A Bendigo sporting trailblazer who helped change the course of women’s cricket in Australia has been immortalised in bronze, with a new sculpture honouring Barbara Rae unveiled at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards joined sculptor Lis Johnson and members of Rae’s family to reveal the artwork, commissioned under the Allan Labor Government’s Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.

The location carries deep historical weight. Queen Elizabeth Oval was the site of Australia’s first women’s cricket match in 1874, when teams known as the ‘Blues’ and the ‘Reds’ faced off during the Bendigo Easter Fair. Rae, just 19 at the time, captained the winning Blues side and emerged as the match’s top scorer.

At a time when women needed permission to take part in what was widely regarded as a male-only sport, Rae not only played but led. She was instrumental in organising the landmark match, recruiting players and running coaching sessions that helped bring the game to life.

More than 150 years on, her legacy is evident in the strength of women’s cricket across the country, now marked by record crowds and soaring participation.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the sculpture recognised both Rae’s sporting achievements and her broader impact. “This is a powerful tribute to a much-loved Bendigo local who left an enduring mark on Australian cricket and helped advance equality for women in sport,” she said.

Maree Edwards said unveiling the sculpture at the birthplace of women’s cricket made the moment especially meaningful. “It’s a privilege to help honour Barbara Rae right here in Bendigo, in a place that can inspire the next generation of female sportswomen,” she said.

The sculpture is the first of six projects being delivered through the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program, which aims to address the underrepresentation of women in statues and public artworks across the state. Supported by McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery, the initiative celebrates women who have demonstrated leadership, excellence and service across diverse fields.

Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said public recognition of women’s achievements mattered. “Barbara Rae was a trailblazer, and this sculpture ensures her contribution is recognised for generations to come,” she said.

Greater Bendigo Council Mayor Andrea Metcalf described the artwork as a milestone. “This is the first sculpture honouring a female cricketer in Victoria and only the second in Australia. Barbara Rae paved the way for women’s cricket, and she did it right here in Bendigo,” she said.

Abhishek Awasthi, Councillor for Kennington, City of Greater Bendigo said, “Barbara’s statue is a lasting tribute to her courage, legacy – a powerful reminder of Bendigo’s rich sporting history.”

For Rae’s family, the unveiling was both emotional and affirming. Her great-granddaughter, Diane Robertson, said seeing her contribution permanently recognised was deeply moving. “Barbara set a remarkable example for women and girls in sport, and it’s thrilling to see her legacy honoured in this way,” she said.

Future artworks under the program will recognise workers’ rights advocates Agnes Chambers and Agnes Doig, the Wonthaggi Miners Women’s Auxiliary, and the women who shaped the Montsalvat Artists Community in Eltham.

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