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Dame Mabel Flora Miller DBE

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Mabel Miller

Awarded for service to Government, service to the Community

Born: 30 November 1906

Died: 30 December 1978

Entered on roll: 2009


Mabel Flora Miller was born in Broken Hill on 30 November 1906. She was educated in Adelaide and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide in 1927. She was admitted to the Bar in South Australia in 1927 and practiced in London and Sydney. In 1930, Mabel married Alan Miller and they settled in Hobart.

In 1941, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force and served as a Deputy Director from 1942 –1943.

After WWII, Dame Mabel Miller became committed to community work including serving: the Red Cross Society, the Queen Alexandra Hospital: the Mary Ogilvy Homes Society; the Right to Life Association and in 1955 she was instrumental in raising funds to establish the Women’s and Children’s Memorial Rest Centre in Hobart. She also served as President of the National Council of Women for 12 years.

In 1952, Mabel was elected the first female Alderman of the City of Hobart. In 1955, she was elected to the House of Assembly becoming, along with Millie Best, one of the first women elected to the House. In 1961, she was elected Federal Vice-President of the Liberal Party.

Mabel Miller was appointed a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1967 for distinguished community service.

Nationally, Dame Mabel Miller served on the Interim Council of the Australian National Gallery and on the Metric Conversion Board. In 1967, she represented Australia at the UN Status of Women Commission and closely worked on the UN Declarations on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

Dame Mabel Miller is well remembered for her service to Parliament and local government and her war and community service. She was a woman ahead of her time and provided inspiration to many. Dame Mabel Miller died in Hobart on 30 December 1978.

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