In a significant tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped New South Wales’ rich history, four new blue plaques have been officially unveiled across the state.
These plaques celebrate the contributions and legacies of Grace Emily Munro, the Notaras brothers, Susan Schardt, and Arthur Stace.
Grace Emily Munro (1879–1964), the co-founder and first president of the Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWA), has been honoured with a blue plaque at the Senior Citizens Rest Centre in Bingara. Grace devoted her life to improving the lives of regional and remote women – she was a generous and enthusiastic leader of the CWA, campaigning tirelessly for much-needed resources and raising funds for countless women’s restrooms and hospital facilities across the state. By the time she retired in 1926 due to ill health, the CWA had 4,500 members in 100 branches.
The pioneering spirit of Ioannis (Jack) and Antonios (Tony) Notaras, 2 Greek migrant brothers, has been commemorated with a blue plaque at the Saraton Theatre in Grafton. Migrating from the Greek island of Kythera to Sydney in the early 1900s, the brothers, along with their father, moved to Grafton in 1908. The pair became highly successful restaurateurs and invested £23,000 (the equivalent of over $2 million today) to build the Saraton Theatre. Opening in 1926, the Saraton Theatre continues to be a central community hub and is operated today by descendants of Jack and Tony.
Susan Schardt (1872–1934), the founder of Royal Rehab in Ryde, has been recognised with a blue plaque at the facility. Born sight impaired, Susan devoted her life to assisting other people with disabilities during a time when support services were limited. Establishing the Commonwealth ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ for Destitute Invalids in 1900 (now known as Royal Rehab), she was influential in changing social attitudes towards disability.
Arthur Stace (1885–1967), affectionately known as Mr Eternity, has been honoured with a blue plaque at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Broadway. For 35 years, he anonymously wrote the word ‘Eternity’ on Sydney’s streets, captivating the city’s imagination. Stace’s message was famously displayed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the New Year’s Eve fireworks in 2000.
