A groundbreaking female mechanic who established Australia's first all-women garage will be commemorated with a new bronze statue in the Melbourne suburb of Kew. The Alice Anderson Memorial Project received official approval from Boroondara Council during Monday night's council meeting, marking a significant step toward addressing the notable shortage of women honored through public monuments across Melbourne.
The planned life-size bronze artwork will celebrate Alice Anderson, a trailblazing figure who broke gender barriers in the automotive industry by founding Australia's first garage operated entirely by women. This initiative represents part of a broader community-driven effort to recognize the contributions of female pioneers who have historically been overlooked in public memorials and monuments.
The memorial project gained momentum through local advocacy and community support, ultimately securing the backing of Boroondara Council. The initiative specifically aims to tackle what organizers describe as the "bronze ceiling" – the underrepresentation of women in permanent public commemorations throughout the city.
The statue will serve as both a tribute to Anderson's pioneering spirit and a symbol of women's contributions to industries traditionally dominated by men. By establishing the first all-women garage in Australian history, Anderson challenged societal expectations and paved the way for future generations of women in mechanical and automotive fields.
This memorial project reflects a growing movement across Melbourne and other major cities to ensure that public spaces more accurately represent the diverse range of individuals who have shaped local history and culture. The installation of Anderson's statue in Kew will help address the historical imbalance in public monuments while inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
