Research for a community heritage day at Erskineville Public School has rediscovered a past teacher whose tireless campaigning for Australian human’s rights helped create positive changes, including equal pay for women.
Thanks to a City of Sydney matching grant, the actions of local heroine Lucy Woodcock will be celebrated by the school with a free, community heritage event on 3 September from 10am to 3pm.
Central to the event will be the dedication of the new school hall in Lucy’s name and a plaque in her honour.
Other family-friendly festivities will include a history walking tour and exhibitions, film screening, heritage crafts for kids and storytelling by prominent locals.
Ms Woodcock (1880-1968) was an Erskineville teacher, trade union leader and pioneering activist for Australian children’s and women’s rights, whose work helped achieve salary restoration, a teacher’s certificate, equal pay and opportunities for female teachers.
The City-sponsored event at the school will be part of History Week celebrations across NSW.
“This year’s History Week is all about our neighbours and how crucial they are to understanding the past’s impact on the present,” City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone said.
“The commemoration of Lucy Woodcock through place naming and a memorial plaque is a fitting way to celebrate the actions of one of Erskineville’s most important people.
“She was way ahead of her time, and the important work she did helped establish many of the current rights and freedoms enjoyed by all of us today.
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