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Hazel (Elaine) Bushby

Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women logo
Elaine Bushby

Awarded for community service

Born: 15 November 1934
Hobart, Tasmania

Died: 19 October 2019
Launceston Tasmania

Entered on roll: 2017


“Happier working behind the scenes”

Hazel “Elaine” Bushby has served many organisations as a volunteer for lengthy periods playing a key part in raising awareness of issues concerning women.

Elaine was born in Hobart and was adopted at age four-and-a-half years by a widow.

After attending Hobart High School, Elaine was a trainee tracer with the Hydro Electric Commission before undertaking general nurse training in 1953-1954. When Elaine married Max Bushby in November 1954, she was unable to complete her nursing training as women had to resign upon marriage.

Max was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in 1961. Elaine was a very supportive wife while Max served as a parliamentarian until 1986. She raised five children and participated in mother’s help, mothers’ clubs and tuck shops at Punchbowl Primary School and Scotch Oakburn College. Elaine also taught at the Newstead Baptist Sunday School. As the children became older, Elaine also worked part-time for the Roy Morgan Research Centre.

Together, Elaine and Max Bushby were involved in many community organisations, including the Missionary Training College Advisory Council and Bible Society. They represented Australia at the United Bible Societies special meeting in Russia in 1992, and attended the first Easter services to be held in the Kremlin for 70 years.

Elaine’s considerable volunteer service included State Secretary of the Tasmanian Christian Endeavour Union, member of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Secretary of the Royal Commonwealth Society Ladies Auxiliary for 13 years, long-term supporter of Overseas Missions, Elder at the Newstead Baptist Church, correspondent for the Baptist quarterly newsletter Advance for 12 years, Board Member of Launceston City Mission for 15 years, Associate Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (Tasmanian Association), and leadership positions within the National Council of Women, Launceston.

In 2001, Elaine Bushby was awarded the Centenary Award for contributing to the care of people and improving the role of women.

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