The State’s most memorable people, events and stories are to be celebrated with the first recipients of the Heritage NSW Blue Plaque declared.
Announcing the 17 recipients, Heritage NSW said the Blue Plaques Program aimed to capture public interest and fascination in people, events and places that were important to the stories of NSW.
“The aim of the Program is to encourage people to explore their neighbourhood and other parts of NSW and connect with people of the past, historical moments and rich stories that matter to communities and have shaped our State,” Heritage NSW said.
“The essence of the Blue Plaques Program is the storytelling,” it said.
“A digital story will be linked to each plaque.”
Heritage NSW said there would be additional opportunities to nominate Blue Plaques later this year.
Minister for Heritage, James Griffin said the Blue Plaques Program was similar to the program in the United Kingdom and provided an opportunity to celebrate the noteworthy people and stories that helped to shape the State.
“This initiative is all about recognising the eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history and fabric of our State,” Mr Griffin said.
“Remarkable stories have been uncovered, like that of Bessie Robinson, who advocated for quality public education in her community while building the foundations of the town of Canowindra,” he said.
“You can still see her work in the town today.”
Mr Griffin said other successful nominations included aviator Nancy Bird Walton, artist Brett Whiteley, performers, authors and history makers from around the State.
The Minister said the Blue Plaques would be added to sites during the second half of the year.
The full list of Blue Plaques can be accessed at this PS News link.
