On 19 September 1893 an Act of New Zealand Parliament was passed that gave women the right to vote at elections – making them the first self-governing country in the world to do so. It was a decision that allowed women a voice in how their lives were governed and changed the face of their…… Continue reading 125th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New Zealand
As part of her book launch, Dr Helen Pankhurst, a close friend of the Muriel Matters Society, was recently involved in re-creating the window smashing campaign by the early suffragettes.
Come hear all about Adelaide’s daring girl – Muriel Matters (b.1877-d.1969) from Frances Bedford MP, Secretary of the Muriel Matters Society Inc. and Polly Dance, Curator of the City Libraries History Hub exhibition ‘The Story of Muriel Matters’. Muriel Matters was a renowned suffragist known for her ‘hat trick’ of firsts – the world’s first…… Continue reading ‘Why does Muriel Matter?’ – Free Talk at Adelaide City Library!
After hugely successful seasons at the Adelaide Fringe and the Edinburgh Fringe we are pleased to announce that a performance about Muriel’s life will now appear in London. ‘That Daring Australian Girl’ is written and performed by Joanne Hartstone, an accomplished creative and friend of The Society. Members of the UK Chapter of The Muriel…… Continue reading That Daring Australian Girl – Two Special London Performances!
(2018) This ABC History Podcast explores the life and legacy of Muriel Matters.
ABC News article looking at the quiet Adelaide street where Muriel’s mural is now located.
The Muriel Matters Society Inc. had their 2017-18 AGM on Sunday morning, 26 August 2018. It was well attended and members enjoyed the hospitality of the Seven Stars Hotel on Angas Street in the CBD. The Secretary of the Society, Frances Bedford MP, outlined the activities of the Society in the past year, oulined the…… Continue reading Muriel Matters Society Inc. 2018 AGM
The sad passing of SA Suffrage Historian, Dr Helen Jones AM
Members of the Muriel Matters Society Inc. in Queensland will be pleased to know that “Dames & Daredevils for Democracy” – a play that brings Muriel Matters – and nine other vibrant, determined and forward thinking women – to life in a crucial period of Australian history. Originally written by a wonderful social historian and…… Continue reading Event: August-September 2018 – Play ‘Dames and Daredevils for Democracy’
Some recent news from Frances Bedford MP JP (Secretary of The Muriel Matters Society Inc.) while in Mount Gambier… It was wonderful today to meet the women of the Mt Gambier branch of Soroptimist at Generations in Jazz. President Pat (on the right) has been every year and boasts a 40 year membership of this…… Continue reading Soroptimist Branch at Generations in Jazz!
This is a quick update for members who may find the following talk of interest (Muriel herself was a life-long pacifist). The South Australian Branch of the Medical Association for Prevention of War is holding a talk on Friday, 25 May at 7.15pm in the Adelaide CBD. The topic of the talk is ‘The Nuclear…… Continue reading Medical Association for Prevention of War – Upcoming Talk
Muriel Matters’ involvement in the Muriel Matters’ involvement in the Grille Protest was dramatised in the ‘Royal Cavalcade’ – a British black and white film from 1935.
For those who were present at the filming of ‘A Suffrage Trilogy’ you would have heard from Dawn Giddings from the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of South Australia (WCTU) about an event they are organizing for the History Festival. They will have a display relating to women reformers who were prominent in South Australian politics…… Continue reading WCTU History Festival Event
Thanks to everyone who came out as ‘extras’ for the filming of the suffrage stars of ‘A Soapbox for Democracy’ on Sunday (25/3)! We had a wonderful turnout of interested people at the Hetzel Room in the Institute Building on North Terrace. Members and non-members alike were present while living decendents of Elizabeth Webb Nicholls…… Continue reading The Suffrage Trilogy – An Update
On Sunday, 25 March 2018 the Muriel Matters Society Inc. will hold an event called ‘The Suffrage Trilogy’ from noon at the Hetzel Room in the Institute Building, adjacent to the Centre of Democracy (CoD) on North Terrace. As you may know, the MMS was involved in initiating the very successful ‘A Soapbox for Democracy’,…… Continue reading The Suffrage Trilogy – A MMS Event
Our London members will be pleased to know that a short play about Muriel Matters will be performed on 26 March 2018 at 7.45pm at the Pleasance Theatre. Called ‘Deeds, Not Words!’ it will dramatize some of the key moments in Muriel’s life. It will be performed by Elise Lamb, a London-based Australian actress and writer.…… Continue reading Deeds, Not Words! A Short London Production on Muriel Matters by Elise Lamb
(2018) This play opened at the Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, written and performed by Joanne Hartstone, and is based on the life of Muriel Matters.
