MBE

Born

10 May 1893
Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

Died

April 1974
Western Australia, Australia

Occupation

Women's rights activist and Community worker

Alternative Names

• Woods, Ivy Mary (maiden name, 10 May 1893 - 19 January 1910)

Summary

Ivy Kent, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Woods, was educated at Iona Convent (New South Wales) and Mosman's Park in Western Australia. Kent, who was a leader in the Labour Women's Movement of Western Australia, a worker in youth welfare and an officer of the Housewives Association, established a club for neglected girls during World War I. She served on the Married Women's Relief Court for 20 years and was a member of the Lotteries Commission, the Adult Education Board, the National Fitness Executive and Soldiers' Dependants' Appeal. In 1944 Kent became the first woman commissioner of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (representing Western Australia). In 1953 Kent was elected Foundation President of the Association of Civilian Widows in Western Australia, a movement which became national five years later. In 1959 she was elected National President, and later, National Life Governor. On 1 January 1968 Ivy Kent was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her service to the welfare of women and children.