Hamilton’s first policewoman has passed away in Canberra on November 13 aged 90.

Patricia June Howlett (née Nolte), January 19, 1934 - November 13, 2024, had lived in Canberra for many years with her husband and children, but was born in Hamilton to parents Frederick and Myrtle Nolte.

She was delivered by renowned physician Dr Sam Fitzpatrick, was raised at Tahara and educated at the Tahara State School before attending Hamilton High School until completion of Year 10 equivalent.

In her autobiography, “As it was…” by Pat Howlett, she described what would have been considered a “primitive” upbringing for her and her older brother Allan and younger sister Lois.

In early 1951, Miss Nolte, aged 17, was offered her first job in Merino in the office of stock and station agents, Dennys Lascelles Limited.

In 1956 she went to work as a typist for the police Superintendent at Horsham.

Inspired by a visiting Ballarat policewoman, in 1957, Miss Nolte applied to join the police force but had thought she should perhaps learn to drive first.

She then presented at the Police Depot in St Kilda Road Melbourne with a friend joining around 100 men and 11 other women to sit the exam.

Miss Nolte then underwent 16 weeks training, the same regime as men – except boxing – and received equal pay, something that was unusual in those times.

She was dux of her squad when she graduated in 1957.

Miss Nolte was stationed at Russell Street until early 1961.

In the 1960’s, the Hamilton district was flourishing as an important epicentre for agriculture.

So too was the Hamilton Police force expanding with the appointment of its first ever female member in 1961, Constable Patricia Nolte, a noteworthy addition.

By mid-1963, she was promoted to First Constable.

In those times, Miss Nolte dealt mainly with women and children.

As one of only 50 or so policewomen in the Victorian force, ‘Pat’ Nolte was quite a novelty in the town. (The next nearest station with a policewoman was Ballarat).

Once when interviewed for The Spectator, Mrs Howlett reportedly said (in relation to her male colleagues) “I felt that I was well received and soon settled in at the Hamilton Police Station”. 

“I’m sure they all made great effort not to swear in front of me,” she said.

She also spent time stationed at Flemington.

Upon leaving the area, her Sergeant E. I McDonald praised her for her accomplishments at Hamilton.

“She carried out her duties in a satisfactory and human way,” he said.

“Her work amongst families in the district has been of great value.

“Her advice and assistance has benefited many families.”

It was at a Casterton Rotary Club changeover dinner where First Constable Nolte had been invited to give an address that she met incoming president, Casterton lad, Thomas ‘Tom’ Howlett.

Not long after that Miss Nolte resigned from her posting as was required when marrying, and the pair were married in 1964.

Mr and Mrs Howlett initially settled in Casterton and had four children, Bruce, Glenn, Jan and Craig.

Following a severe drought in 1967-68, it was decided they would sell up and move where their children could undertake better educational and work opportunities.

It was in 1974 they eventually moved to Canberra for Mr Howlett to take up a position as an AMP insurance agent.

The Howletts were married for 52 years before Tom’s passing in 2016.

Mrs Howlett is survived by her children, and their families including seven grandchildren.