The story of Louisa Briggs
We Felt the Past
2 Bowen Crescent, South Melbourne
Louisa Briggs (c. 1830–1925) was an esteemed Boonwurrung woman, recognised for her humanitarian work and activism. Born on the coast of Port Phillip Bay, she survived the violent upheavals of colonisation and dedicated her life to supporting Aboriginal families and children during a period when Aboriginal communities faced widespread displacement and loss.
Created in collaboration with Briggs Family descendants (Boonwurrung), the 20-metre-high, 15-metre-wide mural commands visibility from Kings Way and celebrates Victorian Aboriginal heritage, women's leadership, and the strength of intergenerational storytelling. Overseen by the City of Port Phillip, it is the first of three public installations dedicated to telling Louisa's story.
The work was painted entirely by Pete and teammate Scott while abseiling down the wall — one of few teams in the world capable of working in this style at this scale, in a small window of opportunity while the building was still under construction.
“We've been wanting to work with CTO for almost seven years now. He's one of the best in the world at what he does and we're stoked with how he's captured the essence of my great-great-great grandmother — a powerful activist, a matriarch, and a person fiercely committed to fairness and honouring culture.”
“It's been an honour to be entrusted with painting Louisa Briggs. She was an inspiring human and I'm deeply thankful to everyone who made this possible. It's incredible to see art help unite community, culture, and a family legacy.”
The process
The family
