Louisa Margaret Dunkley facts for kids

Louisa Margaret Dunkley (born May 28, 1866 – died March 10, 1927) was an amazing Australian woman. She worked as a telegraphist, sending messages using Morse code. She was also a strong voice for workers' rights. Louisa fought hard to make sure women got paid the same as men for doing the same job in Australia's government services.

Early Life and Education

Louisa Margaret Dunkley was born in Richmond, a part of Melbourne, Australia. Her parents, William James Dunkley and Mary Ann Regan, were from London, England. William was a boot importer. Louisa went to Catholic schools for girls.

Working as a Telegraphist

Louisa started working for the Postmaster-General's Department in 1882. This department handled mail and telegraph services. She studied hard to become a telegraphist. On June 11, 1887, she passed her Public Service Examination. By 1888, she was working as an operator in Melbourne's main post and telegraph offices.

In 1890, Louisa became a fully qualified telegraphist. She was promoted to a job in the Chief Telegraph Office. While working there, she noticed something unfair. Women telegraphists were paid less than men for doing the same work. Their working conditions were also not as good.

Louisa learned that women telegraphists in New South Wales were trying to get equal pay. This inspired her. She decided to form a committee to fight for better pay and conditions in Victoria. Her efforts helped women operators get some pay raises. However, they still didn't earn as much as the men. Because of her strong actions, Louisa was moved to a smaller, more distant post office.

Fighting for Equal Pay

In 1900, Louisa and other women operators created the Victorian Women's Post and Telegraph Association. Their goal was to demand equal pay and better working conditions. Mrs. Webb, a postmistress, became the president. Louisa was chosen as the vice president and main spokesperson from 1900 to 1904.

Louisa was chosen to represent her group at a meeting of telegraphists in Sydney in October 1900. There, she bravely presented her case. She argued that women should have equal pay under the new Commonwealth Public Service rules. Some people at the meeting disagreed with her. But Louisa managed to get support from the Parliament.

Because of her hard work, a special rule was added to the Commonwealth Public Service Act of 1902. This rule said that female telegraphists and postmistresses should receive equal pay. The Victorian Women's Post and Telegraph Association continued its work. It became part of the larger Australian Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Association until 1920.

A newspaper clipping announcing the marriage of Edward Kraegen and Louisa Dunkley.

Later Life and Legacy

On December 23, 1903, Louisa married Edward Charles Kraegen. He was the secretary of the New South Wales and Commonwealth Post and Telegraph associations. After marrying, Louisa left her job in the Post and Telegraph service. The couple had a daughter in 1904 and a son in 1906.

Louisa Margaret Dunkley Kraegen passed away from cancer on March 10, 1927. She died in Longueville, Sydney, and is buried in Northern Suburbs Cemetery.

Louisa's important work is still remembered today. A federal voting area in Victoria, called the Division of Dunkley, is named after her. Also, Dunkley Place in the Canberra suburb of Spence honors her name.