April 08

Marie Beatrice Byles was the first practising female solicitor in New South Wales. She was a passionate mountaineer who explored remote regions of Australia and helped establish the Kosciuszko Primitive Area. An early environmentalist, she campaigned for national parks and founded the Caloola Club, promoting bushwalking for women. A scholar of Eastern philosophy, Byles studied Buddhism and translated Chinese Buddhist texts into English. Her writing and lectures inspired a generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservation advocates. She remains celebrated as a trailblazer for women in law and wilderness exploration.

Andrew "Sandy" Irvine was a British mountaineer famous for his attempt on Mount Everest in 1924 alongside George Mallory. At only 21, he was the youngest member of the expedition and served as the team's equipment officer and photographer. Irvine and Mallory disappeared high on Everest, sparking one of mountaineering’s greatest mysteries about whether they reached the summit. His ice axe and camera, found decades later, fueled debates among climbers and historians. Despite his short life, Irvine’s bravery and spirit continue to inspire adventurers around the world.