Caroline Chisholm (1808-1877) was an English humanitarian who founded the Family Colonisation Loan Society in 1849 to facilitate emigration to Australia. The society provided loans for half the cost of the journey, with repayment expected after two years' residence. Chisholm's efforts improved accommodation for emigrants and influenced improvements to the Passenger Acts. By 1854 the Society had helped over 3,000 people. Chisholm's extensive emigration lectures and advocacy won her recognition, including an audience with Pope Pius IX.
Unfortunately, the gold medal presented to her by the Pope had to be pawned and, despite vigorous efforts by subsequent generations, has never been recovered. Mrs Chisholm is also the first woman (other than Elizabeth II) to be given recognition on an Australian banknote.
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