Women's Suffrage Centenary Calendar

This calendar lists the events during the year-long celebrations held in South Australia in 1994 to commemorate the centenary of the granting of women's suffrage in this state. We hope this calendar will be of interest and use for other states and countries planning to celebrate centenaries of women's suffrage, and will provide plenty ideas for similar celebrations. These details are as printed on the posters promoting the calendar of events. Some details may have altered as the year progressed—dates may have changed, events may have been cancelled, or new events occurred.

Entries are arranged chronologically by month. For each entry an exact date is given where stated. If no date is known the event is listed at the end of the individual dates, for that month. For further information on any event, email the Office for the Status of Women, 136 North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, a South Australian state government agency, who will endeavour to put you in touch with the person or organisation responsible for organising the event.

Since the Calendar of events is a large file it has been divided into four sections:

1992-March 1994
April to June 1994
July to September 1994
October to December 1994 and supplementary events

1992 to March 1994

1992

December 18 Launch of South Australia's Women's Suffrage Centenary by Her Excellency, the Roma Mitchell at Government House.
Dame Roma is also the patron for the Centenary, which will be commemorated in 1994 with a full year of celebrations. South Australia became the first place in the world to grant women their full democratic rights—to qualify them to stand for parliament and, at the same time, to extend them the right to vote.

1993

August 16 Launch of two historic tapestries in the making.
These have been commissioned to commemorate the Centenary and South Australia's distinction of being the first democracy in the world to give women the right to stand for parliament. Sixteen skilled volunteer community weavers will spend around 5,000 hours weaving the tapestries in public view in the foyer of the National Australia Bank, 22 King William Street. Scores of passers-by are each week accepting an open invitation to 'make a pass' and weave their way into history (all participants are being recorded). When completed, the tapestries will be hung in the House of Assembly, Parliament House. The tapestries will replace portraits of men and provide lasting symbols in these corridors of power of South Australia's world-leading achievement for women in parliament.

September 9, 16 & 23 Worker's Educational Association of SA
Short Educational program. Venue: WEA Adult Educational Centre.

October 13 Launch of the Centenary Diary. Visually stunning, this 22.5 cm x 15 cm size diary features the first of two Centenary tapestries on the cover and fascinating full page photographs of notable South Australian women (past and present) illustrates each week of the year. The Women's Suffrage Centenary Diary is sponsored by Foundation South Australia.

October 25 Launch of the winning poster for the Centenary.
Designed by a secondary school student, together with a display of best entries. Carclew Arts Centre, North Adelaide.

November 17 Media Launch of logo for 100 Years of Housework Exhibition to be staged in April/May 1994.
Venue for launch Ayers House Kitchen. Old Parliament House. The publication of a booklet titled 1894 How a Parliament of Men gave the Vote to Women describing how the Adult Suffrage Bill was passed in 1894, illustrated with contemporary cartoons.

December 16 Community Liaison Officers Salisbury North West
The launch of a series of vibrant multicultural panels created by the traditional skills of Aboriginal women and women of Non-English speaking backgrounds. The panels will reflect their migration experiences, their contributions to this state and their aspirations for the future. Venue Salisbury North 3-7, Bagstor Road, Salisbury. These panels will be rotated around four local schools; Paralowie Reception to-Year 12, Salisbury North Years 3-7, Salisbury High School Burton Reception to -Year 7, between August and December and will form part of a touring exhibition which will commemorate and celebrate the shared experiences of women.

1994

JANUARY

1. The Centenary Begins.
Opening celebration on the steps of Parliament House to mark the beginning of the Women's Suffrage Centenary. Featuring a women's choir, SA singer/song writer of the year Robin Habel, the release of 100 gold and purple balloons to represent each year of the century since the historic legislation, and the launch of a Centenary Time Capsule which will be sealed on December 17 and buried in the catacombs under Parliament House. Venue: Parliament House.

1-2 Vitari Australian Beach Volley Ball Grand Prix
Women have won the recognition to participate equally in this event, which in 1994 will qualify teams for selection into the training squad for the Atlanta Olympic Games. Glenelg Beach.

