Joy Statue Returns to Sydney

Beloved sex-worker statue, Joy, comes home after nearly three decades of absence from Sydney

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After overwhelming public objection saw its removal in 1997, Joy has finally returned to Yurong Reserve, Surry Hills.

In the mid 1990s, NSW became one of the first jurisdictions in the world to decriminalise certain forms of sex work. Inspired by this, local artist, Loui May (then Fraser), created a statue depicting a sex worker standing in a doorway. 

Slightly bigger than life-sized, the statue was made from cement and marble dust, giving it a striking white finish. The doorway was a rectangular frame made from metal and painted bright red. In her original pose, she was leaning against the door jamb holding a cigarette in one hand. May named her “Joy” to echo the sentiments of sex workers at the changing laws, and also to reflect the service they provide. 

Joy was installed on Stanley Street in 1995 as part of a local council program to promote artists and activate unused spaces. It was only meant to be in place for 18 months, however many residents immediately objected to the artwork, or more specifically, to what it depicted. 

The statue was vandalised many times, and the outcry was continuous. It was finally removed in 1997 and taken to Macquarie University, where it was put on permanent display, seemingly without as much controversy. 

While conservative locals were happy to see Joy go, many others were not, especially sex workers and allies for whom the statue meant so much. Joy was widely considered to be the first statue anywhere in the world, that honoured sex workers. She represented legitimacy, visibility, and acceptance. 

There was a quiet desire among many in the community to have the Statue of Joy returned to what was considered her rightful place. Over the years, that quiet wish became louder and built momentum until a full-blown campaign was launched in the early 2020s. 

In 2023, after a petition was lodged by an advocacy group, City of Sydney sought feedback from residents on whether to return the statue to its original spot; 80% of respondents said yes. 

It was great news…except…Macquarie University didn’t want to give the original statue back. 

This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led to a replica being cast in bronze. 

“To have a bronze in Sydney it’s the sculptor’s dream come true,” May told ABC News. 

Macquarie Uni gladly loaned the original statue out so that a mould could be made. Casting technician Matthew Crawford oversaw the making of the new statue. 

It’s a mostly faithful reproduction but a few significant changes: the colours of the statue and door frame and, most notably, the absence of the cigarette which was removed in deference to new attitudes towards smoking. 

In a statement, sculptor Loui May said: 

“While my hands may have created this sculpture, it is the women who have lived and worked in this area through history that JOY represents. On their behalf, I give thanks to the hundreds of supporters who believed this sculpture was important, including writers, academics, journalists, artists, podcasters, poets and others.” 

The new statue of Joy was unveiled on November 8, 2025, and now stands in Yurong Reserve, just off Yurong Street in East Sydney.