Step towards healing and justice

Waverley Council

Waverley Council welcomes the NSW Government’s announcement this week of a judicial inquiry into historical gay and transgender hate crimes.

General Manager, Emily Scott, said the inquiry is a step towards healing and justice for the families and loved ones of LGBTQ hate and violence victims, and survivors.

Last month, the Council and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON marked the completion of a permanent memorial to victims and survivors in Marks Park, Tamarama.

Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including Bondi’s coastline, was the location for many of the homophobic and transphobic attacks that took place in NSW in the 1970s to 1990s.

Rise: The Bondi Memorial will serve as a place of quiet reflection where the community can acknowledge its devastating history whilst recognising the progress society has made through acceptance and celebration of diversity.

“Due to current restrictions, the formal unveiling of the Bondi Memorial has been postponed to early 2022 when we will be able to mark this moment with an open community event,” Ms Scott said.

The Bondi Memorial, located on the south-western side of Marks Park, Tamarama. Image: John McRae

The Bondi Memorial features sculpted stone in six layers with each layer representing one of the six bands in the pride flag. It was designed by John Nicholson from design firm UAP.

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