Who are the colourful, creative, interesting individuals who shaped our community? What are the stories of our community that the people of NSW should know about? What important historical events have happened in our local area?
The NSW Government is commencing a new Heritage program inspired by the famous and internationally recognised UK ‘Blue Plaques’ scheme which began in 1866.
Did you know that famous poet Henry Lawson lived in Whistler Street and Darley Road in the second half of 1902? Or that Sir Henry Parkes, the ‘Father of Federation’, represented the Northern Beaches and regularly used Ivanhoe Park in Manly as an area to deliver huge landmark speeches on social reform?
I am seeking your nominations for some Blue Plaques to be installed in our community. The Blue Plaques of NSW will recognise key sites and encourage people to explore their neighbourhood, connecting with the amazing people and stories that have shaped those places. The Blue Plaques will be a way to bring many other histories and stories alive.
In our community, the plaque could be on a much loved historic building, a place linked to a moment in history, or even somewhere linked to a local hero. By suggesting these sites, we can make sure the places which matter most to our community can be considered for recognition with a Blue Plaque.
The essence of the program is storytelling. The plaques will be linked to a digital interface, allowing access to the detailed stories behind them. They will form part of a Blue Plaque NSW network, supporting tourism and economic activity.
The place can be a public or privately- owned property and does not have to be linked to a specific person – it can be linked to a significant event or social change that contributed to the stories of our area and development of NSW.
If dedicated to a person, the person doesn’t have to be globally notable or famous but must have a special connection to the heritage and history of our community.
We are looking for stories that are interesting, quirky, and fun, along with more sombre stories that should be not be forgotten as part of our history.
The Blue Plaques program will be inclusive of all cultures – any inspiring and important stories that connect us with places and events involving for example (but not limited to):
• Aboriginal people, heritage, culture
• early European settlement
• migrant heritage
• social movements and change
• wartime history
• industrial advancements
• arts and culture
• sport
• historic events that have shaped the story of our area
• and stories of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things (our local heroes).
Whether it be a remarkable building, the two Freshwater Ferries that will continue to operate, the interesting people in our community, there are so many opportunities for the Blue Plaques of the Northern Beaches.
Over the past few years I have secured funding to refurbish the monument dedicated to soldiers on the point at North Curl Curl, the Soldiers Avenue of Honour, supported the heritage listing of Manly Oval and more recently Manly Dam. Now’s the time to ensure our interesting history is showcased via the Blue Plaques program.
The Blue Plaques program is part of a $5 million heritage engagement program funded by the NSW Government. I would love your thoughts on what we can nominate for a Blue Plaque in our area. You can nominate now via my website www.jamesgriffinmp.com/blueplaques.