Geraldton-born trailblazer Edith Cowan’s statue installed in CBD ahead of unveiling on Wednesday

She has finally arrived — Edith Cowan has made her return to her birthplace of Geraldton, or at least her bronze likeness has, after it was installed in the CBD ahead of its unveiling on Wednesday.

After several delays and setbacks, the community is set to get its first glimpse of its newest statue honouring Australia’s first female parliamentarian at an unveiling ceremony on Wednesday afternoon at Edith Cowan Square.

Getting the statue up from Perth has been a labour of love for the Geraldton Voluntary Tour Guides Association, a group determined to honour the Mid West trailblazer in her own town. Originally scheduled for December, the statue’s arrival was delayed due to transportation issues.

The unveiling of the statue is now set for 1.30pm on Wednesday, and will be led by GVTGA president Julie Clark and former deputy premier and Cowan’s great nephew, Hendy Cowan.

The location in Edith Cowan Square across from the courthouse was picked to recognise Cowan’s outstanding achievements in campaigning for the legal rights of women and children.

“It will be a great honour to commemorate such a wonderful woman and the sculpture reflects her legal legacy and her tireless work furthering the rights of women and children,” Ms Clark said.

“The story of bringing her back home to Geraldton depicts her younger days.”

Cowan was born at Glengarry Station near Geraldton in 1861 — almost 165 years later her legacy shines brighter than ever.