Nellie Constance Martyn

Nellie Constance Martyn (12 June 1887 – 28 November 1926) was an Australian businesswoman who became managing director of Steel Company of Australia on her father's death. She was also a strong advocate for women and office bearer of a number of women's organisations.

Early life Martyn was born on 12 June 1887 in Charlton in country Victoria to Ballarat-born James and Lucy (née Partridge) Martyn. Her father worked as a schoolteacher and draper, but in 1900 he took over a steelworks in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick.

Career From an early age, Martyn wanted to work in her father's steelworks but she was trained as a masseuse. To gain skills suitable for business, she learned shorthand and typing and then applied to her father for a job. She was given a job and became his private secretary after she discovered an error in the company's books. During World War I she was active in campaigning for conscription and in 1917 was a member of the State Recruiting Committee of Victoria. While in London he died of pneumonia and Martyn became managing director of the family business, Steel Company of Australia.

In 1925 Martyn agreed to run as Nationalist Federation candidate for state parliament, but, speaking at a meeting of the Victorian Woman Citizens, made her concerns known:

She also stated the importance for women politicians being involved in all aspects of law-making, not just relating to the welfare of women and children.

In 1910 Martyn was one of the first women car drivers in Victoria.

Martyn was actively involved in the Young Women's Christian Association and served as treasurer and later president. of which she was a founding member. She was also a long time supporter of the Queen Victoria Hospital.

Death and legacy

Martyn died of cancer on 28 November 1926 at her home, "Astolat", in Camberwell.

An obituary in The Herald by F.A.R. quoted Sir John Monash, who had led a tour of Yallourn by Melbourne business people some years earlier: "The best man of the whole lot was Miss Martyn".

Her estate was valued at £11,000 for probate which she left to her sister and brothers, with bequests to friends.

Martyn Close, in the Canberra suburb of Chisholm, is named in her honour.