The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Lady MacCallum was President of the National Council of Women from 1919 to 1927. She was also an active supporter of female students at the University of Sydney.

She migrated to Australia in 1886 when her husband, (Sir) Mungo William MacCallum, was appointed foundation professor of modern languages and literature at the University of Sydney. Mungo later went on to become vice-chancellor and chancellor of the University, while Dorothea became active in community work and campus life.

As well as being active in the National Council of Women, she was prominent in the Sydney Day Nursery and Nursery Schools Association, especially in the establishment of its nursery training college in 1932.

Lady MacCallum was also associated with the Royal Society for the Welfare of Mothers and Babies; the New South Wales Society for Crippled Children; and the Sydney Church of England Girls’ Grammar schools at Darlinghurst and Moss Vale.

A portrait of her by E. A. Harvey was presented to the University Settlement in 1933.

Events

• 1970

  Present at the founding meeting of the National Council of Women of New South Wales

• 1919 - 1927

  President, National Council of Women of New South Wales

• 1924 - 1938

  President, Sydney Day Nursery and Nursery Schools Association; prominent in the establishment of its nursery training college in 1932

• 1970

  Helped to set up the Sydney University Women’s Society (University Settlement)

• 1970

  Vice President, University Settlement.

• 1970 - 1903

  Vice President, University Settlement.

• 1910

  President, Women’s Sports Association.

• 1925 - 1932

  President, University Settlement.

• 1931

  Patroness, Sydney University Women’s Union