Nova Peris - Bronze Statue

This is an artists impression of what Nova's statue will look like if we can raise the $30k!  

A range of requests have been made for support from government, but none have been willing to contribute. 

In keeping with supporting Aboriginal artists, Jandamara  Cadd is going to partner with Gillie and Marc Art to create the piece. 

Even if you can only afford $5 or $10 we would love your support!

(Artists Impressions below)






BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT AND NOVA PERIS OAM OLY - STATUES FOR EQUALITY PROJECT

NOVA PERIS OAM OLY - AUSTRALIAN LEGEND

At the Atlanta Games in 1996, Nova was the first Aboriginal person to win an Olympic Gold Medal as part of the world-dominant Hockeyroos, and was also the first mother since Shirley Strickland, in 1956, to claim Olympic Gold. She then switched sports to athletics and won Gold in the 200 metres and 4x100 metres relay at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Then, at Sydney Olympics in 2000, Nova reached the 400 metres semi-final and was a member of the 4x400 metres relay team which finished fourth in the final breaking an Australian and Oceania record. To this day, she remains the only person in the world to make back-to-back Summer Olympic finals in two different sports at consecutive Games!



Post-sport, Nova has worked tirelessly in fighting for better rights for Aboriginal people, and for people of all walks of life. Notably, in 2013, she became the first Aboriginal woman elected to Federal Parliament, and her maiden speech highlighted the struggles facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As the first of many speeches Nova gave during her time in the Senate, hers was a strong, determined voice of an emerging leader who envisioned great things for her people. As always, she was prepared to act as their voice, and she did this through various speeches on Aboriginal affairs, never shirking an issue; instead meeting it head on, with an honesty and connectivity that is sometimes absent from our political leaders. In being elected to Federal Parliament, Nova broke through that ceiling for Aboriginal women.  A number of incredible Aboriginal women were inspired by Nova and followed her footsteps into Parliament. 


A dedicated mother and highly sought-after public speaker, Nova continues to leave her mark since exiting Federal Parliament. Injustice and inequality drive her quest to improve the lives of Australians everywhere, and for her statue to stand proudly alongside other inspirational women in Melbourne would show everybody that by fighting for your rights, and having boldness to chase your dreams, is a life worth living. For everyone. 



A STATUE FOR THE PEOPLE

For generations, inspirational and hard-working Australian women have left their mark on our thriving, diverse and ever-changing country. Whether fighting for social justice, delivering medical advancements, striving to excel on the sporting field, or championing equal rights in the halls of parliament, the list of outstanding women is long and varied.

It is with this in mind that internationally renowned Australian public artists, Gillie and Marc Schattner, are endeavouring to celebrate a collection of their country's most inspirational women, and to have their works displayed in a prominent public arena accessible by all.  In Australia, this will start with Nova Peris.  Having achieved success internationally with similar projects, such as their 'Statues for Equality' in New York City, the Schattner's want to shine that spotlight on the women of Australia by producing a number of statues to be unveiled along Melbourne’s iconic river walk. 



Each statue will be expertly crafted in everlasting Bronze, presenting larger than life figures of a carefully considered selection of women from different arenas,  which will allow for each statue to become a centrepiece for discussion and reflection during a time when inspirational figures are needed to ensure the next generation of leading women can emerge. 

Amazingly, despite gender equality being a leading topic worldwide, only three per cent of the public statues throughout Melbourne depict women. Therefore, by adding more female faces, a clear statement is being made that the acts of women are as important and worth celebrating as the achievements of men. And, importantly, it sends the loud and clear message to young women and school-aged girls that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to; that there is no glass ceiling; that we are all equal, that there is no colour divide, and that we can all leave our mark. Indeed, creating equality is integral to the advancement of humanity. 

For Gillie and Marc Schattner to achieve their aims, and so that we can have our women given the prominence they deserve, we are asking for the public's help in raising just $30,000 in order to fund a statue of one particular inspirational Australian trailblazer, Nova Peris. 

Why we need these funds

The next exhibition of statues will take place in the next 12 months. So we need to secure $30,000 public contribution as soon as possible to help get the statue designed and cast. 

We're asking for everyone to chip in what they can and to share with their friends and families to make this incredible statue a reality. 

What happens after the exhibition

The statue will need to be moved and permanently placed. This will be negotiated with the Nova Peris Foundation board.