Canberrans are being called on to select prominent members of the community to be publicly commemorated as part of an inquiry examining the equality and diversity of people recognised through public commemoration.
Chair of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economic Equality, Leanne Castley said public commemoration preserved the memory of individuals, their values and contributions through the naming of streets, suburbs, electorates, buildings, public spaces and the installation of statues and monuments.
“An important question to ask is whether there is a balanced representation in those individuals that are recognised and celebrated,” Ms Castley said.
“This inquiry seeks to examine the promotion of equality and diversity in the people recognised through public commemoration (places, monuments, streets and suburbs) in the ACT,” she said.
“Why? Because what we see shapes our view of the world and our place in it.”
Ms Castley said that in Australia, statues and monuments which recorded the achievements of men outnumbered those that recorded the achievements of women.
“This is not limited to Australia but extends across the world,” she said.
“We can make a difference at a local level – by looking at ways to improve this representation – not only as it relates to gender, but also to individuals from diverse backgrounds and First Nation Leaders.”
Ms Castley said the Committee was inviting the community to nominate women and non-binary people who could be commemorated in the ACT, as well as other suitable nominations, and suggested location sites before 30 November.
Further information on the Committee’s Inquiry into memorialisation through public commemoration, including how to submit a nomination, can be accessed at this PS News link.
