The Greek Australian community has raised concerns over the potential demolition of Stockroute Park and the Discobolus sculpture at Sydney Olympic Park, as outlined in the NSW Government’s Draft Masterplan 2050.
This redevelopment plan threatens a significant cultural legacy that was a gift from the Greek community to Australia ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Stockroute Park, located on Herb Elliott Avenue, includes mature olive trees donated by Greek Australian communities and Discobolus, an artwork by renowned artist Robert Owen.
Established in the late 1990s, this “art-park” was funded entirely by Greek Australians, supported by international Greek organisations and Greece’s government, and coordinated with the Olympic Coordination Authority (OCA). It forms part of the “Hellenic Tribute Trilogy,” which commemorates the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Games.
The park and its installations were enhanced between 2009 and 2010 in preparation for the Sydney Games’ 10th anniversary. Collaborations between Greek Australian groups and international Greek institutions introduced interpretive signage and artistic elements that celebrated Greece’s contributions to the Olympic movement.
Designed as a lasting acknowledgment of Greece’s contributions to the Olympic movement, the park has since become a significant cultural and historical landmark, and was officially recognised by the NSW Geographic Names Board in 2010.
Despite this, Stockroute Park and its iconic Hellenic features face removal to accommodate mixed-use commercial development at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Draft Masterplan 2050 envisions a transformation of the 650-hectare site into a bustling urban precinct with housing, schools, and mixed-use spaces. This vision comes at the cost of several heritage sites, including Stockroute Park.
Prominent Greek Australian organisations and individuals have called for urgent action. They are urging the community to voice their concerns during the public consultation period, which closes on November 25.
To learn more or submit feedback on the Draft Masterplan 2050, visit the Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s exhibition site here.
