Thursday 18 June 2026
Speaker: Dr Zephie Comino-Cerny
Topic: Madge Barnes and Annie Praed: Australia’s first women graduates in Dentistry
Unlike the first women to graduate in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law and Engineering, Madge Barnes and Annie Praed were members of the inaugural cohort to be awarded the Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1903 at The University of Sydney.
In this talk, drawing on her PhD research, Dr Zephie Comino-Cerny explores the factors that enabled these two women to join that inaugural graduating class and trace the pathways that led them to this significant moment in the history of professional Australian women.
Zephie is a graduate of The University of Sydney holding a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a PhD. In between these degrees, she studied English towards a BA at the University of Newcastle, though family and professional commitments prevented completion.
Zephie’s interest in women dentists arose from questions about her own career choice. In her graduating class there were three women; parity in dentistry was not reached until the late 1990s.
Her research began with oral histories of early women dentists and correspondence among early women dentists in New South Wales, leading her to focus on Madge Barnes and Annie Praed, the first two women to graduate in dentistry from The University of Sydney.
Where – The meeting room at the Customs House Library, at Circular Quay. 31 Alfred St – at Circular Quay, opposite the station. Take the lift (back LH corner of the foyer) to the second floor.
When – The talk will begin at 12.15, The room is open from 11.30 for tea/coffee/sandwiches.
Entry – $20 JSNWL members $25 non-members
PLEASE BOOK BY NOON Monday 15 June 2026
Phone the library on (02) 9571 5359 or email
