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Forging the Nation - Vida Goldstein

 

  • Forging the Nation: home
  • Federation
  • National identity
  • Seeking security
  • The First World War
  • Towards the future
  • Australians
  • Introduction
  • Australian Men
  • Australian Women
  • Vida Goldstein
  • John Monash
  • Nellie Melba
  • Douglas Mawson
  • David Unaipon
  • Simpson and his donkey
  • Charles Bean
  • Les Darcy
  • Albert Jacka

 

Peace activist

Introduced into the fight for women's suffrage by her mother, Vida Goldstein took an early interest in politics. In 1903, as an Independent, she became the first woman in the British Empire to stand for election to a national parliament. Her bid for a Senate seat failed, but she continued to fight for women's suffrage, women's rights and social justice.

Goldstein was a speaker, writer and campaigner. Throughout the war she was an ardent pacifist, became chairman of the Peace Alliance and formed the Women's Peace Army. She recruited Adela Pankhurst, recently arrived from England as an organiser. Pankhurst wrote Put up the sword and was gaoled for her radical activities.

After the war Vida took an increasing interest in international matters. She advocated disarmament and the pursuit of better living standards. Although she often proposed simple solutions to complex problems, she was recognised as a born reformer, and as a devoted and courageous woman. She died, aged 80, in 1949.

Vida Goldstein

Vida Goldstein
Image courtesy of the National Library of Australia

Last updated: 4 December 2019

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Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians.

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The placesofpride

Places of Pride

Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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The Australian War Memorial building

The Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent
Campbell ACT 2612
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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