21. Annie Dorrington (1866-1926), artist and Australian flag designer
Annie Dorrington immortalised her name in history in 1901, the year of Federation, when she shared first prize with four others in a world-wide competition to create a winning design of the Australian National Flag. She was the only woman and Western Australian to be bestowed this honour.
Born in Berkshire, England, Annie migrated to Victoria in 1890. Two years later she married Charles Dorrington and in 1895 they moved to Perth. Her love of Western Australia is reflected in 124 exquisite wildflower paintings, now held by the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Annie died in 1926 and was buried in an unmarked grave at Karrakatta Cemetery. The grave was discovered by the Australian National Flag Association (WA) Inc. in 1998. Today, thanks to the efforts of the Association, a handsome memorial monument stands on what was previously bare sand. The grave was consecrated in 1999 by the Dean of Perth, Dr John Shepherd, to honour this remarkable and talented woman who contributed so much to Australia's heritage.