Women’s History Month: Discover the Stories of Bendigo’s Women
Every March, during Women’s History Month, we are reminded that many of the stories that shaped our communities were created by women whose contributions were often overlooked or quietly woven into everyday life. One of the best places to discover these stories is the online collection of the Bendigo Historical Society, available through Victorian Collections.
Through photographs, documents and personal memorabilia, this digital archive opens a window onto the lives of women who helped build Bendigo – from doctors and sports pioneers to wartime workers and community leaders.
A Pioneer in Medicine: Dr Lilian Cleeve
One of the fascinating items available online is the Doctor Lilian Cleeve Collection, 1915–1996. This collection includes photographs, documents and personal items connected to Dr Lilian Marjorie Cleeve, a Bendigo doctor who served the community for decades. (Victorian Collections)
Dr Cleeve graduated from the University of Melbourne’s medical school in 1941 and arrived in Bendigo during the Second World War, travelling by train alongside soldiers heading to nearby military camps. She quickly began work as a hospital registrar before establishing herself as a respected local doctor. (Victorian Collections)
Throughout her career she delivered babies, ran a medical practice in the city and later worked in specialist clinics. She also visited military bases such as Puckapunyal to conduct medical screenings for soldiers. (Victorian Collections)
Collections like this remind us that the history of Bendigo is not only the story of institutions or buildings, but also of individuals who dedicated their lives to caring for others.
Bendigo and the Birth of Women’s Cricket
Few people realise that Bendigo holds a remarkable place in Australian sporting history. The city is widely recognised as the birthplace of women’s cricket in Australia. The first recorded women’s cricket match took place during the 1874 Easter Fair in Bendigo’s Camp Hill (now Rosalind Park), where two teams – the “Blues” and the “Reds” – played to raise funds for local charities. (bendigo.vic.gov.au)
The match was organised by local schoolteacher Barbara Rae, who captained the winning Blues team and was also the top scorer. At the time, women participating in organised sport was controversial and required considerable determination and courage. (Premier of Victoria)
More than 150 years later, Bendigo continues to celebrate this pioneering moment in sporting history with the recent unveiling of a statue of Barbara Rae – a reminder that women have been challenging expectations and creating new opportunities for generations.
Women at Work During Wartime: The Mapmakers of Fortuna
Another remarkable chapter of Bendigo’s women’s history unfolded during the Second World War at the historic Fortuna site. In 1942 the Australian Army established the Land Headquarters Cartographic Company at Fortuna Villa to produce maps and charts for the Allied war effort. (placesofpride.awm.gov.au)
The unit brought together soldiers, technical specialists and members of the Australian Women’s Army Service, who worked side by side producing highly detailed military maps. These maps were essential for planning operations across the Pacific and supported Allied campaigns, including the retaking of the Philippines. (placesofpride.awm.gov.au)
The presence of women in these technical and military roles during wartime was significant. ( Royal Australian Survey Corps)
Exploring Women’s Stories Online
These stories – a pioneering doctor, groundbreaking athletes and wartime mapmakers – represent just a small glimpse of the many women connected to Bendigo’s past.
Through the online catalogue of the Bendigo Historical Society on Victorian Collections, researchers, students and community members can explore photographs, documents and personal items that reveal these lives in greater depth.
Women’s history is not separate from local history – it is local history. Each item in the collection adds another piece to the story of Bendigo and the women who shaped it through their work, determination and community spirit.
During Women’s History Month, we invite you to explore the collection online, discover these remarkable stories, and perhaps uncover a new connection to Bendigo’s past.
