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Jessie Street National Women's Library

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Jessie Street National Women's Library

Jessie Street National Women’s Library is a specialist library, collecting material about women and women’s issues.

Established in 1989, the Library is a unique specialist library dedicated to the preservation of Australian women’s work, words and history, documenting the contribution of women to this country’s development. It is self-funded and largely dependent on membership subscriptions, donations and fundraising events to meet its operating expenses. The Library is staffed by volunteers from a range of bac

kgrounds including librarians, archivists, teachers, academics, administrators and media specialists who are dedicated to the preservation of Australian women’s history and for this history to be easily accessible to the public. These volunteers give personal assistance to members, researchers, academics, students and others who use the Library. Copyright Policy

© Jessie Street National Women’s Library

Content published on this page is copyright. No images on this website are to be downloaded from the site. Many of the images in the Library’s poster collection are ‘orphan works’, ie, copyright material for which the rightsholder cannot be identified, or is identifiable but cannot be found, after a reasonable good faith search by the user. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders and gain permission for the use of the images within this collection. The Library would be grateful for any information concerning copyright of the images. Any images, if on this website, will be withdrawn immediately on the copyright holder’s request, if appropriate.

09/06/2026

Upcoming Event - Lunch Hour Talk - Thursday 18th June with speaker: Dr Zephie Comino-Cerny

Unlike the first women to graduate in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law and Engineering, Madge Barnes and Annie Praed were members of the inaugural cohort to be awarded the Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1903 at The University of Sydney.

In this talk, drawing on her PhD research, Dr Zephie Comino-Cerny explores the factors that enabled these two women to join that inaugural graduating class and trace the pathways that led them to this significant moment in the history of professional Australian women.

Zephie is a graduate of The University of Sydney holding a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a PhD. In between these degrees, she studied English towards a BA at the University of Newcastle, though family and professional commitments prevented completion.

Zephie’s interest in women dentists arose from questions about her own career choice. In her graduating class there were three women; parity in dentistry was not reached until the late 1990s.

Her research began with oral histories of early women dentists and correspondence among early women dentists in New South Wales, leading her to focus on Madge Barnes and Annie Praed, the first two women to graduate in dentistry from The University of Sydney.

Where – The meeting room at the Customs House Library, at Circular Quay. 31 Alfred St – at Circular Quay, opposite the station. Take the lift (back LH corner of the foyer) to the second floor.

When – The talk will begin at 12.15, The room is open from 11.30 for tea/coffee/sandwiches.

Entry – $20 JSNWL members $25 non-members

PLEASE BOOK BY NOON Monday 15 June 2026

Phone the library on (02) 9571 5359 or email [email protected]

06/06/2026

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQI+ communities, reflect on the ongoing fight for equality, and recognise the individuals whose courage and activism have helped create change.

The badges featured here are drawn from the Jessie Street National Women’s Library collection. Spanning a range of causes, campaigns, and organisations, they offer a glimpse into the history of LGBTQI+ activism and community building in Australia. Small in size but powerful in message, these badges remind us that social change is often driven by people who speak up, organise, advocate, and refuse to be invisible.

As a library dedicated to collecting and preserving the histories of Australian women, we recognise that LGBTQI+ stories are an important part of our shared history. By preserving these materials, we help ensure that these experiences, achievements and contributions remain visible for future generations.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the activists, advocates, and everyday people whose stories continue to shape a more inclusive future.

🌈 Every story matters.

02/06/2026

"Women to remember this National Reconciliation Week"

[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People should be aware that this post contains the names and images of people who have passed away].

As we mark National Reconciliation Week, we acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women whose leadership, activism, creativity and determination have helped shape Australia. Their contributions, continue to inspire conversations about truth-telling, justice, self-determination and reconciliation.

Faith Bandler (1918–2015)
A South Sea Islander activist, writer and campaigner for Indigenous rights, Faith Bandler played a pivotal role in the movement for the 1967 Referendum. Through decades of advocacy, she worked tirelessly to challenge discrimination and promote equality, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Lowitja O’Donoghue (1932–2024)
A Yankunytjatjara woman and one of Australia's most respected Aboriginal leaders, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue devoted her life to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rights and self-determination. Her leadership and advocacy helped shape national conversations around justice and reconciliation.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal (1920–1993)
Poet, educator, political activist and proud Noonuccal woman, Oodgeroo Noonuccal was the first Aboriginal Australian to publish a book of poetry. Through her powerful writing and activism, she championed Aboriginal rights and shared stories of culture, identity and resilience.

Evelyn Scott (1935–2017)
An influential activist and leader in the reconciliation movement, Evelyn Scott dedicated her life to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights. As Chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, she helped foster greater understanding and dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

At Jessie Street National Women's Library, we are committed to preserving and sharing the stories of women whose work has shaped our nation. This Reconciliation Week, we encourage you to learn more about the lives and legacies of these remarkable women and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

26/05/2026

National Sorry Day - 26th May 2026

Today on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the strength, truth and resilience of Stolen Generation Survivors, their families and communities.

This year's call, 'From Sorry to Action', reminds us that while saying sorry maters, it must be accompanied by meaningful change. Nearly three decades after the "Bringing Them Home" report, many of its recommendations remain unfulfilled while survivors continue to carry the ongoing impacts of removal, trauma and disconnection.

At Jessie Street National Women's Library, we recognise the importance of listening to and preserving stories that deepen understanding of Australia's histories and the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Today, we reflect, remember, and commit to the ongoing work of truth-telling, reconciliation and action.

