Anne McLeod

The Spirited Life of Marie Byles

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First Civic Trust in Australia – founded by Marie Byles 1961

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Marie Byles was the founder of the Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust in 1961. It was the first civic trust in Australia. Marie was fighting the development of public land near Pennant Hills Reserve. While their campaign was unsuccessful, it had a positive outcome and the BCCT has maintained their vigilance in opposing major developments in the area. My book launch at the BCCT AGM was quite a political affair. Philip Ruddock, local Federal MP, spoke and then State MP Damian Trugold. During his speech Ruddock mentioned that while Federal Attorney-General, he had appointed two women to the High Court. I thought that deserved a complimentary copy of the book - but forgot to get a photo! I appreciated being invited to speak to those carrying on Marie's great work.

Quote from Marie Byles

"There is something in the contact between the human being and nature which is very hard to explain, but as you lie on Mother Earth and look up at the stars, the life force seems to bring a new health to your tired limbs and worried mind." Marie Byles

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