[3] Benny was active in a range of community and political organisations, and during the First World War was the Honorary Secretary of the Seacliff Cheer-Up Society.

In November 1919, on petition of ratepayers, she was appointed to represent the newly created South ward (later called Seacliff) of Brighton Council.

[2] In 1921 Grace Benny was made a Justice of the Peace, hearing cases relating to state children, police matters and women.

The Benny home "Stoneywood", a 4.25 acres (1.72 ha) property overlooking the Seacliff foreshore reserve, was put up for sale in 1925.

Although she had never worked for a living, she moved into her husband's law offices in King William Street, Adelaide and opened the "Elite Employment Agency", which enabled her to support her family through the Depression.