Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to announce that our submission has been shortlisted for the prestigious Victorian Women's Public Art Program. The program will fund six new public artworks to honour the contributions and achievements of women across Victoria.
Our story celebrates the remarkable and courageous women of the Wonthaggi Miners Women's Auxiliary (WMWA). Founded in 1934 during a five-month coal miners' strike, the WMWA was a collective of miners' wives led by Agnes Chambers and Agnes Doig.
You can vote for the WMWA here: engage.vic.gov.au/womens-public-art-program
Starting with a mission to support miners striking against decreased pay and poor working conditions, the Auxiliary's efforts extended far beyond the strike. They advocated for women's rights, educated women on mining and political issues, and lobbied for vital community amenities, including a maternity wing at the Miners' Hospital, a restroom for mothers, a kindergarten, and a public library.
Their contributions delivered an enduring legacy for the Wonthaggi district and played a nationally significant role in the union and strike movements. The WMWA demonstrated the political influence women could wield in shaping public opinion and driving policy change.
