Marjorie Parker

Dame Marjorie Alice Collett Parker, DBE ( Shoppee; 30 June 1900 – 18 February 1991), known as Margot Parker, was an Australian civic and political activist who was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1977.

Family life Parker was born in Ballarat as Marjorie Alice Collett Shoppee to salesman Walter Collett Shoppee and Victoria Alice (née Tilley). She attended Ballarat State School. She married James Maxwell Parker on 12 June 1926 and they had one child, a son, Alan. They moved to Launceston, Tasmania, in 1935.

Career From 1941 to 1969, she was an announcer and director of women's interests with 7EX Radio in Launceston. In 1954, Parker became the Public Relations Adviser for the Girl Guides Association, a position she held until 1968.

Beginning in 1961, she was president and organiser of the Launceston Red Cross Meals on Wheels for ten years. During this time, she was also Northern Regional President of the Australian Red Cross Society of Tasmania Division (1965–1968).

From 1964 to 1971, she joined the State Executive of the Tasmanian Division of the Miss Australia Quest. In 1964, she became State Executive and Public Relations Officer of the Tasmanian Good Neighbour Council, a post she held until 1970. From 1964 until 1968, Parker was also the vice-president of the United Nations Association in Launceston.

Death Predeceased by her husband (d. 1976), she died on 18 February 1991 at Launceston. She was survived by their son, her only child.

Affiliations & legacy Parker was a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Victoria League, Launceston of which she was president from 1966 to 1969.

The Society for the Care of Crippled Children made Parker a life member in 1973. She had been an executive member of the Society for many years.

In 1974, she was made a life member of the National Council of Australian Women, of which she had been deputy chairperson from 1960 to 1964.