Flashman, Ann Flora (Lady Rylah)

The first woman to enrol in Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney in 1930  and 4th Australian woman veterinary graduate in 1936.  She was the first paid veterinarian to work at the Lost Dog’s Home in North Melbourne (following Belle Reid, who worked there in an honorary capacity and Beth Harvey) and the Lort Smith Animal Hospital  in Melbourne.  She also designed and ran her own small animal practice from her home in Kew, Victoria.

She pioneered the use of media to advise the public on pet care and animal welfare topics, writing as “John Wotherspoon” in the Pet Talk column in the Melbourne Herald.  She also wrote two books on animal care.  While practicing as a veterinarian she also carried out official duties as the wife of Sir Arthur Rylah - Chief Secretary in the Victorian Government.

She was also deeply committed to the value of the Guiding movement for educating girls and from her time as a veterinary student until her death she held leadership and training roles in the movement. She was the author of books on guiding and bequeathed her country property, Panda, to Girl Guides of Victoria.

She was Vice President of the Victorian Division of the Australian Veterinary Association, but died tragically  in 1969, just before taking office as President.

More detailed biographies can be found at these sites: 
http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/avhs/eminent/
http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/248