Elizabeth Fell
Australian activist and journalist (1940–2020)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elizabeth Dyneley Fell, known as Liz Fell, (7 March 1940 – 13 August 2020) was an Australian activist, journalist, academic, feminist and public intellectual, who was a founding member of the prison activist organisations Prisoners Action Group and Women Behind Bars.[1] She was awarded the George Munster Award for Freelance Journalism in 1986 for her radio features on ABC Radio National about government and corporate activity in media and telecommunications.
7 March 1940
Liz Fell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elizabeth Dyneley Fell 7 March 1940 |
| Died | 13 August 2020 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Journalist, academic, activist |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney (BA, Psychology) |
Early life and education
Fell was the second child of John and Margaret Fell (Grant) and younger sister of Eleanor. She attended Abbotsleigh and Frensham boarding school. She studied a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Sydney from 1955 majoring in psychology. In her final year she was awarded the prize for best student. She then worked as a psychology tutor for Professor John Maze and became a member of the intellectual movement based around the University, the Sydney Push.[2]
Career
In 1969, Fell joined the sociology department at the University of NSW where she taught in a range of courses including architecture.[3] In 1971 she was the founder of a controversial sex education publication aimed at students called SEX.[4]
In 1970 she became an active supporter for the Gurindji campaign for Aboriginal self-determination and over many years continued her support for Black Power leaders in Sydney such as her close friend, Aboriginal activist and academic Gary Foley.[4]
Fell worked in television, print and radio as a journalist. She joined the ABC program Lateline in 1974 and also worked for the Nine Network on the Sunday program and 60 Minutes, The National Times and The Sun-Herald, and Dateline on the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Elizabeth (Liz) was elected a Distinguished Fellow of the Telecommunication Society of Australia.[5]
Death
Fell taught university students and worked as a freelance journalist until she was 73 and died on 13 August 2020, following a long illness, aged 80.[4]