Maud Butler’s story is one of resilience and determination.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Kurri Kurri woman was desperate to be a part of Australia's war effort during the First World War, and at the age of 18, she cut her hair, dressed as a boy soldier, and stowed away on a troop ship – only to be discovered and returned home, twice.
Maud’s inspirational story was brought to life by Hunter historians John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher in their book “You Can’t Fight, You’re a Girl!”, which was launched at Kurri Kurri Public School (Maud’s former school) in November.
And now, as part of Kurri Kurri’s Centenary of Armistice activities, a mural of Maud is proposed to be painted on the Allworth Street side of the library (overlooking her former school).
The authors hope seeing Maud looking down over the town will provide motivation for the students.
“She got knocked down and kept getting back up again,” Ms Fletcher said.
“She’s proof that you’ve got to have a crack, have a go, and you’ll get there in the end.”
Mr Gillam said Maud’s legacy should serve as inspiration for women to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to them.
“You Can’t Fight, You’re a Girl!” was included in the 2018 Australian War Memorial Educational Catalogue, alongside Mr Gillam and Ms Fletcher’s 2016 book A Tale of Two Diggers – making them the only authors with two listings in the catalogue.
While researching Maud’s story, Mr Gillam and Ms Fletcher uncovered some incredible statistics about the staggering number of men from Kurri Kurri who enlisted in the war.
They have already started researching for their new book – titled No Shirkers from Kurri – and are helping to coordinate Kurri Kurri’s Centenary of Armistice activities, which includes the mural of Maud.
Towns With Heart’s mural committee will formally apply for approval for the mural under Cessnock City Council's Public Art Policy.
Towns With Heart community projects manager Lesley Morris said the committee believes a mural honouring Maud would be fantastic addition to the Kurri Kurri murals project (which has more than 60 murals).
“One of the aims of the murals project is to capture our local heritage and culture, so all of the murals have a connection to our local history, characters, places and events,” Ms Morris said.
“Maud was a great character and her story is one of determination and generosity.”
An application for a Centenary of Armistice Grant to fund the mural is under consideration by the Department of Veteran Affairs, with a decision expected in June.
Once the funding has been obtained, a committee of Towns With Heart representatives and stakeholders will be formed to assess artists' proposals for the mural (which will be based on historic photos of Maud).
Along with the mural of Maud, the Centenary of Armistice activities will also include the re-dedication of the Kurri Kurri Public School honour roll (which is being re-created by the men’s shed) and a street parade on October 26.
Mr Gillam and Ms Fletcher will host a free research workshop at Kurri Library on Monday, April 30 from 10am to noon. Call the library on 4937 1638 to book your place.
Find the Facebook group ‘Kurri Kurri Centenary of Armistice’ for regular updates.
