The ACT Government has commissioned artist Louise Skačej to create a public artwork honouring Stasia Dabrowski OAM, Canberra's 'Soup Kitchen Lady,' in recognition of her decades of selfless service to the community's most vulnerable. This commission is part of an ongoing initiative to celebrate the legacy of significant Canberra women through the public art collection.
Louise Skačej will collaborate with a strong team including partner and studio manager and technician Dean Colls, mentor Peter Corlett OAM, who has several works across Canberra, as well as two young and talented creatives, studio assistants, Isabeau Colls and Mads Hillam.
Louise's work may be familiar to Canberrans. A thought-provoking artwork displayed at the Australian War Memorial, the Battle of Kapyong Diorama, was created in collaboration with Dean Colls.
Through the lens of her immigrant background, Louise's art often explores themes of culture, heritage, and memory.
The sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski will be installed in Garema Place in early 2026, close to the location of the original soup kitchen, creating a permanent tribute to her extraordinary life and work.
Stasia Dabrowski (1926-2020), a Polish immigrant, became an iconic figure in the Canberra community through her dedication to helping those in need. From 1982, she ran a mobile soup kitchen from a corner of Garema Place, providing hot meals, bread, drinks, and most importantly compassion to the those in need every Friday night.
Stasia funded the initiative by babysitting at night and cleaning houses during the day, using her earnings to purchase the ingredients. By 2005, she was feeding up to 500 people each week, with the help of her grandson Josh Kenworthy. Josh remembers Stasia as a humble and private person who never sought out the spotlight. She simply wanted to lend a hand.
Despite receiving numerous awards in acknowledgement of her work and kindness, Stasia remained modest. "I never keep photos because I am not proud... the soup kitchen is a simple thing, just people cooking veggies, nothing special," she once said. Stasia continued her work till the age of 92 and passing away two years later in 2020.
Minister for Business the Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson is committed to continuing the ACT Government's public art program that puts the focus on significant Canberra women.
"Congratulations to the talented Louise Skačej, who has been selected to create a sculpture honouring this iconic Canberran," said Minister Pettersson.
"For decades Stasia Dabrowksi made an enormous contribution caring for thousands of Canberra's most vulnerable. Her kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on our community. This tribute will ensure her legacy lives on.
"I look forward to the unveiling of Louise's artwork in Garema Place next year. It will offer Canberrans the chance to stop, reflect and admire the life of a woman who made a profound difference in the lives of so many."
