WA Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 2011 in recognition of the Centenary of International Women’s Day, held annually on 8 March.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to acknowledge and celebrate the enormous contributions and achievements women have made to Western Australia.
Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has maintained a Roll of Honour, acknowledging women posthumously. This is to ensure that all Western Australian women could be recognised, from the traditional custodians of this land for tens of thousands of years, to pioneer women who made this country their new home, all of whom have been a part of growing this great State.
This year special focus has been given to fourteen women who made a significant contribution to WA’s history prior to 1921.
Their stories are as varied as they are inspiring and give a great representation of the important part women have always made to Western Australia.
The women featured include Jane Swain Adams (1851 – 1934); Pru Arber (1851 – 1932); Fanny Balbuk (1840 – 1910); Nurse Frances Cherry (1872 – 1941); Mary Ellen Cuper (1847 – 1877); Mother Ursula Frayne (1816 – 1885); Lady Margaret Forrest (1844 – 1929); May Gibbs (1877 – 1969), Helen McGregor Scott (1793 – 1883); Mary Ann Millsteed (1887 – 1949); Emily Harriett Pelloe (1877 – 1941); Nurse Alice Maud Mary Stockley (1866 – 1944) and Mary Hynes Swanton (1861 – 1940).
Like many other women from our past, these women’s stories of determination and resilience, are an important part of the historical fabric of the State in which we live today.
Don’t miss this inspiring exhibition which runs at the South Perth Historical Society Gallery and Cultural Centre, 111 Mill Point Road, South Perth from now until 13 June.
It’s open on Fridays 10am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm – 4pm and is free to attend.
