The Minns Labor Government has announced 16 new blue plaque recipients, each celebrating remarkable stories that have shaped our state’s rich history.
Among the people, events and milestones being recognised in the third round of this popular heritage program is Sister Kaliniki, Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun. She dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia.
Also recognised is the first Koori Knockout carnival, legendary Australian icons like the world-renowned performing artist Peter Allen, and trailblazing swimmers Fanny Durack and Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie who made history as the first Australian women to win Olympic swimming medals.
The latest round also recognises Malcolm Cole, an Indigenous activist and performer who led the first Aboriginal Mardi Gras Float and Louisa Lawson, a significant figure within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements known as ‘the Mother of Suffrage in NSW’.
The NSW Government is also announcing the winner of the inaugural People’s Choice category following a public vote. ‘The introduction of Weet-Bix’ received the most votes, celebrating the debut of an iconic part of Australian breakfast culture which continues to resonate across generations.
The 16 new plaques were chosen from 184 public nominations and assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians. They join 49 already announced from Waverly to Wagga Wagga, Beecroft to Broken Hill.
The new plaques will be placed at sites connected with the individuals or moments in history. The installation of each plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards and inviting visitors to learn more about the history of these communities.
NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, said,“These new blue plaques represent a vibrant mix of stories. From fearless activists, sporting greats and trailblazing women to events that unite us all, these plaques capture the diverse people and moments that have woven NSW’s unique heritage.”
“I encourage everyone to go out and see these blue plaques – whether you’re exploring your neighbourhood or travelling further afield. They reveal stories that will surprise, inspire and connect us, while teaching us about the rich history of NSW,” Ms Sharpe added.
Round Three Blue Plaques:
| Subject | Recognition |
| Bobby Goldsmith | A prominent and active member of Sydney’s gay community whose battle with HIV-AIDS inspired the formation of Australia’s oldest HIV/AIDS charity. |
| Building Bridges Concert | On 24 January 1988, Indigenous activists held a concert at the Bondi Pavilion in the lead up to Australia Day and the Bicentenary. It highlighted Indigenous creativity and strength. |
| Bessie Guthrie | One of the founding members of Elsie Refuge in Glebe, Bessie Guthrie was a designer, publisher and feminist who opened her home and dedicated her life to championing women and girls. |
| Golding Sisters | Annie Golding, Belle Golding and Kate Dwyer (Golding) were teachers turned activists that lead women’s rights and social justice movements in NSW. They were born at Tambaroora, north of Bathurst. |
| Ida Leeson | The first female Mitchell Librarian at the State Library of NSW. She was involved in women’s right’s movements and was a serving officer in the Australian Military Forces. |
| Koori Knockout | First Koori Knockout, the largest annual Indigenous sporting carnival in Australia, took place at Camdenville Park, St Peters in 1971. |
| Leslie Mervyn Tanner | A political cartoonist, historian of cartooning and columnist. |
| Louisa Lawson | A significant figure within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements, born in Gulgong in the Central Tablelands. |
| Malcolm Cole | Aboriginal artist and activist who led the first Aboriginal Mardi Gras float. |
| Orry-Kelly | Designer to the stars, leading the costume design on over 300 films and winning three Oscars. He was the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over 50 years. Born in Kiama, he moved to Sydney then New York City. |
| Paul Sorensen | A Danish born master landscape designer who developed his own distinctive landscape style, ethos and technique in gardens across NSW – many of which still stand 100 years later. |
| Peter Allen | One of Australia’s most beloved and successful performance artists. |
| Sarah (Fanny) Durack | First woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming. |
| Sister Kaliniki | Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun. She dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia. |
| The Introduction of Weet-Bix | Australia’s love of the humble breakfast cereal, Weet-Bix, began in 1926. The winner of the People’s Choice Blue Plaque. |
| Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie | Prolific and trailblazing swimmer, and Olympic silver medalist. A sculpture of Mina stands at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee which were established by her father Henry Wylie in 1907. |
