---
node: au_caroline_chisholm
type: person
slug: caroline_chisholm
title: "Caroline Chisholm"
lead: "A social reformer who, in 19th-century Australia, helped immigrants — especially single women and poor families — to arrive and settle."
published: 2026-07-15
updated: 2026-07-15
---

## Who they were

Born in England, Chisholm sailed to Sydney with her soldier husband and saw the plight of immigrant women left without shelter or work.

## What they did

In 1841 she set up a home for female immigrants and found work and lodging for many. She also helped families settle inland and encouraged migration by whole families.

## Legacy

Known as the emigrant's friend, her work did much to stabilise colonial society, and her portrait later appeared on Australian banknotes.