Nominations are now open for a fresh round of Blue Plaques to celebrate the people, groups and events which have contributed to the rich heritage of NSW.
The Minns Labor Government is inviting everyone from individuals and families to schools and community organisations to submit a nomination.
Whether it’s an unsung hero, group or landmark event, now is the time to put them forward for recognition in this popular Heritage NSW program. More than a dozen recipients will be chosen from these submissions.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to protecting, preserving and modernising NSW heritage, and ensuring it reflects our diverse community.
This round of blue plaques will celebrate the diversity of our community, with nominations falling into themes including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, environment and sustainability, sport, social justice and advocacy, war-time stories, the elderly, disability, LGBTQIA+ and more.
Nominating for a blue plaque is easy and can be done online. To be eligible, they must:
- relate to a person, people or event that has made a lasting impact on a community in NSW or NSW as a whole
- be appropriate, sensitive and engaging to a wide audience
- relate to a person or people who passed away more than 20 years ago, or an event which occurred more than 20 years ago
- have a location in NSW for the blue plaque that is publicly accessible and has a direct connection to the person, people, or event.
Heritage NSW and independent historians will evaluate nominations based on the eligibility criteria.
For the first time, the NSW Government is announcing a People’s Choice Blue Plaque. Heritage NSW has shortlisted favourite nominations from past rounds and launched a public vote to decide the inaugural People’s Choice Blue Plaque.
The nominations people can vote for are:
- Abdul Wade (Abdul Wahid Khan) – an Afghan immigrant who pioneered camel transportation in Australia’s outback.
- Coralia Stavropoulos (Sister Kaliniki) – Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun who dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia.
- Malcolm Cole – Dancer, teacher, and LGBTQIA+ activist who championed social change and Indigenous rights.
- Marie Beuzville Byles – The first practising female solicitor in NSW who paved the way for women in law.
- Mother John Baptist De Lacy – A pioneering Irish nun who laid the foundation for healthcare and health education in colonial Sydney.
- The Resch brothers – German migrants who brewed their way from outback NSW to creating beverage empires.
- Ruby Payne-Scott – A trailblazer in radio astronomy and advocate for women in science.
- The creation of Weet-Bix – The Australian breakfast staple.
To date, close to 50 blue plaques have been announced in cities and towns right across NSW, to honour noteworthy individuals and moments that have contributed to our rich cultural heritage.
They include activists, authors, artists, architects, pioneers, philanthropists, groups including Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club and events such as the Soldiers’ Riots.
Nominations close Sunday 30 June, 2024.
Quote attributable to Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe:
“Everyone is invited to get involved in preserving and celebrating the diverse history of NSW, ensuring the stories of those who have shaped our state are honoured and remembered.
“I want everyone to share interesting, quirky or lesser-known stories of the people, groups and events which have made NSW what it is today.
“The Minns Labor Government values the diversity of our community and history, and we look forward to it being recognised in this round of Blue Plaques.
“The People’s Choice category is an exciting way for everyone to get involved, even if they don’t have a specific nomination in mind.”
