The Australian Town and Country Journal was published in Sydney by Frank and Christopher Bennett between 1870 and 1919. On 2 June, 1888 it published the following introductory announcement in a section titled "Our Bookshelf."
"THE DAWN."
This is the name of a new monthly periodical published in Sydney, and purporting to be written by women for women. In other words it is, according to the prefatory notice, "The Australian woman's journal and mouthpiece." Dora Falconer is the editor, and Louisa Lawson the publisher. The paper is well and clearly printed, and contains a good deal of miscellaneous information and original articles whioh ought to recommend it to the favorable notice of its fair readers.
"THE DAWN.". (1888, June 2). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 14. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71098333
Australian Town and Country Journal went on to regularly report of the receipt of the latest issue of The Dawn with a pithy summary of its "interesting and useful" contents, highlighting a particular feature, such as a useful recipe, or fancy work." Or perhaps these were cunning advertisements placed by Ms Lawson herself? Appearing above an advertisement for Cadbury's Cocoa, in February 1897, Australian Town and Country Journal reports the latest issue to show
"... no sign of falling off in interest or utility. The contents include several chatty articles, hints on gardening, notes on cookery and other matters domestic, poems, stories, and some admirable "competitive paragraphs" on various subjects.
[Advertising. (1897, February 13). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 34. Retrieved March 5, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71289763]
The current number of the "Dawn" reaches us from Mrs. Louisa Lawson, and contains useful articles on fancy work, gardening, and fashions; has a number of good cookery recipes, stories, prize competitions, poems, news of women's work, ¡etc., and in all respects keeps up its high standard as an interesting and informing journal for tbe household.
[Sydney Social News. (1901, October 12). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 44. Retrieved March 5, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71473190]
The latest number of the "Dawn" has been received from Mrs. Louisa Lawson, and contains interesting and useful articles on dress, cookery, and domestic economy generally, as well as stories, poems, and children's corner, and news of women's work in all parts of the world.
[BOOKS, PUBLICATIONS, &c. (1902, February 15). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 56. Retrieved March 5, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71520224]