born on 16 October 1874 at Adelaide in South Australia
a woman of forward vision and indomitable spirit
My name is Bessie Rischbieth and I represent ‘Australians All’ because in 1906
I was a founding member of the Children’s Protection Society in Western Australia. In
1925 I was co-founder and foundation president of the British Commonwealth League of
Women. I joined the board of the International Alliance of Women for Suffrage and Equal
Citizenship in 1926, and became a life member of that organisation from 1955. In fact,
throughout my life, I worked tirelessly for many causes related to the education, health
and well-being of women and children, both in my own state, and internationally.
1901-2001 Centenary of
Federation