3 Women's Suffrage Centenary Tapestries
Work will recommence on the weaving of the first of the two historic tapestries commissioned to commemorate the Centenary of SA's distinction of being the first democracy in the world to give women the right to stand for parliament. Work on the second tapestry is expected to start mid January. When completed, the tapestries will be hung in the House of Assembly, Parliament House. Members of the public are encouraged to accept the open invitation to call in to the foyer of National Australia Bank, 22 King William Street, to 'make a pass' and weave their way into history, and all participants are being recorded.

Environment Award
To commemorate the Suffrage Centenary the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will provide an annual award up to $10,000 to be named after a prominent woman associated with the environment. The award will be open to all who qualify on the basis of significant achievement for the SA community and the environment.

SARDI Annual Research Bursary
An ongoing annual Bursary of $1,000. Sponsored by the SA Research and Development Institute (SARDI), for a woman Honours graduate in the field of agriculture, fisheries or forestry in the area of production, downstream processing, post wharf and post farm and associated disciplines.

FEBRUARY

Early February Launch of the Young Women's Commemorative Petition to Parliament
Launch of this special schools project coordinated by Ms Elizabeth Mansutti. Re-creation of the Great Petition for Women's Suffrage. Modern day petition, which will be presented to Parliament in August, will contain signatures of young women aged 16 to 18, gathered from all.state and independent schools throughout SA and the NT. Young women from six metropolitan schools will develop the message to Parliament that the petition will carry.

4 Chinese Cooking Demonstration.
Cooking demonstration by Chinese women during the Chinese New Year and free distribution of fortune cookies. Sponsored by Soroptomists International of SA Inc. Rundle Mall, Adelaide.

6 Centenary Guided Walk-From Franchise to Freedom.
This special guided walk, conducted by Tourabout Adelaide (Sandy Pugsley & Jan Forbes), commences on February 6 at 2 pm. It will emphasise the active role women have played in the development of SA from the earliest days of settlement till today. You will hear about a range of women from the first woman to graduate to the first woman Judge of the Supreme Court and from the leaders of the suffrage movement to today's community leaders. Tours on the first Sunday of every month from 2 pm. .Wednesday evenings throughout February and March from 6 pm. Other times by special arrangement.

10-12 Two Feet.
A dance dedicated to the Centenary, and based on the theme of women's struggle to achieve excellence. Choreographed and performed by Meryl Tankard, Artistic Director of the Australian Dance Theatre.Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre.

11 Women's Suffrage Centenary Ecumenical Service.
St Peter's Cathedral, North Adelaide. Time: 8:00pm.

11 Commemorative Photographic and Memorabilia Display—SA Women in Sport
A display of photographs and memorabilia of women who have made a major contribution to sport and recreation in SA. Sponsored by the Division of Recreation. Sporting Expo, Adelaide Showgrounds.

11 Adelaide Games Grand Prix
Track and field events, organised independently of the Steering Committee, and accredited as a Suffrage Centenary event. The day's proceedings will be highlighted by a special women's event celebrating the centenary. Olympic Sports Field, Kensington.

12 (until March 13) A World of Difference
Curated fine arts exhibition of works by noteworthy SA women artists, which demonstrate problems women have experienced. Featuring: Njorie Bungey, Pat Hagan, Lydia Globlicka, Barbara Leslie, Mary Michelmore, Pam Kouwenhoven, Noela Hall, Vicki Waller and Stephanie Schrapel, Pennie Dowie, Jo Caddy, Ursula Dutkiewicz and P McKillup. Directed by Sheila Whittam. Venue: John Dunn Fine Arts Gallery, 384 Mt Barker Rd, Bridgewater.

13 (until March 13) Return of Sophia-Installation Exhibition
Major solo exhibition of recent work by Noela Hjorth. Focus on sculptural works incorporating bronze casting, welded steel and terracotta. Theme of Earth Mother goddess beginning.with Adam and Eve and the tree of life, and evolving to dramatically opposed elements of the 20th century, represented by the symbols of the Yin and Yang. Venue: St. Peter's Cathedral, North Adelaide.

