The new piece of public artwork at Southend commemorating the pioneering women will be unveiled on April 6.


Sculptor Mike Tye has created the foreshore item called “Omaggio alle donne: a tribute to women”.


The 2pm ceremony will be held at the drain outlet on Bridges Drive and will be followed by a shared afternoon tea at the Southend Community Club.


The promoters secured a government grant through Arts SA and local input into the design was welcomed.


Also dubbed “Alberto’s Dream”, the public artwork was first suggested by professional lobster fisherman Albert Galli (now deceased) when the Southend town plan was being developed by Wattle Range Council in 2018.


Mr Galli was a leading Southend identity for decades until he died at Mount Gambier Hospital in 2021 at the age of 92.


Along with other Italians, Mr Galli emigrated to Australia in the post-war years and developed the successful fishing enterprises at Southend.


The consultations about the proposed artwork were held in 2023 and one design was endorsed.


The artwork is near the walking path alongside Bridges Drive.


“Alberto’s Dream” was also supported by the Southend Progress Association and members of the Galli family and local donors.


The Southend Progress Association in conjunction with the Stand Like Stone Foundation and Wattle Range Council recently completed an extension of Connie’s Walk at Southend.