One of Sydney's unsung forces Kathleen Muriel Butler (1891-1972), has been honoured today, with the unveiling of a prestigious Heritage NSW Blue Plaque at the Chief Secretary's Building on Macquarie Street, where she spent much of her working life with the Department of Public Works.
While her official job title was Confidential Secretary to Chief Engineer John JC Bradfield, Ms Butler, known as the 'Godmother of the Sydney Harbour Bridge', was respected for her great aptitude for organisation, mathematics, stenography and contract management.
Ahead of her time, Butler forged a path for women in engineering and STEM, leaving an enduring legacy as the Sydney Harbour Bridge's de facto project manager, tender manager, negotiator and publicist.
Heritage NSW Executive Director Sam Kidman said the plaque was a fitting honour for Kathleen Butler's extraordinary life.
'Kathleen Butler's achievements are remarkable and unveiling this plaque in her honour is a wonderful moment for her descendants, some of whom attended this occasion in person today,' Mr Kidman said.
The Chief Secretary's Building is part of the Macquarie Street East precinct, which forms the crossroads of Sydney's cultural and civic spine and contains a collection of some of Australia's most significant institutions and heritage buildings.
'The installation of each Blue Plaque brings interest to the heritage of an area, educating people about the history of our communities. We are delighted to work with Heritage NSW to unveil this new Blue Plaque in honour of Kathleen Butler, a trailblazing engineering icon who left a stunning impact on our cityscape,' said Vy Nguyen, Executive Director, Property and Development NSW.
Engineers Australia Acting Chief Engineer Bernadette Foley said Kathleen Butler was a pioneer for women in engineering.
'Engineering isn't just about maths and hard hats – it's about societal impact,' Ms Foley said.
'We thank the Engineering Heritage Sydney committee for their years of advocacy, and we hope Kathleen Butler's story encourages more girls and women to see engineering as a profession that can help them shape a more diverse and impactful future.'
Kathleen Butler is one of 14 Blue Plaques announced by the Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe in November last year. The recipients of this round were chosen to highlight the rich and diverse perspectives that make the history of New South Wales so colourful.
Today's Blue Plaque is the second unveiling in the Macquarie Street East precinct, joining the Blue Plaque for architect Walter Liberty Vernon which was placed on the Registrar General's Building in 2023.
