Lillian Dean

• Name — Lillian Dean • Born — c. 1899 • Birthplace — Western Australia • Died — 7 June 1980 • Place of death — Sydney • Birth Name — Lillian Maud Dean • Occupation — Photographer and politician

Dean was born in Western Australia and from an early age was interested in photography. In 1914 she was working as an assistant to a photographer retouching and colouring. After doing his job when he took ill one day she was totally committed to photography for her lifetime. She spent time in Sydney before going to New Guinea for seven years. She was evacuated to Sydney when the Second World War began and working as an assistant for a city photographer, Norton Travaire. Over the next seven years she covered an average of 24 weddings each weekend. At the end of the evening, she would ask for the bridal car to drive her home.

Dean became the first woman to be elected to local government. She served on Darwin City Council from 1958 to 1961, lost the next election, but was re elected in 1966 for a further three years, representing the Fannie Bay area. She was considered an effective and parochial councillor, and was noted for her success in moving that a 25 mph speed limit be enforced over a dangerous section of Gilruth Avenue, which had been the site of many accidents. Dean maintained a keen interest in horse racing and served on the Darwin Turf Club Committee for ten years. She owned and raced a horse named "Gentleman." As well, she was a foundation member of the Darwin branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Darwin Bowls Club, and helped establish the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory. She was an active fundraiser for local charities, and friends described her as outgoing, social, strong willed, and determined on issues which mattered to her.

Dean retired to Sydney in 1971 after visiting her only child, a daughter, Hazel, in New Guinea. She died on 7 June 1980 at 81 years of age after a long illness. Her ashes were later scattered over Darwin Harbour during a special boat service.