Moira Dynon

This biography of Moira Lenore Dynon nee Shelton (1920 -1976) was written by her husband John F Dynon. It contains a footnoted account of Moira's fascinating and inspiring life as a scientist, socialite, wife, mother and community activist. Moira graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science and was involved as a scientist in the mustard gas trials in World War II. After marrying John F Dynon in 1950, Moira and John established the very successful Malvern branch of the Australian Association for the United Nations. Both received honours from the Italian Government for their work in assisting Italian immigrants. They were officeholders in the Liberal Party before becoming outspoken critics of the ground of separation being included in Australia's first national divorce legislation in 1959. This episode is recorded in some detail. Moira made significant contributions to other causes including fundraising for the education and welfare of the Australian-Japanese children in Kure, Japan. The book focusses most attention on Moira's efforts as a campaigner for aid to India (1964 - 1971) and includes her responses to various natural disasters as well as the turmoil in what was then called East Pakistan (Bangladesh). Moira's work for better relations between Australia and India brought her into conflict with the Australian government. Considerable use is made of primary source documents: reports, newspaper articles, letters and telegrams including her significant correspondence with Australian prime ministers. The book has four appendices: reports documents and letters including Moira's war service account and her report on the Australian-Japanese children in Japan;. material about John F Dynon and his Irish Australian family, written by the editors; three autobiographical chapters by John F Dynon; memories of family life written by four children of Moira and John F Dynon.