A true trailblazer in every sense of the word, Healeville’s Hilda ‘Gracia’ Baylor AM paved the way for women in Victoria’s Parliament.
After a long life of community contribution and fighting for women’s rights, at the age of 95, Gracia died peacefully in May.
She was born in Brisbane in October 1929 to parents Herbert and Hilary Parry-Okeden. Her father was in the air force, so the family moved to Victoria.
A teacher by trade, Gracia taught art and French in various schools. She married her husband Richard Baylor, who was working at a law firm and eventually bought a practice in Healesville.
Concerned by the lack of kindergarten education in Healesville when her children were born, Gracia decided she would stand for the then Shire of Healesville Council.
Serving three terms on the council from 1966 to 1978, she told the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum’s Oral Histories project that she was, in fact, overlooked for Shire President at each election.
But in 1977, the year before she left the council, she became Victoria’s first female Shire President.
“Not only did we get the kindergarten up and running, but we also got the first social housing built in Healesville,” she said in her Oral Histories interview.
“And then the third thing that I was adamant about (was) that we should have a public library. In the end, we got a free library. All those things are still there today.”
She also served as President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association from 1973-76 and actively supported and encouraged women to stand for local government.
By 1979, Gracia was selected by the Liberal Party to run as the Boronia province representative.
Again, she would make history, becoming one of the first two women elected to the Victorian Legislative Council since its inception.
“There were women in the lower house, but certainly on our side, in the upper house, I was alone.
“But that never worried me. It’s my right to sit there and it’s my right to speak and I spoke.”
In Parliament on Wednesday 30 July, Eildon MP Cindy McLeish honoured the “trailblazing politician” and “strong woman”, saying she truly helped pave the way for all women who came after.
“Someone like Gracia, who didn’t take a backseat, and really pushed for matters important to women, has made a huge difference by paving the way and setting a tone for us to follow,” she told Star Mail.
“She had a real presence which was inspiring for all. I like how she saved the Queen Victoria Hospital site from being sold off by the Labor Government. It is our home to women’s services. All thanks to her.
“Gracia led the way and certainly shattered the glass ceiling for women entering politics.”
During her six years in the upper house, a pivotal moment was when Premier John Cain attempted to sell Crown land.
She was instrumental in helping to save the main building on the Queen Victoria Hospital site by persuading fellow Upper House colleagues to block legislation.
“That hospital was a hospital for women by women,” she said.
Gracia also championed women’s health, child safety, and community services. Her work helped establish the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, introduce baby capsule safety laws, and bring mammograms under Medicare.
Ringwood MP Nick McGowan also praised Gracia on 30 July for her unwavering support of women in all aspects and the initiatives she championed.
“In all Gracia’s roles she advanced the rights of women, the welfare of families and the strength of communities across our great state. Gracia leaves behind many achievements,” he said.
“Perhaps towering among the many peaks include her initiatives. We have heard of council-approved baby capsules, meaning that parents no longer took their newborn infants home in a bassinet.
“She was also instrumental, as we have heard, in achieving mammograms approved for the Medicare register, an action that no doubt saved thousands, if not millions, of women’s lives.
“May her legacy endure and may her achievements inspire many women and men alike to follow in her footsteps.”
A self-defined feminist, Gracia told the Oral Histories project she believed in equal opportunity.
“I believe the only way to make progress is to get where the decision-making is done. And that’s what I attempted to do.”
Her desire to promote and guide women never faltered, holding the position of President of the National Council of Women (NCW) of Victoria from 1990-93, President of NCW Australia from 1997-2000 and also joining the International Council of Women.
She prepared numerous submissions to the government on issues concerning women’s health, migration, education, nutrition and environment.
In 1999, Gracia was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2003.
She is survived by her children Andrew, Donal, Peter and Belinda and grandchildren Rosalie, Charlie, William, Hilda, Jesse, Eldon, Gibson, Harry, Grace and George.
