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Blue Plaques program
Heritage NSW

Blue Plaques NSW

Sharing stories of the extraordinary people and events that have shaped our state.

Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain the images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Featured stories

Bessie Jean Guthrie

Bessie Guthrie was a designer, publisher and feminist who opened her home and dedicated her life to championing the protection of women and girls facing neglect and domestic violence.

Bessie Guthrie sitting on a couch with a bulletin board behind her and notebook open on her lap with pen in hand.

Sarah 'Fanny' Durack and Wilhelmina 'Mina' Wylie

Sarah 'Fanny' Durack and Wilhelmina 'Mina' Wylie were close friends, training partners and fierce rivals, eventually becoming the sole members of Australia’s first ever Olympic Ladies Swimming Team.

Sepia image of Sarah (Fanny) Durack, Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie and British swimmer Jennie Fletcher doing a diving pose together on a dive board in their swimming costumes at a pool

Bobby Goldsmith

Robert (Bobby) Goldsmith was a prominent and active member of Sydney’s gay community whose battle with HIV-AIDS inspired the formation of Australia’s oldest HIV/AIDS charity.

Peter Allen

Peter Allen had a difficult start to life, but innate talent combined with years of hard work and determination lead to Allen becoming one of Australia’s most beloved and successful performers.

Louisa Lawson

Louisa Lawson was a powerhouse within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements. She was an intellectual, writer and publisher, credited as the originator of the suffrage movement in New South Wales, and described as ‘The Mother of Suffrage in New South Wales’.

Malcolm Cole

Malcolm Cole was a trailblazing artist and activist for his community. Growing up Aboriginal and gay meant that Malcolm had to battle against two strong prejudices.

Koori Knockout

The first Koori Knockout (1971), the largest annual sporting carnival in Australia, took place on the October long weekend at Camdenville Park, St Peters.

Koori Knockout co-founders left to right, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Dan Rose, Vic Wright and Bob Smith holding the original trophy in Woy Woy

Building Bridges Concert

On 24 January 1988, the Bondi Māori Community group Kotahitanga worked with Aboriginal activists and their allies to present the Building Bridges concert. The concert was held in support of the Long March for Justice Freedom and Hope, which was itself a response to the bicentennial celebrations taking place on 26 January. The March saw busloads of Aboriginal people arrive from across Australia, many of whom attended the concert.

Black and white poster for Building Bridges album launch and concert that reads "Building Bridges, Australia has a black history, Bondi Pavilion with very special guests, Thurs Jan 26 1989, Australia Day 2pm to sunset, $10 workers, $5 concession, U/15 free. A fundraising project in support of the National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations,. Presented by NUCAM, Building Bridges Assosciation Inc, CBS Records, JJJ & Waverly Municipal Council."

Orry-Kelly

Orry-Kelly was a designer to the stars, leading the costume design on over 300 films and winning 3 Oscars, making him the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over 50 years.

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Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Aboriginal cultural heritage refers to places, objects and stories which are significant for Aboriginal people and the story of New South Wales.

Aboriginal cultural knowledge provides crucial links between the past and present and represents an essential part of the identities of Aboriginal people.

More about Aboriginal cultural heritage

painting of green mountains with brown dirt and small trees in the foreground

Acknowledgement of Country

Heritage NSW acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout NSW and their deep and continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.