Woman Richmond, Catherine

Occupation
Feminist and Sociologist
Alternative Names
  • Richmond, Katy
  • Worcester, Catherine

Written by Helen Marshall, RMIT University

Katy Richmond (born 1938) is a notable activist whose academic work as a lecturer and senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at La Trobe University (1966-2006) was always linked to writing and activism around equity issues.

Her master's thesis (ANU, 1969) concerned women's employment, and when, at the request of Professor Jean Martin, she became involved with the Sociological Association of Australia and New Zealand (SAANZ now TASA -The Australian Sociological Association) she worked to advance women sociologists. She served on the association's executive over a thirty-five year period, occupying various positions, including as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. She was convenor of three of the association's annual conferences and was a key figure in the development of its Women's Section. In 1994 Katy led the association's first bid for an International Sociological Association conference. She also edited four editions of Sociology in Australian Universities. In 2004 she was given the TASA Award for Distinguished Service to Australian Sociology.

In 1981 Katy was appointed head of Menzies College at La Trobe University where, as the first female head of a mixed residential college in Australia, she met a range of administrative challenges. She returned to a full-time academic position in 1987.

Beyond academe, recruited by Beatrice Faust, Katy played a founding role in Women's Electoral Lobby. WEL's 1972 survey of candidates for Federal political office attracted attention internationally. Katy's other activities include a period as Director of her local Bendigo Bank, and work with the Victorian ALP Health and Community Services Committee (1987-2006). She is also active in Rotary.

Published Resources

Journal Articles

  • Richmond, Katy, 'Sociology's Roller-coaster Ride in Australia', Histories of Australian Sociology, Melbourne University Publishing, Melbourne, Victoria, 2005, pp. 57-64. Details

See also