The Australian Women's Register

Stella Swinney graduated from Sydney University in 1933 with honours in Psychology. She was on a Teaching scholarship, but was unable to get a teaching position, as the Government was not employing teachers in that period of the Great Depression. She joined the retail firm and eventually became staff training officer.

After working in that capacity for eight years, she joined the Australian Women’s Army Service and reached the rank of Major.

In 1944 she was invited to join the Department of Post-War Reconstruction to assist with the re-establishment of ex-servicewomen. In 1948 she travelled to Britain as interviewing and selection officer and travelled all over the country interviewing people as prospective migrants for Australia.

In 1951 she returned to Australia and worked for two years as secretary of Sydney University Women’s Union, then took a position as Training Officer with Bonds Industries. Her next appointment was as Personnel Officer for Grace Bros.

In 1962 she was appointed Principal of Duval College, at the University of New England, Armidale, a position she held for ten years, until 1972.

In June 1973, she accepted a position as Woman’s advisor to Mr J. Douglas Anthony leader of the Country Party in Australia to complete a report on the involvement of women in that party, with suggestions for greater participation for women at all levels, including policy-making.

In her retirement in Canberra she was involved with the Returned Services League and the Penguin Club.