Sculptures celebrate local women at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
Published on 20 July 2026
Castlemaine-based artist Laura Woodward has installed Wildflowers, a permanent public artwork celebrating seven women who helped shape the cultural life of the region.
Known as the First Ladies of Castlemaine Art Museum, the group established the organisation in 1913. They were among the first women in Victoria to found a regional gallery, advocating for Australian art and greater representation of women artists. The women were Mary Leviny, Lilian Sheridan, Alice Waterhouse, Winifred Brotherton, Elsie Barlow, Mary Brough Woolley and Mrs Cox.
The series of seven sculptures honours the founders of Castlemaine Art Museum and their broader contributions to the town’s civic and cultural development. The artwork is located in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, where the women walked, talked and shared their common love of flowers and plants.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor, Toby Heydon, said Council is proud to celebrate local stories about women’s achievements.
“We are delighted to have commissioned Laura Woodward, an outstanding local artist, to tell this important story about previously invisible women in our history.
“The women who founded Castlemaine Art Museum championed contemporary Australian art and the representation of women artists. They also shared a deep interest in local flora and natural history.
“Local curator Sarah Frazer initially researched their story in 2023 and we’re so pleased to further celebrate this important legacy with this sculpture installation.”
The sculptures are made from sustainably sourced acetylated wood, a durable material designed to last for decades outdoors. Developed using advanced laser-cutting techniques, the works feature a tactile timber finish that sits comfortably within the botanical gardens setting.
As part of the project, Woodward worked with Djaara cultural advisors from DUMAWUL, Dja Dja Wurrung cultural and creative enterprise, to ensure the story was told respectfully. Indigenous plant species have been engraved into the bronze bases to acknowledge Dja Dja Wurrung People and Country.
The outlines of each of the sculptures were informed by reference material gathered during community workshops, where Laura took photos and drawings of participants as they drew and learnt about Country.
Woodward said she was honoured to bring the story to life.
“I have focused on how these seven trailblazing women came together through shared interests, knowledge and friendship and how that collective effort helped build something of lasting significance for Castlemaine.
“This commission really celebrates the different ways women come together to make wider change in the community.
“The sculptures embody how the collective efforts of women reverberate over history and how women’s work continues to contribute to the region.”
The project was delivered by Council in partnership with Castlemaine Art Museum and Buda Historic Home and Garden.
Castlemaine Art Museum CEO Leslie Gurusinghe said: “We're delighted to support a project that celebrates the vision of the women who founded Castlemaine Art Museum and the lasting legacy they've given our community.”
Wildflowers forms part of Council’s ongoing commitment to public art across the shire, alongside recent projects including artwork commissions through Dja Dja Wurrung enterprise DJANDAK, and public murals in Newstead.
Public programs
A range of exciting programs celebrating the women and the cultural organisations they connect with will be rolled out over 2026-27.
Unseen Labour, Lasting Legacy – Women of Castlemaine Art Museum
Join the Extraordinary Ordinary podcaster Lisa D'Onofrio and panel for a discussion which marks the launch of the Wildflowers sculpture, on Thursday 13 August, 6.00pm to 7.30pm at Castlemaine Art Museum. Book free tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/lasting-legacy.
Self-guided Wildflowers sculpture visit
See the Wildflowers sculptures anytime at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and scan the QR code on site to explore the full story of the women, the artist and their contributions.
Learn more about the project at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Wildflowers.
Photo by Penny Ryan.