HERSTORY on RTRFM: Laura Tolliday

Born in Perth in the late 1920s, Laura Tolliday helped pave the way for women in sport across Western Australia.

A state champion in netball, Tolliday also excelled at table tennis and cricket, competing nationally across the three disciplines.

Tolliday’s influence in Western Australian sport has continued even after her retirement, with Tolliday focussing on the establishment of multiple community groups.

Tolliday was instrumental in establishing a Netball Association in Merredin, and had a hand in promoting groups such as the Intergenerational Activity Network, Seniors Helping At Risk Kids, and Computer Links. Tolliday’s extensive sports experience also helped to kickstart “Walkball”, a modified version of netball that reduces risk of injury.

Laura Tolliday was inducted in the Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023.

In this episode of HERSTORY on RTRFM, Laura Tolliday speaks to Bec Bowman about her experience pursuing a sports career as a woman in the 1940s, and the importance of getting involved in your community.

HERSTORY is an RTRFM podcast series about some of the remarkable women in the Western Australian Hall of Fame.

Join us as we shine a light on the lives and careers of women who have demolished barriers, lived incredible lives, and built a legacy of possibility for the girls and young women who follow in their footsteps.

Produced with the assistance of the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at www.cbf.org.au.