A life-size bronze sculpture celebrating the leadership of three Kurnai women will soon be installed and permanently displayed in Drouin's Civic Park.
Proudly supported by the Victorian Government's Victorian Women's Public Art Program and by Baw Baw Shire Council, Three Kurnai Women on Country is the culmination of a collaboration between local artists and local Kurnai Elders.
The artwork pays homage to Dorothy Hood, Regina Rose, and Euphemia Mullet, acknowledging their tenacity, wisdom and cultural integrity as they raised their young people amidst racial discrimination and adversity.
Each woman holds an object: a book, a laundry tub, a guitar. Selected by Kurnai Elder Cheryl Drayton these objects represent the struggles they faced as Aboriginal people and the constant endeavour of keeping their families safe and together.
Designed and created by Jessie McLennan, Rebecca Van Dyk Hamilton and Lynette (Grace) Hayes, the clay moulds of each woman were sculptured by hand using photographic records as references. The piece is accompanied by oral recordings and written historical storytelling by Elder Cheryl Drayton and local writer Jeannie Haughton. The stories can be accessed by scanning QR codes on the sculpture or by visiting local website, Stories of Drouin.
The artwork is a shining example of women artists working together to bring sculptures of women and their stories into public places.
The landmark artwork will stand proudly at Drouin Civic Park in the centre of town and easily accessible via public transport. It will remind local residents and visitors of very recent history of the First Nations' families who lived and worked for decades at Jackson's Track in Labertouche, until they were forcibly relocated into Drouin.
To celebrate the sculpture's installation and recognise the start of National Reconciliation Week, an official Ministerial opening is set to be held on Saturday 27 May from 10:00am at the sound shell in Drouin's Civic Park. All community members are invited to join Aunty Cheryl Drayton, members of the project group, Baw Baw Shire Council and Victorian Government MP Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Education and Minister for Women to hear from the speakers and share a bush tucker BBQ by Joel Young and the team from 3J's Butchers, a proud First Nations led business.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe
"It is a true honour to celebrate these three extraordinary Kurnai women with this remarkable public artwork. We greatly welcome the State Government's support to bring this piece to life, one that will be the first artwork in our area solely dedicated to celebrating First Nations women.
This landmark sculpture will stand tall in our iconic Drouin Civic Park and pay homage to the influence and contribution that Regina Rose, Dorothy Hood, and Euphemia Mullet Tonkin brought to their Kurnai community.
We are excited to see the completion of this incredible piece and invite all community members to come along and connect with us at the official unveiling event on 27 May.
In the lead up to the installation of the piece, areas of the footpath may be temporarily closed for pedestrian use at Drouin Civic Park. Full details of all closures will be communicated via signage at the site."