Members will know Robert Wainwright as the author of ‘Miss Muriel Matters’ a book-length biography of the Adelaide-born suffragist. You will have the chance to see Robert speak at The Commonwealth Club of Adelaide in a talk entitled ‘Why Muriel Matters and Still Does’. With Robert’s years of experience as a public speaker, journalist and…… Continue reading Author Robert Wainwright to Speak in Adelaide on Muriel
The Society Needs Your Help! Volunteer Today
The Society would like to thank Claire Foxton for her wonderful mural of Muriel! Claire is an accomplished artist and designer – for more of her work click here. Her work can be viewed in Dawkins Place, just off Frome Road in the Adelaide CBD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5seIuuMYsjI A time-lapse of the project, completed in January 2018…… Continue reading Muriel: Muriel’s Mural!
The 2018 Adelaide Fringe will see a fabulous depiction of the life of Muriel Matters by friend of the Society, Joanne Hartstone. Joanne is an accomplished performer, producer, playwright and director who has been involved in a wide variety of acclaimed theatre productions in recent years. The dramatization of Muriel’s life promises to be very…… Continue reading ‘That Daring Australian Girl’ – A Muriel Matters Fringe Theatre Production
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in the UK
Seeds of Affinity is a South Australian organisation that helps women transition to life in the community after spending time in prison. The organisation is hosting a movie fundraiser in collaboration with UniSA at 3pm, 9 December 2017, at The Regal Theatre in Kensington Park. For more information and ticketing prices see the flyer. The movie being…… Continue reading Seeds of Affinity Movie Fundraiser
The Secretary of the Muriel Matters Society, Frances Bedford, had a short but busy visit to the UK in early September 2017. There were many highlights over the week. Frances met with Stephen Spence who is involved in the Muriel Matters Society in the UK. Nicola Wright at the Women’s Library at the London School…… Continue reading UK Trip 2017 Highlights!
2017 marks the 150th Anniversary of Prince Alfred’s visit to Adelaide in 1867. On 12 November, The Victoriana Society of South Australia is hosting a luncheon at the Adelaide Town Hall with re-enactments of toasts, speeches and musical performances from his actual visit. Members are encouraged to attend! See the flyer for more information and…… Continue reading The Victoriana Society of SA’s 2017 Luncheon!
‘Muriel Matters’ attended the History Teacher’s Association Conference on Friday at Adelaide University. It’s great to see history remains such an important area for so many dedicated teachers and speaking at a workshop gave me the opportunity to reinforce Muriel’s role in the UK Suffragist movement. Being born in SA in 1877, Muriel benefited from the…… Continue reading ‘Muriel Matters’ at the History Teacher’s Association Conference
On Sunday morning, 13 August 2017, members of The Muriel Matters Society met in the Chapel Building of the Migration Museum just off Kintore Avenue in the Adelaide CBD. The Society’s President, Robin Matters, and Secretary, Frances Bedford MP, conducted the AGM. The 2016-17 financial report and correspondence was discussed by those members present. Frances…… Continue reading The Muriel Matters Society Inc. AGM 2017
Rarely do we have the opportunity to experience the art and repertoire of Muriel’s time, but July has seen two such occasions. Photos from ‘A Doll’s House’ Prior to opening night, Muriel/Frances visited the cast of The State Theatre’s ‘A Doll’s House’ in the Dunstan Playhouse at the Festival Centre. This new adaptation by Elena…… Continue reading Muriel’s Art in the 21st Century!
