Porter, Una B. (Una Beatrice) (1900-)

Also known as
Porter, Una Beatrice (1900-1996)
Field of activity
Psychiatrist and Philanthropist
Libraries Australia
http://nla.gov.au/anbd.aut-an35061286
NLA Persistent Identifier
http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-464204

Biographies

Una B. Porter (née Cato) was a renowned psychiatrist, philanthropist and devotee of the Methodist Church in Melbourne, Victoria. She was the first female member of staff at Ballarat Mental Hospital in 1946. In 1963 she was elected World President of the YWCA and travelled extensively. In recognition of her services to the community she was appointed Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961, and Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1968.

Una B. Porter was the youngest daughter of Fanny (née Bethune) and Frederick John Cato, prominent businessman and co-founder of the Moran & Cato grocery company, known for his generosity and commitment to the Methodist Church. From her parents Una inherited a deep and lasting Christian faith that would become the driving force behind her own career and philanthropic activities.

Though Una was forced to cease her formal education at the age of 14 owing to ill health, she returned to study at the age of 30, matriculating before gaining entry to the University of Melbourne as a medical student. There she specialised in psychiatry and trained at Prince Henry's Hospital, the Royal Park Mental Hospital and the Children's Hospital, before taking a post in 1946 at the Ballarat Mental Hospital where she was the first female member of staff, overseeing 512 female patients. She later worked in private practice and was instrumental in the establishment of a psychiatric clinic at the Queen Victoria Hospital, where she continued work in her retirement as Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist and counsellor for nurses.

In 1946 Una married James Roland Porter, an ex-RAAF squadron leader and lifelong friend.

Throughout her life, Una maintained a strong link with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and in 1963 was elected World President of this organisation. Her post, which she retained for four years, involved frequent overseas travel (including India, the Philippines, Europe, North and South America, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Greece, Africa and Israel), advising and encouraging local YWCA groups. In 1964 she was elected Woman of the Year.

Una's philanthropic work was extensive. In addition to administering the F.J. Cato Charitable and Benevolent Fund together with the Cato Lectureship, and later the James and Una Porter Trust Fund, she made substantial personal donations to hospitals, universities and community organisations, notably the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Epworth Hospital, Methodist Ladies College, Cato College, Queen Victoria Hospital and of course the YWCA.

Una B. Porter was appointed O.B.E. (1961) and C.B.E. (1968) in recognition of her services to the community.

View the full record at Australian Women's Register

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Resources for Una B. Porter

Selected resources (12)

Australian Women's Register

  1. The YWCA and the Subject of Great Concern to Women: The Boss Speaks Up for Her GirlsHerald 2 : The YWCA and the Subject of Great Concern to Women: The Boss Speaks Up for Her Girls
    Hamilton, John
    [1972]
  2. A Great Form of Love: Women Philanthropists in Australian HistoryHindsight, ABC Radio National : A Great Form of Love: Women Philanthropists in Australian History
    Lemon, Barbara
    Published: ABC Radio National
    Series: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/hindsight/
  3. In Her Gift: Activism and Altruism in Australian Women's Philanthropy, 1880-2005
    Lemon, Barbara
    [2008]
    Published: School of Historical Studies, University of Melbourne
  4. Una Porter, CBE, OBE 1900-1996Sydney Morning Herald : Una Porter, CBE, OBE 1900-1996
    [1996]
  5. In Her Gift: Women Philanthropists in Australian History
    Australian Women's Archives Project
    [2009]
    Published: Australian Women's Archives Project
    Series: http://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib/wiph/home.html
  6. Growing Together: Letters between Frederick John Cato and Frances Bethune, 1881 to 1884
    Porter, Una B.
    [1981]
    Published: Queensberry Hill Press
  7. Cato, Frederick John (1858-1935)Australian Dictionary of Biography Online 7 : Cato, Frederick John (1858-1935)
    East, Ronald
    [2006]
    Published: Australian National University
    Series: http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070598b.htm
  8. If God Prospers Me: A Portrait of Frederick John Cato
    Blainey, Ann
    [1990]
    Published: Brown Prior Anderson Pty Ltd
  9. Faith, Hope and Charity Australian Women and Imperial Honours: 1901-1989
    Australian Women's Archives Project
    [2003]
    Published: Australian Women's Archives Project
    Series: http://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib/honours/honours.html
  10. The University of Melbourne Archives: Papers of Dr Una B. Porter (1881 - 1996)
    Includes letters, speeches, poems, correspondence between family members including Fred and Fanny Cato.
    Accession #97/2
  11. The University of Melbourne Archives: Papers of Dr Una B. Porter (1881 - 1996)
    Includes letters, speeches, poems, correspondence between family members including Fred and Fanny Cato.
    Accession #97/2
  12. State Library of Victoria, Australian Manuscripts Collection: Lyceum Club (Melbourne) Records (1912 - 1970)
    Includes correspondence, minute books, membership and financial records, miscellaneous papers and photographs. Some post 1970 papers included.
    MS 11270

Resources by Una B. Porter (3)

  1. Growing together : letters between Frederick John Cato and Frances Bethune, 1881 to 1884 / edited and introduced by Una B. Porter
    Cato, Frederick John, 1858-1935
    [ Book : 1981 ]
    At 28 libraries
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 11.501)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 11.501)

  2. Bless the Lord, O my soul : thoughts and prayers / Una B. Porter
    Porter, Una B. (Una Beatrice), 1900-
    [ Book : 1975 ]
    At 5 libraries
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 6.519)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 6.519)

  3. Correspondence
    Muhl, Anita Dr
    [ Unpublished : 1939-1941 ]
    At State Library of VIC
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 5.873)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 5.873)

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