Exciting news for Greater Bendigo! A stunning permanent bronze sculpture honouring pioneering women's cricketer Barbara Rae has been unveiled today at the Queen Elizabeth Oval forecourt.
It is the first sculpture in Victoria to celebrate a female cricketer and only the second in Australia. The project was delivered following the City of Greater Bendigo's successful application to the Victorian Women's Public Art Program, in partnership with McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, and funded through the Victorian Government's Community Support Fund.
The sculpture, known as Barbara Rae celebrates the win, was created by central Victorian artist Lis Johnson, one of Australia's most respected figurative sculptors.
Greater Bendigo is recognised as the birthplace of women's cricket in Australia. The first match between the Blues and the Reds was played during the 1874 Easter Fair to raise funds for the Bendigo Hospital and Benevolent Asylum.
Nineteen-year-old primary school teacher Barbara Rae demonstrated remarkable leadership and determination in organising the inaugural match. She recruited and coached players at local cricket grounds and went on to captain the victorious Blues team.
The game attracted thousands of spectators and was considered a great local success. However, the event was soon met with strong backlash from the media elsewhere who viewed women playing sport publicly as 'unseemly' and 'deplorable'.
Despite being the top scorer and named player of the match, Barbara Rae chose not to attend a special cricket presentation due to mounting criticism and concerns about further backlash.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Barbara's legacy continues with today's unveiling.
"Greater Bendigo has always been a place where people roll up their sleeves and get things done, and Barbara Rae was no exception. In 1874, when the rules of the day told women to stay out of men's sport, she organised a cricket match anyway. And in doing so, she changed Australian sporting history," Cr Prince said.
"That spark she lit has grown into a global game with huge crowds and enormous talent. Recognising her with a sculpture, the first time this century that we've honoured an individual in this way, says a lot about the kind of community we are. Barbara stood up when it wasn't easy, and it's fitting that we're standing with her today."
Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said the achievements of Victorian women should be celebrated and acknowledged.
"Barbara Rae was a trailblazer in her field, and this sculpture is a lasting memorial to her legacy," Minister Thomas said.
The sculpture was unveiled at a civic reception this morning with City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince, CEO Andrew Cooney, Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, sculpture artist Lis Johnson, former Australian cricketer Belinda Clark OAM and Barbara Rae's descendants.
