Women and World War I

Sunday, March 24, 2024, 10:30 – 11:30am Join us at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries for a free talk celebrating the unique contributions of Australian women during World War I.The role of Australian women during times of war has always been varied and complex. They have contributed to every major conflict since 1899, whether through the defence force, nursing, charity organisations, auxiliary forces or on the home front. Today, women work in over 200 roles in the ADF, and receive the same training, salaries and opportunities as men. But this has not always been the case, especially for those serving in World War I.This talk will explore the amazing personal stories of several Australian women who were involved in World War I, including: Vida Lahey, a well-known Brisbane artist who followed her brothers and cousins to Europe to set up a home base. Madeline and Ethel Logan, sisters who joined the Women’ Auxiliary Army in Britain and were assigned to the remount units. Olive Kelso King, a volunteer who took her own ambulance, nicknamed ‘Ella’, to Belgium, France and Serbia, before eventually joining the Serbian army. Pearl Constance Paten, a Brisbane local, who was one of 29 women who served as masseuses with the Australian Army Nursing Service. Queensland's Dr. Lilian Cooper, who joined the Scottish Women’s Hospital, working at clearing stations and on medical ships. Annie Wheeler, from Rockhampton, became known as the ‘Mother of Queenslanders’ for her tireless work in connecting soldiers with their families in Central Queensland.These personal stories shine a light, not only on the resilience and bravery of Australian women, but on how many forged their own pathway into the war, refusing to let their gender stop them from serving our nation in one of its darkest moments.The talk will draw on stories, diaries, letters, and photographs from State Library's vast military collection.After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries and embark on an interactive journey from World War I to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands.Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance. Venue: Anzac Square, Brisbane City Venue address: Anzac Square, 228 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City Event type: Culture, Free Cost: Free Age: Suitable for all ages Bookings: Bookings required via the Anzac Square website.  Bookings required: Yes