15 (until April 30) Precious Gems of Australia Jewellers
Exhibition of a collection of handcrafted jewellery designed by Maria Kenda and using Australian gem stones, such as amethyst and topaz, in the Centenary colours.The collection will be launched on February 15 by the Lord Mayor Henry Ninio and the Lady Mayoress, Lynette Ninio. Venue: Precious Gems of Australia, 9 Hindley Street, Adelaide. The exhibition will also go on tour.

17 Book Launch-The Ironing Lady
Launch by Ms Janine Haines of the novel The Ironing Lady by Jan Hill (Flash Back Press). Based on the social theme of the quest for empowerment by the late 20th century woman in an all male, factory-work world. Venue: Women's Centre, St Peters, 64 Nelson St, Stepney.

17 Woman's Christian Temperance Union of SA 1994 Suffrage Centenary Celebration
Luncheon with guest speaker: Sister Deirdre Jordan, AC, MBE, Chancellor of Flinders University. In the afternoon, a panel of three women from different walks of life will promote discussion on the topic 'Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow' .Salvation Army Adelaide Congress Hall.

18 February–13 March 1994 Adelaide Festival Fringe 18-20 Fringe Out West Festival
A multi-Arts Festival designed around disability, access, affordability, and cultural diversity. Women performers include: Arramaieda (Women acappella- Sydney), Poni Jenke (Murri Islander singer/song writer), Sisters Plus (exciting Aboriginal group developed from seven sisters), Robyn Habel (Award winning singer/song writer from Adelaide), Da Linga-(Black American singer/entertainer). Presented by Arts in Action. Venue: Fantasia Convention Centre, 292 Findon Rd, Findon.

21-25 At Home at Willard House-Woman's Christian Temperance Union of SA
Open House to highlight the women who achieved enfranchisement in this state and the legacy they gave the present generation. Literature and displays, viewing of health and educational videos. Venue: Willard House, 145 Hutt Street Adelaide.

21 (Tuesdays until March 22) The Many Hats that Women Wear
Part of a series of millinery workshops for women from the community which will culminate in a special exhibition in September. There will be historical hats from each decade over the past century using authentic.styles, materials, and construction and which will be depicted as symbols of conformity. There will also be contemporary hats, which together with soft sculpture, will reflect social comment on the changing roles of women within our society. The Tuesday workshops involve eight sessions of two hours, after which the students' work will be displayed at the Burnside Council Library in the first week of April. Additional country workshops being arranged including Kangaroo Island.

22 Radio Documentary Launch—With a Little Bit of Help from my Friends.
Based on the life and current retirement lifestyle of Majorie Ladkin, political activist and.Secretary of the Nursing Federation, during 12 significant years. Produced by the ABC's Heather Steen. Series of six programs devised by Helen Flinter and written by Pat Rix about women in their 80s and 90s maintaining independence in the community. Venue: Nexus Cabaret, Lion Arts Centre.

22-26 Artists Week
A five day free event including debate, performances, screenings and presentations by leading Australian and international contemporary artists, writers and cultural commentators. The program has been compiled by nine curators, eight of whom are women. The week will pay particular attention to Aboriginal women artists, and women artists working with new technologies. Sponsored by the Adelaide Festival of Arts. Venue: Elder Hall, University of Adelaide.

24 Fringe Out West Comes to Town.
Refer to 18-20 Feb for description. Venue: Nexus Cabaret Space, Lion Arts Centre, North Terrace.

24 (until March 26) Ngurra.
A collaborative installation undertaken by Anne Mosey and Dolly Nampijinpa Daniels. The artists will explore the meanings of the Warlpiri word 'ngurra' (camp, home or country) from the perspective of their personal histories. Venue: University of South Australia Art Museum, Holbrooks Road, Underdale.

25 February -12 March-1994 Adelaide Festival of Arts 25 Women in Business Network
The commencement of a series of meetings, convened for women business owners who wish to share business ideas and upgrade their.business management skills and knowledge. Ongoing throughout 1994.

26 The Many Hats that Women Wear
Part of a series of millinery workshops for women from the community (seee February 21) culminating in an exhibition in September. One day workshop: Noarlunga Community Arts Centre, after which the students' work will go on display in the centre.

