People living in Portland can join in celebrations to mark 100 years since Victorian women won the right to vote, thanks to a Brumby Government grant.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said Historic Buildings Restoration Committee, Portland received a $8,000 Centenary of Women’s Suffrage Grant program to construct an artist-designed ornamental seat to place in Portland’s heritage precinct to recognise the life of one of Australia’s leading suffragists – Vida Goldstein, the first female to stand for Parliament.
Following the installation of the seat Empowerment through Protest, a conference for young women will take place.
“This year marks the centenary of Victorian women’s right to vote and this grant will help make it a year to remember in Portland,” Ms Tierney said.
“I congratulate Historic Buildings Restoration Committee, Portland for getting involved in the celebrations for this important democratic milestone.”
Ms Tierney said the grant was one of 50 provided to organisations across the state to receive a grant to organise events and activities that recognise and celebrate the centenary of Victorian women winning the right to vote.
The Centenary of Women’s Suffrage Grants are part of the Brumby Government’s $1 million Victorian Women Vote: 1908 – 2008 program to promote and celebrate the centenary. Other initiatives will include curriculum materials for schools, digital stories and public lectures.
Ms Tierney called on the Portland community to support and participate in local centenary events.
“The right to vote is the hallmark of a modern democracy – and Victoria came of age when women won the right to vote in November 1908,” Ms Tierney said.
“Community attitudes have come along way since then and this year presents a perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Victorian women over the last 100 years.
“The centenary is also a great opportunity to look back and learn lessons from the suffrage campaign to help us remove remaining barriers to women’s progress.”
The official centenary celebrations will be launched by the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Maxine Morand, on Tuesday 19 February, 12.00pm, at Federation Square.
Celebrations will culminate in November when the Victorian Government will unveil a $250,000 sculpture of the Women’s Suffrage Petition in Melbourne’s CBD.
For a calendar of events for Victorian Women Vote: 1908 – 2008 visit www.women.vic.gov.au/womenvote
