community focus and not-for-profit ethos.

Under Susan’s leadership, BBCS weathered several financial challenges caused by funding policy changes for not-for-profits, fee relief and economic downturns. Susan built a financial reserve to survive the tough times and refurbish and extend the facilities. In the mid-1990s, changes to Commonwealth funding meant several services in Kingston closed.

BBCS not only survived but offered employment to displaced workers and places for affected families.

As CEO, Susan was well-known for pitching in, working in the garden, driving the bus, repairing furniture, and regularly making morning toast for children. An avid knitter and sewer, Susan regularly presented the parents of newborns with handmade garments.

Susan was active on the Tasmanian chapter of Early Childhood Australia, served on the TAFE Tasmania Board (2001-2003) and the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board. She worked with the Kingston Library on the Babies Who Read Succeed packs, which were rolled out statewide by the State Library. Susan also volunteered in a range of charities including Kingborough’s Helping Hands and Snug Village. She also received the Centenary Medal in 2000 for services to Child care.

Susan was a Kingborough Councillor from 2009 to 2014.

After Susan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, together with former work colleagues, family and friends, she managed to raise $20,000 for Ovarian Cancer research.

Barbara Tweed Payne (nee Luck) was a community leader with a passion for scientific education.

Barbara followed in her mother’s footsteps by studying science and teaching at the University of Tasmania. Upon graduation in 1949, Barbara travelled to Europe to teach and met her future husband. The couple returned to Tasmania in 1955.

As a teacher at the girls’ school, Broadland House, Barbara inspired students to continue education, particularly in science. With her sisters, in memory of their mother, she established the EMB Mann University of Tasmania Scholarship, which has been awarded since 2004.

During the 1960s, Barbara began her 40-year involvement in community service, starting with the Retarded Children’s Welfare Association (now St Giles). Barbara was a member and President of the Australian Federation of University Women (later Australian Graduate Women) and successfully lobbied for more college accommodation for women students from outside Hobart.

Barbara also held office, or was a member of, 20 community organisations, including World Education Fellowship, Tasmanian Potters Society Inc (North), Ritchies Mill Art Centre, ABC Orchestra Advisory Committee, Tasmanian Library Board and the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Australia Tasmanian Committee.

Barbara’s extensive community work saw her elected to the Launceston City Council in 1974, nearly topping the poll. She was elected Deputy Mayor in 1978 and was Mayor from 1979-1981. While Mayor she was especially proud of her the community projects, including the revitalisation of the monkey enclosure in City Park, beautification of the city, and a new sewerage system for Launceston. She was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1982 for service to the community.

Barbara joined the Australian Bicentennial Authority in 1980, first as an appointee, and later as Chairman of the Tasmanian Council. She was instrumental in bringing the Tall Ships to Hobart in 1988. In 1989, Barbara was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service through the Bicentennial celebrations.

In October 1996, Barbara was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Launceston.

Teresa Pockett is recognised nationally for her work in Trauma Informed Practice in education.

Children’s welfare, wellbeing and engagement in learning has been at the heart of Teresa’s thinking and actions since she was appointed as a Department of Education teacher in 1988. Her commitment to inclusion for all children is evident in her leadership, especially in staff capacity-building.

In the 1990s, Teresa was the inaugural Local Government Coordinator in the Jordan River area in South East Tasmania, and brought together school principals, non-government organisations, and local government representatives to ensure families in need could receive the support necessary to maintain and/or build student engagement in learning. Later, working as a principal in this area, Teresa continued reducing barriers to school attendance and engagement and was recognised in 2015 when the Jordan River Learning Federation Principals won a Tasmanian Department of Education Excellence Award.

In 2013-2014 Teresa was awarded a Hardie Fellowship to study at Harvard University in the United States. Upon returning, Teresa completed a Master of Education focusing on building staff capacity through understanding trauma informed practice in education. Teresa led professional learning in this area across several schools and organisations in southern Tasmania.

Teresa collaborated with Pastor Norm Reed to implement the Onesimus Foundation with Risdon Prison to support children and families of offenders. Teresa has shared professional learning to about 1,000 Tasmanian professionals and volunteers through the Hidden Sentence Training program as well delivering the Practitioner Training for Children Affected by Parental Offending.

Teresa’s advocacy for increasing awareness and support for trauma-informed responses to children and young people who have been sexually abused or present with harmful sexual behaviours gained the support of Professor Simon Hackett. This has enabled the Department to embed Hackett’s Continuum across the educational service when responding to harmful sexual behaviours.

