General News
23 August, 2022
Artists unite to shine for Stella
A trio of female artists is joining forces with Northern Grampians sculptor Danny Fraser to work on the memorial statue in honour of disability advocate Stella Young. Ms Young was a comedian, journalist and disability rights activist who died eight...
A trio of female artists is joining forces with Northern Grampians sculptor Danny Fraser to work on the memorial statue in honour of disability advocate Stella Young.
Ms Young was a comedian, journalist and disability rights activist who died eight years ago, aged 32.
Born in Stawell, she had a genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta, which caused her bones to easily break. She used a wheelchair for much of her life, and campaigned relentlessly on behalf of disabled people.
The Remembering Stella Young project was set up in her hometown after her death to celebrate and commemorate her work.
Northern Grampians Shire Council received funding from the State Government for the Remembering Stella Young project in February, through the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program and - in collaboration with the Remembering Stella Young Advisory Group - has established a Creative Collective to design and develop the Stella Young memorial artwork and surrounding public site.
The Collective comprises film-maker Sarah Barton, who is currently producing a documentary about Stella, “You get proud by practising”; award-winning blind sculptor Fayen D’Evie, and Wimmera local Jillian Pearce, a former contemporary dancer and experienced creative producer and director.
Ms Barton is known for her work in disability media, including the award-winning and high-rating community television series, No Limits, on Channel 31, in which Stella appeared.
Ms Pearce has worked on silo art installations and delivered many community arts projects across the region.
A council spokesperson said the Collective would “tap into their own lived experiences to provide creative direction and ensure the planned statue captures Stella’s essence and honours her legacy.
“They will, in addition, help facilitate the involvement of local women who currently live with disability in the process of delivering the work to ensure the space is highly inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities.”
Newly-elected Mayor Murray Emerson said the community was proud of Stella’s many achievements and that her work lived on in Stawell.
“This project has already helped highlight how much work is still to be done in creating environments that enable all people to live productive and fulfilling lives,” he said.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said the atwork would continue Stella’s legacy of educating the wider community and honour “a fiercely passionate woman whose determination improved the lives of so many Victorians”.
Stella's parents will have the final say on the statue design, location and supporting information.