Phyllis Dorothy Cilento was born on the 13th of March 1894 in Rockdale, Sydney. She was born to Charles Thomas and Alice lane nee Walker. Her father Charles worked as a coal merchant and shipbroker. Phyllis was notable for various things including fighting for her beliefs.
When Phyllis was a small child her family moved from Sydney to Adelaide. Soon after moving to Adelaide she started school at Tormore House School. Phyllis had no other siblings.
Phyllis Cilento’s family stayed in Adelaide throughout the rest of her schooling years. Phyllis went to high school at Tormore House School .As Phyllis was finishing high school she started to play hockey and tennis.
In 1918 when Phyllis started university at the University Of Adelaide she was engaged to (Sir) Raphael Cilento. Phyllis studied medicine and a few other subjects. In 1920 she married (Sir) Raphael on the 18th of March. Phyllis continued to play hockey and tennis. She captained the woman’s tennis team and won first place.
In 1933 she published her first book of twenty-four books. Shortly after, her first child was born in February. Later that year, after the birth of her second child they moved to Rabual and her husband Raphael was knighted.
Phyllis started to write for medical mother in 1950. Later on she wrote for woman’s day and a few other magazines. A little while after, she promoted large uses of vitamins for good health. Phyllis had six children four became doctors, one an artist and her youngest Diane became an actress.
Phyllis was named loyal Australian of the year in 1982. She was also awarded first Queenslander of the year and Queensland senior citizen of the year. Her husband (Sir) Raphael died in 1985 after a partnership of sixty-five years. On July twenty-sixth 1987 Phyllis Cilento died and was buried in Albany creek cemetery.
Phyllis contributed to society by doing many things. Included in her contributions was helping mothers with parenting and promoting medicines for good health.
She stated that what she fought for and believed in was finally accepted. Phyllis fought for many things including allowing fathers to be present at the birth of a child. She was notable for many things including her belief in her decisions.
By Lexi Mitchell
