I would appreciate a definition of battler, as used in the quotation about women whose activities are not organized by hoons. Who are they? Independent hookers? Female panhandler? The OED quotations don't give a good explanation of the current Aussie meaning.

Lawson used it in 1900 for people living off the leavings; a swagman (still used or obsolete?). The other quotes suggest a person struggling against odds, but the quote about hoons suggests something else.