A new Council project aims to honour the inspiring women of the Bundaberg Region through memorials in public spaces, including the possibility of a bronze Statues for Equality monument.
Bundaberg Regional Council is calling for residents to put forward ideas for local women who could be acknowledged in public spaces, from street names to memorials in parks, buildings and other civic facilities.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the idea had originated from a petition to State Parliament by eight-year-old Malia Knox who called for greater representation of women and girls in public spaces.
“Malia’s call for change of gender representation in public spaces is a noble one and something that should have been addressed long ago,” he said.
“Not only does her idea highlight the fact that there is still a large gap in gender equality but is also a reminder of the many amazing women throughout history who have made such a huge impact within communities, small and large.”
Mayor Dempsey said the Bundaberg Region had been home to many inspiring women over the years.
“This includes Margaret Mittelheuser who was the first female stockbroker in Australia or Florence Broadhurst who was a talented designer with her works still sold today,” he said.
“This project is a chance for the community to not only have their say on other many talented and hardworking women who should be showcased through public memorials, but also offers up an opportunity to learn about our history and the people who have made significant contributions to our community.
“What a fantastic way to inspire the generations to come.”
The ‘Recognising inspiring women in our region’ project could also include the implementation of the first bronze statue of a local woman, through the generosity of international not-for-profit organisation, Statues for Equality.
The organisation has offered their support to co-fund the memorial, with Council calling on the community for fundraising ideas to assist with the project.
To find out how you can become involved, or to submit your idea, click here.
might I suggest we look at some old deceased people.
Sophia Dittmann, arriving in the Tantitha Scrub ca 1875, her and her husband procuring a small land selection, cleared the land, grew vegetables and plants, trialled coffee growing were but a few successful ventures. on seeing a sail coming up the river, she would load fresh vegetables into her boat and hand row them down to near where the rowers club is today where the vessels would drop anchor. in all her time, she had endured a journey from Germany on the Shakespeare with various family members, including a baby, who was to die soon after arrival in Maryborough. in all these adversities, she still raised many children and at the same time, delivered babies in the bush and had befriended many Aboriginals in the scrubs of Tantitha. without strong women like she was, early Bundaberg may well have failed as it came perilously close to this.
another strong lady was Sarah Broom/Klotz, the daughter to John and Emma Broom. She was of Aboriginal Decent and the Matriarch to many Aboriginal Decent people who still reside in Bundaberg. she also managed to raise a large family with a white husband. in those days this relationship was frowned upon most critically, but to the friends of the Tantitha Scrub, this does not matter. she was an honest lady who shared responsibilities in caring for not only her children, but minded white children when people went to town. the reverse also happened when Sarah went to town. Sarah never forgot who her friend were, even when in Brisbane. she had to endure the last wagon on the train, something the white Australia policy caused.
one of the most impressive bronze statues i have seen was in Uruguay at Montevideo at the docks. it was that of a labourer clothed in no more than rags, bare foot, but he still carried his sack of produce in order to load exports.
we do forget these people of old and hence the roots that made the town from the start.
Merv Hopton