Barbara Rae

The match was played on 7 April, 1874, in Bendigo. The City of Greater Bendigo proposed a sculpture to honour Barbara Rae as a sporting trailblazer. Here is Barbara’s story.

The match was a significant milestone in the history of women’s sport. It was held during the Easter Fair to raise money for the Bendigo Hospital and Benevolent Asylum. Attended by thousands, the match was initially deemed a success. In the following days the players faced hostility in Victorian newspapers for what was considered ‘deplorable’ and ‘unseemly’ behaviour for the times.

At the age of 19, Barbara captained the winning Blues team and was judged to be the player of the match. Barbara’s stepmother, Emily Rae, captained the opposing Reds team.

Barbara was a primary school teacher. In addition to captaining the Blues, she helped organise the match by recruiting other women to play and organising coaching sessions at the local cricket grounds.

The strength and determination of Barbara and her teammates played an important role in the evolution of women’s cricket. In 1874, women required permission to play in ‘male-only’ sports. Some 150 years later, Australia’s female cricketers are now attracting record crowds and participation numbers.

Proposed location: Bendigo, Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Barbara Rae - Victorian Women's Public Art Program

The Women's Public Art Program complements the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, which celebrates women's outstanding leadership and contributions to life in Victoria.

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