Yarra Yarra Elder Aunty Dorothy 'Dot' Peters is remembered as a passionate and powerful advocate for recognition, reconciliation and, as her son explains, respect, caring and sharing.

Her impact and legacy is being celebrated through Binak Ngarrgu, Basket of Knowledge, a sculptural gathering circle and commemorative public art piece at Blind Creek Reserve, Boronia, in Melbourne's east, which was unveiled on Saturday.

The weekend saw the Aboriginal service men and women, past and present, honoured at the 20th Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Shrine of Remembrance near the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River).

During her life, Aunty Dot had strongly campaigned for First Nations service people's contributions in the armed forces to be properly recognised, like that of her father's, a Yorta Yorta man who served in the Second World War and died as a prisoner of war.

His sacrifice wasn't acknowledged, and Aunty Dot's family did not receive the same compensations as other families equally affected.

Aunty Dot laid gum leaf wreaths at Aboriginal Remembrance Services — which has grown into a nationwide service.

She is remembered for her advocacy in this space, as a driving force behind the service, an educator, author and custodian of cultural practice and knowledge to be passed along through generations.

Binak Ngarrgu, Basket of Knowledge has been unveiled as a space for reflection, learning, connection.

Aunty Dot passed away in 2019.

"It's hard to describe Ma (as I called her) in just a few words. She led a remarkable life that was underlined by loss and tragedy, but maintained strength, courage and pride through everything to live a life where she always managed to find things to make her happy. And a big part of that was sharing happiness with family and friends," Dr Andrew Peters, Aunty Dot's son, told National Indigenous Times.

"She taught me and many others that the important things in life are Respect, Caring and Sharing - 'It's how we should all live. It makes the world a better place', she'd say.

"I also know how proud my sons are of their Nan, she's been a great influence on them too."

The commemoration piece in Boronia is part of the Victorian Women's Public Art Program, supported with $1.2 million in funding.

It's the third of six artworks unveiled in the program's second round, following a mural dedicated to Aunty Margaret Tucker in Footscray earlier this year.

The project recognises the impact and leadership of Victorian women across a range of fields.

Wurundjeri, Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri contemporary artist and designer, Simone Thompson, created the brass and stone commemoration in recognition of Aunty Dot.

Throughout the gathering circle are representations of Aunty Dot's life and story.

The sculpture features dhungala cod and the short-finned eel, which represents her father, Vincent Robert Peters, and his journey as a prisoner of war.

Also included is a poppy flower as a tribute to her efforts for the recognition of First Nations service people.

Eel traps, similar to those Aunty Dot learned to weave with her grandmother also feature, and flowering gums represent the Yarra Yarra Clan and Aunty Dot's resting place on Wurundjeri Country.

Campsites show a place of gathering, ceremony and Aunty Dot's contributions in education.

"It is a deep personal honour to celebrate Aunty Dot's life through this work, 'Binak Ngarrgu, Basket of Knowledge'," Ms Thompson said.

"As a First Nations woman and artist, I feel a strong responsibility to honour her legacy, her wisdom, her resilience, and the pathways she created so that her story and commitment to reconciliation continues to resonate within the community."

In 2019 Aunty Dot became a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her significant service to the Indigenous community of Victoria. She was inducted as a Local Champion on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2011, and won a NAIDOC Elders Award.

Earlier, in 2002, Australia Council for the Arts awarded Aunty Dot a Red Ochre Award, with particular recognition of her weaving.

"Aunty Dot was a highly active and influential leader in the First Nations community in Melbourne's east, working to build understanding and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community," Knox City Council mayor Paige Kennett said.

Victorian Minister for Women and Girls Gabrielle Williams described Aunty Dot as "a trailblazer who dedicated her life to education, reconciliation and strengthening her community".

"This artwork honours a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to shape Victoria for the better," Minister Williams said.

Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, said she is proud the outer east is home to the work "which will help keep Aunty Dot's story alive for generations to come".

Dr Peters, said his mum would be both incredibly proud and humbled by the honour.

"She would credit a lot of the honours she has received to her mother, father and grandmother who taught her all the things she became known for and was great at. She taught me the value of doing this too, as I know any honours I get are thanks to her and how she raised me," he said.

"Mum always tried to make the most of what she was given, and I hope that through her work people feel a sense of motivation, pride and connection. And through it all, to all live our lives with Respect, Caring and Sharing."