These women had the grit and intelligence to succeed in a variety of occupations from wine-making to surgery, from spying behind enemy lines to writing books, composing music and painting.

The achievements of Australian women have long been overshadowed by the deeds of Australian men. Susanna de Vries remedied this with her outstanding book Great Australian Women. Now, in this second volume more Australian women are celebrated for their hard work, intelligence, talent, dedication and compassion. These are women who have affected the lives of thousands through their achievements in chosen fields, be they inspired painters, writers, pianists, singers, humanitarians, wine-makers, spies, aviators, nurses or doctors. These are the women that helped to forge the Australia we know today.

Mary Penfold • Margaret Sutherland • Sister Lucy Osburn • Louise Bertha Hanson-Dyer • Mary McConnel • Ethel Cooper • Mary MacKillop • Margaret Rose Preston _• Nellie Melba • Kylie Tennant• Stella Miles Franklin • Oodgeroo Noonuccal • Rose Scott • Nancy de Low Bird Walton • Jane Sutherland • Dr Catherine Ham