On 7 June 1929, five women met in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, to discuss,
forming a Society for women descendants of early Australian pioneers.
Carlotta Doyle, Kathleen Shekleton, Iris da Silva Waugh, Inez Radford and Mary Griffiths
formed “The Women’s Pioneer Society of Australasia Inc” to preserve the memory of the
Pioneer founders of Australia.

The Society adopted the motto: “Ab initio coloniae,” meaning “From the beginning of settlement”.

The Foundation President was Rita Lingham, a descendant of Lt George Johnston of the Royal Marines
who came out as ADC to Governor Phillip in1788. The first Honorary Secretary Carlotta Doyle.

At the end of 1929, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was under construction and the world was entering
into the Great Depression. The Society attracted 350 founding members, who met in the
rooms of the Country Women’s Association in the Adams Building, George Street, Sydney.
Later, the Society obtained its own rooms in Burdekin House, Macquarie Street, Sydney.

In 2004, the Women’s Pioneer Society entered a new chapter, moving to the majestic, art-deco inspired
Royal Automobile Club of Australia, 89 Macquarie Street, Sydney, where the Society continues
to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
The Society honours the Pioneers, whether free settler or convict, whose courage and endurance
made possible the democratic, independent nation Australia is today. We also honour modern day
pioneers who excel in their chosen fields and we continue to value our strong bond with
other nations of the British Commonwealth.

The Society looks forward to its 100th anniversary in 2029.