Liverpool City Library pays tribute to female trailblazers for Women’s History Month

A new display by Liverpool City Library is shining a light on female trailblazers who have significantly impacted Liverpool to celebrate Women’s History Month.

March is Women’s History Month, a time when nations around the world recognise the contributions of women to significant moments in history and to contemporary society.

The display on the first floor of the library recognises female leaders who hold a place in Liverpool’s past and present including Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller, the first woman to be elected Mayor in Liverpool; female aviation forerunner Nancy-Bird Walton; Indigenous academic achiever Maria Lock; and immigrant pioneers Carmel and Josephine Amalfi.

“I’m privileged and quite humbled to be included among women of such high calibre,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said. “March is a special time of year to celebrate the achievements of women through internationally recognised initiatives such as Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.

“It’s worth mentioning that I am one of four elected female Councillors. Our views may differ at times, but there is no doubt that female representation in politics is a sign of a healthy democracy.

“I am aware also of the significant contribution women make to Council as an organisation – as leaders, subject matter experts and dedicated professionals.

“I hope this display will inspire the next generation of women in Liverpool to keep striving to make our community a better place for all.

“I invite everyone to attend Women’s History Month and encourage you to do your own reading on these fascinating females and their impact on shaping the community as we now know it.”

Liverpool City Library has made suggestions on reading material on each of the subjects of the Women’s History Month.

About Liverpool’s female trailblazers

Mayor Wendy Waller: Mayor Waller was elected to Liverpool City Council in 1995 and became the first woman to be elected Mayor in 2008. She was later re-elected Mayor in 2016. As a resident of Liverpool for more than 60 years, Mayor Waller has contributed to this thriving city through the creation of new public spaces, community facilities and job opportunities.

Nancy-Bird Walton: Nancy was a pioneering female pilot. After earning her commercial pilot’s licence at the age of 19, Nancy flew medical planes in the outback and later trained pilots during WWII. She founded the Australian Women Pilots’ Association in 1950. In recognition of Nancy’s contribution to female aviation in Australia, Western Sydney International Airport has been named in her honour.

Maria Lock: Daughter of Aboriginal Chief Yarramundi, Maria Lock was an academic achiever, having outperformed more than 100 students to receive top prize in the Anniversary Schools Examination in 1819. In 1824, she became the first Aboriginal woman to legally marry a European man. Maria owned 40 acres of land along Brickmakers Creek, Liverpool, which she passed on to her nine surviving children.

Carmel and Josephine Amalfi: Carmel and Josephine settled in Liverpool after WWII and were a part of the Italian community which established successful market-gardening, agricultural, construction and retail businesses throughout the area. The Amalfis owned a children’s clothing store on Moore Street, Liverpool. Their legacy lives on through Amalfi Park and Amalfi Street in Lurnea.