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Ivy Mary Kent (1890–1974)

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Ivy Mary Kent, née Woods (1890-1974) political activist and community worker 

Birth: 10 May 1890 at Central Cumberland, New South Wales, daughter of William Coyle Woods (1861-1929), a farmer, born in County Cork, Ireland, and Sarah Elizabeth, née Coombs (1865-1939), born in Devon, England. Marriage: 1909 at Collie, Western Australia, to Arthur Graham Kent (1881-1950), a timber hewer, later storeeeper, born in Melbourne, Victoria. They had four daughters and four sons. Death: 12 April 1974 in a nursing home at Wembley, Perth; usual residence Gayton Road, City Beach, Perth. Religion: Catholic. 

  • The family moved to Collie, Western Australia, about 1896.
  • Ivy was educated at Iona Convent and Collie convent schools by Presentation nuns.
  • She was active in the Australian Labor Party in WA from 1908. Founded a club for neglected girls during World War I.
  • In 1923 she joined Victoria Park branch of ALP and was active as a speaker during election campaigns. Member of Victoria Park ALP executive.
  • Was vice president and committee member of Perth Labor Women's Organisation for several years in the 1920s. In 1931 was elected member Labor Women's Central executive; in 1932 president.
  • Started Distress and Relief Committee during 1930s Depression; secretary of Victoria Park Relief Committee for 18 months. In 1939 and 1944 she stood for election to the Victoria Park ward of Perth City Council.
  • Kent broadcast on the radio on behalf of her activities, beginning about 1934 with a weekly broadcast for the Housewives’ Association. From 1944 to 1951, she was first woman member of the Australian Broadcasting Commission.
  • From 1945 to 1969 she was also member of the National Fitness Council.
  • From 1953 to 1971 she was president of the Association of Civilian Widows who described her 'as slight in build, always immaculate . . . kindly, motherly, autocratic, domineering, generous, single-minded . . . compassionate, a born fighter for the under-privileged, a deeply religious woman with a wonderful sense of humour'.
  • Commissioned justice of the peace in 1936. Appointed MBE in January 1968.
  • Cause of death coronary occlusion (5 days) arteriosclerotic heart disease and angina (7 years) (contributory cause) and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. (many years).

Sources
Reflections
, p. 130; Westralian Worker, 30 April 1937, 26 June 1942; ALP Labor Women's Central Executive, 1933; Battye Library, biographical Register.

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Kent, Ivy Mary (1890–1974)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/kent-ivy-mary-34677/text43626, accessed 10 October 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Woods, Ivy Mary
Birth

10 May, 1890
New South Wales, Australia

Death

12 April, 1974 (aged 83)
Wembley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Awards
Key Organisations
Political Activism