In recent years scholars have begun the work of tracing the history of the Australian women's movement, particularly in its second wave form. In this article authors speculate on the limits and possibilities for what they loosely term 'the feminist archive' and the role it might play in forging community memory of the nature, extent, impact and legacy of second wave feminist activism in this country. Their speculations arise out of our experiences when attempting to research and teach the modern Australian women's movement, particularly from a cultural historical or cultural-literary studies perspective when the limitations of the historical record become very clear. In doing so they recognise the significance of archival sources as one the 'technologies of Western feminist storytelling'.
In June 2002 Australia celebrated the centenary of white women's suffrage. The transformation in women's status in this country, as in most of the western world, has been hard fought for, and won only through the struggles of feminists over several generations. However, there is still much that needs to change for Australian women to achieve the kinds of equality that they have hoped and worked for. Of concern to many feminists and other women is the question of who will fight these remaining battles. Many believe that there is no 'next generation' of Australian feminists and that the women's movement has lost its impetus and influence. This article offers an acknowledgement of the presence of young women in the Australian women's movement and provides some discussion of the old and new challenges that they face. In conclusion, Maddisson argues that older feminists could be working more effectively to provide these young women with much needed support.