In 1940 a competition was held to design a memorial to Dame Nellie Melba for the Sydney Town Hall. Money for the memorial was provided by the English singer Lord Lurgan. Twelve designs were submitted and the winner chosen by artist and architect John D. Moore, art publisher Sydney Ure Smith and the Lord Mayor of Sydney. Arthur Murch was awarded the prize and his relief plaque was dedicated in May of 1941. This is Margel Hinder's design for the memorial