Tilly Devine

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Matilda 'Tilly' Devine 1900 to 1970 was a prominent Sydney crime figure, involved in a wide range of activities, including sly-grog and involvement in razor gangs, but most notable as a madam. Born Matilda Twiss in the United Kingdom, she married an Australian serviceman, Jim Devine, during World War I and followed him back to Australia, where both rapidly become prominent in the Sydney criminal milieu. Devine was famous for flamboyant acts of generosity, and also for her violent feud with rival madam Kate Leigh.

A popular cafe in Canberra bears her name.

[edit] References

http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A080318b.htm