Gertrude McKenziePrint Page

The plaque on the grave commemorates Gertrude Josephine McKenzie who was an aviatrix,  the mayoress of South Melbourne in 1932 and 1933, and the Mayor of the City of Mordialloc in 1958.  

Her husband died in 1946 leaving her a young widow who went on to pursue her interests in aviation. Gertrude McKenzie had gained her pilot’s licence, passing her exams at a higher level than her male colleagues on the course. During the World War Two she contributed to the war effort in several ways including participating in flying exercises for the Anti-Aircraft Corporation, tasks that were not relished by her male colleagues. At the time of standing for council she was conducting a healthy business at the Moorabbin Airport called the McKenzie Flying School where she was involved in training seventy three student pilots.

The decision of Gertrude McKenzie to stand in the 1955 municipal elections against a sitting councillor representing the ratepayers in the Mordialloc Ward caused surprise. After all, a woman in local government was rare and there had only ever been one woman in the Mordialloc council and that was in 1935.   The fuss was intensified when Mrs McKenzie unexpectedly defeated Councillor Rendall by 859 votes to 705 to take her place at the Council table.  This was the beginning of a career spanning several torrid years in local government marked by controversy and conflict.

Location

Details

Dedication