Australian Dictionary of Biography

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: Use double quotes to search for a phrase

Browse by:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Award of ADB Medal to Patricia Clarke for long and distinguished service (2025)

Citation

Dr Patricia Clarke OAM FAHA FFAHS has been a dedicated and longstanding contributor to the Australian Dictionary of Biography since the 1980s, and to the National Centre of Biography since its formation in 2008. She has given over thirty-five years of generous service to these two institutions and is a deserving recipient of an ADB Medal.

A distinguished journalist and a pioneer of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery, Pat is also a respected Australian historian, especially in the fields of gender and media history. Among her many monographs are several important biographical studies, including: A Colonial Woman: The Life and Times of Mary Braidwood Mowle 1827–1857 (1991), Pioneer Writer: The Life of Louisa Atkinson, Novelist, Journalist, Naturalist (1990), Rosa! Rosa! A Life of Rosa Praed, Novelist and Spiritualist (1999), and Eilean Giblin: A Feminist Between the Wars (2013). Her most recent book was Bold Types: How Australia’s First Women Journalists Blazed a Trail (2022) and she remains actively engaged in biographical research.

Pat has authored fourteen ADB entries since 1990. The most recent—on the Canberra historian Patience Wardle (1910–1992)—was published in 2022. Her early contributions were especially important for ensuring the inclusion of women at a time when they comprised less than five per cent of ADB entries. All Pat’s entries are written with a characteristic flair and are based on meticulous research. They also draw on her wide-ranging knowledge and expertise, from colonial governess migration schemes to political journalism and local community activism. Among her contributions to the ADB are entries on the governess, feminist, and author Charlotte Barton (1796–1867), political journalist Jack Commins (1913–1987), and diarist Mary Braidwood Mowle (1827–1857).

Other initiatives of the National Centre of Biography have benefitted from Pat’s support. Notably, she has been a keen contributor to the Australian Journal of Biography and History, in which she has published two articles. Beyond the ADB, she has also held various executive positions on cultural and community organisations in the ACT, including the Canberra & District Historical Society (1987–2004, 2013), Canberra Historical Journal (1987–2000), Manning Clark House committee (early 2000s), Friends of the National Library of Australia (1997–99, deputy chair 1998), National Folk Fellowship selection committee (chair 2003–17) and National Foundation of Australia’s Women’s Archive project.

As well as being a prolific author and community activist, Pat has served on the ADB’s Commonwealth Working Party since its formation in the late 1980s. She personifies the investment of time, expertise, flexibility, and capacity to see individuals both in themselves and as expressions of their contexts that has made the ADB such a precious national resource. The role of Working Parties requires extended, reflective, collaborative and informed judgement, with a sensitivity to diverse scales of historical assessment. Pat exemplifies these skills and qualities. Over nearly four decades she has ensured the ADB has observed the highest standards in its inclusiveness and authority. She continues to be a quiet and humble champion of Australian biography and the ADB and is a worthy addition to the select group of ADB Medal recipients.