Unearth Hidden Stories of Women who made Victoria in this year’s Australian Heritage Festival
Having long been forgotten in history books for errantly being considered irrelevant, the buried lives and voices of women provide the other half of our story - offering a rich seam of historical insight. This year the festival is full of opportunity to uncover the buried women who helped make our great state.
A Toast to Melba
Feminist, modernist, humanitarian, practical joker – Dame Nellie Melba was truly an iconic woman of complexity and charisma who defied expectations and forged space as a modern woman and a proud Australian.
Uncover the untold stories of global icon Dame Nellie Melba as we share rarely seen objects, photographs, and personal treasures from Coombe Yarra Valley, Arts Centre Melbourne and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum—brought together for the first time in this dynamic new exhibition. From the chic streets of Paris and London to the tranquil beauty of the Yarra Valley, A Toast to Melba reveals intimate glimpses of her life.
Join us in exploring the modern life of Dame Nellie Melba—a woman who dared to live on her own terms.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 18th of April – 18th of May
Where: Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale
Presented by Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
Indomitable Women – Pakenham Cemetery Tour
Join us on a tour of the Pakenham Cemetery as we retell the stories of these women who came from all walks of life to shape the local community of Pakenham, many having also experienced great suffering. Hear their stories among the graves.
When: 18th of May
Where: Pakenham Cemetery, Pakenham
Presented by Narre Warren & District Family History Group Inc
150 Years of Chloe: Unveiling the Woman Behind the Painting
Meet author Katrina Kell and discover the story and reimagined history surrounding the identity of the model in one of Melbourne’s most iconic paintings.
Exactly 150 years ago, Jules Lefebvre’s oil painting Chloe debuted at the Paris Salon. Chloe was first exhibited in Melbourne at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition receiving top honours, subsequently showing at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1883. This, however, only lasted three weeks before it was removed due to the controversy of its depiction of female nudity. It has been gracing the walls of Young and Jackson Hotel in Flinders St since 1909.
This is just the beginning of the story, come hear about the cultural and artistic scene of early twentieth century Melbourne and figure out just who Chloe is.
When: 1st of May
Where: Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Melbourne
Presented by The Melbourne Athenaeum
QVWC Feminist Walking Tour
Guided by QVWC’s Feminist Historian, Barbara Wheeler, this 2.5 hour tour speaks to some of the most influential women in Melbourne, covering 3 sites including Victoria Trades Hall Council, St David’s Hall at the Welsh Church and the QVWC. Afterwards, tour participants can enjoy a light lunch with the opportunity for some Q&A to ensure you leave the experience feeling your fullest.
When: 16th of May
Where: 54 Victoria Street, Carlton
Presented by Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
McCrae Homestead – Open Day
When Georgiana McCrae arrived at Arthur’s Seat in 1845 the house was incomplete. Undeterred, Georgiana applied her skill as an artist and drew up plans for the homestead resulting in the beautiful property still standing today. As a dedicated farming family, the McCraes made significant contributions to the broader Mornington Peninsula region during their time from 1851-1926 as one of the first six European families occupying properties on the Mornington Peninsula.
Enjoy our open day of the McCrae Homestead featuring galleries showcasing the McCrae’s art and memorabilia, as well as photographs, artifacts, and personal items from the Burrell-Twycross family.
When: 20th of April, 4th & 18th of May
Where: McCrae Homestead, McCrae
Presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Women Through the Ages
An experience showcasing the little shown role of women in establishing early Victorian settlements, particularly during the goldrush boom. Witness traditional practices necessary to survive these fronts including preparing lanterns, candle making, soap making, fruit bottling, sewing, spinning, weaving and more.
Let these preserved squatting runs of Northern Victoria teach you about the role of women in 19th century society and the changes met in this era such as women’s rights for land ownership, education, opportunities, pay and voting.
When: 11th of May
Where: 45 Pearce Street, Nathalia
Presented by Nathalia & District Historical Society
Feminist History at Trades Hall
For over 150 years, women have been organising in Victoria’s Trades Hall and fighting for equality. Follow the footsteps of union giants like Helen Robertson, Zelda D’Aprano and Gwen Goedecki who inspire the women in the movement to this day at our Feminist Hall Tour.
Learn from a current Trades Hall activist about the history of working women’s activism in this incredible building, and how their work here has transformed our society.
When: 8th of May
Where: 2 Lygon street Carlton
Presented by Victorian Trades Hall Council
“Fearless Beatrice Faust” with Professor Judith Brett
Faust was the transformative activist, writer and intellectual who founded the Women’s Electoral Lobby in Melbourne in 1972. Campaigning for abortion law reform, writing and speaking about sex and feminism – from the sexual revolution of the 1960s through to the neoliberal 1990s – she was a force to be reckoned with.
Come along to Brighton Library to share an afternoon tea and hear Professor Judith Brett discuss her latest book “Fearless Beatrice Faust”, a compelling and psychologically nuanced portrait of Melbourne’s feminist giant.
When: 7th of May
Where: Brighton Library, Brighton
Presented by Bayside Libraries
Mrs Brown of Como – Unearthing a Lesser-Known Matriarch
Join this lighthearted look at Mrs Helen Brown of Como and discover the hidden influence Helen had in establishing Como as “the place to be” in the colonies.
Join “Dame Victoria” in the magnificent Como House Ballroom, for a 55-minute talk about this lesser-known matriarch of Como.
When: 10th of May
Where: Como House, South Yarra
Presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
