THE City of Greater Bendigo’s submission for funding to commemorate pioneering cricketer Barbara Rae has been approved, meaning a permanent bronze statue to honour her legacy will be installed later this year.<\/p>\n
The City made a submission to the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program last year and was shortlisted with 12 others from across the state.<\/p>\n
The program honours legacies of those who have forged a path for Victorian women, reflecting diversity and highlighting leadership, excellence and service to the community across a range of fields.<\/p>\n
Its aim is to address the under-representation of women and their achievements by funding six public artworks.<\/p>\n
Bendigo is considered the birthplace of women’s cricket in Australia after the first match between the Blues and the Reds occurred as part of the Easter Fair in 1874.<\/p>\n
Primary school teacher Ms Rae was thought to be pivotal in organising the inaugural match, recruiting players and running coaching sessions at local cricket grounds.<\/p>\n
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said it was fantastic news for the cricketer to be immortalised in this way.<\/p>\n
“Barbara Rae paved the way for women’s cricket in Australia and it happened right here in Greater Bendigo,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community for getting behind the campaign for Barbara.<\/p>\n
“This new statue will be an important landmark for Greater Bendigo and Australia’s cricketing history and a fitting tribute to Barbara’s legacy to women’s sport.”<\/p>\n
The artist involved in the project will be revealed soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City of Greater Bendigo’s submission for funding to commemorate pioneering cricketer Barbara Rae has been approved, meaning a permanent bronze statue to honour her legacy will be installed later this year. The City made a submission to the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program last year and was shortlisted with 12 others from across the […]<\/p>\n