The QVWC Feminist Historian in Residence will lead a 2.5-hour walking tour covering three CBD sites in Melbourne.

Learn about three prominent Melbourne women activists Helen Lothan Robertson, Zelda D’Aprano and Dr Constance Stone – feminists who led the way on equal pay and conditions and the provision of professional health care for all women and children.

Share stories and connections from the sites of Victoria Trades Hall (Victoria Street), the Welsh Church (La Trobe Street) and the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (Lonsdale Street), highlighting the importance of these sites to Melbourne’s feminist history.

The tour will commence at the Victorian Trades Hall Council at the statue of Zelda D’Aprano on Victoria Street, followed by a visit to the Welsh Church on La Trobe Street and St David’s Hall, the site of Dr Constance Stone’s first outpatient clinic established in 1895. The tour will conclude at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre on Lonsdale Street, the former QV Hospital, where participants will enjoy a light lunch by Jarrah catering and an opportunity for Q&A.

Friday 16 May 2025 : 9.45AM – 12.30PM

Limited spots!

QVWC Feminist Walking Tour 16 May 2025 – Event Program / Itinerary

9.45am - 10.00am	Convene at Victoria Trades Hall Council, 54 Victoria Street, forecourt at the statue of Zelda D’Aprano; Barbara Wheeler, Feminist Historian - Welcome and acknowledgement; Itinerary outline

10.10am -10.45am	Victorian Trades Hall Interpreter (TBC); Zelda D’Aprano; Helen Robertson, Tailoress’s Union; 8-hour day monument

10.45am -11.00am	Walk to the Welsh Church, 320 La Trobe Street; Congregate at the front of the Welsh Church
11.00am - 11.10am 11.10am - 11.30am	Welcome by Rev Sion Hughes; move to St David’s Hall; view the interview room; the treatment hall and the dispensary; collect a cuppa or cold drink. Seated presentation in the hall by Barbara Wheeler, Feminist Historian, on Dr Constance Stone, Dr Egryn Jones and Dr Clara Stone and the beginnings of a permanent hospital for women and children.
11.30am -11.45am	Walk to QVWC, 210 Lonsdale Street; congregate at the Creative Resilience sculpture at Shilling Lane; short welcome by Keryn Negri, CEO QVWC
12.00pm – 12.10pm	Congregate in the QVWC foyer; opportunity for group photograph; interpretation by Barbara Wheeler, Feminist Historian on site history
12.10pm- 12.30pm	Move Balam-balam for a light lunch and Q & A.