28 Women's Suffrage Centenary Special Guests for Writers Week
Marilyn French: A panel session including Anne Summers, Hanan al Sharkch and Susan Mitchell as Chair. Topic—The Future of Feminism.
Deirdre Bair: A panel session including Blanch D Alpuget. Venue: Memorial Women's Garden.

28.(until March 13) Stitches in Time, Embroidery Past and Present
An exhibition of embroideries from around the world,.from the 17th Century to the present day. Venue: Embroiders Guild 16 Hughes Street, Mile End.

28 (until March 25) Book Exhibition-Women's Issues
A travelling book exhibition, by the British Council, containing 160 new British books and journals covering: women in management, women and education, women and work, women and the arts, women's health policy, violence against women. Venue: Barr Smith Library, University of Adelaide, North Terrace.

Book Launch-In Her Own Name (2nd edition).
Launch of Dr Helen Jones revised work, In Her Own Name (Wakefield Press).

Augusta Zadow Award
Launch of the award to be made in 1994 which will recognise contribution to improvements in women's health and safety in the workplace. It is also designed to stimulate interest and recognise excellence in women's occupational health and safety. Sponsored by the Department of Labour and Administrative Services.

Women and Public Transport Award
$10,000 Postgraduate Research Scolarship provided by the State Transport Authority to be awarded in late February.

MARCH

1 Writers Week Suffrage Centenary Guest: Marilyn French.
Meet the Author-solo session. Memorial Women's Garden.

2 Writers Week Suffrage Centenary Guest: Deirdre Bair
`Meet the Author-solo session. Memorial Women's Garden.

2 57th International Women's Day.Celebration Luncheon.
Special guest speakers. Presentation of IWD awards for poetry 1993-94. Launch of IWD short story-poetry anthology. Presentation of the IWD service certificates rewarding.women community achievers.Venue: Freemason's Hall, 254 North Terrace, Adelaide.

3 Public Forum-Writers Week Suffrage Centenary Guests
Special Suffrage Centenary sponsored guests for Writers Week: Marilyn French and Deirdre Bair. Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre

2-30 Jacqueline Hick Retrospective.
A retrospective exhibition of paintings, prints and enamels of South Australian artist Jacqueline Hick, with interpretative panels. Presented by the Royal SA Society of Arts. Venue: RSASA Gallery, 1st floor, Institute Building, 122 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide.

4 Women of Metal—Don't be too polite girls!
Launch of Banner of the Women's Committee of the Automotive Metal Engineering Union. Venue: AMEU Building, 229 Greenhill Road, Dulwich.

6 City Mazda Women's Celebration Fun Run or Walk.
A special non-competitive Women's Suffrage Celebration Fun Run/Walk. Women and girls of all ages and fitness are encouraged to join the fun by jogging or walking. A special commemorative medal.of the 5km or 10km will be presented to every finisher. Breakfast.will be provided free for each finisher after the run. Organised by the SA Road Runners Club and sponsored by City Mazda. Groups of more than four women or girls are encouraged to enter. Start-Memorial Drive (behind Zoo).

7 -11 The CWA at Home.
A special Country Women's Association display, featuring photographs, memorabilia, stories, famous CWA members (past and present). State Club, 30 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town.

8 International Women's Day
8 UNIFEM Breakfast, Adelaide Convention Centre. 8 International Women's Day Lunch-time Picnic
The South Australian Branches of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and Women's Electoral Lobby invite all women and girls to this picnic to celebrate womens' and girls' contribution to peace and social justice. Speaker, Julia Lester (ABC Radio). Music by Archipelago. Open microphone for women to celebrate particular women in our lives or history. Venue: Peace Park (opposite Memorial Hospital), Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, North Adelaide.

9 SA Country Women's Association (CWA) Centenary Tour-Celebrating 100 Years of Women's Right to Vote
The launch by Mrs Anne Hetzel and State President, Mrs Anne Phelan, of a series of one day seminars to be held in country towns from March to September. Speakers on the significance of the Centenary, how women's enfranchisement was achieved and on the women who brought it all about, as well as drama, art, music and handicraft presented by CWA members. Venue: State Club, 30 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town.

