Celebrating Tasmanian women in sport

Tasmania’s sporting women and girls are being celebrated in a new exhibition that opens at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) this Friday 7 February.

The Change Room highlights the achievements and contribution of Tasmanian female athletes, and also brings to light lesser known stories of sporting excellence as well as the people behind the games.

This community exhibition tells the stories of Tasmania’s sporting women and girls through text, audio and video, as well as through a selection of memorabilia and precious objects from their sporting careers.

The Change Room acknowledges the contribution of female athletes and coaches, as well as administrators, managers, board members and health professionals.

Athletes profiled in the exhibition include Tasmania’s first Olympian, javelin thrower Heather Innes who competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, as well as current sporting stars such as world champion woodchopper Amanda Beams, long distance runner Meriem Daoui and skateboarder Grace Cochrane.

“The Change Room gives us the chance to tell the important stories of Tasmanian women in sport, not only the historic trailblazers but also today’s up-and-coming stars,” TMAG Director Janet Carding said.

“In developing the exhibition, a public call went out for contributions to help us tell the stories of Tasmanian women in sport and the Tasmanian community responded enthusiastically with not only stories but also photographs, audio, video and treasured memorabilia.

“I am sure that the exhibition’s themes of inclusion and women’s achievement are universal, and will appeal to not just the Tasmanian community but also to all of TMAG’s visitors from around the world.”

The Change Room will be supported by a public program of events and activities at TMAG, including a special women in sport-themed Discovery Day taking place on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March.

The exhibition is supported by Events Tasmania as part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Cricket World Cup program being hosted by Australia in 2020, and timed to coincide with the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup which is taking place in Australia between 21 February and 8 March.

The Change Room is on show from Friday 7 February until Sunday 29 March 2020 in the Bond Store Basement at TMAG.

Image details: (L-R) 1992 and 2000 Olympian Susan Andrews; TIS talent development athlete Jane Hickie; Tasmanian Tigers U18 cricket captain Chloe Abel; and 1976 Olympian Elizabeth Jack previewing The Change Room exhibition.