Dame Nellie Melba returns home to take centre stage

One of our most famous opera singers – Dame Nellie Melba – is now immortalised in bronze at the home she built in the Yarra Valley in 1912.

Previously on show at Docklands, the statue of Dame Nellie Melba created by artist Peter Corlett, has been permanently moved to the Coombe Yarra Valley Estate in Coldstream.

The Victorian Government’s development agency, Development Victoria, in consultation with Peter Corlett, facilitated the move with the public now able to visit Dame Nellie Melba as she looks over her former home and welcomes visitors from the front gate.

“I am delighted that my statue of Dame Nellie Melba has found a new permanent home where people can appreciate and pay tribute to an Australian entertainment icon,” Peter Corlett said.

Dame Nellie Melba built Coombe Cottage on the site of the current estate in 1912, and it has remained in the family since her death in 1931.

Coombe Yarra Valley retains close ties with the Melba Opera Trust with scholars visiting Dame Nellie’s home as part of their program.

Dame Nellie Melba was an internationally renowned opera singer in the late 1800s and early 1900s and became one of the first Australians to achieve global success.

“The bronze statue of Dame Nellie Melba by Peter Corlett was moved from NewQuay in Docklands as part of ongoing development in the precinct.

“We’re delighted to support her relocation to Coombe Yarra Valley where she will remain eternally on display and create another reason for people to visit the Yarra Valley region,” Development Victoria’s Group Head Precincts Geoff Ward said.

Coombe Yarra Valley Managing Director Grant Cummin says: “We’re honoured to display the statue of Dame Nellie Melba at her spiritual home - in the courtyard welcoming visitors to the estate.”

Docklands is one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects, connecting central Melbourne with its historic waterfront.