This souvenir stamp sheet celebrates the remarkable life of Mary MacKillop. A woman who dared to believe in her dream.

Mary MacKillop was born on 15 January 1842 in Fitzroy, Victoria. A plaque in the footpath now marks the place of her birth in Brunswick Street.

Mary began to work at just sixteen which greatly helped to support her family. In 1866 encouraged by Father Julian Tension Woods, Mary opened the first Saint Joseph's school in a disused stable in Penola.

Young women came to join Mary, and so the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph was begun. In 1867 Mary was asked to start a school in Adelaide. From there the sisters work spread throughout Australia and abroad.

Mary suffered illness throughout her life. She died on 8 August 1909 in the convent in Mount Street, North Sydney where her tomb is now enshrined.

She has inspired generations to help those in need and is an example of great courage and strength.