Marjorie Parker (DBE)

Dame Marjorie Parker, DBE, (b. 1900 - d. 18 February 1991) was born in Ballarat as Marjorie Alice Collett Shoppee. She attended Ballarat State School. She married Max Parker on 12 June 1926; they had one child, a son, Alan.

From 1941 to 1969 she was an announcer and director of women's interests with 7EX Radio in Launceston. In 1954 Parker became the Public Relations Adviser for the Girl Guides Association, a position she held until 1968.

Beginning in 1961, she was president and organiser of the Launceston Red Cross Meals on Wheels for ten years. During this time, she was also Northern Regional President of the Australian Red Cross Society of Tasmania Division (1965 - 1968).

In 1964 (until 1971) Parker joined the State Executive of the Tasmanian Division of the Miss Australia Quest. In 1964 she became State Executive and Public Relations Officer of the Tasmanian Good Neighbour Council, a post she held until 1970. From 1964 until 1968 Parker was also the vice-president of the United Nations Association in Launceston.

The Society for the Care of Crippled Children made Parker a life member in 1973. She had been an executive member of the Society for many years. In 1974, Parker was made a life member of the National Council of Australian Women, of which she had been deputy chairperson from 1960 to 1964.

Dame Marjorie was a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Victoria League (Launceston) of which she was President from 1966 to 1969. She also belonged to the Soroptimist Club of Launceston, of which she was president in 1951; the Club awards the Dame Marjorie Parker Memorial Award each year.

Marjorie Parker was appointed a DBE in the New Year Honours List of 1977 for distinguished community service. She had been first honoured for her charitable work in Launceston, Tasmania when appointed an MBE in 1950 and promoted to OBE in the Birthday Honours List of 1970. The City of Launceston granted her the "Freedom of the City" in 1984 - she was the first woman to be so honoured.

Links

* [http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/IMP0046b.htm Women of Australia biography]