Vale - Hilda Gracia Baylor AM (Grace Parry-Okeden) (1945)

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Old Girl Hilda Gracia Baylor AM (1945) on 23 May, 2025 aged 95 years. She was the youngest of three Parry-Okeden sisters to attend Somerville House.

On 14 July 1979 Gracia Baylor became the first woman Member of the Legislative Council of Victoria when she was sworn in shortly before Joan Coxsedge, who had also won a seat at the State election on 5 May. Although most Victorian women had won the right to stand for the Upper House 55 years before, in 1924, this was the first Victorian Upper House election to return a woman.

Gracia held the State seat of Boronia for the Liberal Party for six years and was closely involved on the wide variety of issues affecting women. Amongst other projects, she was a strong advocate for government backing of the program that ensured car safety baby capsules were available to all parents.

The Yarra Ranges Council interviewed Gracia for its Oral History project and the recording can be listened to HERE.

Please click HERE to read our original "Inspirational Old Girls" story about Gracia in November 2020.