while at sydney university she was very active in student activities, particularly in the dramatic society which gave her the skills which she would put to good use in her later commitment to theatre in sydney. she also joined the sydney university women's social service society and served on its committee from 1908 to 1910, being secretary from 1908 to 1909. in may 1909 she was instrumental in the society and helped found the sydney university settlement which continues to provide social welfare services in the chippendale and south sydney area. this was an early indication of her strong commitment to social causes that was to be such an important part of her later life. it was in this period she became a close friend of the australian feminist jessie street and other early social activists.