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Beryl Phillips

1925-2006 

Community Leader, Environmental and Social Change Activist, Advocate for Aboriginal Rights, Mentor, Artist

“We remember Beryl as a champion of the local environment and community. ”[1]

Born in 1925 in Moreland and raised in Balwyn, Beryl was passionate about making a difference. At an early age Beryl experienced the challenges of the Great Depression, which shaped her commitment to social justice. Beryl witnessed the hardships faced by many around her and saw how her parents were dedicated to keeping their workers employed. This awakened in Beryl a strong sense of fairness and empathy. Early family camping trips to  Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve ignited her lifelong passion for nature and protection of the environment.

Beryl pursued her education with enthusiasm, earning a B.A. and Dip. Ed. from Melbourne University after gaining early experience in office work and student teaching.  She worked as secretary to the Master of Queens College and taught at Methodist Ladies College, empowering young women through education.

Eager to expand her horizons, she traveled to Europe and completed a Master of Religious Education at Hartford Seminary Foundation in Connecticut. Her Christian education work took her across Tasmania, Victoria, and New Zealand.

Beryl’s commitment to social justice deepened during a four month experience with Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land. Upon returning to Victoria, she taught English to migrants and became a guest leader at conferences nationally and internationally.

In 1985, Beryl moved to Mt Evelyn and became a key community figure. She was an active member of the Mt Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPPA), serving as president from 1992 to 2002, and was involved with the Upper Yarra and Dandenongs Environmental Council (UYDEC).  Her environmental activism led to successful campaigns to protect land along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and establish the Owl Land Reserve. This reserve is home to Australia’s largest owl – the Powerful Owl.  She played a significant role in shaping the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ “Vision 2020” environmental policies and advocated for improved facilities for children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

Beryl was a passionate advocate for Aboriginal rights, actively collaborating with Action for Aboriginal Rights and Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR). Her advocacy earned her respect from prominent Aboriginal Elders and awards from NAIDOC and Hartford Seminary. She also hosted forums with Elder Eddie Kneebone to promote reconciliation and justice for Aboriginal communities.

In the 1990s, Beryl helped found the Mount Evelyn History Group, dedicated to preserving and researching the town’s history. 

Beryl had a deep connection with her church, the Uniting Church Augustine Centre in Hawthorn, where she served as an Elder and was honoured with the John Alexander Award. She was also celebrated with a Croning ceremony, recognising her dedication to spiritual and community roles. Her work with youth was noted in Encyclopaedia Victoria, and she was a long-time advocate for Pax Christi, a global peace organization.

Beryl loved hosting lively soirees, where she brought the community together to raise awareness of social causes. A talented musician and artist, she excelled as a pianist, organist, singer, conductor, composer, and accompanist.  Her creative pursuits extended to painting, photography, poetry, and writing. Her published work included Celebration: A Guide to Contemporary Worship (1992), Healing People and Planet (c.1996), and Aborigines in the Northern Dandenongs (1997).

In 1998, Beryl received the inaugural Environmental Achiever Award from the Shire of Yarra Ranges. In 2006, she was honoured with the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Australia Day, and the Beryl Phillips Nature Reserve was fittingly named in her honour.

Beryl passed away on May 12, 2006, at the age of 81. Her work continues to inspire future generations in the fight for environmental preservation and social justice. 

Acknowledgement:

This biography was written by Her Place Women’s Museum in consultation with the Mount Evelyn History Group and family, using the primary resources:

  • Phillips, K. (Ed.). (2015). D. Beryl Phillips obituary. Based on a eulogy delivered at Beryl’s funeral by Clare Worsnop and Paula Herlihy.
  • Mt Evelyn History Group. (2013). 69 Things Past (No. 69, November 2013). 

Commemoration: The Beryl Phillips Nature Reserve provides a green space that continues to benefit the community and protect the natural world that Beryl Phillips cared for deeply. 

Photo: Beryl in Blue supplied by Family

Further Resources:

 Books:

  • Phillips, D. B. (1992). Celebration: A guide to contemporary worship. D. B. Phillips.
  • Phillips, D. B. (1996). Healing people and planet. Mt. Evelyn, Vic: D. B. Phillips.
  • Phillips, D. B., Newton, J., & Herlihy, P. (Eds.). (n.d.). Aborigines in the Yarra Valley and northern Dandenongs (Revised and updated by J. Newton et al.).

Online Resources:

 

[1] Phillips, K.Mt Evelyn History Group. (2018). Retrieved from 111 Things Past (No. 111, November 2018).