At 97 years young Molly is a recipient of nourishing meals delivered by Meals on Wheels SA volunteers from the Hallett Cove branch, the service helping her remain independent in her own home. 

But long before she became part of our Meals on Wheels community, Molly was a trailblazer in South Australia’s political landscape. 

In 1965, 71 years after women first became eligible to stand for election, Molly made history as the first woman representing the Australian Labor Party to be elected to the South Australian Parliament. She won the must-win marginal seat of Barossa after campaigning tirelessly for two years, helping form the incoming Walsh Labor Government. 

She wasn’t the first woman ever elected to the South Australian House of Assembly - that honour belonged to Joyce Steele - but Molly was the second, and the first ALP woman, opening the door for countless Labor women to follow. 

During her parliamentary career, which spanned from 1965 to 1979, Molly held her seat through several redistributions, representing Barossa, then Tea Tree Gully, and finally Todd. In 1972, she became the first woman known to have served as Acting Speaker of the House - a milestone that inspired many. 

Molly also had a proud pre-parliamentary career in the trade union movement, advocating for working people. After leaving politics, she continued her commitment to public service. In 1985, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contributions to the community and to Parliament. Two years later, she again broke new ground as the first woman appointed to the board of the State Bank of South Australia. 

Today, her portrait hangs in pride of place at SA Labor headquarters in Adelaide, reminding all who pass by of her determination and her many contributions to public life. 

Molly’s connection to Meals on Wheels goes far beyond her current deliveries - she was fortunate to meet the late Doris Taylor, founder of the organisation, through the late Don Dunstan MP, then Member for Norwood and future Premier of South Australia. At this time Doris’s energy and vision was the driving force behind creating Meals on Wheels South Australia, established in 1953. 

Reflecting on her own long life, Molly says she has been blessed to watch her family grow. Widowed while still serving in Parliament, she raised her then nine-year-old daughter, Jessie, as a sole parent. She is now the proud grandmother of five and great-grandmother of three boys - all of whom she sees quite often. 

When asked whether she has a favourite meal or a special moment with any of our volunteers, Molly says, “The [volunteers] are all lovely - I wouldn’t want to single anyone out. As for the food I enjoy most, I must say it’s the corned beef with white sauce and cabbage - my favourite.” 

From pioneering change in Parliament to quietly inspiring us all with her resilience and gratitude, Molly Byrne is truly one of our amazing customers.