Governor General Quentin Bryce will unveil the seven square metre mosaic completed by artist Nola Diamantopolous over the past year. Some 1000 people including Goulburn’s Catholic school students and Sisters are expected to attend a Mass and mosaic presentation this morning.

“Caroline Chisholm was one of the very greatest Australians,” Ms Gillard said in a statement. “Her feisty spirit of concern for the disadvantaged and her vision of a fairer Australia have rightly won her enduring respect and acclaim.

“I am proud that the greatness of Caroline Chisholm is being acknowledged as part of the restoration of Ss Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral in Goulburn.”

She said it was fitting Caroline Chisholm was being honoured in an area she knew so well and that the artwork should be dedicated on June 29, the Old Cathedral’s patronal feast day.

“The expressive art of mosaic is a beautiful medium in which to depict this remarkable woman of faith and her lasting place in the heritage of our nation,” Ms Gillard wrote. “Nola Diamantopoulos has surely done her subject great justice.” Senator Claire Moore will represent the Prime Minister. The three-panel work depicts symbols of Chisholm’s life, devoted to helping poor immigrants and fighting for women’s rights. Her direct descendants, Richard and Elizabeth Chisholm are special guests. Opposition leader Tony Abbott, Hume MP Alby Schultz, Goulburn MP Pru Goward are apologies.

However, the High Commissioner of Zimbabwe Jacqueline Zwambila, Greek ambassador Christopoulos Alexios and the ambassador of Malta, Frank Tabone will be there. Parish committee member Bob Stephens said Caroline Chisholm had broad respect from all nations.

“She helped all comers in a way that reflects Australia’s multicultural makeup,” he said. The Salvation Army’s Major Peter Townsend and Professor James Haire and Peter McArdle from the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture will also attend. Local Senator Ursula Stephens, Mayor Geoff Kettle, Crs Margaret O’Neill and Neil Penning, council general manager Chris Berry will be front and centre.

Veolia Mulwaree Trust director and former Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Paul Stephenson will unveil a plaque, marking the Trust’s contribution to the mosaic. The Mass starts at 10am in the old Cathedral, followed by the unveiling and blessing at 11.30am.

The community is welcome to attend. Organiser Trish Groves said the function was a great advertisement for the city. “It’s an opportunity to show our cultural heritage and religious history and the architectural wonder of the NSW colony,” she said.

“People visit here for a number of reasons but the essence of this is Caroline Chisholm and her work.”