Geelong buildings of significance to women in Geelong: Geneva House

32 (3 Flats) Myers Street, the former Presbyterian Residence, now Geneva House

From 1915 to 1973 this building was a YWCA hostel , described as “ a home away from home for the spiritual welfare of girls.”

Link here to Google Map of its location:
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=32+Myers+St+Geelong&hl=en&ll=-38.150572,144.354837&spn=0.016317,0.024633&client=firefox-a&channel=s&hnear=32+Myers+St,+Geelong+Victoria+3220&gl=au&t=m&z=16

Christian Waller and stained glass

Christian Waller a famous woman artist designed one of the stained glass windows inside Christchurch and in 1942 painted a large mural on the west wall of the church. There is only one other recorded mural by Christian in existence. Christian was also renowned for her illustration work and was the Australian to illustrate Alice in Wonderland. Her work is seen of immense national significance. She pioneered the use of stained glass in Australia, was one of the first Australian female stained glass artists, a book illustrator and supported her husband on her art for a period of time when he returned injured from the first World War. Other windows designs are at Queens College, the University of Melbourne, St. James Cathedral, Melbourne.  


She made a total of sixty-five individual stained glass panels - which in terms of quantity, artistry and quality, place her as one of the leading Australian stained glass makers of the twentieth century. 


Link here to an image of her stained glass window in Geelong:

• http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/indy/geelong/216/story/129469.html

Images of her work can be found at:

• http://www.stpaulscanterbury.org.au/heritage.htm

For more information please follow these links:

• Art Gallery of Ballarat: http://www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/christian-waller-from-klytie-pate.aspx
• Design and Art Australia online: http://www.daao.org.au/bio/christian-waller/
• Australian Dictionary of Biography: http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/waller-christian-marjory-emily-carlyle-11944

Priscilla Zillah Crawcour

Priscilla (Zillah) Crawcour first woman to become a mayor in Australia.

Priscilla (Zillah) Crawcour had strong connections to the Former Jewish synagogue in Geelong (South-east corner of Yarra & McKillop Streets) & has played a huge role in the Geelong community. Zillah was the first woman to become a mayor in Australia & also served as a councillor for the City of Newtown from 1957 until 1975. Zillah founded the Australian Local Government Women’s Association. She was awarded an Order of the British Empire for her contribution to the community. A park adjacent to the Queens Park Bridge was named after Zillah.