In the morning at St David's Cathedral and Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart, the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker, accompanied by Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers, delivered an address at the unveiling of a statue of Tasmanian soprano, Amy Sherwin, hosted by the Amy Sherwin Fund Inc.

The Governor was delighted to join a festive crowd on Murray Street in Hobart to unveil a permanent monument to the Tasmanian Nightingale, opera singer Amy Sherwin.

Born in the Huon Valley, the talented soprano became a global celebrity in the late 1800s, gracing stages from New York to London. Sadly, she died in poverty in London in 1935 and was buried in a pauper’s grave.

Inspired by the fact that many Tasmanians were unfamiliar with her story, the Amy Sherwin Fund decided to raise funds for a marble statue of Amy to be placed in Hobart to recognise her accomplishments.

Today’s celebration saw a re-enactment of Amy’s triumphant return to Hobart in 1887 from her international success, with Tasmanian soprano Jacqueline Ward performing the role.

The Governor unveiled the marble statue, created by sculptor Peter Schipperheyn, at the Hadley’s Orient Hotel, where Amy performed during her 1887 visit. She also unveiled a gilded bronze replica of the statue, which will now sit on the hotel’s balcony.

Speaking to those gathered to watch the unveiling, the Governor said it was a significant moment for the commemoration of women in Hobart, and congratulated all involved in ensuring Amy’s legacy lives on.