William Eicholtz
209-217 Napier Street, Fitzroy
Created by award-wining Melbourne sculptor William Eicholtz, Courage is a sculpture inspired by the iconic character of the Cowardly Lion in the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and his contemplation of what it means to possess the courage to be yourself, no matter who you are.
This exciting new work honours the contribution, culture and diversity of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) community, and is dedicated to the legacy of Ralph McLean (1957–2010), Australia’s first openly gay elected official (City of Fitzroy, 1982) and Mayor (1984), an advocate for gay rights and social justice, and a champion of the arts.
Yarra’s latest public artwork was launched as part of the official Cultural Program of the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne in July 2014.
At night the base of the sculpture lights up with its own yellow brick road.