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{{Short description|Australian feminist (1878–1948)}} | |||
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{{Use Australian English|date=April 2020}} | |||
⚫ | '''Ruth Beatrice Fairfax''' {{post-nominals|country=AUS|OBE}}<ref name="GovernmentofQueensland_OfficeforWomen_RuthFairfax_OBE">{{cite web |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} | |||
{{Infobox person | |||
| name = Ruth Fairfax<!-- use common name/article title --> | |||
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=AUS|OBE}} | |||
| image = Ruth Fairfax.png<!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing ] --> | |||
| alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software --> | |||
| caption = Ruth Beatrice Fairfax, pictured in 1948 | |||
| birth_name = Ruth Beatrice Dowling<!-- only use if different from name --> | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date|1878|10|08|df=y}}<!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} for living people supply only the year with {{Birth year and age|YYYY}} unless the exact date is already widely published, as per ]. For people who have died, use {{Birth date|YYYY|MM|DD}}. --> | |||
| birth_place = Lue, near ] | |||
| death_date = {{death date and age|1948|02|01|1878|10|08|df=y}}<!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (DEATH date then BIRTH date) --> | |||
| death_place = St Luke's Hospital, ], ] | |||
| burial_place = ] | |||
| nationality = ] | |||
| other_names = | |||
| occupation = | |||
| years_active = | |||
| known_for = {{ubl|Leadership of the Australian ] in Queensland and New South Wales|Vice President of the ]}} | |||
| notable_works = | |||
| education = ] | |||
| alma_mater = ] | |||
| mother = Frances Emily (]) Breillat | |||
| father = ] | |||
| spouse = {{married|John Hubert Fraser Fairfax|1899}} | |||
| children = 1 | |||
}} | |||
⚫ | '''Ruth Beatrice Fairfax''' {{post-nominals|country=AUS|OBE}}<ref name="GovernmentofQueensland_OfficeforWomen_RuthFairfax_OBE">{{cite web|date=23 March 2009|title=Women's contributions to Queensland: 1920 – 1929, Office for Women (Queensland Government)|url=http://www.women.qld.gov.au/q150/1920/index.html|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329222442/http://www.women.qld.gov.au/q150/1920/index.html#item-ruth-fairfax|archive-date=29 March 2011|access-date=25 September 2010|publisher=Government of Queensland}}</ref> (8 October 1878 – 1 February 1948) was a founding member of the Australian ] and the first President of the ].<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax">{{Australian Dictionary of Biography |last=Martha |first=Rutledge |year=1981 |id2=fairfax-ruth-beatrice-6134 |title=Fairfax, Ruth Beatrice (1878–1948) |accessdate=25 March 2016 }}</ref> The ] is named in her honour.<ref name="AEC_CommonwealthElectoralDivisionofFairfax(Qld)_RuthFairfax">{{cite web |url=http://www.aec.gov.au/profiles/f/fairfax.htm |title=Commonwealth Electoral Division of Fairfax (Qld) |publisher=] |access-date=24 September 2010}}</ref> | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
⚫ | Fairfax was born Ruth Beatrice Dowling to Frances Emily Dowling ] Breillat and ] on 8 October 1878, in the small town of Lue, near the larger town of ] |
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⚫ | Fairfax was born Ruth Beatrice Dowling to Frances Emily Dowling ] Breillat and ] on 8 October 1878, in the small town of Lue, near the larger town of ], Australia.<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax"/> She was educated at by home by ]es, and also attended ]. | ||
⚫ | Ruth Dowling and John Hubert Fraser Fairfax were married on 2 February 1899,<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /> |
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⚫ | Ruth Dowling and John Hubert Fraser Fairfax were married on 2 February 1899,<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /> an occasion "for great rejoicing, because it was the wedding day of the popular and universally-beloved daughter of the Squire of Lue, Miss Dowling, whose hand was claimed by Mr. Hubert Fairfax, son of Sir James Fairfax, of '']''."<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156356387|title=Wedding Bells.|date=10 February 1899|newspaper=]|location=New South Wales|page=12|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> The '']'' reported that the bride was "beautiful in a dress of white ] satin, trimmed with cream lace and chiffon and flowers on bodice. She wore a wreath of orange blossoms and heather in her hair, with diamond crescent, the gift of her father and mother, and on the bodice a diamond brooch, the gift of Sir James and Lady Fairfax, whilst the floral bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom, completed a living picture that will long be remembered by all present."<ref name=":0" /> | ||
⚫ | The |
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⚫ | The Fairfax family moved to Dalmore Station near ], ],<ref name=":4" /> then in 1908 to Marinya station near ], Queensland on the ].<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /><ref name="GovernmentofQueensland_OfficeforWomen_RuthFairfax_OBE" /> In 1909 their only child, Vincent was born.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Great Queensland Women|last=Grant|first=Heather|publisher=Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation|year=2005|isbn=0724296506|location=Brisbane|pages=33}}</ref> They travelled to England in 1912, but returned to Australia at the outbreak of the First World War.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
== Leadership of women's organisations == | == Leadership of women's organisations == | ||
