Personalities > Elizabeth Healey

Elizabeth Mildred Healey (1878-1977)

Elizabeth Healey lived in Pyrmont from the 1890s.  She was a founding member of the Pyrmont branch of the Australian Labor Party and held various official positions, including president and secretary, over more than 60 years. 

Labor politics were very important in the lives of local working people from the early 20th century. Most Pyrmont residents worked on the wharves, in the wool stores at the sugar refinery (CSR) or for Sydney Council in its workshops, depots and power station. The Labor Party’s local branch gave members a close network of support and information about jobs, housing and social services.

Women played strong and active roles in the party’s local branches, as office bearers, fundraisers and lobbyists. Healey inspired several political careers. For many years she cooked Christmas dinners and invited all the single men who worked at the CSR and lived in the company houses in Mount Street. Her goodwill helped to secure votes for Labor. In 1974 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community.

She died in September 1977 aged 99.

Les McMahon, elected MHR in 1975 for Forest Lodge, paid tribute to Healey: she had influenced his political career as well as supporting the ALP generally, although (at 97) confined to a wheelchair.

Further Reading

• Plaque in Elizabeth Healey Reserve, Corner Pyrmont Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont.

Women’s meeting, ALP Annual Conference, 1963. Elizabeth on the left