12 International Women's Day March, Picnic & Dance.
Meet in Victoria Square and march to Rymill Park for a special afternoon festival to celebrate the Centenary.

12 Women's Suffrage Centenary Cup Racing Carnival.
South Australian Jockey Club Headquarters, Morphettville Racecourse.

15 Women's Lives and the Law.
Commencement of Women's Lives and the Law, a series of five twilight lectures hosted by Finlaysons, one of Adelaide's leading commercial law firms.The presenters of each lecture are leaders in their fields.The first lecture on 'Women and the Criminal Law', will be presented by Lindy Powell.

16 CWA Centenary Tour. One day seminar. Location-Flaxley.

17 Lecture: Women and Industrial Law
Delivered by Robyn Layton QC, this is the second in the series of Finlayson's twilight lectures.

17 & 24 The Many Hats that Women Wear.
Part of a series of millinery workshops for women from the community (see February 21) culminating in an exhibition in September. Two successive Sundays of workshops at Lobethal after which the students' work will go on display in the Lobethal Information Centre.

18 (until April 12) And the Kitchen Sink
A woman's experience in the building trade. An exhibition of paintings, drawings and objects, by South Australian artist, Margie Hooper. Venue: Adelaide Central Gallery, 53 Osmond St Norwood.

19 Wild Women Never Get The Blues
The launch of a film documenting the various trips, training, courses and workshops conducted by Women of the Wilderness. Will explore the ways in which a safe and supportive working environment is established to promote a sense of confidence for women in wanting to learn outdoor skills such as rock climbing, absailing, canoeing, bush walking etc.Venue: Clarence Park Community Centre, Corner of East Avenue and Canterbury Terrace, Black Forest.

21 CWA Centenary Tour. One day seminar. Location-Victor Harbor.

22 Lecture: 'Family and Property Law'
Delivered by Vicky Chapman, third in the series of Finlayson's twilight lectures.

23-25 CWA Centenary Tour. One day seminar. Location-Kingscote Kangaroo Island.

24 Lecture: 'The Law and Aboriginal Women'
Natasha Mc Namara presents the fourth in the series of Finlayson's twilight lectures.

26 (until Nov 27) Kate Cocks Exhibition
A museum devoted to Australia's first police woman, Kate Cocks, who was born in Moonta. The display, by the Moonta Branch of the National Trust, will also highlight her continuous involvement with women and children's welfare. Venue: Moonta Mines Museum.

29 Lecture: Future Predictions and Expectations
Delivered by Foundation Professor of Law at Flinders University, Rebecca Bailey-Harris, this final lecture in Finlayson's series will look at future directions in the law and its impact on women.

29 CWA Centenary Tour. One day seminar. Location-Willunga.

Touring Photographic Exhibition by Rosey Boehm
Photographs of South Australian women who have achieved success in their lives, but who may have received little public recognition.

International Women's Day Committee
Launch of the history of the International Women's Day Committee (SA) over almost 70 years from 1927 to 1994.

Women in South Australia: A statistical profile.
Launch of publication on SA women, which will provide a comprehensive picture of women's present welfare and status and serve as a background for research, analysis and policy-making for government, business and community sectors. Sponsored by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in conjunction with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

March-December. A Woman's Place. Celebrating Women in Politics 1894-1994.
An exhibition designed to empower women and inspire them to actively participate in political life. Containing historic information including details on all women MP's in SA since the first in 1959. The Women's Suffrage Centenary time capsule will be on display at this exhibition.Venue: Centre Hall—Parliament House.

Women as Decision Makers in Early Childhood Services
The launch of a series of profiles and a video on the contribution community women have made to local management committees in early childhood.services and also to the Children's Services state wide Consultative Structure. Sponsored by Children's Services Office.

Women in Business
The launch of a research publication Women in Business conducted by the Small Business Corporation.

Feature Articles—SA International Brief.
The publication.of the first of a 12 month series of commissioned profile work in the Economic Development Authority's newsletter on a number of current leading business women in SA, who are success models.

Suffrage Debates for Students.
Launch by the State History Centre and the Department of Arts and Cultural Heritage of a series of printed debates for students to use in the former House of Assembly Chamber at Old Parliament House and schools.