On Friday, timed to coincide with IWD, the University of Adelaide unveiled the first statue of a woman on any of their campuses. Prof Fay Gale was a social geographer whose research shaped policy on indigenous rights. She was also the first female professor appointed at UoA (1978), first woman to join the university’s senior management, and the first woman to lead a Go8 (as VC at UWA).

Those in attendance had the privilege of hearing from her daughter and her nephew (whose mother, Edna, was part of the stolen generation and became Fay’s foster sister).

From The Honourable Catherine Branson AC SC, Chancellor of the University of Adelaide:

“Female scholars have shaped our institution’s history with over 150 years of championing women in higher education. Professor Fay Gale was one of those remarkable women — pushing boundaries, challenging inequities, and leaving an enduring legacy.

From Marie Gale, daughter of Professor Gale:

“This statue is a fitting tribute, marking the first statue of a woman at the University of Adelaide — just as her career was defined by many ‘firsts.’ It recognises a woman’s significant contribution to the social sciences and serves as a lasting reminder to future generations of the importance of challenging conventional thinking, and of gender equality.”

For more information on Professor Gale, as well as the Newsroom Article about the unveiling, click below.