‘Permanent tribute’: Matildas statue to be unveiled at Suncorp Stadium

A giant bronze Matildas tribute inspired by the team’s extraordinary Womens World Cup performance will be installed at Suncorp Stadium by the end of the year.

A giant Bronze Matildas tribute inspire by the team’s extraordinary Womens World Cup performance will be installed at Suncorp Stadium by the end of the year.

Brisbane-based Urban Art Projects have been commissioned by the state government to deliver the tribute, with the permanent installation set to measure 6m wide and 2.5m high.

Unlike the other individual statues dotted at the stadium, the company will use a large scale, cast bronzing technique to capture an image inspired by the iconic moment Cortnee Vine scored the Quarterfinal winning penalty during a shootout against France in Brisbane.

Then-Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk committed to building a statue honouring the Matildas in August last year after their 2023 success, with Ms Palaszczuk saying at the time “the Matildas have created history”.

Sports Minister Michael Healy said while the tribute may be a “snapshot” of a moment in 2023, “that moment will now live forever and inspire future generations of young footballers to take on the world”.

Australia win after a very tense penalty shootout during the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter final between Australia and France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

“It is fitting the Matildas are celebrated with a permanent tribute, and it’s also fitting that it’s located at Suncorp Stadium,” he said.

“Queenslanders rode the unbelievable high of the quarter-final penalty shootout win over France, lifting the roof off the best football stadium in the country.

“Around Australia, we were united behind this fantastic team. They made us all incredibly proud.”

UAP associate Paul Gurney said the Brisbane company was “honoured” to have been selected to delivery the Matildas’ legacy piece.

“UAP acknowledges the significant global recognition Brisbane and Queensland received during the Women’s World Cup. As a successful global company, established in Brisbane, UAP shares this passion to celebrate our city and state with the rest of the world,” he said.

“The team at UAP will draw on more than 30 years’ experience to create a high quality, large scale, Cast Bronze Bas Relief capturing an iconic moment of celebration from the tournament.”

Sam Kerr and Premier Annastacia Palasczcuk unveil the image that will become a statue of the Matildas at Suncorp Stadium. Picture Lachie Millard

Mr Gurney said the company would use both “handcrafted and robotic” techniques to capture the likenesses of the players in bronze.

“The bronze casting will be produced entirely at our Brisbane workshop and draw on the diverse expertise of our artisan handcrafted project management, digital design, pattern-making, advanced robotics, foundry and finishing,” he said.

Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said the Matildas had inspired more women and girls to get active and involved in sport.

“It is fantastic that their efforts will be recognised with a permanent tribute,” she said.

“I can’t wait to see it in place later this year.

“The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.

“In a nation that loves its sport, the Matildas were not only the most watched team on Australian television in 2023, their semi-final against England was the most watched event in Australian television history.”