Issue: Australian Famous Women’s
Type: Australian Post Cover
Number of Stamps: 6
Stamps Denomination: 10c, 10c, 10c, 10c, 10c, 10c,
Issue Date: 6 AUG 1975
Issued By: Australian Famous Women’s
Australian Famous Women’s
Australian Famous Women’s
Famous Australian Women series, which highlighted the achievements and contributions of notable Australian women throughout history. The series aimed to commemorate their accomplishments and promote awareness of their significant roles in various fields.
Here are some of the famous Australian women who were featured on postage stamps in 1975:
Caroline Chisholm (1808-1877)
Caroline Chisholm was a social reformer and philanthropist known for her efforts to improve conditions for immigrants in Australia. She advocated for the welfare and rights of female immigrants and established shelters and support networks.
Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931)
Dame Nellie Melba was a world-renowned operatic soprano. She achieved international fame for her performances and played a pivotal role in popularizing opera in Australia and around the world.
Dame Enid Lyons (1897-1981)
Dame Enid Lyons was the first woman elected to the Australian House of Representatives and the first woman to hold a cabinet position in the Australian government. She was a prominent advocate for women’s rights and social issues.
Mary Reibey (1777-1855)
Mary Reibey was a businesswoman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the early development of Australia’s trade and commerce. She is depicted on the Australian $20 banknote.
Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910)
Catherine Helen Spence was a pioneer in many areas, including education, social reform, and women’s suffrage. She was a writer and advocate for women’s rights, and she worked to improve access to education for girls.
Kathleen Howell (1905-1976)
Kathleen Howell was a renowned artist known for her contributions to the field of pottery and ceramics. She played a key role in elevating Australian ceramics to an international level.
Here are more detailed descriptions of each individual featured on the postage stamps:
Edith Cowan:
Edith Cowan (1861-1932) was born in Western Australia and became a pioneering figure in Australian politics and social reform.
She is best known for being the first woman to be elected to an Australian parliament, winning a seat in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly in 1921.
Cowan was a strong advocate for women’s rights, particularly in areas such as legal reform, children’s welfare, and the rights of indigenous Australians.
She was involved in various philanthropic activities and played a crucial role in establishing the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women in Perth.
The Australian postage stamp featuring Edith Cowan was issued in 1991 to commemorate her significant contributions to Australian society and her groundbreaking role in politics.
Henry Handel Richardson:
Henry Handel Richardson is the pen name of Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (1870-1946).
She was born in Victoria, Australia, and is known for her literary works that explore the Australian experience.
Richardson’s most famous novels include “The Getting of Wisdom” and the trilogy “The Fortunes of Richard Mahony,” which is often considered her masterpiece.
Her writing style was characterized by its psychological depth and vivid depiction of characters and settings.
The Australian postage stamp featuring Henry Handel Richardson was issued in 1970 to honor her contributions to Australian literature and her impact on the literary world.
Louisa Lawson:
Louisa Lawson (1848-1920) was an influential figure in the women’s suffrage movement in Australia.
She was a poet, publisher, and advocate for women’s rights, playing a significant role in advancing the cause of gender equality.
Lawson is best known for founding the feminist newspaper “The Dawn,” which was published from 1888 to 1905 and provided a platform for women’s voices and discussions on social issues.
Her efforts contributed to raising awareness about women’s rights and promoting social change.
The Australian postage stamp featuring Louisa Lawson was issued in 1975 to recognize her dedication to women’s rights and her contributions to Australian journalism and activism.
Constance Stone:
Constance Stone (1856-1902) was a trailblazing Australian doctor and women’s rights activist.
She became the first woman to graduate in medicine from a Victorian university, obtaining her degree from the University of Melbourne.
Stone was a strong advocate for women’s rights in the medical field and co-founded the Victorian Medical Women’s Society.
She worked to address gender inequalities in the medical profession and improve opportunities for women in healthcare.
The Australian postage stamp featuring Constance Stone was issued in 1975 to honor her pioneering achievements as a female medical practitioner and her contributions to advancing women’s rights in Australia.
Truganini:
Truganini (1812-1876) was a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman and is often remembered as the last full-blooded Tasmanian Aboriginal person.
She lived through a period of significant upheaval and conflict as European settlers colonized Tasmania, resulting in the devastating impact on indigenous communities.
Truganini’s life story serves as a symbol of resilience and the profound challenges faced by indigenous populations during colonization.
Her advocacy and efforts to preserve Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural heritage and stories have left a lasting impact.
The Australian postage stamp featuring Truganini was issued in 1994 to mark the 150th anniversary of the establishment of British settlement in Tasmania and to recognize her historical significance.
Catherine Helen Spence:
Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910) was a pioneering Australian author, teacher, journalist, and suffragist.
She played a significant role in advocating for women’s suffrage and social reform in Australia.
Spence was an accomplished writer and authored various novels, including “Clara Morison: A Tale of South Australia During the Gold Fever,” which is considered one of the earliest Australian novels.
She was a strong advocate for education, electoral reform, and gender equality, and she used her writing and public speaking to promote social change.
The Australian postage stamp featuring Catherine Helen Spence was issued in 1975 as part of the “Famous Australian Women” series, celebrating her contributions to literature and her dedication to advancing women’s rights.
End Words
These postage stamps serve as a tribute to the diverse and remarkable contributions made by these individuals to Australian society, culture, literature, and advocacy.
