Statue of Vivian Bullwinkel unveiled at the Australian War Memorial

02 Aug 2023

On Wednesday 2 August, the Australian War Memorial unveiled the scultpture of  Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel. 

This sculpture is not only the first individual sculpture of a nurse but also of an individual woman at the memorial. 

The collaboration of the war memorial and the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) recognises Vivian’s exceptional military service and the importance of the continued development of nursing in Australia. 

In addition to the commissioning of the sculpture, the ACN Foundation is also raising funds to establish nursing scholarships in the names of Vivian’s 21 Australian nurse colleagues who did not survive the Bangka Island massacre in 1942 where Vivian was the only survivor. These scholarships will inspire younger generations of nurses to lead their own contemporary journey in providing exceptional skilled health care for all Australians.

Head of Art at the Australian War Memorial Laura Webster said: ‘The sculpture is being created to recognise all Australian nurses who have lost their lives or survived atrocities while serving their country.’

NMBA Chair, Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM applauded the Bullwinkel project saying, ‘I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride that such an inspiring nurse and person has been recognised for all she has done to protect Australians. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia thanks the Australian War Memorial and Australian College of Nursing for ensuring her work is honoured.’ 

Read more about the Bullwinkel project and the unveiling of the Vivian’s sculpture.