Advocates, artists and agitators are set to be celebrated in six new public artworks across the state as part of the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.
Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday by announcing the six new projects at Lilardia Park in Footscray, thanking more than 10,000 Victorians who voted on which trailblazing women they’d like to see immortalised through public art.
The 2025 Victorian Women’s Public Art Program will recognise six inspirational stories including Aunty Margaret (Lilardia) Tucker MBE for her work as an Aboriginal activist, working to found the Australian Aborigines League and becoming the first woman to sit on the Victorian Aboriginal Welfare Board in 1964.
Other stories selected in the 2025 Victorian Women’s Public Art Program include:
- Montsalvat Artist Community – Eltham
- Louisa Briggs – St Kilda Foreshore
- Barbara Rae – Bendigo
- Aunty Dorothy Peters AM – Knox
- Wonthaggi Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary – Wonthaggi
“Women’s achievements have always been there, they’ve just never been seen – we’re changing this in Victoria, recognising another six trailblazing Victorian women through our nation-leading Women’s Public Art program,” said Minister Hutchins.
“I’m excited to see this iconic artwork come to life in the middle of Footscray celebrating Aunty Margaret Tucker, who was a fierce advocate for Aboriginal women right across Victoria,” said Member for Footscray, Katie Hall.
For more information on the 2025 Victorian Women’s Public Art Program visit vic.gov.au/victorian-womens-public-art-program.
