Maude O'Connell
aude O'Connell was born in Beaufort, Victoria on the 30th June 1884 to Patrick Martin O'Connell and Rosina Hosking. [Maude was related to Archbishop Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne.] Maude believed in justice and equality for all. And, she was prepared to put into action what she supported. Maude writes: "At this time the working conditions for women were not good and in order to attempt to improve these conditions I went into a factory and worked alongside other women. Later I became a Union Official and in this capacity I strove to improve the conditions I had experienced. I was elected the Women's Representative of the Trades Hall Council and on various Welfare Committees..."
Maude joined the Labor Party and became the Church's Delegate on many deputations and councils dealing with industrial and social matters. She became "the first Catholic woman to stand upon a public platform to fight for the rights of her co-religionists......the occasion was historic and will have far reaching effects...." (The Austral Light. 1.6.1915)
It was in the late 1920's that Maude O'Connell met Dr. William Michael Collins at St. Francis Church, Melbourne who became one of the greatest supporters of the 'Grey Sisters'. At their first meeting Maude spoke about the need of providing a personal service in the homes of mothers and children. Dr. Collins asked Maude: 'are you prepared to roll up your sleeves and help the mothers in their homes?' "Yes", she replied, "and I will get others to do it also."
It was in 1930 that the first foundation was established at Daylesford, Victoria.
To the end of her life Maude believed that the future would be determined by how the community regarded family life and it was to the family, particularly in the person of the mother, that she devoted her life and care 'irrespective of race, colour or creed'.
She died at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne on the 13th December 1964.
BEGINNINGS