The Society has Donated to the EADV Service
The Centre of Democracy (CoD) opened for the first time last Wednesday on 24 May 2017. It houses a number of important artefacts relating to the development of democracy in South Australia. From Don Dunstan’s pink shorts to a miniature portrait of Catherine Helen Spence there is plenty to see. Some ephemera from the Muriel Matters Society’s collection also figures…… Continue reading Opening of the Centre of Democracy
The Muriel Matters Society hosted Robert Wainwright, the author of the biography ‘Miss Muriel Matters’ at the Hetzel Theatre at the State Library of South Australia on Thursday. Members enjoyed a wonderful spread of food and drink throughout the event as the author signed books and mingled with those in attendance. Robert gave a talk about Muriel’s upbringing…… Continue reading ‘Miss Muriel Matters’ – MMS Adelaide Book Launch
On Sunday morning, 26 February 2017, The Muriel Matters Society visited The City of Adelaide Clipper Ship at Port Adelaide. Around thirty members gathered for a tour of the ship and all enjoyed learning a little more about this fascinating aspect of Australian maritime history. The oldest surviving clipper ship in the world, approximately 250,000 Australians can trace…… Continue reading The City of Adelaide Clipper Ship
The Muriel Matters Society Inc. was invited to join this year’s Adelaide Fringe Opening Parade! The Society’s Secretary, Frances Bedford, played Muriel on a lively float that depicted her 1909 balloon protest in London. Members of The Society walked alongside the float wearing white outfits with homemade sashes similar to those used by the suffragists…… Continue reading 2017 Adelaide Fringe Opening Parade
Muriel Matters Walk is a walking path located in the Adelaide Suburb of Bowden.
The Society is delighted to announce that the Hastings Borough Council offices have been renamed Muriel Matters House! As early as 1908 Muriel agitated in favour of women’s suffrage in the area and ran unsuccessfully as the Labour Candidate for the seat of Hastings at the 1924 election. Muriel lived with her husband there from the…… Continue reading Muriel: Muriel Matters House, Hastings Borough Council Offices
In December 2016 The Society was visited by Laurence and Grace Bell from the White Rock Hotel in Hastings. The Hotel is very close by Muriel’s Pelham Crescent home and the Secretary of The Society, Frances Bedford, was delighted to host them and give them a tour of South Australian Parliament. Laurence and Grace were…… Continue reading The Society’s Friends from Hastings Visit Adelaide
In late August and early September 2016 the Secretary of the Muriel Matters Society, Frances Bedford, and Wendy Herbert visited the United Kingdom on a whirl wind tour promoting all things Muriel and suffrage! Read on for a few highlights of the trip… A real highlight was when Frances met with the Home Secretary of the…… Continue reading The Muriel Matters Society UK Trip 2016!
The MMS met on Sunday morning 31 October 2016 at the Florey Electorate Office. At the meeting the Secretary of the MMS, Frances Bedford, outlined her recent trip to the UK. With plenty of pictures to share, Frances spoke at length about all the people she met, the events she organised, and some of the successes…… Continue reading MMS October Meeting: The Grille Anniversary, Muriel’s Birthday, the UK Trip Report and Much More!
The MMS is pleased to announce that one of our members recently received a COTA SA award! On 28 October 2016 Molly Radakovitch was given the award which celebrates positive ageing in Australia. As an organisation COTA wishes to reframe the way ageing is perceived in society, change popular expectations, and advocate for the needs…… Continue reading Molly Radakovitch’s COTA Award!
White Ribbon day is an Australian male-led campaign to stop men’s violence against women. Members of the MMS, Mike McCarthy and Gillian Lewis, are involved in organising the Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast for 2016. It promises to be a wonderful morning at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 25 November with Marcia Neave AO as the guest speaker. For…… Continue reading Support the White Ribbon Day Breakfast
(2016) News Story from ABC News Australia filmed in London which looks at Muriel’s exploits in the UK Parliament.
The Centre of Democracy showcases the people, ideas and movements that have shaped, and continue to shape, democracy in South Australia. Featuring treasures from the state’s collections, the gallery contents challenge visitors to think again about people and power.
