CLARK, Sheila May 1921–2008

Title
CLARK, Sheila May 1921–2008
Description
Sheila Clark (Shipley) of Richmond, Lewisham and Sorell
The first woman elected to Sorell Council (1960)
Biographical text
On 24th September 1960 Sheila May Clark became the first woman elected to Sorell Council and one of the first few women elected to local government in Tasmania.
Sheila was raised by her mother’s parents, Josiah & Mary Shipley, lived with them at Shipley’s cottage next to The Granary in Richmond and attended St Johns Convent School. Planted c1926 by Sheila and her grandfather Josiah, a venerable pepper tree still stands next to The Granary in what was then the Shipley cottage garden.
Sheila Shipley served in the Airforce 1941-1944 (WRAAF Corporal #92059), married Tenny Clark of Lewisham and raised three children (Peter, Lorraine & Alexis/Lexi).
In 1960 Sheila stood for the Forcett Ward and was elected to Sorell Council, the first woman elected since the Council was established in 1862. Sheila campaigned for the upgrade of Old Forcett Road, was re-elected in 1962 and inspired other women to follow her lead.
As well as raising her family, Sheila worked as a window dresser and sales person. In the late 1960s Ray Sherry and Gough Whitlam encouraged Sheila to nominate for federal parliament but she ruled it out due to family commitments.
In March 2023 Sorell Council resolved to commemorate International Women's Day every year, in part inspired by Sheila Clark’s trailblazing service and this significant yet overlooked aspect of local history.
In March 2024 a poster of all 19 women to serve as Councillors was displayed at Sorell Council for the first time.
In April 2024 Sheila’s daughter Lexi wrote:
“Mum would be so honoured and proud with what is happening to honour women and their part played in forging a role in early local government."
Family name
Clark
Given name
Sheila May
Date of birth
January 2, 1921
Gender
Female
Occupation
Councillor 1960-1964
Sales
Airforce 1941-1944
Member of
Sorell Council 1960-1964
Spouse of
Tenny Clark
Parent of
Peter, Lorraine, Alexis
Date of death
February 28, 2008
Contributor
Lorraine Clark
Alexis Clark
Creator
Melinda Reed
Related Items
Pitt Water Chronicles Volume 3
GOSS, Doreen 1930–
Source or reference
Sheila & Tenny Clark grave, Forcett
Item sets
People
Media
Sheila M Clark election photo 1960
Sorell Councillors 1962, Sheila Clark front row
Sheila Clark's council election card 1960
Sheila Clark & other women elected to Sorell Council-foyer poster-International Women's Day 2023-photo by Melinda Reed
Sheila Clark at the pepper tree planted in 1926 with her grandfather Josiah, next to The Granary at Richmond-photo by Lorraine Clark
Sheila May Shipley aged 20

Linked resources

Items with "Related Items: CLARK, Sheila May 1921–2008"
Title Class
GOSS, Doreen 1930– Person
Items with "Relation: CLARK, Sheila May 1921–2008"
Title Class
Pitt Water Chronicles Volume 3