Matildas to continue inspiring women and girls

Published Sunday, 20 August, 2023 at 07:22 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

  • Lasting tribute at Suncorp Stadium
  • Queensland Government to fund a statue acknowledging the success of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
  • Football Australia to determine best way of depicting the team’s achievement

To celebrate the extraordinary success of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and recognise the enormous impact their success will have in inspiring women and girls, the Queensland Government will support and coordinate the installation of a statue at Suncorp Stadium.

The Queensland Government is committed to promoting and achieving gender equality and recognising the success and achievements of Queensland Women who are excelling in their field.

We also want women and girls to be active and healthy and the Matildas success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has not only inspired women and girls to lead and achieve, it is encouraging them to get involved with the world game.

Our government will work with Football Australia on the design and recognition of the team to ensure the statue depicts the success of the Matilda’s now and into the future.

Quotes attributable to the Premier: 

“The Matildas have created history. Not only has their performance set new benchmarks for sport, they have captured our hearts and inspired a nation. As a FIFA Legacy Ambassador I am so proud of our Matildas. They are role models who will inspire thousands of girls to pick up a football and play the game. It’s only fitting that we recognise all they have achieved with a permanent tribute.”

Quotes attributable to the Minster for Women:

“The Matildas have had an incredible impact on and off the field and what better way to acknowledge their achievements. You can’t be what you can’t see, and these sportswomen have made huge strides for women’s football and for gender equality more broadly. We want young girls and boys to have a permanent reminder as they enter the stadium that girls can do and be anything.”