WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following program may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
In 1993, historian Margaret Rossiter introduced the term The Matilda Effect—a way to describe what happens when women’s contributions are overlooked, while men receive the credit. Too often, women are written out of the story, even when they’ve played a vital role.
But progress, creativity, and innovation rarely happen in isolation. They’re built on collaboration—and women have always been essential parts of those partnerships.
Take the story of Waltzing Matilda. While Banjo Paterson’s name is well known, it was Christina Macpherson who played a key role in shaping the melody that became Australia’s unofficial anthem. Without her musical contribution, there would be no song. Yet her name faded into the background. That’s the Matilda Effect in action.
It’s time to tell the full story.
When we acknowledge everyone involved—women and men—we give credit where it’s due. We teach future generations the true nature of achievement: it’s collective, it’s collaborative, and it thrives when every voice is heard.
Waltz With a Matilda is a creative celebration of the women whose footprints helped shape this country. Using the 78 cards of the Tarot Deck, this project explores the powerful energies and archetypes embodied by Australian women who deserve to be seen—not in the shadows, but side by side with their peers.
Because history isn’t whole until we honour every part of it.
78 Australian Women Who Helped Shape History
Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match. Help me match an Australian women’s life experience with a Tarot card.
The Fool – Minnie Berrington
The Magician – Professor Fiona Woods
High Priestess – Rosaleen Norton
The Empress – Barangaroo
The Emperor – Simone Young
The Hierophant – Sister Mary McKillop
Lovers – Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonuccal)
The Chariot – Fanny Finch
Strength – Robyn Davidson
The Hermit – Terri Ridgway – Girl Robinson Crusoe
The Wheel of Fortune – The Eulo Queen
Justice – Christine Nixon – Former Chief Commissioner of Police
The Hanged Man – Charmaine Clift
Death – Helen Callanan
Temperance – Marie E Kirk
The Devil – Ann Hamilton-Byrne
The Tower – Rosemary Batty
The Star – Fay Catherine Howe
The Moon – Joan Lindsay
The Sun – Lane Beachley
Judgement – Corby and Chamberlain – Trial by Media
The World – The Turbo Charged Matilda’s Football Team
Minor Arcana Suits
Cups
associated with the emotional realm. Connection, love, dreams and wishes. Happiness as well as sorrow and vulnerability.
Ace of Cups – Zora Cross – Journalist and poet.
Two of Cups – Phyllis Papps and Francesca Curtis
Three of Cups – Sunday Reid
Four of Cups – Ash Barty
Five of Cups – Marjorie Woodrow – Stolen
Six of Cups – Shirley Purdie
Seven of Cups – Seven Australian Philanthropists
Eight of Cups – Libby Gore (Elle McFeast)
Nine of Cups – Dame Nellie Melba
Ten of Cups – Miles Franklin
The Page of Cups – Evonne Goolagong
The Knight of Cups – Kathleen Ann Gorham
The Queen of Cups – Dame Mary Gilmore
King of Cups – Lady Gladys Nicholls
Swords
associated with the mental realm. Rationality, logic, communication. Useful thoughts as well as anxieties and fears.
Ace of Swords – Catherine Hay Thomson
Two of Swords – Julia Gillard
Three of Swords – Gina Chick
Four of Swords – Leigh Sales
Five of Swords - Juanita Neilsen
Six of Swords – Kay Cottee
Seven of Swords – The Matilda Effect
Eight of Swords – Lindy Chamberlain
Nine of Swords – Carolyn Hunt
Ten of Swords – Catherine Folbigg
Page of Swords – Geraldine Doogue
Knight of Swords – Dorothy Drain
Queen of Swords – Mary Gauldron
King of Swords – Vida Goldstein
Pentacles
associated with the material realm. Physicality, the body, work, environment. Abundance as well as scarcity and greed.
Ace of Pentacles – Lillian Wightman
Two of Pentacles – Keelen Mailman
Three of Pentacles – Edna Walling
Four of Pentacles – Wealth Accumlation – Gina Rineheart
Five of Pentacles – Eliza Donnithorne
Six of Pentacles – Ruby Hunter
Seven of Pentacles – Mary Penfold
Eight of Pentacles – Martha Clendinning
Nine of Pentacles – Lady Sheila Cruthers
Ten of Pentacles – Mary Reiby
The Page of Pentacles – Emily Kame Kngwarreye
The Knight of Pentacles – Isobel McBryde
Queen of Pentacles – Margaret Fulton
King of Pentacles – Nicola Forrest
Wands
associated with gusto and life force. Excitement, exploration, creative pursuits. Passion as well as grandiosity and impulsiveness
Ace of Wands – Tilly Aston
Two of Wands – Shirley Randell
Three of Wands – Vivian Bullwinkle
Four of Wands – Cheryl Salisbury
Five of Wands – Tarenorerer
Six of Wands – Annette Kellerman
Seven of Wands – Lowitja O’Donoghue
Eight of Wands – Clarice Beckett
Nine of Wands – Stella Young
Ten of Wands – Charlotte Allingham
Page of Wands – Heather Blakey
Knight of Wands – Aretha Brown
Queen of Wands – Margaret Throsby
King of Wands – Margaret Olley
Waltzing With Matilda's 