Who they were

Born in England, Chisholm sailed to Sydney with her soldier husband and saw the plight of immigrant women left without shelter or work.

What they did

In 1841 she set up a home for female immigrants and found work and lodging for many. She also helped families settle inland and encouraged migration by whole families.

Legacy

Known as the emigrant’s friend, her work did much to stabilise colonial society, and her portrait later appeared on Australian banknotes.