Images courtesy of “From The Shadows” Tasmania.
Image 1: With the newly unveiled Orphan School children statues are (L-R): Dianne Snowden, Secretary, From the Shadows Inc.; Bob Gordon, President, From the Shadows Inc.; Viktor Gordon, statue model; Marie-Claire Hughes, Consul General of Ireland, Melbourne and Tasmania; sculptor Rowan Gillespie; The Governor; Dr Walters and (front) Estella Gordon, statue model, October 2026.
Image 2: Statues of the Orphan School children stolen, April 2025,

We are sharing an inspiring update regarding a story that deeply touched the arts, heritage, and regional history communities.

In April 2025, the Tasmanian community was devastated when two bronze statues, representing nearly 6,000 children who passed through the colonial Queen’s Orphan Schools, were stolen from St John’s Park in New Town and destroyed for scrap metal.

Now, thanks to an incredible community response, a replacement sculpture has been created. It was unveiled by the Governor of Tasmania and Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Key updates from the project:

• A Dedicated Community Effort: The fundraising campaign was driven by the volunteer committee at From the Shadows Inc., where our very own AAGRA President, Dr Dianne Snowden AM, serves as Secretary. The community rallied together to raise approximately $60,000 to fund the recreation of the monument.
• The Sculptor’s Generosity: Renowned Irish bronze sculptor Rowan Gillespie was so moved by the loss that he immediately committed to recreating the pieces from his studio in Dublin, working closely with the committee to ensure the children’s stories wouldn’t be erased.
• Enhanced Protection: To protect the new pieces from future metal theft, the upcoming reinstallation will feature the two children secured tightly to a singular, robust central round plinth rather than separate platforms.

At AAGRA, we are immensely proud to see our members and leaders actively driving vital heritage preservation and historical advocacy across Australasia. This project highlights the vital role that local historians, heritage groups, and international artists play in protecting cultural infrastructure.