MArjorie A Green

(1923-2023 )

Marjorie Alma Green ( nee Wilson)  became the first female elected councillor to the Town of East Fremantle and served from 1974 to 1985, acting as Deputy Mayor during this time. Marjorie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 1982.

Marjorie Alma Wilson was born in  Perth on the 16 November 1923, to George Edward Tarrant Wilson and Lillian Rose Childs. The family lived at 77 Hampton Road, Beaconsfield (reference)

Marjorie worked as a nurse at Royal Perth Hospital and at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria. (reference)

On 23 January 1948 Marjorie married Harold ‘Harry’ Birkett Green (1917-1981) in Perth at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Harold was a farmer in Trayning, 235 kilometres east of Perth on the Goomalling/Merredin Road- a small farming community devoted to wheat, grains and various livestock. He had grown up in Trayning (see reference to being dressed as a ghost at the 1929 Trayning Children's Fancy Dress Hospital Ball) (reference) Harry was a well known footballer, played cricket, golf and was a star player in the local Tennis Club. After returning from their honeymoon in the Eastern States in March 1948 the couple soon settled into the active social life of the small country  town (reference) and Harold took delivery of a new Plymouth Sedan. (reference)

 Nov 1948 Trayning Personalities- Mr. Don Wilson and friend have been visiting Don's sister, Mrs. Harold Green within the last couple of weeks. (reference)

In 1949 not only did Harold take delivery of a new Austin Truck  (reference) but also had his first child:

1949: Birth GREEN (nee Marjorie Wilson): On October 14, at St. Helen's Hospital, East Fremantle to Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Green (Trayning)- a daughter (Rosemary Louise). No visitors for five days. (reference)

Harold Green became president of the Trayning Tennis Club in 1950 (reference) and the pair became a vibrant force in the Trayning community:

1950 The Trayning members of the Country Women's Association held their monthly meeting. As the Treasurer, Mrs. M. Bradley, is leaving the district, Mrs. Harold Green has taken over that office. (reference)

1950 TENNIS- Trayning will play Bencubbin next Sunday, the A Grade will play at Trayning: A Grade. Messrs. H. Green...Mesdames Emergency: Mrs. Green... (reference)

Nov 1951 Trayning News- Congratulations are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Green on the birth of a son last Saturday (reference)

1952 Mr. Harold Green underwent an operation in Perth on Friday last. No news as yet, but we hope that all is well and that he makes a speedy recovery. (reference)

In Sept 1952 Harry’s brother William John Green, an unmarried pastoralist and storekeeper, of Payne's Find, died at the age of 75, and left an estate valued for probate at £93,177/19/2. (reference)

“Death at the Dalwalinew Hospital- William John Green of Paynes Find, loved brother of Harry, Ella. Eunice, Olive and Tennyson: aged 78 years.” (reference)

Feb 1953 Application for Transfer. To the Licensing Court for the Mount Magnet District. I, Harold Birkett Green being the Executor of the Will of William John Green deceased do hereby make application for a transfer of the rights and privileges of the Publican's General Licence held by Thomas Addinsell as agent in respect of the premises known as the Paynes Find Hotel situate at Payne's Find to the said Thomas Addinsell of Payne's Find. (reference)

1953 On Friday afternoon, January 9, a very pleasant party, was tendered for Miss Janet Jack in the C.W.A. room. Miss Jack has been telephonist in the local Post Office for some years and left to be married… Mrs. M. Green acted as hostess for the afternoon which comprised competitions and piano solos… (reference)

1954 Trayning Topics- Mrs. F. Green and Mr. and Mrs. H. Green are sailing for the Eastern States on the m.v. Duntroon (reference)

1954 The Trayning Golf Club held their annual meeting in the C.W.A. room. The following office-bearers were elected for the year: President: Mrs. P. O'Meara. Captain: Mrs. H. Green (reference)

1954 The Trayning Repertory Club Break up Party was held on Wednesday 15th. December... Following the theme of hats Mrs. Remoto wrote a small play on the subject entitled "Matty's Hat Shop" in which she and Mrs. H. Green took the principal parts.  (reference)

1954 TRAYNING JUNIOR FARMERS- There was a very good attendance at our last meeting Which was held on May 11. It has been arranged that a day be held on Mr. Ryan's farm on Wednesday, June 23, at which two veterinary surgeons will give a talk on diseases in stock. Members from surrounding clubs have been invited to attend. Mrs H Green had come along to instruct the girls in the art of smocking, so after the meeting, we all got busy with needles and thread and really enjoyed the hour spent with her. (reference)

In 1971 the Greens were living at 11 A View Terrace, East Fremantle.

Perhaps this was to support their son Douglas Burkett Green who was a footballer for East Fremantle but who also had taken over the farm in Trayning; Green, a defender, was used mostly across half back from his East Fremantle debut in 1970. He won a Lynn Medal in 1973 as East Fremantle's 'Best and fairest' player and finished runner-up in the award on six occasions over the course of his career. Green was at centre half back in their 1974 premiership side and became club captain in 1975. He played in his second premiership in 1979, with the Grand Final being his last game for East Fremantle. (reference)

Marjorie Green made history when she became the first female elected councillor to the Town of East Fremantle. She  served from 1974 to 1985, acting as Deputy Mayor during this time. 

“Although she gave ‘home duties’ as her occupation, the modest Mrs Green had made her impact on the community in kindergarten work and had been made a life member of the East Fremantle Kindergarten Centre. She was the mother of Doug Green- a champion centre-half  back who was, in addition to being one of the most brilliant, one of the most sporting and gentlemanly players of all time.” quoted by Jack Lee in his book: This is East Fremantle, 1979.

Marjorie was elected on a number of Council committees such as Town Planning, Health and General Purpose, and Finance. Two other female councillors soon followed her example and joined her on Council: Mrs Lois Lenton (1976 ‘married woman’) and Helen Mills (1977 ’home duties’).

Marjorie also served as a Justice of the Peace for over 25 years. 

Harold Birkett Green died in 1981 at the age of 64 years in East Fremantle.

Marjorie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 1982. 

“Marjorie is a true pioneer of the Town of East Fremantle.” Town of East Fremantle Newsletter, Summer 2015

The Marjorie Green Reserve- a small pocket park at the entrance to the Richmond Raceway was named after Marjorie in 1995 and a ceremony was held to open the park in 1997.

Her friend Fred Grovesnor wrote:

“We were both long time members of the same church, the Anglican Church in East Fremantle. Palmyra. Marjorie was a staunch supporter of many bodies including church groups. The Country Party was prominent in her life.”

Marjorie lived to be 100 years old and died 23rd November 2023.

More information on Marjorie is welcomed- please contact jo@museumofperth.com.au

Thank you Frederick Grosvenor <fredgrosvenor@gmail.com> 2023