ADVOCATES, artists and agitators will be celebrated in six new public artworks across the state as part of the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale today celebrated International Women’s Day by announcing that Bass Coast Shire Council was successful in their application for funding through the Victorian Women’s Public Art program to develop a public artwork titled “Pennies in the Petties”.

The Wonthaggi Miners Women’s Auxiliary (WMWA) founding members were a group of striking miners’ wives, led by Secretary Agnes Chambers and Agnes Doig.

The Auxiliary was a trailblazing collective that delivered an amazing legacy for the district but also played a nationally significant role in the union and strike movements. They advocated for women’s rights, and in doing so, they demonstrated the political clout and influence women could have on public opinion and changing government policy.

Started in Wonthaggi in 1934 during a five-month coal miners’ strike, the WMWA was the first women's auxiliary of a mining union. Its initial purpose was to raise funds and provide support for the miners who went on strike over decreased pay and poor working conditions.

There are many glorious stories of how the women hid the monies from the authorities during this time.

After the strike, the women continued to fundraise and fought for women’s amenities in the area. They educated women on mining and political issues. They lobbied for a maternity wing at the Miners’ Hospital, a restroom for mothers and a kindergarten and public library.

“With our much-loved Union Theatre, steeped in extraordinary collectivism and nation building history, celebrating its centenary this year, how magnificent that the determination, grit, persistence and legacy of the Miner’s Auxiliary Women comes further to life in the form of a public art work,” Member for Bass Coast Jordan Crugnale said.

“A very heartfelt thank you to everyone that voted for this, Bass Coast Shire for driving the submission and their arts team for the vision, now to become a reality. We have a story to tell in Wonthaggi – and celebrating these women and their movement accentuates it even more.”

This public artwork will be located at the entrance of the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre affectionately and originally known as The Union.

“Women’s achievements have always been there, they’ve just never been seen – we’re changing this in Victoria, recognising another six trailblazing Victorian women through our nation-leading Women’s Public Art program,” Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins added.

The Labor Government’s Women’s Public Art Program is investing $1.2 million to deliver the six new pieces of art across the state, adding to the six delivered last year.

The 2025 Victorian Women’s Public Art Program will recognise six inspirational stories including Aunty Margaret (Lilardia) Tucker MBE for her work as an Aboriginal activist, working to found the Australian Aborigines League and becoming the first woman to sit on the Victorian Aboriginal Welfare Board in 1964.

Other stories selected in the 2025 Victorian Women’s Public Art Program include:

· Montsalvat Artist Community – Eltham

· Louisa Briggs – St Kilda Foreshore

· Barbara Rae – Bendigo

· Aunty Dorothy Peters AM – Knox

Recognising women’s achievements and contributions in public spaces is an important part of the government’s work towards a more equal Victoria.

For more information on the 2025 Victorian Women’s Public Art Program visit vic.gov.au/victorian-womens-public-art-program.