Red Hat Society chapters prioritise fun in Australia
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Women across Australia join Red Hat Society chapters, groups where members over 50 dress up, adopt royal names, and prioritise friendship.
Anne Darling, known as Lady Darling Buds of May, co-founded the Ruby Ragers in South Wollongong, a chapter inspired by the international Red Hat Society that began in the United States in 1998. The Red Hat Society now spans more than 30 countries, connecting women through shared activities and a focus on enjoyment.
These Australian chapters operate independently from the original American organisation, having adopted the concept around 25 years ago. A poem by Jenny Joseph, “Warning”, published in 1961, sparked the idea for the society, expressing a desire to embrace freedom and self-expression in later life. Michelle Johnsson, Queen Desiderata from Brisbane, coordinates conventions for Aussie Red Hatters.
The 2026 Queensland Girlfriends Giggle convention will host 328 women and feature events like boat cruises and a flash mob dance at the Goodna Jacaranda Festival, a local flower festival. Members also participate in subgroups focused on activities like reading, card games, and op-shop (thrift store) shopping, creating a strong social network for many, especially the two-thirds of members who are single.
