Changemakers

Australian women were the first in the world to achieve both the right to vote and to stand for election, yet they still faced inequality. This exhibition, proudly supported by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's Next Chapter program, tells the story of the fight for women's rights in Australia.  

Discover the remarkable stories of activists like Edna Ryan campaigning for equal pay in 1974 and Nyadol Nyuon's advocacy for refugee women today.  

See the hand-embroidered banners of craftivist Tal Fitzpatrick, Natasha Stott Despoja's Doc Martens, Senator Jocelyn Newman's speech notes and much more.  

Travelling exhibition dates

In 2026 and 2027, Changemakers: Crafting a Difference, an exhibition and workshop will travel to regional venues. Featuring 8 textile banners created by craftivist and artist Tal Fitzpatrick, it shows how crafting – traditionally considered 'women's work' – can be used for political expression and social change.

• 4 February to 17 May 2026: Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, Qld
• 1 June to 12 July 2026: Wangaratta Library, NSW
• 17 July to 12 August 2026: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, Vic
• 9 September to 16 November 2026: Cascades Female Factory, Tas
• 24 November 2026 to 24 January 2027: Eltham Library, Vic

Join us for artist's talk and banner making workshops

• 13 June 2026: Wangaratta Library, NSW
• 29 July 2026, artist's talk only: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, Vic
• 15 August 2026: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, Vic
• 10 December 2026: Eltham Library, Vic

If you're interested in hosting Changemakers at your venue, please contact our Touring Exhibitions team: touring.exhibitions@moadoph.gov.au