The Charlotte Project statue gets green light following council meeting

The Wingecarribee Women Writers (WWW) group is leading the initiative and has raised funds to create a bronze statue, which is being made by sculptor Julie Haseler Reilly.

WWW committee member Kerrie Douglas said at the November 7 extraordinary meeting that there was "overwhelming public support and generosity" for the project.

"We know the majority of the local community is behind this," she said.

The project has been in the making since October, 2022.

Read also: The Highlands Sinfonia bring the Christmas spirit at this Bowral concert

The late author and her children's graves were initially unmarked in Sutton Forest and plaques were put in place in December, 2022, at the All Saints Anglican Church and Cemetery.

The statue has been proposed for the Berrima Market Place Park, and will be 140 centimetres tall.

The statue of Ms Atkinson will depict her reading to children, who are represented by sandstone blocks.

Read also: Snake catcher Ray McGibbon's tips when you see them out and about

It will also be accompanied by a plaque with more information on the author as well as a QR code people can scan to learn more.

"Its placement near the children's playground is very fitting and will promote interaction and learning," Ms Douglas said.

"As you know, large numbers of people visit the park - families, tourists, school groups and car enthusiasts.

"The Charlotte statue will be a visual representation of the area's history and its heritage."

WSC manager of assets Shaun Robinson said the proposal has been supported by the community and the Berrima District Historical and Family Society, Berrima Residents Association and Southern Highlands branch of the Australian Garden History Society.

Read also: Medway Community Association say they're the 'forgotten' village

He said the location was suitable given the family's connections to the region and the statue would not impact the conservation management strategy in the area.

It will also be subject to an assessment process under the Transport and Infrastructure SEPP, which focuses on the management of infrastructure in NSW.

The other recommendation which was carried was that another public exhibition of the matter was not needed due to the positive community engagement.

During the meeting, administrator Viv May PSM delegated the project to general manager Lisa Miscamble.

For more information about the project, visit wwomenwriters.org, or the Wingecarribee Women Writers Facebook page.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: