She signed under the name "Mrs. William McLean", perhaps suggesting her husband's support. She was a founding member and coordinator of the Melbourne branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) of Victoria; she was president of the organisation for two periods, 1892–93 and 1899–1907.
Under the pseudonym "Mrs. William McLean", she made her presence known. She was a trailblazer and leader in the Melbourne branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) of Victoria, holding the position of president for two consecutive terms, 1892–93 and 1899–1907.