17 Inspiring Australian Women to Celebrate This Australia Day


This Australia Day, let’s celebrate the contributions of these extraordinary women
, Ali Smith.

As Australia Day (26th January) approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped our nation’s history and culture. In recent years, the debate around Australia Day has raised questions about national identity and what it means to be Australian. We asked our Wikimedia Australia community for their suggestions for their favourite picks of inspiring Australian women.

While many of us are familiar with many prominent (and amazing!) Australian women, such as Cathy Freeman, an Olympic gold medalist; Julia Gillard, the first female Prime Minister of Australia; Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian parliament; and Dame Nellie Melba, an opera singer of the late 19th and early 20th century; there are countless influential women who have chosen to call Australia ‘Home’, whose stories remain largely unknown. This is where Wikipedia comes in!

So, this Australia Day, let’s celebrate the contributions of these extraordinary women:

Simone Young, Australian conductor. 📷 Reto Klar, professional photographer from Buxtehude., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Simone Young: Orchestral Conductor

As a female conductor in a predominantly male field, Simone Young is an advocate for gender equality in classical music. She actively promotes the inclusion of women in orchestras and leadership roles within the industry. View Simone Young on Wikipedia.

2. Anne Camfield: Champion of Access to Education

Anne Camfield dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities for Indigenous children in Western Australia. Although a middle-class woman of her time, today she is recognised for being a passionate advocate who cared deeply for her young charges. She led her school with compassion, and recognised that the children under her care had a big challenge to find a way to navigate their place in the world. View Anne Camfield's story on Wikipedia.

3. Elizabeth Kenny: A Pioneer in Physiotherapy

Elizabeth Kenny revolutionised the field of physiotherapy with her innovative approaches to treating polio. Her methods, which emphasised the importance of movement and rehabilitation, challenged the traditional medical practices of her time. Despite facing scepticism, Kenny’s dedication and perseverance led to significant advancements in physiotherapy. Read about Elizabeth Kenny on Wikipedia.

Amelia Kunoth & Edna Bradshaw. 📷 Thomas Andrew Bradshaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Amelia Kunoth: Pastoralist

Amelia Kunoth née Pavey (c. 1880s – 1984) was a Central Australian woman who developed well-known cattle stations in Central Australia, including Utopia, Bond Springs, Hamilton Downs and Tempe Downs. Who was Amelia Kunoth? Read her biography on Wikipedia.

5. Elizabeth Blackburn: A Nobel Laureate

Elizabeth Blackburn made history as the first Australian woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Her research on telomeres and their role in cellular aging has had profound implications for our understanding of health and disease. Read about Elizabeth Blackburn's work.

6. Fanny Balbuk: Aboriginal land rights activist

Fanny Balbuk (1840–1907), also known as Yooreel, was a prominent Whadjuk woman who lived in Perth, Western Australia during the early years of the Swan River Colony. She is remembered for her commitment to Aboriginal land rights, and for her hostile reactions to the buildings, fences, and homes erected as Perth increased in size and encroached on land that she still considered belonged to her people. Read about Fanny Balbuk on Wikipedia.

7. Ida Mann: A Trailblazer in Ophthalmology

Ida Mann was a pioneering ophthalmologist who made significant contributions to the field of eye care. As one of the first women to graduate in medicine from the University of Sydney, she broke barriers and paved the way for future female medical professionals. She traveled extensively throughout Australia and Oceania studying the incidence of eye disease in different races and cultures, with particular reference to First Nations people. View Ida Mann's contributions to Australian medicine on Wikipedia.

8. Corina Abraham: Activist

Corina Patricia Abraham is a Whadjuk Noongar woman from Western Australia. In 2016, she challenged the Western Australian Government for failure in procedural fairness during its change to the Aboriginal Heritage status of the land to be impacted by the extension to Roe Highway known as Roe 8. Read about Corina Abraham on Wikipedia.

A Qantas aircraft in Yam Dreaming livery by Emily Kame Kngwarreye. 📷 Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Emily Kame Kngwarreye: Celebrated Artist

Emily Kame Kngwarreye was an influential Aboriginal artist whose work has gained international recognition. Her vibrant paintings reflect her deep connection to her land and culture, showcasing the richness of Indigenous art. View Emily Kame Kngwarreye's story on Wikipedia.

