Artistic tribute to trailblazing former premier

A STATUE of Joan Kirner has taken pride of place at a women’s and children’s hospital in Melbourne’s northwest to honour Victoria’s only female premier.

The four-metre artwork at the $200 million Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital was unveiled yesterday honouring the “fierce campaigner of Melbourne’s west”, Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.

The statue, nicknamed “Joy”, represents strength, health, fertility and creation, while pictures and quotes also adorn the hospital as a tribute to Ms Kirner’s (above) legacy championing women.

Western Health chairwoman Bronwyn Pike, Ron Kirner and Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy with the statue.