Artist Louise Skačej: “I hope this sculpture will inspire others to take action and bring light to those in need, just like Stasia [Dabrowski] did for so many.” Photo: ACT Government.
The artist who co-created the thought-provoking Battle of Kapyong Diorama displayed at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) will depict Canberra’s much-loved ‘soup kitchen lady’ in a statue in Garema Place.
The public artwork, in bronze or a robust material capable of conveying a realistic depiction and withstanding the elements, will honour Polish immigrant Stasia Dabrowski OAM in recognition of her decades of selfless service to the community’s most vulnerable.
Melbourne-based artist Louise Skačej will collaborate with a team including partner and studio manager and technician Dean Colls, who worked with her on the AWM project. Other members are mentor Peter Corlett OAM, who has several works displayed across Canberra, and two young and talented creatives, studio assistants Isabeau Colls and Mads Hillam.
Through the lens of her own immigrant background, Ms Skačej often explores themes of culture, heritage and memory.
“I’m honoured and grateful for the opportunity to create a sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski,” she said. “Her simple but profound act of sharing love and compassion shows us that love isn’t just a word – it’s something we do.
“I hope this sculpture will inspire others to take action and bring light to those in need, just like Stasia did for so many.”
The sculpture will be installed in Garema Place in early 2026, close to the location of the original soup kitchen to create a permanent tribute to Ms Dabrowski’s extraordinary life and work.
Stasia Dabrowski will be immortalised in bronze or a similar robust material. Photo: National Australia Day Council.
Ms Dabrowski (1926-2020) became an iconic figure in the Canberra community through her dedication to helping those in need.
Every Friday night from 1982, she ran a mobile soup kitchen from a corner of Garema Place, providing hot meals, bread, drinks, and most importantly compassion for those in need.
Ms Dabrowski funded the initiative by babysitting at night and cleaning houses during the day, using her earnings to buy the ingredients.
By 2005, with the help of grandson Josh Kenworthy, she was feeding up to 500 people each week.
Josh remembers his grandmother as a humble and private person who never sought out the spotlight. She simply wanted to lend a hand.
Despite receiving numerous awards for her work and kindness, Ms Dabrowski remained modest.
“I never keep photos because I am not proud… the soup kitchen is a simple thing, just people cooking veggies, nothing special,” she once said.
Ms Dabrowski continued her work until the age of 92, passing away two years later.
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson said the statue would ensure her legacy lived on.
“Congratulations to the talented Louise Skačej, who has been selected to create a sculpture honouring this iconic Canberran,” he said.
“For decades Stasia Dabrowksi made an enormous contribution caring for thousands of Canberra’s most vulnerable. Her kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on our community.
“I look forward to the unveiling of Louise’s artwork in Garema Place next year. It will offer Canberrans the chance to stop, reflect and admire the life of a woman who made a profound difference in the lives of so many.”
The commission is part of an ongoing initiative to celebrate the legacy of significant Canberra women through the public art collection.
