Elizabeth Austin was a Victorian pioneer and philanthropist during the late nineteenth century, driven to improve the lives of older and poorer women.
Elizabeth, along with twenty exceptional women was inducted in 2012 on to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, as a part of International Women’s Day activities.
Elizabeth and her husband Thomas built Winchelsea’s imposing Barwon Park mansion in 1871. Thomas died there that same year and in her following year’s Elizabeth Austin made significant contributions to the Victorian community.
Elizabeth founded the Austin Hospital for incurables – now the Austin Hospital – at Heidelberg in 1882. She persuaded the Victorian government to donate land and she donated £6,000 for building works. The Austin Hospital is now a major health institution, world renowned for its research and specialist work.
In 1889 Elizabeth established the Austin cottages in Geelong for older servants and disadvantaged widows. She had a particular passion to improve the lives of older and poorer women at a time when there were no welfare provisions being provided by government.
The Austin is now a major health institution, world renowned for its research and specialist work. The Austin Hospital continues to serve the community and opened the Olivia Newton John wellness centre in 2013.
The buildings were heritage-listed by the National Trust in 1978.
Elizabeth Austin’s influence at a time before social security, and welfare provisions were provided by government, continues to benefit women and the community today.
Updated 16 October 2023
