This collection investigates the evolving cultural perceptions and social expectations of motherhood within the Australian context across different historical periods. Editor Nancy Keesing compiles a diverse array of literary and historical accounts to examine how the image of the Australian mother has been constructed, idealized, and challenged. By curating these primary sources, the work provides a framework for understanding the shifting domestic and public roles assigned to women in Australian society.

The collection serves as a foundational resource for those interested in the intersection of gender studies and Australian social history. Its scope suggests a scholarly approach to documenting the changing domestic landscape through a multi-vocal, historical lens.