A true, rags to riches story, Mary Reibey came to Australia as a teenage convict in 1792. She was just 14 years old when she was sentenced to seven years transportation. When her husband died, leaving her with seven children, she took over all his business dealings. A tough and determined businesswoman, she built a fortune as a ship-owner, trader and property developer in the early days of the colony. She erected many elegant buildings in Sydney, some of which are still standing, and was one of the founders of Westpac bank. As a philanthropist, she made a significant contribution to education, charity and church.
Today her face can be seen on the Australian $20 note.

Further information:
Australian Dictionary of Biography
Dictionary of Sydney
Aussie Notables – Mary Reibey (Children’s book) by Allan Drummond, 2011
Mary Reibey: From Convict to First Lady of Trade, by Kathleeen J. Pullen, 1975.
Dear Cousin: The Reibey Letters: Twenty Two Letters of the Reibey Family, 
includuing Letters of Mary Reiby, Her Children & Their Descendants, 1792-1901
Minding Her Own Business; Colonial Business Women in Sydney by Catherine Bishop, 2015

You can find Dr Paul Roe online at theoutbackhistorian.com.au and Katrina Roe at katrinaroe.com

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