Ruth Fairfax became President of the Toowoomba branch of the Australian Comfort Fund, providing support for soldiers fighting in the war<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article182929705|title=SOLDIERS' SOCK AND COMFORT FUND.|date=13 January 1919|newspaper=]|issue=8695|location=Queensland|page=6|via=National Library of Australia| |
Ruth Fairfax became President of the Toowoomba branch of the Australian Comfort Fund, providing support for soldiers fighting in the war<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article182929705|title=SOLDIERS' SOCK AND COMFORT FUND.|date=13 January 1919|newspaper=]|issue=8695|location=Queensland|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> and she became recognised as a practical woman with organisational and leadership skills.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | There were, in the early years of the 20th century, a number of women's groups established, including the ], ], and the ].<ref name=":1" /> There was however, a need identified for an organisation dedicated to the needs of country women. On 10 August 1922, in a meeting at the Albert Hall, Brisbane, Fairfax was elected President of the newly established Queensland |
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⚫ | There were, in the early years of the 20th century, a number of women's groups established, including the ], ], and the ].<ref name=":1" /> There was however, a need identified for an organisation dedicated to the needs of country women. On 10 August 1922, in a meeting at the ], Brisbane, Fairfax was elected President of the newly established ].<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /><ref name="GovernmentofQueensland_OfficeforWomen_RuthFairfax_OBE" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192982648|title=FOR COUNTRY WOMEN|date=18 August 1922|newspaper=]|location=Queensland|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> This meeting was timed to coincide with the Brisbane Exhibition, when there were likely to be large numbers of rural women in Brisbane.<ref name=":1" /> The first meeting of the newly formed Association was held in Toowoomba on 12 September 1922, chaired by Fairfax.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184230521|title=QUEENSLAND COUNTRY WOMEN FIRST MEETING IN TOOWOOMBA.|date=16 September 1922|newspaper=]|location=Queensland|page=3|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> Fairfax then went on a tour of six months around outback Queensland, establishing branches of the Country Women's Association and recruiting women to their local branches.<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /> In 1929, Fairfax travelled to the UK where she studied at ] in England and Scotland.<ref name="GovernmentofQueensland_OfficeforWomen_RuthFairfax_OBE" /> She also represented the Country Women's Association at the First International Conference of Rural Women's Organisations in London,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16621277|title=RURAL WOMEN.|date=28 January 1930|newspaper=]|page=4|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> and at the International Council of Women in Vienna.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|title=Great Queensland Women|last=Grant|first=Heather|publisher=Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation|year=2005|isbn=0724296506|location=Brisbane|pages=36}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54676455|title=Q.C.W.A.|date=13 October 1930|newspaper=]|location=Queensland|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> | ||
⚫ | Her passion for women in country areas was long-standing, and she thought of country women as a sisterhood, promoting the idea of mutual help and support.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-ruth-beatrice-6134|title=Obituary – Ruth Beatrice Fairfax – Obituaries Australia|website=oa.anu.edu.au|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref> She and her family moved to New South Wales in 1931, as her son took up a post with '']'', a family business concern since 1841.<ref name=":2" /> Her home in Sydney was |
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⚫ | Her passion for women in country areas was long-standing, and she thought of country women as a sisterhood, promoting the idea of mutual help and support.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-ruth-beatrice-6134|title=Obituary – Ruth Beatrice Fairfax – Obituaries Australia|website=oa.anu.edu.au|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref> She and her family moved to New South Wales in 1931, as her son took up a post with '']'', a family business concern since 1841.<ref name=":2" /> Her home in Sydney was the {{convert|6986|m2|adj=on}}, ''Elaine'', on the waterfront at Seven Shillings Beach, ].<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fairfax-ruth-beatrice-6134|title=Australian Dictionary of Biography|last=Rutledge|first=Martha|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|location=Canberra}}</ref> This property was built by the Fairfax family in 1891 and, in 2019, was sold for in excess of {{AUD}}70 million to ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.openagent.com.au/blog/scott-farquhar-atlassian-buys-fairfax-property-point-piper# |title=Fairfax family mansion sells to Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar for $70 million |author=Thorne, Samantha |work=OpenAgent| date=21 July 2019 |access-date=15 April 2020 }}</ref> | ||