Currently, Teresa is focusing on collaboration with Department staff, to review and examine the supports across the State for students who are experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges.

Allison Ritchie has a passion for policy, advocacy and offering social solutions to individuals and community organisations.

At the age of 14, Allison joined the Tasmanian Labor Party and attended local branch meetings. In 1996, she was appointed Executive Assistant to the Tasmanian Labor State Secretary.

Allison was a foundation member and State Convenor of EMILY’s List in Australia, an organisation aiming to increase the number of Labor women elected to parliament by providing financial, political, and personal support.

On 5 May 2001, Allison was the youngest person ever elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council. As the Member for Pembroke until 2009, Allison served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer from 2005 to 2008, and Minister for Planning and Workplace Relations in 2008. She was also the Southern Convenor of the Labor Women’s Network.

During her time in office, Allison self-funded an electorate office to provide direct service to her constituents and was instrumental in driving electoral reform, including improving access to democratic participation for people with disability and advocating for compulsory local government elections.

In December 2002, Allison became the first woman to give birth while a Member of the Legislative Council and lobbied the Howard and Rudd governments to introduce a national paid maternity leave scheme.

Allison founded People Protecting Children in 2009 to highlight issues relevant to child safety, achieve legislative and systematic change, and eradicate child abuse.

Since 2016, Allison has been the General Manager of Hobart Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC). She was also a long-term patron of the Clarence PCYC.

Allison has been active across various community organisations, including as inaugural President of Dementia Advocacy Tasmania, President of Boxing Australia (Tasmania), Assistant Secretary for Clarence RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Board Member of Oakdale Services Tasmania, and Patron for the Association for Children with Disability.

In October 2022, Allison was elected Deputy Mayor of the Clarence City Council.

Florence Rodway was commissioned to paint portraits of eminent public figures (mostly male) and was a founding member of the Women Society of Painters in 1910.

Florence studied at the Hobart Technical School from 1897 – 1901 and was awarded a four-year scholarship to study at London’s Royal Academy of Arts from 1902. Florence returned to Australia in 1906 to study at Julian Aston’s Sydney Art School.

Florence’s portrait studies received awards in the Society of Artists’ Exhibitions of 1909 and 1910. The Sydney Art Galley purchased two of her portrait studies in 1910.

Recognition of Florence’s skill as a portraitist provided opportunities. In 1918 the Trustees of the Sydney Art Gallery commissioned a posthumous portrait of General William Bridges – one of only a few commissions awarded to women in this era.

In 1921, the Australian War Museum commissioned Florence to paint a posthumous portrait of Brigadier General MacLaurin, who had died in action during World War One. She was the only woman to receive such a commission from the War Museum.

J F Archibald, the editor of The Bulletin and founder of the Archibald Prize, recommended Florence for several commissions.

The Trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales commissioned Florence to paint a posthumous portrait of Archibald. This portrait was featured in the Archie 100 exhibition – celebrating the 100th year of the Archibald Prize. Florence entered portraits of J F Archibald, artist Julian Ashton and Chief Justice Sir William Cullen into the inaugural Archibald Prize.

Florence’s work was included in overseas exhibitions such as the Society of Artists’ Exhibition of Australian Art in London (1923), the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley (1924) and Australian Artists’ Work at the Imperial Institute, London (1928). Florence also had paintings in the Women Artists of Australia exhibition in Sydney (1934) the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors (1950-51) and exhibited 50 works in Melbourne’s Athenaeum Club (1914).

Florence returned to Hobart in the 1930s and established a home studio. There are 24 works by Florence in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery which include works on paper, such as charcoal sketches, watercolours, and oils.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales collection also includes 13 Florence Rodway artworks.

Jessie Spinks Rooke moved from England to Burnie with her second husband in the early 1890s.

Jessie soon became involved with the Burnie Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and was elected president in 1894. The WCTU emerged as leaders of the Tasmanian women’s suffrage campaign, believing that women’s right to vote was essential to protecting the safety and dignity of women and children.

In the winter of 1896, Jessie and women’s suffrage advocate, Georgina Kermode set out on a train and coach tour of Tasmania and were greeted by large public gatherings at each stop. Jessie and Georgina collected campaign funds and distributed leaflets. By the end of the tour, around 2,000 Tasmanians had signed the petition calling for votes for women.

