About the AWAP

The Australian Women's Archives Program (AWAP) is an initiative of the National Foundation for Australian Women. AWAP builds knowledge and recognition of the contribution made by women through an online biographical Register.

Winter Tales is an annual series of talks held every winter, and these events raise funds to support the Register's development.

About Beth Campbell

When she retired in 2023, Beth Campbell had been the longest serving magistrate in the ACT. As she handed down her final sentence she was met with a chorus of applause from the gallery; celebrated as a pioneer for women in law, known for her patience, diligence, warmth and care.

Born in NSW, Beth regards herself as a Canberra local, having been mostly schooled in Canberra and studying at ANU. She was the second woman to be appointed to the ACT judiciary and served the court for close to 25 years.

In her earlier career Beth worked as a solicitor for two large national firms and a small legal firm in rural NSW. She taught business and commercial law at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga and was a Senior Lecturer in Law at the ANU, where she had earlier gained the degree of Master of Law. Following her retirement from the bench, Beth was appointed Chair of the newly created ACT Law Reform and Sentencing Avisory Council. She has four children and thus far, is a grandmother of five, all aged under five.