The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has announced a $100,000 donation to support the Alice Anderson Public Art Project, recognising one of Australia's earliest automotive trailblazers and reinforcing the industry's commitment to championing women in the automotive sector.
The contribution will support the creation of a life-sized bronze statue in Kew, celebrating Alice Anderson's legacy as Australia's first female motor garage owner and a pioneer who trained and employed women in the automotive sector at a time when opportunities were scarce.
VACC CEO Peter Jones said the donation reflects the strong alignment between the Chamber's purpose and the values embodied by Alice Anderson.
"VACC has been the voice of the automotive industry for more than a century, and Alice Anderson's story is deeply connected to that journey," Mr Jones said.
"She was not only an innovator and entrepreneur, but a champion for women in the automotive industry - creating opportunities, building skills, and challenging what was possible. That legacy continues to resonate strongly with our work today."
Founded in 1919, Anderson's all-women motor garage in Kew broke new ground, employing and training women as mechanics, chauffeurs and drivers - an extraordinary achievement that continues to inspire in what remains a male-dominated industry.
Mr Jones said the project presents a powerful opportunity to connect the industry's rich history with its future.
"As an industry, we are focused on attracting, training and supporting the next generation of automotive professionals - particularly women - into meaningful, long-term careers," he said.
"This project is more than a statue. It is a visible and lasting reminder of the important role women have played - and will continue to play - in shaping our industry."
The project is being delivered in partnership between The Alice Anderson Memorial Project Association and the City of Boroondara, which has committed funding toward both the statue and associated site works, reinforcing strong local government support for recognising Anderson's legacy and its place in the community.
Co-founder of The Alice Anderson Memorial Project, Samantha Lovrich, welcomed VACC's support, describing it as a pivotal moment for the initiative.
"This generous contribution from VACC is a powerful endorsement from the automotive industry itself," Ms Lovrich said.
"This project has been driven by a passionate team of volunteers all committed to ensuring Alice Anderson's legacy is celebrated by way of a statue in the place where she lived and worked. Support like this brings us significantly closer to making that vision a reality."
The Alice Anderson Memorial Project, established by 3 founding members and backed by a growing network of community supporters, has spent several years building momentum for the project - working to secure partnerships, raise awareness and bring the story of Alice Anderson back into the spotlight.
Mayor of the City of Boroondara, Cr Wes Gault, said the project is an important cultural and community milestone.
"Alice Anderson was a true pioneer, and this statue will commemorate her life and impact here in Boroondara," Cr Gault said.
"This project not only honours a woman who led an extraordinary and inspiring life but also helps address the under-representation of women in public monuments, ensuring their contributions are visible and celebrated in our shared history."
The Alice Anderson Public Art Project aims to raise funds to deliver the statue, intended for installation in Petrie Square, Kew. The proposed location is near the site of Alice Anderson's original automotive garage in Kew and would help inspire future generations and increase the visibility of women's achievements in Australia's history.
VACC's contribution positions the organisation as a Foundation Donor, demonstrating its leadership in supporting initiatives that celebrate automotive heritage while advocating for a more inclusive future.
Mr Jones said the donation also reflects VACC's broader commitment to supporting Victorian communities.
"Our members are deeply embedded in local communities across Victoria and Tasmania. Supporting initiatives like this is about more than history, it's about recognising the people who have shaped our industry and inspiring the communities we serve," he said.
"We are proud to stand alongside The Alice Anderson Memorial Project and help bring this important piece of history to life."
Editorial notes
Alice Anderson Public Art Project
The Alice Anderson Public Art Project is a community-led initiative by The Alice Anderson Memorial Project in partnership with the City of Boroondara to deliver a life-sized bronze statue in Kew, Victoria, honouring automotive pioneer Alice Anderson (1897-1926). Anderson founded Australia's first all-women motor garage and trained dozens of women in automotive trades, breaking significant barriers in a male-dominated industry. The project aims to increase the visibility of women's contributions to Australia's history and inspire future generations.
The Alice Anderson Memorial Project
The Alice Anderson Memorial Project is a not-for-profit unincorporated association established in 2023 by two local Kew residents and Alice Anderson's biographer to encourage art through the erection of a statue of Alice Anderson.
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC)
Founded in 1918, VACC is Victoria's peak automotive industry body, representing over 5,000 businesses across the automotive sector. VACC advocates on behalf of its members, delivers industry-leading training through its apprenticeship programs, and supports the sustainability and growth of the automotive industry. VACC members employ more than 50,000 Victorians and play a vital role in keeping Australians on the road.
City of Boroondara
The City of Boroondara is a local government area in Melbourne's inner east, encompassing suburbs including Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn, Ashburton and Hawthorn. The City is supporting the Alice Anderson Public Art Project through financial contributions and partnership in delivering the statue and associated public space improvements.
