Centenary of Women's Suffrage Commemorative Fountain facts for kids

The Centenary of Women's Suffrage Fountain is a special memorial in Canberra, Australia. It is located at the Old Parliament House. This fountain celebrates a very important moment in Australian history. It marks 100 years since women in Australia gained the right to vote. This right was given by a law called the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902. This law allowed white Australian women over 21 years old to vote.

How the Fountain Came to Be

In 2002, a competition was held to design a memorial. This was to celebrate 100 years of women's suffrage. Suffrage means the right to vote in elections. Senator Amanda Vanstone started this competition. An early design was chosen, but it was later decided not to go ahead with it.

Then, in 2003, Senator Kay Patterson suggested a fountain instead. She was the Minister for the Status of Women at the time. Cate Riley and Andrew Smith from the National Capital Authority helped design the fountain. Artist Mary Stuart created the beautiful mosaic tiles.

What the Fountain Looks Like

The fountain has a rectangular shape. It has six water jets on each side. There is also a small waterfall, called a weir, at one end. Around the edge of the pool, there is text. This text remembers the Commonwealth Franchise Act. It also celebrates the election that happened the year after the Act. That was the first election where women could vote and also run for office. Running for office means trying to get elected to a government position.

The Walkway of Achievements

Leading away from the fountain is a special walkway. This path has tiles embedded in it. These tiles tell the story of important achievements. They highlight the successes of women in the Federal Parliament of Australia. It's a way to remember all the great things women have done in Australian politics.

See also

• List of monuments and memorials to women's suffrage