Jessie and Georgina presented the petition to Parliament in late 1896. While there was support in the House of Assembly, the Legislative Council defeated the Bill. Jessie undertook a second winter tour in 1898 with Elizabeth Nicholls of South Australia on an ambitious itinerary taking in 30 towns. They collected around 2000 signatures, but the Legislative Council again defeated the Bill.

Jessie worked with Vida Goldstein to progress suffrage at the national level, which was achieved in 1902. In 1902, Jessie attended the International Council of Women Conference in Washington USA.

On 16 September 1903, the Tasmanian Parliament finally passed legislation granting women the vote. However, Jessie realised her work was not finished. In 1903 Jessie founded the Tasmanian Women’s Suffrage Association (later the Women’s Political Association) which educated women on laws and politics and encouraged them to vote. Jessie was President of the Association until her death in 1906.

Sadly, Jessie was never able to vote as no elections were held between women gaining the vote, and her death. However, Jessie’s advocacy paved the way for women’s rights and political participation in Tasmania. Tasmanian women were granted the right to stand for election in 1921 and the first woman was elected in 1948.

Jill Selby is connected to her community as a childcare provider and volunteer.

Jill has won a range of awards for her outstanding Family Day Care services, including National Family Day Carer of the Year in 1998, Victorian/Tasmanian Early Childhood Educator of the Year 2011 and North-West winner of Excellence in Family Day Care in 2015.

Jill has worked in the childcare sector for 37 years as a Family Day Care Educator. She builds ongoing relationships with the families for whom she provides care, developing informal support networks for families and their children. Jill has supported future generations of childcare educators by encouraging students from Don College and Devonport High School to undertake work experience within her Family Day Care.

Jill has volunteered for a range of North-West Tasmanian community groups, including Scouts, Guides, the Lions Club and Dragons Abreast, and has volunteered for Gran’s Van for 12 years, providing help for the homeless and disadvantaged of Devonport. While undertaking work to support the community, Jill saw the need for greater acceptance and understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, and undertook training in these areas, including Community Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) training. Jill has also made over 300 donations for blood and plasma.

Jill and her two dogs Leroy and Sadie work together to provide voluntary Dog Therapy at a local high school. These sessions help selected students to extend their socialisation, connection, life and living skills; with the dogs offering support in a non- judgemental, encouraging and diversional learning environment.

Jill also participates in Story Dogs at a local primary school, which allows students to read to accredited dogs to stimulate their reading skills. The aim of these programs is to encourage children and young people to stay engaged with school.

A 2015 Diamonds of Devonport International Women’s Day Award was presented to Jill to acknowledge her as a woman who inspires others in the community.

As part of a global organisation, Soroptimist International of Launceston has exemplified women partnering with other organisations to lead change, advocate for human rights and empower women and girls.

Soroptimist International of Launceston has a tradition of strong female leadership and service since 4 October 1949.

During the early years, the Club focused on services for older people, including funding citizens’ cottages in Newstead, an elderly citizens’ club at Invermay, and a nursing home at Norwood.

With no low-cost accommodation for regional patients to attend outpatient services in Launceston, the Soroptimists partnered other local organisations in 1982, to open and maintain Spurr Wing accommodation services. The Soroptimists’ support of Spurr Wing has continued for 40 years.

The Club supports parents through pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. By partnering with other organisations, the Soroptimists provided 100 premature baby care packs to the Launceston General Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 2019 and 2021, Soroptimists volunteered at the All About Babies Expo.

The Club advocates and fundraises for increased awareness and research into Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, a little-known and potentially fatal cardiac condition experienced by otherwise healthy middle-aged women.

Since 1993, the Soroptimists have assisted over 30 women to study at the University of Tasmania through the annual Dame Marjorie Parker Scholarship, named in honour of a former Club member. Internationally, the Club has provided in-kind and financial support to members of the Taveuni Empowerment of Women group, in Fiji.

Over the years, the Soroptimists have supported Magnolia Place, Launceston’s Women’s Shelter, through in-kind and cash donations for 15 new units.

In 2021, after consulting the Launceston City Mission, the Soroptimists provided 20 backpacks filled with warm clothing and coats to distribute to homeless women.

The Club also leads and participates in local environment projects.

Paula Wriedt has represented Tasmanian communities for over 25 years in State and Local Government. Despite at times dealing with personal insults and high-profile challenges, Paula has demonstrated resilience, and an ability to make ongoing contributions.

Paula was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly for the seat of Franklin in 1996 at the age of 27. In 1998 she became the State’s Education Minister, and at 29 years of age the youngest ever female appointed to Cabinet. While in that portfolio, she introduced significant policy initiatives including raising the school leaving age, banning corporal punishment, increasing teachers’ wages, and elevating the status of childcare as early learning.

