PRESS RELEASE: CREATION OF AUSTRALIAN FIRST, HITS IMPORTANT MILESTONE: THE PLACE OF COURAGE
“I want South Australia to take the lead in creating a place that allows all of us to change the story on family violence,” said Helen Oxenham (OAM).
After 8 long years, the campaign initiated by Helen to create a public art space to combat family violence is facing its’ final approval hurdle at the Adelaide City Council meeting on Tuesday 11 June 2024 at 5:30 pm.
“I want to see The Place of Courage completed,” said Helen “It has been a long journey to get here.” Helen is 93 years old and is best known for establishing South Australia’s first domestic violence women’s shelter in Christies Beach.
The Place of Courage is a ground-breaking and inclusive public artwork in Tulya Wardli/Bonython Park that seeks to publicly acknowledge the devastating effects of domestic and family violence within our communities. It is a space dedicated to remembrance, healing, education, prevention, and community empowerment.
The project will create Australia’s first ever contemporary, commemorative public artwork that raises awareness of the impact of family and domestic violence. As the first of its kind, the Place of Courage will reflect Adelaide’s leading role in the arts and its recognised status as a UNESCO Creative City. It will also provide key leadership to councils across Australia. Local council areas such as Charles Sturt, Murray Bridge, Port Adelaide and City of Onkaparinga have already implemented ‘Ripple’ memorials that amplify the impact of the Place of Courage.
Spirit of Woman (“SOW”) is seeking support from the Adelaide City Council to commence phase 1. This phase consists of the central two figures of a woman and her dog including language, informal seating, native plantings, and an explanatory plaque. The lead artist is Clancy Warner.
“We hope to get the green light to commence building The Place of Courage” said Heather Oxenham. “The proposed public artwork is a manifestation of the enormous community support gathered over 8 years.”
“We ask that supporters come to the council meeting on Tuesday to show their support” said Heather.
Contact Information
Helen Oxenham, Director of Spirit of Woman,
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +61 419 926 456
Website: www.spiritofwoman.com.au
About Spirit of Woman (“SOW”)
SOW is an unfunded not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers that seeks to commission The Place of Courage at Tulya Wardli/Bonython Park, alongside ‘Ripple’ artworks and community spaces throughout South Australia that pay tribute to those who have suffered from domestic and family violence. We aim to create and support public art spaces that allow for reflection, healing, public awareness and education.
Please watch survivors share their stories and the importance of this project, here.
