A permanent tribute to the Matildas has been unveiled at Suncorp Stadium.
A permanent tribute to the Matildas has been unveiled at Suncorp Stadium to celebrate their extraordinary impact on women and girls sport following the team’s outstanding performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
The cast bronze bas relief, measuring approximately 5.5 metres wide and 2.1 metres high, has been placed near the southern entrance to the stadium.
In August last year, the State Government committed to installing a permanent tribute to the Matildas, in recognition of their on-field efforts as well as the social impact they had, and continue to have, across the country.
Brisbane-based Urban Art Projects (UAP) was commissioned to deliver the tribute which depicts the moment the team won its quarterfinal against France at Suncorp Stadium on 12 August 2023.
The final design was developed in consultation with Football Australia.
Fittingly, the Gold Coast’s Tameka Yallop, who is one of the players depicted in the tribute, was on-hand for the unveiling.
The installation of the tribute coincided with the announcement of the Matildas first matches back in Queensland since the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, where they will take on Paris Olympic silver medallists Brazil in a two-match international series staged in Brisbane and the Gold Coast later in 2024.
The Miles Labor Government has worked closely with Football Australia and Experience Gold Coast to make the series possible.
The first match will be held on Thursday 28 November at Suncorp Stadium, with the second match on Sunday 1 December at Cbus Super Stadium.
Tickets go on sale from 25 September.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
“I, like so many Australians, was on the edge of my seat watching the Matildas make us proud during the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.
“Suncorp Stadium was the backdrop for so many of their sensational moments throughout the tournament, including the quarterfinal win over France.
“It’s fitting that now their success will be immortalised where the action happened.
“It’s important that we recognise the outstanding achievement of the Matildas for the next generation – inspiring more women and girls to get involved in football.
“The next time you’re at Suncorp, visit this incredible tribute and feel the enduring pride to be an Australian.”
As stated by Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
“There’s no question that the Matildas lifted the country with their performances during the World Cup, and their impact is going to be felt for many years to come.
“You can’t be what you can’t see and having women and girls represented in our monuments and statues in public spaces is critical for addressing gender inequality in Queensland.
“The team’s spirit and the manner in which they represented us, will continue to inspire generations of young Australian girls and boys who dream of following them in the green and gold.
“Above all, their example is seeing more Queensland women and girls being active and getting involved in organised sport, and that alone is worth celebrating.”
As stated by Minister for Sport Michael Healy:
“The Matildas have inspired more women and girls to get involved in football, with a record 44 per cent increase in female player numbers statewide following the World Cup.
“It’s also terrific to see that the team is returning to Queensland for two games against Brazil in Brisbane and the Gold Coast later this year.
“These matches will generate economic benefits for our state and I’m sure fantastic memories will come flooding back for both the supporters and the players.”
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson:
“We are delighted to return to Queensland following last year’s record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and are extremely pleased to have the CommBank Matildas return home against a powerhouse football nation in Brazil.
“Suncorp Stadium holds incredible memories for Australian football and to revisit a city and stadium that was central to an unforgettable time for Australia will be special.
“We are also looking forward to being back on the Gold Coast, this time with the women’s national team with thanks to Experience Gold Coast.
“With several current CommBank Matildas born or raised in the region, it will be a special homecoming for them and reflects our commitment to continue showcasing the team across the country.
“We also acknowledge and are grateful for the support of the Queensland Government in establishing a permanent commemoration of a tournament that unified the nation in unique way.”
As stated by Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn:
“The Gold Coast has scored another goal in securing the Matildas as they take on Brazil at CBUS Super Stadium.
“The increasing popularity and success of female sports – from grassroots to the world stage – is a key driver in Experience Gold Coast’s strategy to capitalise on opportunities to host sporting events in our city.
“The fact we will get to see the Matildas play here on the Gold Coast for the first time is so exciting and continues to reinforce our status as a sporting epi- centre”.
