Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Monica Cecelia Murray was born in 1910 in Strathfieldsaye and married Thomas Flood in 1934. She served as Mayoress for four terms and died in 1973. Mayoress Flood was president of the St Mary's Past Pupils Association and a patron of the Bendigo Girl Guides. Reproduction of photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.studio photography, raymond kelly, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayoress flood, mayor t.r. flood

Thomas Richard Flood served as Mayor of the City of Bendigo four times during his time as councillor; 1952 - 53, 1957 - 58, 1966 - 67 and 1968 - 69. Thomas Flood was born and educated in Bendigo and was a business man who owned and operated a bus company in the Bendigo District. He was also a professional cyclist and was involved in the development of the City's sporting facilities. The Tom flood Sports Centre on Barnard Street is named after him. Monica Cecelia Flood, nee Murray was born in Strathfieldsaye and together they had two sons. As Mayoress Monica Flood was patron of the Bendigo Girl Guides and involved with the Peter Harcourt Centre and Mirridong. Timber sign. Hand painted wooden texture on background with gold and black shadowed text. The sign commemorates the opening of an unknown building by Cr and Mrs T. R. Flood, Mayor and Mayoress on November 9th 1957. mayor and mayoress flood, monica murray, monica flood, thomas flood, city of bendigo mayor, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo leisure

Mayoral Debutante Ball 1960's, colour group photograph of Debutantes seated with Mayoress Mrs Tom Flood, under glass in a white timber frame with gold moulding. Deframed 2022Martin Washingtonphotograph, portrait, female group

Hand tinted photograph of Debutante Ball in 1950's showing group of Debutantes and partners with Mayoress Mrs Tom Flood, under glass with blond wood timber frame. Deframed 2022Reg Brockphotograph, portrait, group

Three invitations to a Return Ball tendered by the Citizens of Bendigo to Mayor and Mayoress Cr J R and Mrs Flood. 16.7.1967.