Freda Maris

Graduating from high school at age 14, Freda embarked on a journey to move from her small Queensland hometown, Aloomba, via Cairns, to attend Teacher’s College in Brisbane, 600km away.

Completing her training by age 16, Freda moved again, and taught in remote locations in Far North Queensland. By age 18, she was appointed as principal at Julatten State School, South-West of Port Douglas. She made the arduous journey from Julatten to Aloomba to visit her family once a month.

Freda was a dedicated and driven individual who despite her hard-earned tertiary qualifications and professional experience was forced to resign her position from the Department of Education, not by choice, but by legislation which prescribed that married women were not allowed to teach.

I dedicate this to my Nana Freda, who passed away at the age of 91 in 2015. She paved the way for those who followed behind her.

Shay Chalmers has made this donation #inhername