The early 20th century in Australia saw many women break traditional barriers in sports, politics, and the workforce. In 1912, Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie became the nation’s first female Olympians. They competed in the 100-meter freestyle in Stockholm and won gold and silver medals. By 1931, the first fully equipped women’s surf life saving competition team in the world formed in Coffs Harbour. These women trained for rescues in heavy surf using wooden reels and ropes.
In the professional world, women moved into roles previously held only by men. In 1927, Dolly House and her sister worked as two of the first female men’s barbers. Their shop sat underneath a film studio in Sydney. That same year, Beryl Mills became the first “Miss Australia.” Large crowds gathered to see her outside the Haymarket Theatre. In 1932, Ida Leeson was promoted to Mitchell Librarian. She was the second person to hold the title and the first woman to lead the prestigious library.
Aviation provided a path for pioneers like Nancy Bird. She became one of the first female commercial pilots in 1933. Bird flew a Gipsy Moth plane to deliver medical services to the Australian Outback. In 1934, May Bradford earned both “A” and “B” ground engineer’s licences. She welded parts for an all-Australian monoplane entering an international air race. During this same period, the church saw changes as the first woman Presbyterian cleric began her service in the 1930s.
Entertainment and politics also featured prominent firsts. Louise Lovely became Australia’s first Hollywood star during the silent film era. Florence Austral reached international fame as a Wagnerian soprano, performing across Europe in the 1920s. In 1943, Enid Lyons became the first woman elected to the Federal Parliament. She also served as the first woman in the Federal Cabinet. In 1955, geologist Dr. Beryl Nashar became the first female Dean of Science at an Australian university