After the move to New South Wales Ruth Fairfax continued to be involved in the Country Women's Association. She was the president of the metropolitan group in Sydney and also honorary secretary of the New South Wales Country Women's Association.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202479955|title=SYDNEY C.W.A. SECRETARY|date=20 July 1936|newspaper=]|issue=4385|location=Queensland|page=9|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was a vice president of the Associated Country Women of the World,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203843302|title=ADDRESS MY MRS. FAIRFAX.|last=|first=|date=18 April 1934|work=|newspaper=]|issue=|location=Victoria|page=18|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref> and attended conferences in Washington and London in her role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104155087|title=ASSOCIATED COUNTRY WOMEN|last=|first=|date=6 May 1938|work=|newspaper=]|issue=|location=New South Wales|page=22|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was also an editor of '''' which was published from 1937 – 1957.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Countrywoman in New South Wales : official journal of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/34714318|publication-date=1937|author1=Country Women's Association of New South Wales|publisher=The Association|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref> | |||
After the move to New South Wales, Ruth Fairfax continued to be involved in the Country Women's Association. She was the president of the metropolitan group in Sydney and also honorary secretary of the New South Wales Country Women's Association.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202479955|title=SYDNEY C.W.A. SECRETARY|date=20 July 1936|newspaper=]|issue=4385|location=Queensland|page=9|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was a vice president of the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203843302|title=ADDRESS MY MRS. FAIRFAX.|date=18 April 1934|newspaper=]|location=Victoria|page=18|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> and attended conferences in Washington and London in her role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104155087|title=ASSOCIATED COUNTRY WOMEN|date=6 May 1938|newspaper=]|location=New South Wales|page=22|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was also an editor of '''' which was published from 1937 – 1957.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Countrywoman in New South Wales : official journal of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/34714318|publication-date=1937|author1=Country Women's Association of New South Wales|publisher=The Association|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | |||
She was actively involved in a number of other organisations, including as the vice-president of the ladies' auxiliary of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of New South Wales,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17230730|title=RECORD SUCCESS.|date=16 January 1936|newspaper=]|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> and as a member of the board of directors of St. Luke's Hospital, Darlinghurst.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17300800|title=ST. LUKE'S|date=9 December 1936|newspaper=]|page=24|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was a member of the State executive and then the General Council of the Girl Guides' Association.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171262163|title=Obituary|date=2 February 1948|newspaper=]|location=Queensland|page=2|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was appointed a trustee of the Public Library of New South Wales in 1937,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27983932|title=APPOINTMENTS APPROVED.|date=17 June 1937|newspaper=]|page=10|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> and served in that role until her death.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140357269|title=In Brief|date=14 August 1948|newspaper=]|location=New South Wales|page=3|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> She was chairman of the Women's Council of the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33305850|title=MRS. HUBERT FAIRFAX.|date=11 August 1933|newspaper=]|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16929215|title=WOMEN'S AUXILIARY.|date=9 November 1932|newspaper=]|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> and a patroness of the Kooroora Club for business girls, which formed in 1929.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10991284|title=Kooroora Club|date=3 November 1934|newspaper=]|issue=27,523|location=Victoria, Australia|page=10|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Papers|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/35931654|publication-date=1930|author1=Kooroora Club|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | In 1935 she |
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⚫ | In 1935 she was appointed an ] in recognition of her services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-ruth-beatrice-6134|title=Obituary - Ruth Beatrice Fairfax |work=Obituaries Australia|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> | ||
In 1944, the Queensland Country Women's Association established the Ruth Fairfax Bursary.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/about-2/history/|title=History {{!}} QCWA|website=QCWA|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref> | In 1944, the Queensland Country Women's Association established the Ruth Fairfax Bursary.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/about-2/history/|title=History {{!}} QCWA|website=QCWA|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref> | ||
== Later life == | == Later life == | ||
In her later years, she was afflicted with ]. Fairfax died on 1 February 1948 from ] ] in St Luke's Hospital, ].<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /> Ruth Fairfax House, the new state headquarters of the Queensland Country Women's Association, opened |
