A strong and vocal feminist and advocate for Aboriginal rights and conservation, Betty Fisher’s commitment to environmental protection was at the forefront of her remarkable life.
Serving as the very first woman President of the Conservation Council of South Australia, her contribution both to our organisation and our state's environment sector cannot be overstated.
Throughout her life, Betty was a fierce advocate for the rights of women and girls. She served as International Women's Day president for eight years and received a Flinders University medal for services to women.
A 1988 Bicentenary medallist, Betty also served on the SA State Schools Organisations State Council and the National Fitness Council of Australia.
Her advocacy for aboriginal rights and the environment came into the spotlight during the Hindmarsh Island royal commission, where she produced notes and tape recordings from the 1960s which confirmed "secret women's business."
As an author, Betty acknowledged the remarkable achievements of over 2,000 South Australian women in a publication she produced in 2001 in conjunction with the International Women’s Day Committee.
The document is an important record of the achievements of some of the remarkable women in our state and represents Betty’s ongoing work to publicly acknowledge the role of women in our community.
Betty’s mantra remains relevant today: “In the name of peace we did what we could … and in the name of peace could the young people in our community please continue on this path.”