Knox Council has awarded First Nations artist Simone Thomson the commission to create an artwork celebrating the life and work of Yarra Yarra and Yorta Yorta woman Aunty Dorothy ‘Dot’ Peters.
Knox Mayor, Cr Lisa Cooper said Council was among six organisations statewide whose projects were selected for state government funding under the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.
“The program aims to address the under-representation of women artists and women in public art by commissioning six public artworks in Victoria that are inspired by the contributions, achievements and stories of Victorian women,” she said.
“Council’s submission was to recognise Aunty Dot, who used her roles as activist, educator, author and Elder to raise awareness of a range of issues impacting First Nations people. In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her service to the First Nations people of Victoria.”
Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins said this artwork will stand as a lasting tribute to her incredible legacy.
“Aunty Dot Peters was a proud Yarra Yarra and Yorta Yorta woman whose strength, wisdom and leadership continue to inspire communities across Victoria,” she said.
“This project celebrates the power of First Nations women’s voices and stories, ensuring leaders like Aunty Dot are honoured in the public spaces they helped shape for future generations.”
The Victorian community had been invited to have their say on which stories they would most like to see honoured through art.
More than 10,000 Victorians participated.
Simone Thomson, a Wurundjeri, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, said being awarded the Aunty Dot commission was deeply meaningful.
“Aunty Dot’s legacy as a matriarch, cultural leader and advocate for community continues to inspire my practice,” she said.
“My connection to this work is not only professional but personal. My family has long held a connection with Aunty Dot’s family, and her strength, generosity and vision have shaped the path for so many of us.”
“This commission gives me the opportunity to honour her enduring spirit and to carry forward her values of resilience, care and cultural pride.”
Aunty Dot’s son, Andrew Peters, who has received Swinburne University’s Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to Indigenous studies, said his family felt extremely honoured at the tribute to his mother.
“Mum’s pride and strength in herself and her culture were amazing and it’s a privilege to honour her in this way,” he said.
“I hope that we can continue to do her proud, as I know her grandsons Jackson and Max will do as they enter their journeys along the path she set for us.”
The program is an initiative of the Office for Women, funded by the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund and delivered in partnership with McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery.
You can read more about Aunty Dot here: engage.vic.gov.au/project/womens-public-art-program/page/aunty-dorothy-peters.