19/05/2026

One of the most recognisable images of the women’s suffrage movement, “Bugler Girl” became a powerful symbol of women demanding political change in the early 20th century.

Created in 1908 by artist Caroline Watts for a major procession organised by the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, the design appeared across posters, pamphlets, badges and newspapers, eventually becoming an enduring icon of the campaign for women’s voting rights in both Britain and the United States.

Inspired by the heroic and mythical style Watts was known for in her Arthurian illustrations, the figure stands with banner raised and bugle sounding, calling women to join the movement and stand beside their sisters.

Watts studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and was connected to a vibrant network of women artists, writers and suffrage supporters whose creative work helped shape the visual identity of the campaign. Though little survives of her work today, “Bugler Girl” remains her lasting legacy, a striking image of courage, solidarity and collective action. 📯

At Jessie Street National Women’s Library, a reproduction of “Bugler Girl” hangs proudly framed on a tea towel, though we do also have a suffrage tea towel actually being used for drying the dishes…

Resources:
Suffrage Stories/Women Artists: Caroline Watts And the ‘Bugler Girl’ - https://womanandhersphere.com/2014/12/03/suffrage-storieswomen-artists-caroline-watts-and-the-bugler-girl/

Caroline Watts - https://spartacus-educational.com/Caroline_Watts.htm

13/05/2026

You may have seen the 2026 Archibald Prize winning portrait — but do you know the extraordinary woman at its centre?

Iluwanti Ken (born 1944) is a senior Pitjantjatjara artist, originally from Watarru and now living in Amata, on the APY Lands in South Australia. A highly respected ngangkari (traditional healer), Iluwanti also works for the NPY Women's Council and sits on the Board of Directors for Tjala Arts.

Iluwanti is well known for her large-scale ink drawings featuring graphic depictions of mother eagles hunting. Created using traditional punu sticks, these highly detailed works express her Tjukurpa — Anangu cultural heritage encompassing past, present, and future. Through Walawuru Tjukurpa, the story of the eagles, her work speaks of care, protection, family, and deep connection to Country.

“I paint the stories of my father’s country – Walawuru Tjukurpa – the story of the eagles. This is my tjukurpa and all of my children’s tjukurpa too.”

Her work is held in major public collections including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery of South Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, QAGOMA, Artbank and the Singapore Art Museum. Iluwanti was a finalist in the Dobell Drawing Prize in 2021 and 2023, and in 2020 won the Telstra NATSIAA Works on Paper Award. Her work was also featured in Tarnanthi 2020: Open Hands at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Artist Richard Lewer recently captured Iluwanti in his Archibald Prize-winning portrait after spending time with her in Amata — a portrait that reflects the quiet strength, cultural knowledge, and care that define her life and practice.

Photography by Andy Francis
Art by Richard Lewer

04/05/2026

“Ordinary women do extraordinary things and all women’s lives are interesting” — Shirley Jones

A meaningful throwback to 2006, featuring the late Shirley Jones, co-founder and driving force behind the Jessie Street National Women’s Library.

Frustrated by how difficult it was to find books by and about women in Australia, Shirley helped establish a space where those stories could be collected, preserved, and celebrated. Her words here capture the very heart of the Library’s purpose: that every woman’s story matters, and that history is richer when those stories are seen, valued, and shared.

Video by Jan Wood, whose work has long documented and amplified women’s histories through a distinctly feminist lens. 🎥 You can watch the full video and more from her Coffee Break Series on YouTube.

Discover the extraordinary stories of women at Jessie Street National Women’s Library. Visit our website https://nationalwomenslibrary.org.au to learn more.

28/04/2026

A vibrant new addition to the collection! 🎭

In November 2025, the Jessie Street National Women's Library welcomed a wonderful recent acquisition, generously donated by Liz Mortis.

The colourful banner was created by the Freeda Stares, a tap-dancing group who made their debut on International Women's Day in 1980. Made of women with and without tap experience, the group at cabarets, festivals, benefits, protest and even busked at Circular Quay - always by invitation and without pay.

Emerging from workshops at Ollie's Warehouse in Leichhardt and rehearsing at the Tin Sheds at the University of Sydney, the Freeda Stares brought humour and satire to the routines exploring women's issues - from housework to gender experiences.

Their name playfully nods to Fred Astaire, while a badge in the library's collection honours Ginger Rogers with the iconic phrase: "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, only backwards and in high heels."

A joyful piece of feminist performance history!

14/04/2026

One of the first things you’ll notice when you enter the library is this striking installation, but it’s more than just posters.

Years in the making, this piece was realised in 2024 in collaboration artist and screen printer Wendy Murray. Drawing on her background in street poster art, the work reflects the powerful history of posters as tools for activism and collective voice.

At its centre is Jessie Street, a key figure in the fight for human rights and gender equality. The image shows her in Geneva around 1930, during her work with the Equal Rights movement on an international stage.

Inspired by a chance discovery and Wendy’s Equality poster series, the final work is a layered collage of image, text, and protest.

This installation connects directly to our poster collection, where many works were once hand-printed and pasted up in public spaces to demand women’s rights.

It’s both a tribute to that legacy… and a reminder that the work continues.

Jessie Street’s very own chair sits upon it, overlooking the library. More on that later…

Address

523-525 Harris Street
Sydney, NSW
2007

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 3pm
Tuesday	10am - 3pm
Wednesday	10am - 3pm
Thursday	10am - 3pm
Friday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+61295715359

Website

http://nationalwomenslibrary.org.au/

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