Cirrus@Austlit

'Six-year-old Helen Porter just wanted to sing on stage. As a child, and then a teenager, she continued to pursue her dream of being a great opera star. In 1886, aged 25 she left Melbourne for the bright lights of London. Born Helen Porter Mitchel, she changed her name to reflect her Melbourne heritage. In 1887 Nellie Melba made her operatic debut. She went on to sing in all the great opera houses of Europe. During World War 1 Nellie Melba worked tirelessly holding many fundraising concerts for the war effort. Nellie Melba was the first great Australian diva.' (Publication summary)

'Australia’s First Saint

1842-1909

The story of Mary MacKillop, from teacher to saint.

“We must teach more by example than by word.”' (Publication summary)

'If Captain James Cook discovered Australia if John Macarthur planted the first seeds of its extraordinary prosperity if Ludwig Leichhardt penetrated and explored its before unknown interior Caroline Chisholm has done much more: she has peopled she alone has colonised in the true sense of the term. Henry Parkes, Empire newspaper, 15 August 1859. ' (Publication summary)

'Edith Cowan overcame a violent past, dedicating her life to social and political reform, and eventually became the first woman elected to Australian parliament.' (Publisher's abstract.)