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She was a third generation Australian. Her Grandparents arrived in Sydney, from Scotland, on the
21st. May 1839. She was born on July 1st. 1885, at her parent's home, Dunara, on Point Piper in
Sydney.
Baptised Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar on August 8th. 1885, at All Saints, Woollahra.
Dorothea was the third of four children born to Doctor Charles Mackellar and his wife Marion.
Three brothers completed the family. Keith and Eric were older and Malcolm was younger than
Dorothea.
Her education consisted of private tuition at home until she attended lectures at the
university. It was very informal with respect to subject matter. Dorothea was given special
tuition in painting, fencing, and languages. Travelling overseas to countries such as England,
Europe, America and the East, with her family was also considered part of her education. Due
to this exposure to different cultures, she became fluent in many languages. Visiting
theatres, galleries and museums added to her knowledge of the Arts. Later when she travelled
overseas with her father she assisted him as interpreter.
Family, country properties in the Hunter Valley, and near Gunnedah, were places she loved to
visit. The rural communities respected, and always considered the Mackellar family to be
generous to local needs. Dorothea was a proficient horsewoman, and was proud of her ability
to ride side- saddle, even in the rough country terrain. A story is told of how, after a
drought was broken, Dorothea danced barefoot in the rain, and was impressed at the sight
of a mist of green grass that began to appear across the paddocks.
Dorothea never married, although her diaries support the stories of special romances that were
not fulfilled. Maybe she never found that special someone.
There were many domestic responsibilities for her to consider. She helped her mother in the
home, and often accompanied her father to various charity functions.
Dorothea loved acting. With her friend Ruth Bedford, together, they would act out the stories
and characters that they developed. They would drive to a quiet bush setting around Sydney,
where they could play act out their many imagined characters.
Politics became a long- term interest. After 1902, women could vote in the New South Wales state
elections on equal terms with men. Her diaries record her interest and concerns of that period,
in particular, the discussion on the need for conscription in the lead up to World War I.
During the 1920's Dorothea helped Ruth to establish a Zonta Club in Sydney. Later, in 1931 she
assisted with the establishment of the Sydney Publishers, Editors and Novelist Club.
Through out her life, even though an active interest in the community, politics and the arts was
maintained, there was always a deep concern for her family's needs as well.
Miss Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar died at the age of eighty-two after suffering an extended
period of ill health. She spent her final years at St. Helenie Hospital at Paddington. The
funeral service was held at St. Mark's Church, Darling Point.
"Colour",
one of her favourite poems, was read at the service. She was laid to rest in the family vault
at Waverly Cemetery, in Sydney.
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The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial, Anzac Park, Gunnedah NSW
This life size
statue in bronze was erected by the people of Australia, the children of NSW and the local
community in 1983. The "Talking Rock" near by tells the story behind the memorial and features
her voice reciting "My Country". (Courtesy Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society)
Sculptor: Dennis Adams, approx. 1983.
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