In her later years, she was afflicted with ]. Fairfax died on 1 February 1948 from ] ] in St Luke's Hospital, ], ].<ref name="adbonline_A080487b_RuthFairfax" /> ], the new state headquarters of the Queensland Country Women's Association, opened on 10 February after her death. It was a Japanese house imported from Japan in 1878 by Judge George William Paul.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125582905|title=C.W.A. in Action|date=25 February 1948|newspaper=]|page=6 (DAILY)|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> | ||
Her husband, John Hubert Fairfax (1872-1950), was a pastoralist, businessman and philanthropist, and grandson of ], an early owner of '']''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-john-hubert-6357|title=Obituary - John Hubert Fairfax - Obituaries Australia|website=oa.anu.edu.au|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> Her son, Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax, (1909–1993), was well known for his generous philanthropy and supported organisations such as the Boy Scouts and Outward Bound.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-sir-vincent-charles-13822|title=Obituary - Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax |work=Obituaries Australia|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> In 1962, Ruth Fairfax House was saved from demolition by dismantling it and reconstructing it in ]; it was listed on the ] in 2003.<ref name="qhr">{{cite QHR|17014|5 Lynch Street|602193|accessdate=1 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
== Gallery == | |||
Her husband, John Hubert Fairfax (1872-1950), was a pastoralist, businessman and philanthropist, and grandson of ], an early owner of '']''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-john-hubert-6357|title=Obituary - John Hubert Fairfax - Obituaries Australia|website=oa.anu.edu.au|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> | |||
<gallery> | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | Fund raising during World War I Toowoomba 1917.tif|Fundrasing in aid of the Toowoomba Soldiers' Sock and Comforts Fund, during ]. The photograph shows Mrs Fairfax's novelty stall. | ||
Her son, Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax, (1909–1993), was well known for his generous philanthropy and supported organisations such as the Boy Scouts and Outward Bound.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairfax-sir-vincent-charles-13822|title=Obituary - Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax - Obituaries Australia|website=oa.anu.edu.au|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | Ruthfairfaxchapel.jpeg|Ruth Fairfax Chapel, ], Sydney | ||
⚫ | SLNSW 33993 Country Womens Association fete at Mrs Ruth Fairfaxs house Elaine Seven Shillings Beach Double Bay Miss Clark.jpg|Ruth Fairfax's former house, ''Elaine'', at Seven Shillings Beach, ] | ||
</gallery> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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* | * | ||
* ''Australian Dictionary of Biography'' | * ''Australian Dictionary of Biography'' | ||
{{Feminism}} | |||
{{authority control}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fairfax, Ruth}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Fairfax, Ruth}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 07:46, 24 December 2024
Australian feminist (1878–1948)
Ruth FairfaxOBE | |
---|---|
Ruth Beatrice Fairfax, pictured in 1948 | |
Born | Ruth Beatrice Dowling (1878-10-08)8 October 1878 Lue, near Rylstone, New South Wales |
Died | 1 February 1948(1948-02-01) (aged 69) St Luke's Hospital, Potts Point, New South Wales |
Burial place | Rookwood Cemetery |
Nationality | Australian |
Education | Sydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School |
Alma mater | Women's Institutes |
Known for |
|
Spouse |
John Hubert Fraser Fairfax
(m. 1899) |
Children | 1 |
Parents |
|
Ruth Beatrice Fairfax OBE (8 October 1878 – 1 February 1948) was a founding member of the Australian Country Women's Association and the first President of the Queensland Country Women's Association. The federal electorate of Fairfax is named in her honour.
Early life
Fairfax was born Ruth Beatrice Dowling to Frances Emily Dowling née Breillat and Vincent James Dowling on 8 October 1878, in the small town of Lue, near the larger town of Rylstone, New South Wales, Australia. She was educated at by home by governesses, and also attended Sydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School.
Ruth Dowling and John Hubert Fraser Fairfax were married on 2 February 1899, an occasion "for great rejoicing, because it was the wedding day of the popular and universally-beloved daughter of the Squire of Lue, Miss Dowling, whose hand was claimed by Mr. Hubert Fairfax, son of Sir James Fairfax, of The Sydney Morning Herald." The Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative reported that the bride was "beautiful in a dress of white duchesse satin, trimmed with cream lace and chiffon and flowers on bodice. She wore a wreath of orange blossoms and heather in her hair, with diamond crescent, the gift of her father and mother, and on the bodice a diamond brooch, the gift of Sir James and Lady Fairfax, whilst the floral bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom, completed a living picture that will long be remembered by all present."
The Fairfax family moved to Dalmore Station near Longreach, Queensland, then in 1908 to Marinya station near Cambooya, Queensland on the Darling Downs. In 1909 their only child, Vincent was born. They travelled to England in 1912, but returned to Australia at the outbreak of the First World War.
