Denise George

Mary Lee: the life and times of a 'turbulent anarchist' and her battle for women's rights

In 1894 South Australia became the first place in the world to pass legislation giving women the right to vote and be elected members of parliament. This was achieved thanks in no small part to suffragist and social justice advocate Mary Lee. A feisty 59-year-old widow, of limited means and with few family and friends, Mary Lee settled in Adelaide in 1879 and thrust herself into high profile campaigns in support of female refuge, improving women's working conditions and gaining women's suffrage. 

Until now the disappearance of Mary Lee's journals and most of her letters, along with a dearth of recorded women's history, kept her contribution to history hidden for more than 125 years. Denise George’s international research examining records in Armagh, Monaghan, Cambridge, London and Adelaide has now revealed the full story of Mary Lee using her powerful letters and writings. Mary Lee is published by Wakefield Press.

Denise George studied Professional Writing and Communication, and has a PhD in English and Creative Writing from the University of Adelaide.

WHEN: Thursday 29 August 6 for 6.30pm

WHERE: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library, University of Adelaide

ENTRY: $10 at the door includes glass of wine. Students free.

BOOKINGS: by 27 August to friends_library@adelaide.edu.au  or phone 8313 6356

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