Elizabeth Fell

Elizabeth Dyneley Fell, known as Liz Fell (1940–2020), was an Australian multidisciplinary figure recognized for her work as an activist, journalist, academic, feminist, and public intellectual. She co-founded prison activism groups Prisoners Action Group and Women Behind Bars. Fell received the George Munster Award for Freelance Journalism in 1986 for her radio work on ABC Radio National, focusing on media and telecommunications.

Fell was born to John and Margaret Fell (Grant) and grew up with her sister Eleanor. She attended Abbotsleigh and Frensham boarding schools before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney (1955–1960), majoring in psychology, where she earned the best student prize. She tutored in psychology under Professor John Maze and joined the intellectual movement the Sydney Push.

Fell's career included teaching sociology at UNSW from 1969, where she taught courses like architecture, and founding the controversial sex education publication SEX in 1971. She supported Aboriginal self-determination, particularly the Gurindji campaign, and was friends with Black Power leader Gary Foley. As a journalist, she worked for ABC's Lateline, Nine Network’s Sunday program, 60 Minutes, The National Times, The Sun-Herald, and SBS Dateline.

Fell contributed to telecommunications discourse through TelSoc and authored works on television and digital economy topics. She taught until age 73 and died in August 2020 after a long illness, aged 80. Her life reflected a commitment to activism, academia, and journalism across various fields.