Why is Mary Reibey Famous?

Answer 1

Despite being sent to Australia as a 13 year old, convict of horse-stealing, Mary Reibey accomplished a great deal and achieved considerable wealth as a successful businesswoman. She partnered her husband in his trading business, showing herself to have an astute and shrewd business mind. Later, when he and his business partner died, she took over the business completely, despite having seven children to look after.

After a brief sojourn in England, she returned to Sydney, investing extensively in property, and was responsible for the construction of numerous buildings in Macquarie Place, near the King's Wharf, and in the centre of George Street.

Reibey was also keenly involved in charity work, particularly with regard to church and education. In 1825 she was given te appointment as one of the governors of the Free Grammar School in Sydney. In modern times, her work is commemorated through her portrait being on the Australian $20 note

Answer 2

Despite being sent to Australia as a 13 year old convict, Mary Reibey became a successful businesswoman. She partnered her husband in his trading business, showing herself to have an astute and shrewd business mind. Later, when he and his business partner died, she took over the business completely, despite having seven children to look after.

After a brief sojourn in England, she returned to Sydney, investing extensively in property, and was responsible for the construction of numerous buildings in Macquarie Place, near the King's Wharf, and in the centre of George Street.

Reibey was also keenly involved in charity work, particularly with regard to church and education. In 1825 she was given te appointment as one of the governors of the Free Grammar School in Sydney. In modern times, her work is commemorated through her portrait being on the Australian $20 note.

Answer 3

Mary Reibey is famous for being a convict who succeeded in the business world. This was not so unusual for ex-convicts, but her story is unusual because she was a woman who lost her husband when she was quite young, yet had enough business sense and intelligence to take over his business and make it succeed. She was a wealthy woman when she died, and invested in quite a lot of property. She also did a great deal for charity, and was heavily involved in church work, and in developing the education facilities in early Sydney.