Clarice breaking new ground

Town planning was something Clarice Ferrari fell into after winning a seat on the Queensland’s Laidley Shire Council.

The 92-year-old former primary school teacher (pictured) was a local lady in the limelight for more than 20 years, working alongside nine male district committee members.

The Tabeel Lutheran Home retiree established herself in local government at a time when it was a traditionally male-dominated.

Ms Ferrari manoeuvred herself through political minefields. Her strong work ethic and community service led her to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.

It was her idea to apply for the successful funding grant which enabled council to set up an office in town, a youth activities centre and a place for local unemployed people to lodge their benefit.

She also rallied for a local high school to be positioned in town and then fundraised $170,000 to build a school hall named in her honour called the Clarice Ferrari Hall.

“It made me feel so important to help run the shire. I don’t think there was another lady anywhere else when I first got on the council.

“I had to assert my authority and stand up for myself because sometimes the men were pretty hard to get along with.”

Tabeel Lutheran Home general manager, Roland Weier, said while many women in the 1980s were ensconced in domestic life, Ms Ferrari was helping shape the town infrastructure and future Laidley community.

“She is an excellent example of our female residents who have challenged stereotypes, broken new ground and made a difference to the lives of others. She has made an enormous positive contribution to Queensland society,” he said.

The grandmother of four and great-grandmother of one encourages people to “set [their] mind on what [they] want to do”.

“Find ways to get help in your career and you will need team support. Put your foot down and get into it.”

At Tabeel, Ms Ferrari is still an active member of the community and inspires all around her. 

“I really like it here, it is homely, all the staff are very good and a big help,” she said.