Australia’s first university educated female veterinarian honoured
Press release
15 March 2008
Margaret Keats MBE, BVSc, Australia’s first-ever woman to officially graduate with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from the University of Melbourne in 1923, has been honoured by the Victorian community by having her name added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
The Victorian Honour Roll of Women recognises and celebrates the achievements of women from all walks of life. It honours Victorian women who have made a significant contribution in a particular field, or a lasting contribution that benefits the lives of other women and/or their communities in Victoria, Australia and internationally.
The announcement was made by the Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs, Maxine Morand at a lunch held on Saturday 8 March 2008 to mark international women’s day. The prestigious event was attended by leading Australian women including Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victoria’s Police Commissioner Christine Nixon.
Ms Morand said: “This year marks 100 years since Victorian women won the right to vote and it is great that Australia has its first female Deputy Prime Minister.
“Today, we note the achievements of 30 Victorian women, who have been nominated by the community, for their passion, vision, leadership and commitment to improve the lives of others. This will bring to 386 the number of women selected for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women since the Roll was introduced in 2001 to raise the public status of women.”
Miss Keats was nominated for the award due to her dedication, leadership and inspiring achievements in the veterinary arena. From 1923 through to the 1950s she single handedly ran a rural practice in north-west Victoria.
She was appointed as a Border Inspector of Stock in 1925 to maintain the health of stock crossing the Murray River at Gonn’s Crossing. To provide the necessary legal authority to inspect stock, she was appointed as a Commissioner of the High Court as women were then not able to hold posts as Justices of the Peace.
In addition to her devotion to caring for animals she was a successful owner and breeder of racehorses, three times winning the Kerang Cup with Fight On – a horse she had bred. In January, 1959, she was awarded an OBE, Member of The Order of the British Empire.
She is remembered by the profession as one who was utterly dedicated to it, becoming a role model for men and women entering rural practice and showing that there could be a long-term future for women in the profession.
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au