About Alice Berry
Lived 1900 – 1978 (aged 78). Alice Berry was an Australian activist and archivist.
Dame Alice Miriam Berry (; 28 April 1900, Sydney – 18 September 1978, Brisbane) was an Australian activist dedicated to finding ways to improve the lives of women and children in rural areas.
Born 28 April 1900 in Sydney, the eldest daughter of Charles Roy McKenzie, a native-born mining engineer, and his wife Matilda, née Abram, from New Zealand, she made a lasting contribution to the provision of services in country areas through her work in the Country Women's Association (CWA) in Queensland, and in the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).
Alice Berry worked tirelessly for projects dear to countrywomen, namely education, mothers' hostels, the aerial medical service and access to seaside cottages. Involved in other organizations, during World War II she worked for the Red Cross Society and the Australian Comforts Fund; she was also a commissioner of the Girl Guides' Association.
Survived by her daughters, Dame Alice died on 18 September 1978 at Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Family On 11 June 1921 she married Henry Berry, a woolclasser, grazier and merchant, at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Sydney. He had enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in March 1916 and served in the 1st Light Horse Regiment in the Middle East. The couple had two daughters.
In 1962 she was elected national president of the CWA, and retired the next year. She worked on the State association's archives for ten years. In 1971 she was made a member of honour of the ACWW.
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Important facts
People in Alice Berry's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Alice Berry's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Alice Berry?
Australian activist and CWA president (1900-1978)
When was Alice Berry born?
Alice Berry was born on 28 April 1900 in Sydney.
When did Alice Berry die?
Alice Berry died on 18 September 1978 in Brisbane.
What was Alice Berry's occupation?
Alice Berry was an activist and archivist.
What nationality was Alice Berry?
Alice Berry was Australian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alice Berry. https://biography.guide/alice-berry/
MLA: "Alice Berry." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alice-berry/.
Chicago: "Alice Berry." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alice-berry/.
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