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Dame Mabel Balcombe Brookes (1890–1975)

Mabel Brookes, by Broothorn, n.d.

Mabel Brookes, by Broothorn, n.d.

from Who's Who in the World of Women, vol 2, 1934

Mrs. Norman Brookes (Mabel Balcombe), C.B.E.

Born, Melbourne, Victoria. Daughter of the late Harry Emmerton, Esq., of Melbourne, Victoria. Wife of Norman E. Brookes, Grazier and Chairman of Directors of the Australian Paper Mills; son of William Brookes, of Queen’s Road, Melbourne, Victoria.

Family, three daughters: Cynthia (Lady Gengoult Smith), Elaine, Hersey. Daughters educated at Toorak College, Melbourne, and Paris, France.

ACTIVITIES. Keenly interested in all Social Welfare work. Inauguration Member of the following: Victorian Institute of Almoners and was its first President; Animal Welfare League, also first President of League; South Yarra Children’s Hospital Auxiliary (Vice-president); Victorian Girl Guides’ Association, also Member of Executive and Divisional Commissioner (Frankston). Delegate for Queen Victoria Hospital to National Council of Women; President of Queen Victoria Hospital since 1923; President of Prevention of Cruelty to Children; President, Victoria Ladies’ Swimming Association. During the Great War acted for Commissioners of Australian Red Cross in Egypt, as well as various Committees and Welfare movements there. Has written and published three novels: Broken Idols, On the Knees of the Gods, and Old Desires.

HOBBIES. Antiques, Golf, Skating.

CLUBS. Alexandra, Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Penninsula Country Golf Club.

ADDRESS. “Kurneh, ” Domain Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria.

This person appears as a part of the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 13. [View Article]

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Citation details

'Brookes, Dame Mabel Balcombe (1890–1975)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/brookes-dame-mabel-balcombe-9591/text28269, accessed 11 November 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Mabel Brookes, by Broothorn, n.d.

Mabel Brookes, by Broothorn, n.d.

from Who's Who in the World of Women, vol 2, 1934

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Emmerton, Mabel
Birth

15 June, 1890
South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Death

30 April, 1975 (aged 84)
South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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