“WE LOVE YOU MA: ‘Plate Lady’ Honoured with permanent Statue by Canberra Community” in her…
Those touching, heartfelt words—“We love you Ma”—now echo in stone across Garema Place, as the beloved local figure affectionately known as the “Plate Lady” is being honored with a permanent statue in her memory.
Born Stasia Dabrowski (1926–2020), the Polish-born Canberra icon became known as the Plate Lady for her decades-long volunteer service, serving hundreds of bowls of homemade soup and bread every Friday night in Garema Place to those in need. Now, thanks to a $300,000 public art commission by the ACT Government, her tireless efforts and warm compassion will be immortalized in bronze by early 2026 (citynews.com.au).
A Legacy of Love and Warmth
Stasia’s weekly tradition began in 1979 and continued until 2018, when she was well into her 90s. Over nearly forty years, she prepared 180 kg of vegetables each Thursday, distributing hundreds of loaves of bread and litres of soup to crowds regularly topping 300 people—and peaking around 500 by 2005 (region.com.au).
Her grandson, Josh Kenworthy, recalls her humility: She never sought attention. She simply wanted to help. “That’s how she was brought up—help people,” he remarked (region.com.au).
From Hardship to Heart
Stasia’s commitment was rooted in her own early experiences. Having endured wartime privations in a Polish village—where homes lacked running water and many basic comforts—she empathized deeply with those struggling in Canberra (region.com.au). Following a conversation with her teenage son about homelessness in the city, she resolved to act. From that, a movement of Friday-night kindness blossomed.
Despite her immense contribution, Stasia always remained modest. In a 1992 interview, she explained: “The soup kitchen is a simple thing… nothing special” (region.com.au).
Her selfless work earned multiple honors: 1996 Canberra Citizen of the Year, 1999 ACT Senior Australian of the Year, 2017 ACT Local Hero of the Year, and she even carried the Olympic torch (citynews.com.au).
A Fitting Tribute: Sculpture in Garema Place
The new statue will be located near the very corner where Stasia once served meals. The ACT Government has allocated $300,000, and the artist, to be selected via a tender process, must be a woman or gender-diverse/non-binary creator—part of the government’s broader initiative to highlight contributions by significant Canberra women (region.com.au).
Arts Minister Tara Cheyne emphasized that Stasia was a natural choice for remembrance: her humble beginnings, wartime hardships, and tireless service embodied the spirit of Canberra’s community-minded citizens (region.com.au).
Community and Charitable Support
Stasia’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by local organizations. By the early 2000s, establishments like the Snow Foundation had stepped in to support and augment her Friday-night outreach (region.com.au). Georgina Byron, CEO of the foundation, praised Stasia as “a true hero whose unwavering dedication … was inspiring” (region.com.au).
Her legacy continues in the hearts of many: when she passed in 2020 at age 94, tributes streamed in from the Chief Minister and residents alike (region.com.au).
Remembering “Ma” Every Friday
Today, Garema Place stands as both a marketplace and communal hub, its character shaped in no small part by Stasia’s weekly dinners. The statue will stand as a permanent focal point, a place where people can reflect on compassion, generosity—and, as many will attest, receive a symbolic hug just like the ones Ma used to give (region.com.au).
As Josh Kenworthy observed, the artwork will ensure his grandmother’s work is “remembered forever.”
In the words of the community, **“We love you Ma”—and soon, that sentiment will be carved in bronze for all to see.
Looking Ahead
- Tender for artist selection opens soon.
- The sculpture is scheduled for installation in early 2026 in Garema Place (citynews.com.au, region.com.au).
- The artwork will feature on the ACT Government’s public art trail, shining a light on Canberra’s cultural heritage.
This statue isn’t just a monument; it’s a reminder that one selfless individual can profoundly shape a community—one plate, one hug, one Friday night at a time.
Canberra’s Plate Lady left a legacy of care, and soon, the city’s heart will bear witness in bronze.
