In a significant move to commemorate one of Queensland’s most influential feminist, plans have been announced to erect a statue in honour of the late Merle Thornton near Toowong’s Regatta Hotel.
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Dr Merle Thornton, who passed away at 93 on August 16, etched her name in history with a daring protest in 1965.
Along with a friend, she chained herself to the foot rail of the Regatta Hotel, challenging the absurd ban on women drinking in public bars. This act of defiance became a watershed moment for the feminist movement in Australia.
The protest, though met with police intervention, garnered unexpected support from male patrons who bought drinks for the chained women. The incident concluded with a memorable quip from the police, “Goodnight girls. Have a good time. Don’t drink too much,” after they cut the chains.
Dr Thornton’s activism extended far beyond this single event. She founded the Equal Opportunities for Women Association, which campaigned successfully for the removal of the ‘Marriage Bar’ in 1966. This discriminatory policy had forced married women to resign from the Commonwealth Public Service, effectively punishing women for their marital status.
As an academic, Dr Thornton left an indelible mark on Australian education. At the University of Queensland, she established the Women’s Studies Course, recognised as the first of its kind in the country. Her contributions to academia, women’s rights, and indigenous rights earned her appointment as a member of the Order of Australia in 2015.
Thornton’s legacy continues to inspire. In 2020, 55 years after her famous protest, women from the University of Queensland gathered at what is now officially known as “Merle’s Bar” in the Regatta Hotel to celebrate her honorary doctorate.
The planned statue will stand as a permanent reminder of Dr Thornton’s courage and the progress made in women’s rights. It will also serve as an inspiration for future generations to continue the fight for equality.
Merle Thornton is survived by her son Harold and daughter Sigrid Thornton, a renowned Australian actor. Her life’s work, which included involving her family in various forms of activism such as opposing the Vietnam War, demonstrates the far-reaching impact of her dedication to social justice.
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As Toowong prepares to honour this remarkable woman, the statue will not only commemorate Merle Thornton but also stand as a testament to the power of individuals to effect change and the ongoing journey towards true equality in Australian society.
Published 27-August-2024
