Did you know that “Australia Day” was once commemorated on 30th July 1915 because of a Manly World War I heroine, Ellen Wharton-Kirke MBE?
In a heartfelt tribute to an often-overlooked figure from history, a commemorative morning tea was held on in her honour on Sunday, 30 July 2023, at the office of James Griffin, Member for Manly.
The event was organised by members of Australia Remembers — Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, which unveiled a striking bronze plaque for Ellen, a woman whose extraordinary efforts during World War I left an indelible mark on the nation.
To honour her legacy, a bronze commemorative plaque was officially unveiled at the office of Mr Griffin in 2023 in the presence of esteemed individuals such as Chris Ballantyne, Secretary of Dee Why RSL sub-Branch, Jean Hay AM, former Mayor of Manly and member of the Australia Remembers — Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, and retired Colonel John Platt CSC, Chair of the committee.
The placement of the plaque is currently under discussion with the Northern Beaches Council, with a potential spot slated at Belgrave Street, in front of the iconic 1937 heritage-listed Manly Town Hall. The Dee Why RSL sub-Branch generously funded the cost of the plaque.
Who Was Ellen Wharton-Kirke?
Ellen, a mother of five who was originally from Queensland, was a woman of immense determination and compassion. As the Great War swept across Europe from 1914 to 1918, she watched in dismay as soldiers, including her own son Basil, returned home wounded and in need of care. Ellen was spurred into action, launching a campaign known as the “Australia Day Fund” to raise money for the wounded soldiers’ welfare.
Spurred by the enlistment of her four sons, Ellen suggested the concept of an Australia Day to Sir Charles Wade, then the Premier of New South Wales. Having observed the generosity of Australians during previous fundraising endeavours, Ellen recognised the potential of this initiative.
She aimed to harness the pride of the Australian populace in the recent achievements of their soldiers at Gallipoli. The 30th of July 1915 was designated as the chosen date, and events were orchestrated nationwide. An array of items, including ribbons, badges, handkerchiefs, buttons, and the featured matchbox, were sold to raise funds.
Catchphrases like “For Australia’s Heroes” or “Help Our Wounded Heroes” and “The Turks Struck their Match in the Australians” appealed to people’s deep sense of patriotism and pride.
Remarkably, from a population of slightly under five million, the day garnered over £311,500 in Victoria and more than £839,500 in New South Wales. In today’s currency, those figures would be worth over $125 million.
For her tireless dedication to the cause, Ellen was awarded the Australia Day gold commemorative Gallipoli medal by the Citizens of Sydney. This medalet, one of only four ever struck in solid gold, paid tribute to her selfless philanthropy.
Additionally, she received a King’s Royal Jubilee medal and, in the 1936 New Year Honours List, was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
She died at the age of 79 in New South Wales in 1945. A memorial in her name can be found in the sanctuary of the Mary Immaculate Church in Manly.
Published 9-Aug-2023
