Australian Heritage Festival: Lilian Fowler

Lilian Fowler made history when she was elected NSW’s first female alderman for Newtown Council in 1928 and again 10 years later when she became Australia’s first female mayor. In this talk for Heritage Festival, City Historian Laila Ellmoos will look at Fowler’s life in public service and her commitment to improving the lives of residents in the inner suburbs of Sydney.

In addition to serving on Newtown Council for 20 years, Lilian Fowler later became a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly as the member for Newtown in 1944-50. One of her greatest achievements was the creation of a number of children’s playgrounds in the inner city. In 2024, the City of Sydney received a donation of photographs, news clippings and artefacts relating to Lilian Fowler’s career and life. There will be an opportunity to see some of these items as part of the talk.

Please note, there is no mobility access for this event.

Image: Alderman Lilian Fowler, Newtown Municipal Council. Official portrait taken by Sidney Riley Studio, 251a Pitt Street Sydney. (City of Sydney Archives A-01211977).