Southend Sculpture: ‘Omaggio alle donne’.
Early women...
What can you tell us
Of the tide, the wind and the sky,
Nurturing the family and the birth of a child?
Early women of Southend,
You were strong, resilient, resourceful.
You kept the home-fires burning
With your love and desire.
We applaud you, early women of Southend!
We applaud you women of Southend!
Sandra Young
The inspiration for the sculpture on the foreshore at Southend arose from the thoughts of one man, Alberto Galli. Migrating from Italy to Southend in 1952, fisherman Alberto Galli wished to recognise the contribution of women to Southend.
There were the Boandik women, individuals such as Christina Smith (the first European woman here), Dorothy Campbell (shopkeeper for over 50 years), countless members of the Southend Red Cross (50+ years of service). Also, the women who made craypots to support the fishing industry and those who trained to operate the CFS truck while the men were at sea. There were many women from many cultures, and these women worked together for their families and community to make Southend what it is today.
The sculpture is a project of Southend Progress Association and proudly supported by Southend and the wider community. Significant contributions were made to the project by Country Arts SA, SA Arts, Beachport Rivoli Bay Lions Club, Lions Club of Millicent, Wattle Range Council and members of Alberto Galli’s family. In all, there were over 50 separate donors and contributors.
After a consultation process, the artwork was completed by Mike Tye. It consists of a metal frame covered with concrete making an arch with a covering of mosaic tiles depicting some of the women of significance in the area. The arch shape is based on a wurla, an indigenous shelter. It represents home, and from ‘home’ great things can grow. Details of clothing and other items reflect the cultures and important influences in the town. Aunty Michelle Jacqueline-Furr designed the artwork for the cloak.
This Sculpture is dedicated to the women who kept homes, supported men at work, cared for families and initiated community activities so developing a culture of support, compassion and care. It honours their strength, compassion and enduring spirit. The Italian words chosen for the name of the sculpture (inspired by Alberto), means tribute to women.
Grazie Alberto
Explore the stories of the women of Southend and the story behind the sculpture design
Read the stories of the Women of Southend
Celebrating and honouring the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of Southend’s women by the Southend Progress Association.
Read the stories of the Women of Southend (PDF 6.5 MB)
Watch the story of Southend's Omaggio alle donne sculpture
Maria Galli and Maria Fabris speak on their immigration from Italy and life in the 50's and 60's in Southend in the video below.
