The Talented Mrs Greenway (2023) by Australian writer Tea Cooper tells the story of Mary Greenway, wife of Francis Greenway, Australia’s first government architect and widely admired for his work.

In the 3rd part of the novel, from 1814 after Mary Greenway has arrived in the penal colony of NSW, there is mention of Mary Reibey (1777-1855) who becomes an inspiration to Mary Greenway.

Mary Reibey was an orphan who was raised in kinship care and then transported to NSW at the age of 13 for stealing a horse. She became a successful businesswoman and has been featured on the AUD $20 note since 2019.

There is also reference to the Female Orphan School (1813-1850) which, in 1818, Francis Greenway was commissioned to extend and improve. Mary Greenway ends up employing 13-year-old Aggie, an orphan from the Female Orphan School.