Molly Hadfield Social Justice Oration 2025: Darebin Women in Art

Next date: Wednesday, 02 April 2025 | 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM

Presented by Darebin Arts

Part of Darebin City Council's 2025 International Women's Day Celebrations

A beloved tradition and a highlight in the Darebin Arts calendar, the Molly Hadfield Social Justice Oration returns. This annual event, established in 2013 in tribute to the social justice legacy of local trailblazer Molly Hadfield OAM, will in 2025 celebrate ‘Darebin Women in Art’. Esteemed artists Zena Cumpston, Sheena Mathieson, and Nadine Christensen are this year’s guest orators. The evening will be MC'd by Leah Crossman, Art, Collections & Marketing Coordinator at Darebin Arts, with a special appearance from Northern Voices.

Join us for an inspiring celebration of women’s artistic, cultural, intellectual and social contributions to our community!

The event is FREE to attend but bookings are essential. All ages are welcome.

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About Molly Hadfield OAM

Molly Hadfield OAM (1922 - 2012) made an invaluable contribution as an activist on public housing, seniors’ rights, women’s rights, public education, community health and peace, all of which were linked to her core belief and deep commitment to social justice. Molly was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community in the areas of support for aged care, community health and youth in 2006. That same year, she was inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her commitment to improving women’s rights and her advocacy for senior Victorians.

Guest orators

Zena Cumpston

Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman with Afghan, English and Irish heritage. Zena works as an artist, writer, consultant and curator. She is passionate about plants and seeks out projects that empower community and Country. Zena is a member of the Birrarung Council and a widely published writer. In 2024 Zena co-wrote the Yuruwan ‘Growing on Country’ resource, a unique space to consider food sovereignty and cultural landscapes, fostering fertile conditions for social and environmental justice and change.

Sheena Mathieson

Sheena Mathieson is a visual artist and community arts facilitator based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her artwork explores the world around us through colour, shape and, where possible, the use of preloved surfaces and materials. Working across many media, including paintings, prints, drawings, collages, objets d’art, and wearable art pieces. Her work has been seen at Woman-made Gallery, Gecko Studio Gallery, Stephen McLaughlan Gallery, SOL Gallery, and Quadrant Gallery, to name just a few.

Nadine Christensen

Nadine Christensen is a Naarm/Melbourne-based artist who completed degrees in Painting at Monash University (1993) and the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne (1997). She has held solo exhibitions at galleries in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra and has participated in group and collaborative exhibitions across Australia and internationally including Tokyo, Los Angeles, Tijuana, Paris and Venice. She is also a curator and a lecturer in Painting at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.