Helen Cutler

Helen Cutler, Lady Cutler AC (5 May 1923 – 8 November 1990), was a lieutenant in the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) during World War II and an Australian charity worker and patron. She also fulfilled public duties as wife of Sir Roden Cutler, governor of New South Wales.

Helen, Lady Cutler

AC
Helen Cutler in 1974
Born
Helen Gray Annetta Morris

5 May 1923
Sydney
Died8 November 1990
Darlinghurst, New South Wales
NationalityAustralian
EducationSydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School
Known forlieutenant (AWAS); charity worker and patron
Spouse(s)Sir Roden Cutler
Children4 sons

Early life and education

Born Helen Gray Annetta Morris in Sydney on 5 May 1923, Cutler was educated at Sydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School.[1] She then completed a diploma at the Macquarie Secretarial School.[2]

War service

At the time of her enlistment in the Australian Women's Army Service on 17 September 1942, Cutler was working as a shorthand typist at The Trustees Executors & Agency Co Ltd. She was promoted lieutenant in 1944 and demobilised on 23 April 1946.[1][2]

Later career

As wife of the Governor of New South Wales, Cutler was made patron of many charities, including the Save the Children Fund from 1966 to 1981 and The Infants' Home Child and Family Services.[3] She subsequently held the position of president from 1987 to 1990.

With her husband, Sir Roden, Cutler was recognised as having improved access to Government House by the general public.[4]

Her papers are held with those of her husband, Sir Roden Cutler, by the State Library of New South Wales.[5]

Awards and legacy

In 1977 Cutler was made a Dame of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (DStJ). In the 1980 Queen's Birthday Honours she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for "public and community service to the people of New South Wales".[6]

Having resigned her commission in 1946, Cutler was appointed an Honorary Colonel of the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC), a position she held from 3 February 1967 to 1 June 1985.

The first Sydney ferry of the Lady Class was named Lady Cutler in her honour. It was launched in 1968 and decommissioned in 1991 after 22 years' service. The ferry is now a cruise vessel in Melbourne.[7]

Personal

Cutler married Arthur "Roden" Cutler VC on 28 May 1946. They had four sons. She died suddenly on 8 November 1990 at St Vincent's Hospital.[1] Her funeral, held at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, was attended by nearly 1,000 people. Her burial took place at South Head Cemetery.[8]

References
  1. Heywood, Anne (12 December 2002). "Cutler, Helen Gray Annetta". The Australian Women's Register. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  2. "Service Record – Cutler, Helen Gray Annetta". National Archives of Australia. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  3. Susan., Lorne-Johnson (2001). Betrayed and forsaken : the official history of the Infants' Home, Ashfield, founded in 1874 as the Sydney Foundling Institution. Infants' Home (Ashfield, N.S.W.). Ashfield, N.S.W.: Infants' Home. ISBN 0959717811. OCLC 223079719.
  4. "A champion for children" (p11). The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 November 1990.
  5. "Cutler family – papers, 1909–1995". State Library of New South Wales. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  6. "CUTLER, Helen Gray Annetta". It's an Honour. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  7. "Melbourne Boat Cruises – The Lady Cutler – Lady Cutler". archive.is. 17 February 2011. Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  8. McClymont, Kate (15 November 1990). "Lady Cutler Farewelled" (p8). The Sydney Morning Herald.
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