Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future: A Memorable Gathering Celebrating Dr Lilian Cooper’s Legacy
We are thrilled to officially restart our QMWS100 meetings for 2025, bringing us together once more to continue celebrating the legacy of pioneering women in medicine.
On 4 February 2025, Dr Lydia Pitcher, Dr Kathryn Mainstone, Dr Barbara Woodhouse, Dr Chloe Hang, Jane Connolly, and Bernadette Condren had the honour of meeting with renowned sculptor Dr Rhyl Hinwood. The discussion centred on the bronze sculpture that will pay tribute to Dr Lilian Cooper as part of our QMWS100 initiatives.
Dr Hinwood, celebrated for her iconic sandstone grotesques at the University of Queensland and numerous historical sculptures, is known for her remarkable ability to bring life and character to bronze and stone. Her artistic vision, profound understanding of historical figures, and exceptional ability to bring life and character to bronze and stone make her the perfect choice to commemorate Dr Cooper’s groundbreaking legacy in medicine.
During her visit to the Herston UQ campus with Senior Advancement Officer Lucy Reid, Rhyl explored the medical history cabinets, gaining valuable insight into early 20th-century medical practice and the environment in which Dr Cooper worked. Immersing herself in Dr Cooper’s life and achievements, much like an actress preparing for a role, Rhyl aimed to authentically capture the pioneering surgeon’s spirit and legacy to prepare for the sculpture. She shared some of her early vision for the sculpture that includes incorporating meaningful details, such as the symbolic Purple Cross, ensuring a tribute that truly reflects Dr Cooper’s remarkable contributions to medicine.
We are especially grateful to Dr. Johanna Skinner for introducing us to Jane Connolly and Bernadette Condren, whose exceptional writing and insightful perspectives are invaluable to this project. As esteemed members of the Brisbane Scribes and active participants in our QMWS100 meetings, their contributions are helping us document the rich legacy of QMWS for future generations.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from the February meeting
Special Thanks
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Lucy for her warm hospitality and for welcoming us back with coffee. We are thrilled to move forward with this significant and meaningful initiative and look forward to sharing more updates as we honour one of Queensland’s most influential women in medicine.
Save the Date: First QMWS100 Meeting of 2025
Our next QMWS100 meeting will take place on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, at 1:00 pm in the Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Boardroom, Herston Mayne Medical School.
We will also be hosting our Second Working Bee at Dr Barbara Woodhouse’s clinic at Wickham Terrace Surgical Centre on 8 March 2025 at 9:00 am.
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in participating any of of the QMWS100 events. On-site parking is available with prior arrangement.
