1960s - Appreciating Pioneering Women

The Pioneer Women’s Memorial at Kings Park opened in 1968, following six years of vision, planning and significant fundraising by the CWA of WA. The proposal was given to the Kings Park Board in 1962, and was quickly agreed as a fitting centerpiece for the newly developing Botanic Garden. The memorial’s architect, Geoffrey Summerhayes and the fountain’s sculptor, Margaret Priest, worked together to showcase a woman and child in motion, symbolizing stepping-stones of progress. The statue and the fountain in the lake was opened in January 1968 by the Governor of Western Australia.

Fundraising efforts for $10,000 (pounds) were the responsibility of the CWA of WA. The greatest fundraising achievement was the launch of a Roll-Of-Honour, identifying pioneer women of the state, the shires and the community. Nominations included colonists, organization founders, professional occupations and more. The Roll-Of-Honour was handed to the Kings Park Board in December 1978.