Helping more people visit Stella Young’s statue

04/12/2024

A bronze-coloured statue of Stella Young sits in the centre of a circular section of pathway, with a tall plaque visible in the foreground, and trees, lawn and a lake visible in the background.

When Stella Young passed away in 2014, she had accomplished more in 32 years than many people do in a lifetime.

A celebrated comedian, activist, feminist and journalist, she was a prominent voice for people living with a disability.

Born with the genetic condition Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which she described as 'dodgy bones', Stella pushed back against the stereotypes often faced by those living with a disability.

Her message and approach were perhaps best summed up by the title of her 2014 TEDxSydney Talk - 'I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much'.

Well, despite her best efforts, she became and remains an inspiration to countless people.

In recognition of her cultural impact, the Victorian Government supported the creation of a statue of Stella in 2023.

Sitting in Cato Park, in her hometown of Stawell, it's a monument to a woman who touched the lives of so many.

And soon, it will be easier than ever for people of all abilities to visit Stella when they are in town.

Backed by a $100,000 grant from the Council Support Package, Northern Grampians Shire are putting the final touches on accessibility upgrades to Cato Park.

These include:

construction of a 230 square metre accessible pathway that links two accessible car parking spaces to the statue
development and installation of signage that directs people to the statue and tells Stella's story
landscaping works to beautify the area around the statue.

Among the many people eagerly awaiting the completion of the project is Stella's mother, Lynne.

'Stella would be thrilled to bits that Cato Park is being made so accessible,' said Lynne.

Stella, in her famous 'letter to her 80-year-old self', wrote of a realisation that she came to at the age of 17.

'That I was not wrong for the world I live in. The world I live in was not yet right for me.'

Projects like this are about helping to make sure Cato Park, and other locations across the state, are 'right' for all Victorians.

Fortunately, ten years after her passing, we still have Stella's voice pushing us forward.

The $25 million Council Support Package forms part of our ongoing work to make rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play.

To learn more, visit our Council Support Package.