Greek Australian community rallies to save cultural landmark in Sydney Olympic Park

·

The future of Stockroute Park and its iconic Discobolus sculpture has sparked widespread concern among Sydney’s Greek Australian community, as the NSW Government’s Draft Masterplan 2050 threatens their demolition.

The Discobolus sculpture and surrounding park were gifted to the people of Sydney by the Greek-Australian community as part of the “Hellenic Tribute Trilogy,” commemorating the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The park features elements symbolising Greek heritage, including olive trees, stone steps, and a discus-throwing circle, all designed to celebrate the connection between Greece and Australia.

Community leader and former Randwick City Mayor John Procopiades, who played a key role in supporting the Discobolus project, recently contacted the NSW Minister for Local Government and Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig MP, urging action to protect this significant cultural legacy.

In response to Mr Procopiades’ letter, Mr Hoenig expressed dismay at the lack of recognition given to the Discobolus in the Draft Masterplan.

“It is a shame that some bureaucrats in the Department of Planning thought it would be okay to simply remove a public sculpture that had been commissioned and funded by Greek organisations and various Greek individuals as a gift to the NSW Government,” Mr Hoenig stated.

The Minister acknowledged the cultural and historical value of the Discobolus, not just for those of Greek heritage but for all Sydneysiders. He argued that the sculpture and its surroundings contribute to the area’s sense of history and could enhance the amenity of future developments.

As a result, Mr Hoenig has taken the matter to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully MP, and promised to update Mr Procopiades once a response is received.

Mr Procopiades, who chaired the Springtime Greek Glendi when his organisation donated $10,000 to support the Discobolus, has called on the Greek Australian community to contact their state and federal representatives.

He emphasised the need to ensure this cultural landmark remains intact for future generations, stating, “This Tribute is a gift to the people of Sydney by the Greek-Australian community and should remain in perpetuity for generations to come.”

The Draft Masterplan 2050, which envisions a transformation of Sydney Olympic Park into a mixed-use precinct, has raised alarm for its potential impact on heritage sites. The community had until November 25 to submit feedback on the proposal, urging the government to reconsider plans that would erase this unique cultural legacy.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Magna Graecia – Part 4: From Colony to Colossus: Syracuse and Hellenism in Sicily

Syracuse (in present-day Sicily) was founded in 734 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by their oikist (founder), Archias.

Scam no more: Protecting what’s most important with Evan Frangos

Hailing from Ikaria, Greece, Evan is also a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, specialising in recovering funds lost to scams and hacks.

Upcoming Sydney lecture will explore the Greek Civil War in Greek literature

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will delve into the history of the Greek Civil War as presented in Greek literature.

Greek olive oil in Japan: Health, heritage and authenticity

At the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils earned 12 Gold Medals and 36 Silvers.

The Greek island tourists haven’t overrun

Unlike Santorini, which draws up to 3.4 million visitors annually, the island of Kea remains largely under the radar.

You May Also Like

Greek PM meets with new US ambassador and reaffirm strong bilateral relations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the newly appointed US ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis, in his offices this week.

‘It’s about sharing our culture’: SA’s Cyprus Community bounces back to action with Winter Festival 

Challenges are for the brave and the Cyprus Community of SA proved once more that with teamwork and great supporters anything is possible.

Greek restaurant named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in UK Deliveroo awards

The Athenian delivered 2,500 free meals to the NHS amidst the pandemic. Congratulations to the Greek restuarant on their incredible win.