In 2000, Paula was the first Tasmanian member of Parliament to give birth during her office term, and she soon returned to her work, successfully juggling her Ministerial duties while being a new mother.

In 2002, Paula was appointed Minister for Women and developed the Tasmanian Women’s Honour Roll, with the first ceremony held in 2005 with 84 inductees.

Paula retired from the Tasmanian Parliament in January 2009 after battling depression. This was a challenging period that attracted significant media attention. Following her recovery, Paula spoke openly about her own experiences to reduce the stigma around mental illness.

In March 2010 Paula was appointed as Chief Executive Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania, where she has been successful in growing the financial stability, reach and outcomes of the organisation. Through this role, Paula has not only raised significant funds, but increased community understanding about this chronic, life shortening condition.

In 2011, Paula was elected as a councillor on Kingborough Council, and in 2021 became Kingborough’s first female Mayor. For the past eight years she has chaired Council’s Disability Inclusion and Access Committee, advocating for improved facilities for people living with disability.

Paula is a strong believer in social justice issues and continues to advance issues to make her community kinder and more inclusive.

Lawyer Kristen Wylie advocates in court and in state and national forums for the rights and safety of women and children.

While working in private practice in the 1990s, Kristen developed an interest in helping women and children affected by family violence, and helped women at Jireh House and the Hobart Women’s Shelter get protective orders, as well as delivering legal education to shelter staff and residents.

In 2001, Kristen joined the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania (TLA) as Southern Family Law Practice Manager. In 2004, she was appointed State Manager of the TLA Family Practice, now known as Associate Director Family Law. In October 2022 Kristen was appointed as Acting Director of TLA.

In 2001, Kristen was appointed to the Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) Panel and Separate Representative panels and has been the National Legal Aid Family Law Working Group Tasmanian representative since 2004.

One of Kristen’s significant contributions is the first Independent Children’s Lawyers Practice Standards and Guidelines which was launched in 2022. It is a child-focused, trauma-informed approach to undertaking important work of the ICL, and ensures the voice of the child is heard in proceedings about them.

In 2017, Kristen established the Family Advocacy and Support Service in Tasmania helping people affected by family violence. This free service integrates duty lawyers and social workers to address a person’s legal problem alongside its underlying causes

In 2019, Kristen jointly developed and rolled out the Family Violence and Cross Examination Scheme, which protects victims of family violence by banning personal cross- examination by their perpetrator in family law proceedings.

In 2020, Kristen was responsible for the Tasmanian launch of the online dispute resolution tool, amica, developed by National Legal Aid. Amica is a simple, affordable and quick way for couples to agree on parenting, property and financial issues.

In 2022, Kristen was awarded the Tasmanian Women Lawyers Achievement Award.

In 2023, Kristen was awarded the Law Society of Tasmania President’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the legal profession.

Patricia (Pat) Young has willingly undertaken roles that have provided great support to groups and individuals across the Dorset Community.

Pat has volunteered with the Dorset Community House for over 18 years where she coordinates the Eating with Friends monthly social gatherings that bring isolated community members together for an affordable two-course meal. Pat also helps reduce isolation as the community transport coordinator by providing transport to meals and non- emergency medical appointments for people who are unable to drive and have no family available.

Pat’s volunteering assists the young and the older members of the community. Pat has been a long-term volunteer parent help at the Scottsdale Primary School canteen and breakfast club and continued helping long after her own children had left the school.

In the past, Pat has facilitated soup and sandwich fundraisers for the Scottsdale Senior Citizens Group to raise much needed funds to support activities for the elderly in the community.

Pat’s role with the New Horizons Club North East Group has enabled many people living with disabilities to be involved in activities not only conducted in the North East, but also joining and competing with the Launceston club members.

For many years, Pat has held voluntary positions with the Scottsdale Crows Football Club where she worked in the kiosk at every home game along with taking part in the general organisation of this former sporting club in Dorset.

Pat was a Driver Mentor with the Driving Dorset program. This role involves mentoring learner drivers to enable them to gain the driving hours required to be eligible to be undertake the licensing, testing and assisting those with disabilities to obtain a licence.

Pat has been acknowledged for her volunteer and community work with a Rural Wellbeing Champion award where her role as a coordinator of the North East Rivers Country Music Festival was recognised along with her many other community roles.

Pat is also a registered carer, mother, and grandmother to a large family always who always put others and their needs before their own.