Leadership of women's organisations
Ruth Fairfax became President of the Toowoomba branch of the Australian Comfort Fund, providing support for soldiers fighting in the war and she became recognised as a practical woman with organisational and leadership skills.
There were, in the early years of the 20th century, a number of women's groups established, including the National Council of Women, Brisbane Women's Club, and the Queensland Women's Electoral League. There was however, a need identified for an organisation dedicated to the needs of country women. On 10 August 1922, in a meeting at the Albert Hall, Brisbane, Fairfax was elected President of the newly established Queensland Country Women's Association. This meeting was timed to coincide with the Brisbane Exhibition, when there were likely to be large numbers of rural women in Brisbane. The first meeting of the newly formed Association was held in Toowoomba on 12 September 1922, chaired by Fairfax. Fairfax then went on a tour of six months around outback Queensland, establishing branches of the Country Women's Association and recruiting women to their local branches. In 1929, Fairfax travelled to the UK where she studied at Women's Institutes in England and Scotland. She also represented the Country Women's Association at the First International Conference of Rural Women's Organisations in London, and at the International Council of Women in Vienna.
Her passion for women in country areas was long-standing, and she thought of country women as a sisterhood, promoting the idea of mutual help and support. She and her family moved to New South Wales in 1931, as her son took up a post with The Sydney Morning Herald, a family business concern since 1841. Her home in Sydney was the 6,986-square-metre (75,200 sq ft), Elaine, on the waterfront at Seven Shillings Beach, Double Bay. This property was built by the Fairfax family in 1891 and, in 2019, was sold for in excess of A$70 million to Scott Farquhar.
After the move to New South Wales, Ruth Fairfax continued to be involved in the Country Women's Association. She was the president of the metropolitan group in Sydney and also honorary secretary of the New South Wales Country Women's Association. She was a vice president of the Associated Country Women of the World, and attended conferences in Washington and London in her role. She was also an editor of The Countrywoman in New South Wales : official journal of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales which was published from 1937 – 1957.
She was actively involved in a number of other organisations, including as the vice-president of the ladies' auxiliary of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of New South Wales, and as a member of the board of directors of St. Luke's Hospital, Darlinghurst. She was a member of the State executive and then the General Council of the Girl Guides' Association. She was appointed a trustee of the Public Library of New South Wales in 1937, and served in that role until her death. She was chairman of the Women's Council of the Australian Board of Missions, and a patroness of the Kooroora Club for business girls, which formed in 1929.
In 1935 she was appointed an Officer of the British Empire in recognition of her services.
In 1944, the Queensland Country Women's Association established the Ruth Fairfax Bursary.
Later life
In her later years, she was afflicted with diabetes. Fairfax died on 1 February 1948 from chronic nephritis in St Luke's Hospital, Potts Point, Sydney. Ruth Fairfax House, the new state headquarters of the Queensland Country Women's Association, opened on 10 February after her death. It was a Japanese house imported from Japan in 1878 by Judge George William Paul.
Her husband, John Hubert Fairfax (1872-1950), was a pastoralist, businessman and philanthropist, and grandson of John Fairfax, an early owner of The Sydney Morning Herald. Her son, Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax, (1909–1993), was well known for his generous philanthropy and supported organisations such as the Boy Scouts and Outward Bound. In 1962, Ruth Fairfax House was saved from demolition by dismantling it and reconstructing it in Ingham; it was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2003.
Gallery
- Fundrasing in aid of the Toowoomba Soldiers' Sock and Comforts Fund, during World War I. The photograph shows Mrs Fairfax's novelty stall.
- Ruth Fairfax Chapel, Potts Point, Sydney
- Ruth Fairfax's former house, Elaine, at Seven Shillings Beach, Double Bay
References
- ^ "Women's contributions to Queensland: 1920 – 1929, Office for Women (Queensland Government)". Government of Queensland. 23 March 2009. Archived from the original on 29 March 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
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- ^ "Obituary - John Hubert Fairfax - Obituaries Australia". oa.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
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- "Obituary - Sir Vincent Charles Fairfax". Obituaries Australia. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
- "5 Lynch Street (entry 602193)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
External links
- Electorate of Fairfax Greens party candidate opinion about Ruth Fairfax
- "Maiden Speech" of the Honourable Alexander Somlyay MP, current member for Fairfax, about Ruth Fairfax
- website of the CWA of Australia
- Queensland Country Women's Association: Queensland Business Leader's Hall of Fame 2013 inductee
- Ruth Fairfax Australian Dictionary of Biography