Celebrating Nillumbik Women 2009 - Nillumbik Shire Council

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Nina Mikhailovna Christesen AM (nee Maximov) 1911-2001 Nominated by Katherine Kingsbury An important national and international academic and literary figure, Nina shared a 59 year association with Eltham until her death in 2001. Nina, a Russian girl from St Petersburg, escaped the Russian revolution via Harbin with her parents and settled first in Brisbane in 1925. There she met and married Clem Christesen and together they later made their home at Stanhope in Eltham, a house already steeped in the history of Eltham. It was here that their legendry hospitality flourished and their home and garden became a meeting place for writers, artists academics and neighbours. Nina and Clem had no children. Nina left school at 14, but studied part time and did menial work to help support her parents who spoke no English. At a young age, she began to teach French, Algebra and German in a Brisbane secondary school. She also taught Russian at the University of Queensland where she met her husband to be, Clem. Together, they represented one of Australia’s foremost literary couples. At a time when few women held senior academic posts at Melbourne University, Nina founded the first course in Russian Literature and Language. This became a department in its own right and Nina headed it for over 30 years. As her career flourished, she was seen as an accidental frontline feminist. Her life was entwined with Clem’s and together they were a couple engaged on a quest for a just society. A biography by Judith Armstrong of their shared lives, was published in 1996, called The Christesen Romance. This book details many of Nina’s achievements. In the Cold War climate of the 1950s, ASIO held security files on many Australian literary intelligensia including Nina and Clem. They were called before the Petrov Royal Commission but were cleared of being a threat to National security. Although devastated by these accusations, they remained committed to values such as freedom of speech and expression. In her old age, Nina remained an authentic person, lovingly helping others. She was gentle, quiet and unobtrusive, but her eyes sparkled with kindness and good humour. She remained passionate about language and literature. A unique memorial was built at the Eltham Living & Learning Centre for this beloved and influential literary and academic identity, to commemorate her lifelong contribution to culture and intellectualism and to her significant contribution to life in Eltham.
Penny Mullinar Nominated by Lynlee Tozer Penny Mullinar was a vibrant, energetic person with amazing people-skills. “Hello Darling” was her greeting to all. She was incredibly generous with her time and friendship, and gave much to this Shire, both as an individual who committed herself to local causes, and also as a local Councillor for three years. Penny undertook environmental works in her own backyard, challenged planning applications that would have had detrimental impacts on our beautiful Shire, and gave friends and family as much love as one person could give. Her energy and commitment to Nillumbik has had long-reaching impacts that are difficult to quantify. And not only to Nillumbik – Penny was a visionary who could see the issues far beyond the boundaries of our Shire. She gave so much to the wider community too, challenging issues and fighting causes that were far reaching. While a Nillumbik Shire Councillor, Penny realised she didn’t have the knowledge or background to make decisions on planning matters – thus, she undertook a degree in Planning while she worked as our ward Councillor. Her ability to see around corners was wonderful! She was able to detect underlying problems within local planning matters and strived to resolve these matters diplomatically, fairly and quickly. Penny was an active participant in the Green Wedge Protection Group up to her appointment as Shire Councillor, and again dabbled after her term as Councillor ended. She assisted local residents, pro-bono, with planning matters that created community angst and which were detrimental to the natural environment. Sadly, after a short battle with cancer, Penny passed away only days after the Black Saturday fires. Penny loved our Shire, the bush, the wildlife and our communities. I cannot think of a better person to honour under these circumstances.
Page 1: International Women’s Day launch
Page 4 and 5: Jan Aitken Nominated by Suzi Kerr J
Page 6 and 7: Edith Apted 1923 - 2008 Nominated b
Page 8 and 9: Thelma Barkway Nominated by Katheri
Page 10 and 11: Jenneke Bateman-Korteweg Nominated
Page 12 and 13: Sabi Buehler Nominated by Fran Gron
Page 14 and 15: Audrey Cahn 1905 - 2008 Nominated b
Page 16 and 17: Janice Crosswhite Nominated by Nan
Page 18 and 19: Christine Durham Nominated by Helen
Page 20 and 21: Ailsa Fitzmaurice Nominated by Ms N
Page 22 and 23: Sherryl Garbutt MP Nominated by Sue
Page 24 and 25: Ev Hales Nominated by Jennifer Gins
Page 26 and 27: Ena Jarvis Nominated by Christopher
Page 28 and 29: Helen Kenney Nominated by Carolyn G
Page 30 and 31: Margo Kroyer-Pederson 1931 - 1997 N
Page 34 and 35: Gwayne Naug Nominated by Catherine
Page 36 and 37: Lisal O’Brien Nominated by Suzi K
Page 38 and 39: Laura Rohricht Nominated by Judith
Page 40 and 41: Sonia Skipper 1918 - 2008 Nominated
Page 42 and 43: Pauline Toner MP 1935 - 1989 Nomina
Page 44 and 45: Diana Warrell Nominated by Suzi Ker
Page 46: Civic Drive, Greensborough PO Box 4

Celebrating Nillumbik Women 2009 - Nillumbik Shire Council

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