Fourteen new Blue Plaque recipients have been chosen to highlight significant people and events which have contributed to the rich history of NSW.
The milestones being recognised in round 2 of the Blue Plaques NSW program include the establishment of Australia’s first surf lifesaving club at Bondi Beach, and the world’s first biological program to control pests.
They share the stories of notable Australians including world-renowned artist Sir William Dobell and co-founder of the Country Women’s Association Grace Emily Munro.
They also recognise Kathleen Butler who, despite having no formal qualifications, was instrumental in the development of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and the Greek brothers who established a thriving cinema complex in Grafton in 1951, which is one of only 13 original condition ‘picture theatres’ in NSW country towns that is still running.
The new plaques have been chosen from 117 nominations made by the public and assessed by independent historians. They join more than 30 plaques already in place, sparking the imaginations of visitors from Broken Hill to Bathurst, and in suburbs across Sydney.
