08 Aug The Fabulous Women In Alice Springs
Pssssst want to uncover a fabulous secret in Alice Springs?
A visit to the Old Alice Springs Gaol which also houses the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame.
I was reminded of my wonderful visit there in 2014 when Miss Caroline from England messaged me the following, along with a lovely book review;
“In fact I went to the Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame in Alice because I read that bit and how much you liked it just after I arrived there. Really enjoyed it too”
For $7 you get double the experience. I would have paid more, it’s well worth it.
I went through the old gaol first. I particularly enjoyed sitting and watching a video of an interview with a former matron at the gaol for over three decades, Mrs Telka Williams.
She spoke of gaol life. One could sense that Mrs Williams was a woman ahead of her time.
She spoke kindly of the women she supervised. Rather than judge she initiated many craft activities and life skill programs to better equip them on their release. Many of the female inmates referred to the gaol as ‘home’.
The National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame is located in the old canteen building and hosts ‘Ordinary Women Extraordinary Lives’ exhibition.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the inspirational stories of ‘kick arse’ women.
I particularly liked Catherine Gregson who was the first woman to drive a car around Australia. She did all her own maintenance.
I got a giggle from Mona Minahan’s story. She was the first barmaid at a local Alice pub.
Mona use to keep a stick behind the bar to sort out any men causing trouble.
I left there with a spring in my step. Inspired by so many ‘kick arse’ women and their wonderful stories.
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