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. Gwenda Joan Cooper was born in Ballarat in 1924 and served as Mayoress from 1976 - 77.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigostudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor r cooper, mayoress joan cooper, lansell pendant