Episode 33 - Lady Janet

I came across Lady Janet Marion Clarke’s name when researching Harry Power the bushranger from Episode 23. After accounts of Power's ill health, he was released in 1885 based on the application of several women, including Lady Clarke. Sir William Clarke, gave Power work on the Clarke property as a gamekeeper for the next decade in peace. Janet Clarke was a society hostess and leading patron of good causes in Melbourne. Clarke’s influence was such that she became the first president of the National Council of Women of Victoria in 1902, and of the Australian Women’s National League in 1904.