(2016) ABC Europe Correspondent, Steve Cannanne speaks with Amber Rudd MP and Frances Bedford MP about Muriel being the first woman to speak on the floor of the UK Parliament.
The ABC’s Europe Correspondent, Steve Cannane talk about how the Muriel Matters Society is trying to raise awareness of the role played by the South Australian activist in the fight to get British women the vote.
(2016) ABC Europe’s Steve Cannane highlights Muriel Matters’ fight for voting rights for British women.
On Sunday 14 August, Members of the Muriel Matters Society gathered at the 7 Stars Hotel in the Adelaide CBD for the Society’s Annual General Meeting for 2016. Frances Bedford, the Secretary of the Society, delivered the Secretary’s, financial and correspondence reports for 2015-2016 which were then discussed openly by all Members present. After the Annual…… Continue reading The Muriel Matters Society 2016 AGM
On the weekend The Society had a wonderful time at the Hindmarsh Fire and Folk Museum – home of a series of photos of Mudge the Butcher, and his butcher’s block – exploring its many treasures! President, Ron Willis, and Secretary, Trevor Porter, and their team were very welcoming to all of our Members as we shared tea, coffee, and…… Continue reading News: The Society at the Hindmarsh Fire and Folk Museum!
‘South Australian Suffragettes’ is an excellent resource provided by the Parliament of South Australia for teachers and students who want to learn more about the Suffrage.
The Muriel Matters Society website has received a much needed facelift! Please take the time to look through the new additions. Besides looking a lot different the website has got a couple of new sections as well. The ‘Archive’ page was added as a place for The Society to store previous newsletters and old news stories. A ‘Merchandise’…… Continue reading News: Website Update! Our New Look
Join the Muriel Matters Society for a special encore screening of Suffragette starring Meryl Streep and Carey Mullighan. Friday 15th April 2016 6:30pm for 7:00pm (movie runs for two hours) Trak Cinema – 375 Greenhill Road, Toorak Gardens Complimentary chocolate & glass of champagne on arrival Bookings essential! Limited numbers secure your seat for $20…… Continue reading Event: 15 April 2016 – Encore Special Screening “Suffragette”
A ceremony to name the ‘Muriel Matters Room’ was held in the South Australian Parliamentary Library on 5 August 2014. The gathering was addressed by the President of the Friends of the Library, Vickie Chapman, and she was assisted in the unveiling by the Speaker, Hon Michael Atkinson. Frances Bedford presented the Library with an…… Continue reading News: SA Parliamentary Library Reading Room Named in Honour of Muriel Matters
If you like social media, keep up to date with all things Muriel by joining the Society on Facebook and Twitter! This is just another way members can connect with the happenings of the Society. The links to both accounts are on the left hand side of the website’s home page, or follow these links:…… Continue reading News: Muriel Matters Society on Facebook and Twitter
(2013) This Documentary TV Movie, broadcast on the ABC and at the Adelaide Film Festival shows the life and exploits of Muriel Matters’ life.
(2013) The ABC looks at Muriel’s campaign for women’s rights and her Movie Premier at the Adelaide Film Festival.
Archived Newsletters of the Muriel Matters Society from 2009 – 2003. 2009-2023 Newsletters All 2023 Newsletters All 2022 Newsletters All 2021 Newsletters All 2020 Newsletters All 2019 Newsletters All 2018 Newsletters All 2017 Newsletters All 2016 Newsletters All 2015 Newsletters All 2014 Newsletters All 2013 Newsletters All 2012 Newsletters All 2011 Newsletters All 2010 Newsletters…… Continue reading Archived Newsletters (2009-2003)
(2009) This clip from ABC StatelineSA talks about how South Australian women are working to promote the crucial role which suffragettes like Muriel Matters played in getting females the vote in Australia.
(1939) The only known recording of Muriel Matters speaking. Muriel Matters talks to the BBC Radio program ‘Scrapbook’ about the Grille Incident and Balloon Raid.
The Muriel Matters Society 