Who was Mary Reibey?
Mary Reibey was a convict who became one of the most successful businesswomen in colonial Sydney. Transported to New South Wales at the age of 14 for horse stealing, she built a business empire in trade, shipping and property.
Reibey was born in Lancashire, England, in 1777. In 1791, she was convicted of stealing a horse and sentenced to seven years' transportation. She arrived in Sydney in 1792.
In 1794, she married Thomas Reibey, an officer of the East India Company. Together they ran businesses in trading, shipping and farming.
Businesswoman and philanthropist
After Thomas died in 1811, Mary took over the businesses and expanded them. She owned ships, farms, warehouses and city properties, becoming one of the wealthiest people in the colony.
Reibey was also involved in charity, education and church activities. Her house was used as the first premises of the Bank of New South Wales, and she was appointed a governor of the Free Grammar School.
Her portrait appears on the Australian $20 note, along with images of a sailing ship and her house. Her life is an example of how some convicts rose to great success in colonial Australia.