Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Hilda Gracia Baylor AM

Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (09:46): Hilda Gracia Baylor AM, a former Liberal MP, passed away in May 2025, aged 95. A Healesville local, trailblazing politician, first female president of the Shire of Healesville, she was one of the first two women to be elected to the Victorian Legislative Council and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Gracia was indeed a strong woman, referencing the storming of the Bastille in her maiden speech – a reference appropriate and symbolic for everything she achieved in her lifetime. She worked hard to improve women’s rights, health and child safety. Importantly, she stopped John Cain selling off the Queen Victoria Hospital site, which is now the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. Gracia led the way and certainly shattered the glass ceiling for women entering politics.