Education
At first she was educated by a governess, and then, aged 12, attended Mrs Philippa James" Grantown House.
At first she was educated by a governess, and then, aged 12, attended Mrs Philippa James" Grantown House.
At this time Alfred was a struggling barrister, just elected to the Victorian Parliament for the seat of West Bourke, who augmented his income by writing for The Age. She also became president of the Victorian Neglected Children"s Aid Society. The same year, she chaired the nursery and kindergarten committee for the Australian Exhibition of Women"s Work, held at the Exhibition Building.
The popularity of the model crèche, which Pattie ran, led to the establishment of the Association of Crèches, of which she was the first president
The Free Kindergarten Union was formed similarly. Pattie was president of that too.
Foreign twenty years Pattie worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society, first as president, and subsequently as a life vice-president With her husband"s aid she established the Guild of Play for Children"s Playgrounds, which helped make play areas for children in inner-city suburbs.
In 1912 she was invited to be president of the Lyceum Club.
From 1915 to 1919 she set up and ran the Soldiers" Refreshment Stall, or Anzac Buffet, initially in a bell tent outside the Number. 5 General Hospital in Street Kilda Road, Melbourne. After the First World War ended her philanthropic work continued.
She was awarded the Commander of the British Empire for her contribution to public life.
In 1887 she was a member of the committee of the Queen"s Fund. Revenue from the exhibition helped form the Bush Nursing Association. Pattie became a member of the committee.
She became the first president of the Girl Guides and the only female member of the Australian Imperial Forces Canteen Fund Trust.