Actor, writer, producer, director, radio broadcaster, politician, PHD student. Elisabeth Kirby OAM was the poster child for “you’re never too old.”
After a successful entertainment career across two countries, Elisabeth was elected to the NSW Legislative Council as the Australian Democrats state leader in 1981. By the time she retired in 1998 she was the longest serving Australian Democrat in NSW parliament.
In 2006 Elisabeth earned an Arts degree, and in 2014 a PhD from the University of Sydney at the age of 93, becoming Australia’s oldest university graduate. Her thesis was on unemployment during the Great Depression, and she became an advocate for older people to learn and study.
In 2012 she was awarded the national Medal of the Order of Australia for "services to the parliament of New South Wales, to the community of Temora, and to the performing arts."
We pay tribute to an extraordinary Australian. We are fortunate to have been a part of her many accomplishments over her long career. Our most heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
Click here for more on Elisabeth's extraordinary life.
Click here for more on Elisabeth's extraordinary life.
