The Member for Heffron and NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig MP, has thrown his support behind calls to protect the full integrity of the Discobolus Monument at Sydney Olympic Park, warning that its relocation must respect both the artist’s vision and the Greek community’s cultural legacy.
The Discobolus Monument, created by renowned Australian artist Robert Owen, was installed in Stockroute Park in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It was part of a larger cultural initiative known as the “Hellenic Tribute Trilogy,” which honoured the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
The project was funded entirely by Greek Australians, supported by the Greek Government and coordinated through the Olympic Coordination Authority (OCA).
The park and its installations were further enhanced between 2009 and 2010 for the 10th anniversary of the Sydney Olympics. Stockroute Park, which features mature olive trees donated by the Greek Australian community, was officially recognised by the NSW Geographic Names Board in 2010.
Designed as a lasting acknowledgment of Greece’s foundational role in the Olympic movement, the monument has since become a treasured cultural and historical landmark. Yet under the NSW Government’s Sydney Olympic Park Draft Masterplan 2050, the park and its iconic Hellenic features face removal to accommodate mixed-use development.
In a letter addressed to community leader and former Randwick City Mayor, John Procopiades, Mr Hoenig said he had personally raised the issue with Planning Minister Paul Scully MP and urged the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) to exercise “great care” in any relocation process.
“I recognise that for Sydney’s Greeks, the Discobolus stands as a symbol of the deep affection they have for their city, and the immense pride they have for their cultural heritage,” Mr Hoenig wrote.
“This is why any relocation of the Discobolus must be executed with great care and a thorough regard for Robert Owen’s original vision.”
Mr Hoenig emphasised that the monument was not simply a standalone sculpture, but part of a larger, thoughtfully designed art landscape.
“To respect the original intent of the artist, all of these elements must be considered prior to determining a new home for the Discobolus,” he wrote, referencing key features such as the stone steps, olive and eucalyptus trees, dry-stone walls, and column drums.
His comments come after a sustained campaign by Greek Australians, sparked by The Greek Herald’s exclusive November 2024 report revealing the Discobolus Monument and Stockroute Park faced demolition under the Draft Masterplan.
In January 2025, SOPA confirmed the Discobolus would not be demolished or inappropriately disposed of, and committed to its respectful relocation. However, the Draft Masterplan failed to mention the monument altogether, sparking continued public distrust.
Minister Hoenig acknowledged this gap, stating it “understandably left many unconvinced by SOPA’s relocation plans.” He raised concerns over SOPA’s capability to assess the cultural and artistic significance of such heritage, and suggested a more appropriate new site could be the public space adjacent to the new Metro station at the “Urban Centre” within the park precinct.
Minister Scully, in a separate letter enclosed with Mr Hoenig’s response, confirmed there is “no intent to remove the Discobolus Monument from Sydney Olympic Park,” and said SOPA will continue community consultation. He reiterated that technical studies had identified Stockroute Park as suitable for development, but acknowledged the value of the Greek community’s contribution and the importance of respecting the monument’s artistic legacy.
Mr Hoenig concluded his letter by promising to provide updates on further developments and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the monument’s cultural and historical importance is safeguarded for future generations.
