A new public artwork honouring Stasia Dabrowski OAM, known to generations of Canberrans as the 'Soup Kitchen Lady', has been unveiled in Garema Place.
Stasia dedicated decades of her life to supporting some of Canberra's most vulnerable community members. From 1982 to 2018, her weekly mobile soup kitchen in Garema Place provided food, companionship and practical support to thousands of Canberrans.
Created by artist Louise Skačej, the life-sized sculpture recognises Stasia's lasting contribution to Canberra and is situated near the site of her original soup kitchen.
Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy Michael Pettersson said public art plays an important role in telling Canberra's stories and recognising the people who have shaped the city.
"Public art helps us understand who we are as Canberrans," Minister Pettersson said. "By immortalising Stasia in one of our city's most important public spaces, we affirm that her compassion and generosity are the values we want to see in our community."
"Louise has created a thoughtful and enduring work that honours Stasia's contribution to Canberra. Her work invites reflection on the people, stories and values that define our community."
The piece was commissioned as part of the ACT Government's election commitment to honour more significant women through public art, improving the gender representation within our public art collection.
Alongside the statue of Stasia Dabrowski OAM, the new Ngunnawal Dhawura Artworks are a series of contemporary cultural pieces celebrating Ngunnawal Country. Featuring four illuminated light poles and a seat with laser-cut totems and stories, the artworks embed cultural heritage into the space.
Quote attributable to artist Louise Skačej:
Creating this work has been a deeply meaningful process. I wanted to capture not only Stasia's physical presence, but the warmth, and humanity that defined her life and the connections she built with so many people in Garema Place and across Canberra. I'm proud to contribute to her legacy in a place that meant so much to her, and I hope the sculpture will inspire generations to come to remember her story and reflect on the power of compassion in everyday life.