10. Annette Kellerman: A Swimming Pioneer

Annette Kellerman (1887-1975) was a trailblazing swimmer and actress who broke barriers for women in sports. Known as the "Australian Mermaid," she was one of the first women to wear a one-piece swimsuit, challenging the societal norms of her time. What is Annette Kellerman's legacy? Read about her on Wikipedia. Annette Kellerman also has an amazing collection of photos on Wikimedia Commons!

Annette Kellerman in her famous custom swimsuit. 📷 Bain News Service, publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

11. Ruby Payne-Scott: A Pioneer in Radio Astronomy

Ruby Payne-Scott was a physicist and one of the first female radio astronomers in the world. Her contributions to the field of radio astronomy were instrumental in advancing our understanding of the universe. Despite facing significant challenges in a male-dominated field, Payne-Scott’s work has had a lasting impact on science and technology. Who was Ruby Payne-Scott and why is her story so important?

12. Tilly Aston: Advocate for the Blind

Tilly Aston was a pioneering advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, particularly those who were blind. As a writer and educator, she worked tirelessly to improve access to education and resources for the visually impaired. Read about Tilly Aston's legacy.

13. Jenny Kee: Designer and Artist

Jenny Kee is an Australian fashion designer known for her vibrant and distinctive designs that celebrate Australian culture and nature. Over time her designs have featured woolly Australian themed jumpers, bold and bright wattles, koalas, parrots and waratahs galore! Who is Jenny Kee? Read about her on Wikipedia!

Bust of the Australian author Judith Wright in Garema Place, Canberra. 📷 Judith Wright bust, Garema Place by Doug butler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

14. Judith Wright: Poet and Environmentalist

Judith Wright was a renowned poet and environmentalist whose work focused on the Australian landscape and Indigenous rights. Her poetry not only captured the beauty of Australia but also raised awareness about environmental issues and social justice. Judith Wright's Wikipedia page.

15. Melanie Cheng: Author

Melanie Cheng is an Australian author and physician known for her exploration of the themes related to identity, belonging, and the Australian immigrant experience. She was born in Hong Kong and moved to Australia at a young age, which has significantly influenced her writing. Melanie Cheng on Wikipedia.

16. Fiona Stanley: Public Health Advocate

Fiona Juliet Stanley is an Australian epidemiologist noted for her public health work, her research into child and maternal health as well as birth disorders such as cerebral palsy. Stanley is the patron of the Telethon Kids Institute and a distinguished professorial fellow in the School of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Western Australia. Who is Fiona Stanley? View her Wikipedia Page!

A statue dedicated to Bessie Rischbieth in Perth, Western Australia. 📷 Wai Yin Chong, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

17. Bessie Rischbieth: Suffragist and Social Reformer

Bessie Rischbieth (1870–1967) was a prominent Australian suffragist, social reformer, and advocate for women's rights. Involved in numerous social reform initiatives, including education, health, and welfare, she worked to improve conditions for women and children. Read about Bessie Rischbieth's legacy.

Get involved!

Wikimedia Australia, in collaboration with its partners, actively works to address the gender gap in online representation by organising Wikipedia editathons, funding opportunities and providing advocacy for the Australian editing community. These events aim to empower individuals to create and improve articles about influential Australians, ensuring their stories are told and celebrated on one of the world’s largest platforms for knowledge sharing.

To make a difference on Australia Day, here are some suggestions of what you can do to join Wikimedia Australia in recognising and honouring the contributions of influential Australians throughout our history:

  • New to Wikipedia? Join a free online training session
  • Need some guidance? Drop in and Wiki with us
  • Get involved locally: Organise an editathon or attend a meet-up in your area
  • Spotlight on women: If a woman receives an award or recognition for her contributions to Australia, check Wikipedia's notability criteria and consider creating or improving her article.
  • Join global initiatives: Collaborate with Women in Red or Art + Feminism, which aim to reduce the gender gap on Wikipedia
  • Enhance visual representation: Upload images of women to Wikimedia Commons for use in articles
  • Support accuracy: Contribute to or check Wikidata entries about women to ensure their information is accurate and comprehensive
  • Champion diversity: Focus on improving representation for women of diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, First Nations women, and others from marginalised groups
  • Support Australian projects: Donate directly or become a member of Wikimedia Australia to help make a lasting impact.
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