Kathleen Alice Syme

O.B.E. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding valuable service in a wide range of useful activities. It comprises five classes of awards across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two o ...

(15 February 1896 3 September 1977) was an Australian journalist, company director and welfare worker.

Early life and education

Syme was born on 15 February 1896 in Lilydale, Victoria. Her parents, Arthur Edward Syme and Amy Syme (née Horne), were both born in Victoria. Alice received her education at

Lauriston Girls' School Lauriston Girls' School is a private, non-denominational, day school for girls, located in Armadale, an inner south-eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The school follows the motto; Sancte, Sapienter, Strenue. This motto is Latin ...

and went on to attend the

University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne (colloquially known as Melbourne University) is a public university, public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in the state ...

. She obtained her

Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts (abbreviated B.A., BA, A.B. or AB; from the Latin ', ', or ') is the holder of a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the liberal arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines. A Bachelor of Arts deg ...

degree in 1919, followed by a

Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA or AM) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Those admitted to the degree have ...

in 1921, and a

Bachelor of Laws A Bachelor of Laws (; LLB) is an undergraduate law degree offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree and serves as the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. This degree requires the study of core legal subje ...

in 1923. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather,

David Syme David Syme (2 October 1827 – 14 February 1908) was a Scotland, Scottish-Australian newspaper proprietor of ''The Age'' and regarded as "the father of Protectionism, protection in Australia" who had immense influence in the Government of Victor ...

, Alice pursued a career in journalism and editing at

The Age ''The Age'' is a daily newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, that has been published since 1854. Owned and published by Nine Entertainment, ''The Age'' primarily serves Victoria (Australia), Victoria, but copies also sell in Tasmania, the Austral ...

newspaper.

Life

In 1943, she retired from her editing career and assumed the role of trustee for the

and the David Syme Charitable trusts, taking over her father's position. From 1967, she chaired both trusts. Additionally, she became a director of David Syme & Co. Ltd in 1948. Throughout her time on the board, she was highly regarded and respected by the staff of the Age. She remained an active member until 1971. Until the end of her life, Syme took pride in identifying herself as a journalist. However, she dedicated her later years to institutions that focused on the well-being of others, particularly women. During her time as a student, she played a significant role in advocating for a residential college for female students by signing a petition. Her persuasive efforts eventually led to the establishment of University Women's College two decades later. Serving as a council member from 1943 to 1974 and as president from 1947 to 1954, she gained valuable experience that would support her second career. She was also a founding member of the Victorian Women Graduates' Association, which honored her contributions to advancing educational opportunities for women by naming a research scholarship after her in 1967. Syme became a member of the (Royal) Women's Hospital board in 1949 and later served as president from 1956 to 1959. Additionally, she took on the role of trustee for the Vera Scantlebury Brown Child Welfare Memorial Trust, an organization that provided funding for medical professionals and welfare workers to pursue overseas studies. Driven by her desire to assist individuals throughout their entire lives, from infancy to old age, Syme then directed her efforts towards the elderly. She joined the board of Greenvale Village for the Aged when it was established in 1954 and held the position of vice-president from 1961 to 1975. Recognized for her astute and effective leadership, she firmly believed that the voluntary committees she served on embodied the most valuable aspects of humanity.

Legacy

'Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre' The library was named after Kathleen Alice Syme. The education centre at the

Royal Women's Hospital The Royal Women's Hospital, located in the Melbourne suburb of Parkville, is Australia's oldest specialist women's hospital. It offers a full range of services in maternity, gynaecology, neonatal care, women's cancers and women's health. It also ...

was named after her.

Awards

Syme was appointed O.B.E. in 1968.

Death

Syme died on 3 September 1977 in East Melbourne and was cremated with Anglican rites.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Syme, Kathleen 1896 births 1977 deaths University of Melbourne alumni The Age (Melbourne) people Australian newspaper editors Australian women newspaper editors Officers of the Order of the British Empire