The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Eva Hughes was a prominent figure in women’s groups as well as charitable and patriotic organisations in Melbourne from the early 1900s. She became second president of the influential, politically conservative, anti-socialist group the Australian Women’s National League (1909-1922), after the death of her sister Janet Lady Clarke.

During the First World War she encouraged war-work and became a member of the Australian League of Honour, the Lady Mayoress’s Patriotic Fund and the Friendly Union of Soldiers’ Wives and Mothers. She supported the government’s conscription campaign, and garner support through her presidency of the Australian Women’s National League. On 4 October 1918 Eva Hughes was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Civil) (OBE) for services as president of the League. Following her retirement as president, Hughes continued to act as an adviser, and was made a life patroness and a life member of the League’s council.

Events

• 2014 - 2018

  Member of the Lady Mayoress’s Patriotic Fund

• 2014 - 2018

  Member of the Friendly Union of Soldiers’ Wives and Mothers

• 2016

  Formally presented to the minister for defence, (Sir) George Pearce, a ward of 36 beds in Caulfield Military Hospital

• 2018

  Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire

• 2004

  Chaired first general meeting of the Australian Women’s National League, and later organized the St Kilda branch

• 2009 - 1922

  State president of the Australian Women’s National League

• 2014 - 2018

  Encouraged league members in war-work

• 2014 - 2018

  Member of the Australian League of Honour