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Beatrice Jane Martin (1891–1974)

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Beatrice Jane Martin, née Wood (1891-1974) alderman and activist for rights for women, the elderly and the poor

Birth: 1891 at Brunswick, Victoria, daughter of native-born parents William Wood (1868-1954), linotype printer, and Frances Harvey, née George (1870-1948). Marriage: 1913 at Dunedin, New Zealand, to Michael Martin (1890-1972), labourer. They had one child, a daughter, who predeceased her. Death: 25 January 1974 at Royal Newcastle Hospital, New South Wales: usual residence Nickson Street, Newcastle. Religion: Anglican. 

  • Left school to obtain a job as a chef. Later worked in some of the top capital city hotels.
  • Joined the Australian Labor Party in 1917. She was a foundation member of the Sunshine Club and during the Depression of the 1930s had more than twenty unemployed people living in her home.
  • Elected to Newcastle City Council in 1956. Served as an alderman until 1968. Elected to Shortland County Council and Northumberland County Council in 1958. Was also a representative on the State Planning Authority.
  • “She often fought in the face of strong opposition for women’s causes, the provision of amenities blocks, creches and kindergartens, the establishment of the . . . Housekeepers’ Emergency Service, rate relief for deserted wives and better educational facilities for women”.
  • Appointed MBE in January 1965. In the last decade of her life she was president of the Lang Street Elderly Citizens Centre, working tirelessly supervising catering and recreational activities, home visits and hospital treatment.
  • Cause of death: cardiac arrest, ascending thrombosis of aorta; diabetes, congestive cardiac failure and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sources
Information from S. Tracey 1997; ALP Women’s Diamond Jubilee, p 33; photo and obituary, Newcastle Morning Herald, 26 January 1974, p 4.

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Citation details

'Martin, Beatrice Jane (1891–1974)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/martin-beatrice-jane-34658/text43589, accessed 13 November 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Wood, Beatrice Jane
Birth

1891
Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Death

27 January, 1974 (aged ~ 83)
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

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 or Descriptor
Awards
Clubs
Key Organisations
Political Activism
Workplaces