Raigh Roe

Early life and community beginnings

Roe became active in rural community life at a young age and joined the Country Women’s Association in 1941. Her background as a farmer and family carer informed her practical approach to community organising. Over several decades she held local and state roles in the association, developing skills in volunteer leadership, fundraising and program delivery that addressed isolation, health access and educational needs in small towns and on farms.

Leadership in the Country Women’s Association

Roe rose through the ranks of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), serving at branch and state levels before taking on national responsibilities. Her tenure in the CWA reflected the organisation’s broader aims: to improve conditions for women and families in rural areas, to promote country‑town links, and to support local initiatives in health, childcare, employment and home economics. The CWA has historically provided a platform for grassroots advocacy and community development across Australia, and Roe was a visible exponent of that work.

World President of the Associated Country Women of the World

Her national profile led to international involvement. Roe was elected World President of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), serving from 1977 to 1980. The ACWW is a federation of rural women’s organisations that promotes rural development, education, health and the exchange of information among women in many countries. As World President, Roe represented member organisations across regions and helped coordinate international projects, conferences and advocacy that linked local community concerns with global development agendas.

Public roles and honours

In recognition of her public service and profile, Roe was named Australian of the Year in 1977, jointly with Sir Murray Tyrrell; this honour recognised contributions made to Australian society beyond party or office. She was appointed a commissioner for the Australian Broadcasting Commission in 1978, a role that connected community representation with public broadcasting oversight. In 1980 she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to country women and the community.

• Member of the Country Women’s Association from 1941
• National leadership roles within the CWA
• World President, Associated Country Women of the World (1977–1980)
• Australian of the Year (1977, joint recipient with Sir Murray Tyrrell)
• Commissioner of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) from 1978
• Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1980

Personal life and legacy

Roe was married to James Arthur Roe and the couple had three sons. She remained closely connected to agricultural and regional communities throughout her life and used that experience to inform advocacy and program work. Her legacy is often described in terms of strengthening institutional links between local women’s groups and broader national and international networks, and in drawing public attention to the everyday needs of country families.

For further details, consult histories and archival material relating to the Country Women’s Association, the work of the ACWW, listings of Australian of the Year recipients and records of public appointments such as her service as a commissioner of the ABC. Regional studies of Western Australia and compilations of honours and community leaders also provide context for her contributions.