Caroline Chisholm, 1808–1877

Born in England, Chisholm began her charitable work in India before moving to Australia in 1838 where she established the Female Immigrants’ Home in Sydney, offering shelter and employment support to vulnerable young women.

She was passionate about helping immigrants find work and safe accommodation, and later supporting their settlement in rural New South Wales. Her efforts led to better living conditions, new opportunities and stronger communities across the colony.

Chisholm returned to England to continue her advocacy, founding the Family Colonization Loan Society to support families seeking a better life in Australia. Despite facing financial struggles, her legacy endured.

Caroline Chisholm is remembered as a compassionate and determined advocate for human dignity, and a woman whose vision helped shape the Australian nation.

Mary Gilmore, 1865–1962

Mary Gilmore was a celebrated Australian poet, journalist and social reformer whose writing gave voice to the struggles of ordinary people. Born in rural New South Wales, she became a passionate advocate for the rights of women, workers and the poor; causes that shaped both her life and literary career.

Her poetry and prose reflected a deep concern for social justice and captured the spirit of a rapidly changing Australia. Gilmore’s work often highlighted the dignity of labour, the hardship of rural life and the resilience of women, earning her a place as one of the leading figures in early Australian literature.

A lifelong supporter of progressive politics and the Australian Labor movement, she remained politically engaged well into her later years. Mary Gilmore is remembered her powerful writing and for her unwavering commitment to fairness and equality in the lives of everyday Australians.

Elizabeth Kenny, 1880–1952

Elizabeth Kenny was an Australian nurse and medical pioneer whose innovative treatment for polio changed the way the disease was managed around the world. Born in rural Queensland, she challenged conventional medical practices by developing a method that used hot compresses and gentle muscle movement to relieve pain and restore mobility.

At a time when immobilisation was the standard treatment, her focus on rehabilitation through physical therapy was revolutionary. Despite facing criticism and resistance from the medical establishment, she remained committed to her patients and her methods, earning the respect of international medical communities over time.

Her work laid the foundation for modern physiotherapy and transformed care for polio sufferers globally. Elizabeth Kenny is remembered for her courage in challenging established norms but for the compassion and determination that defined her approach to medicine.

Enid Lyons, 1897–1981

Enid Lyons was a trailblazing Australian politician and the first woman elected to the House of Representatives. In 1943, she entered federal Parliament as a member of the United Australia Party.

Before her election, Lyons played a key public role as the wife of Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, actively engaging in social and community issues. After his death, she pursued her own political career as a strong voice on welfare, education and the wellbeing of women and families.

Known for her eloquence and determination, Lyons was also the first woman to serve in the federal Cabinet, paving the way for greater female representation in Australian politics. Enid Lyons is remembered as a pioneering parliamentarian, and as a dedicated advocate for the people she served and a role model for generations of women in public life.