DetailsCouncillor Edith Parrish MBE represented A Riding. Every civic amenity enjoyed by the people of the Shire has been the result of three factors; an inspirational source, which conceived the idea, a motivation force which activated it, and an executive body which implemented it. If Ralph Farrar was the inspirational force behind the improvement of conditions for senior citizens, then Edith Parrish was, indubitably the motivating force. It was her proud boast that during her fifteen years of representation on Hornsby Shire Council she had been instrumental in the building of five senior citizen clubs, five baby health centres and three kindergartens. She also supported the construction of three swimming pools and five sports ovals.
Born in Dural Street, Hornsby, Edith Jean Sutherland the daughter of John and Edith Sutherland, lived all her life in the Shire. She married twice, to Joseph Stephenson, in 1921, to William Parrish in 1954. She was only the second woman to win a seat on Hornsby Shire Council. She first began her charity work with the St John's Ambulance Brigade and at the age of 14 helped the Gordon Division. She later formed the Lindfield Voluntary Aid Division of the Red Cross.
Edith Parrish was a colourful character. Her wigs were colourful, her spectacles ornate, her clothing bright and her behaviour eccentric. She was a tireless worker for many charities - the Red Cross, legion of Ex-Servicemen, St John's Ambulance, Senior Citizens, Hornsby Shire Historical Society, Royal Blind Society and others.
Edith Parrish was first elected to Hornsby Shire Council in 1959 and held the position for five terms serving as Deputy President in 1962. During her term at Council she was also patron of 35 organisations. She was created a Member of the British Empire in the 1966 Queen's Birthday Honours list and was awarded the Order of St John. She retired from public office in 1977 only three years before her death.
Today Parrish Place in Mount Colah is named after her.KeywordsCouncillorsParrish PlaceHornsby Shire CouncilSt John's AmbulanceRed CrossMount Colah
