Garema Place to Honor Stasia Dabrowski with New Sculpture

Garema Place is set to welcome a new sculpture that pays tribute to the incredible legacy of Stasia Dabrowski, a selfless volunteer who dedicated almost 40 years of her life to feeding thousands of vulnerable individuals in Canberra.

Stasia Dabrowski: A Beacon of Hope

Stasia, who sadly passed away in 2020, operated a mobile soup kitchen from a corner of Garema Place, offering not only nourishing meals but also warm hugs to those in need. Her quiet and tireless work became a beacon of hope for many in the community.

  • Every Friday night between 1982 and 2018, Stasia served homemade soup, bread, and drinks to the hungry.
  • She not only paid for and served the food but also spent hours preparing it, often taking on extra jobs to cover the costs.
  • By 2000, she was providing several hundred loaves of bread and over 100 liters of homemade vegetable soup, feeding more than 300 people each week.

Supporting Stasia’s Mission

As the demand for Stasia’s services grew, her grandson Josh Kenworthy joined her in her mission. Recognizing the impact of Stasia’s work, several Canberra-based organizations, including the Snow Foundation, stepped in to support her efforts.

Georgina Byron, CEO of the Snow Foundation, expressed admiration for Stasia’s dedication, calling her a true hero whose legacy of helping the city’s most vulnerable deserves to be honored.

Celebrating a Local Hero

The ACT Government has allocated $300,000 for the creation of an artwork that celebrates the achievements of remarkable women in Canberra. Following the recent commissioning of a statue of the late Honourable Susan Ryan AO, the announcement of a sculpture honoring Stasia Dabrowski comes as a fitting tribute to her legacy.

  • The sculpture, to be created by a female or gender-diverse artist, will be unveiled in Garema Place in early 2026.
  • Stasia, who received several awards for her charitable work, remained humble despite the recognition, emphasizing the simplicity of her mission.

How to Learn More

For more information on the public art commissioning process and updates on the upcoming sculpture honoring Stasia Dabrowski, visit the artsACT website or contact 02 6207 2384.

Conclusion

Stasia Dabrowski’s legacy of kindness and compassion continues to inspire and uplift the Canberra community. Through the upcoming sculpture in Garema Place, her memory will be immortalized, ensuring that her remarkable contributions to those in need are never forgotten.

FAQs

Who was Stasia Dabrowski?

Stasia Dabrowski was a dedicated volunteer who ran a mobile soup kitchen in Canberra for nearly 40 years, providing meals and comfort to thousands of vulnerable individuals.

How can I learn more about the upcoming sculpture honoring Stasia Dabrowski?

For updates on the public art commissioning process and details about the sculpture honoring Stasia Dabrowski, visit the artsACT website or contact 02 6207 2384.

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