Sydney legends celebrated among new Blue Plaques
Five Sydney trailblazers are being recognised as the Minns Labor Government announces 16 new blue plaque recipients to celebrate remarkable stories that have shaped the rich history of NSW.
Feminists and women’s rights icons Ida Leeson and Bessie Guthrie, beloved member of Sydney’s gay community Robert (Bobby) Goldsmith, political cartoonist Leslie (Les) Tanner and community worker and Greek nun Sister Kaliniki are all recognised in the latest round of blue plaques.
The popular heritage program places round, blue plaques at sites across NSW to recognise and share the stories of individuals or moments in history. The installation of each new plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards, and inviting those from further afield to learn more about the unique history of these communities.
Among the new blue plaque recipients is Ida Leeson (1885–1964), the first female Mitchell Librarian at the State Library of NSW. She was involved in women’s rights movements and served as an officer in the Australian Military Forces.
Feminist Bessie Guthrie (1905–1977) was one of the founding members of the State Heritage Listed Elsie Refuge, as well as a designer and publisher who dedicated her life to championing women and girls.
Bobby Goldsmith (1946–1984) was a prominent member of the Sydney gay community and was one of the first Australians to die from an AIDS-related illness. His passing inspired the establishment of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation – Australia’s longest-running HIV charity.
Les Tanner (1927–2001) was a high-profile political cartoonist and columnist, widely published in iconic journals like The Bulletin and winner of numerous prestigious awards, including two Walkleys.
Sister Kaliniki, née Coralia Stavropolous (1907–1985) was Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun who devoted her life to supporting Greek immigrants and founded the Christian Ladies and Girls Greek Orthodox Society of Australia.
These diverse plaque recipients were chosen from 184 public nominations and join 49 blue plaques already announced, from Waverly to Wagga Wagga, Beecroft to Broken Hill. Each plaque is an invitation to explore the stories that connect us across the state.
All nominations are assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians.
For more information visit blueplaques.nsw.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe:
“These new blue plaques represent a vibrant mix of stories that stem from inner Sydney.
“These five significant individuals represent a tapestry of contributions to our society – whether through women’s rights, the arts or community service. Each blue plaque serves as a testament to their unique legacies, and the impact they’ve had in shaping our community is something we can all be proud of.
“I encourage everyone to seek out our state’s blue plaques, whether you’re exploring a Sydney neighbourhood or travelling further afield.”
Quote attributable to Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, Zann Maxwell:
“These new blue plaques which will be placed around the city let people know about the amazing history that you might just walk past every day.
“These people and events are worth remembering and a reminder that history is not just in books, but living and breathing out in the world.
“It is a great way for people to learn more about the city they live in and its local history. Everyone should spend a weekend just walking around and reading these plaques to learn something new.”
Quote attributable to City of Sydney Councillor, Olly Arkins:
"In cities around the world, blue plaques tell a story about who and what makes a place proud."
"I want to thank the NSW Government for ensuring our storied histories are shared, so they can continue to guide our future.
“More plaques around town will give residents and visitors a sense of pride and connection with our City.”
Full list of Round Three Blue Plaques:
| Subject | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Bobby Goldsmith | 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. |
| Building Bridges Concert | On 24 January 1988, Indigenous activists held a concert at the Bondi Pavilion in the lead up to Australia Day and the Bicentenary. It highlighted Indigenous creativity and strength. |
| Bessie Guthrie | One of the founding members of Elsie Refuge in Glebe, Bessie Guthrie was a designer, publisher and feminist who opened her home and dedicated her life to championing women and girls. |
| Golding Sisters | Annie Golding, Belle Golding and Kate Dwyer (Golding) were teachers turned activists that lead women’s rights and social justice movements in NSW. They were born at Tambaroora, north of Bathurst. |
| Ida Leeson | The first female Mitchell Librarian at the State Library of NSW. She was involved in women’s right’s movements and was a serving officer in the Australian Military Forces. |
| Koori Knockout | First Koori Knockout, the largest annual Indigenous sporting carnival in Australia, took place at Camdenville Park, St Peters in 1971. |
| Leslie Mervyn Tanner | A political cartoonist, historian of cartooning and columnist. |
| Louisa Lawson | A significant figure within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements, born in Gulgong in the Central Tablelands. |
| Malcolm Cole | Aboriginal artist and activist who led the first Aboriginal Mardi Gras float. |
| Orry-Kelly | Designer to the stars, leading the costume design on over 300 films and winning three Oscars. He was the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over 50 years. Born in Kiama, he moved to Sydney then New York City. |
| Paul Sorensen | A Danish born master landscape designer who developed his own distinctive landscape style, ethos and technique in gardens across NSW – many of which still stand 100 years later. |
| Peter Allen | One of Australia’s most beloved and successful performance artists. |
| Sarah (Fanny) Durack | First woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming. |
| Sister Kaliniki | Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun. She dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia. |
| The Introduction of Weet-Bix | Australia’s love of the humble breakfast cereal, Weet-Bix, began in 1926. The winner of the People’s Choice Blue Plaque. |
| Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie | Prolific and trailblazing swimmer, and Olympic silver medalist. A sculpture of Mina stands at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee which were established by her father Henry Wylie in 1907. |
Bessie Guthrie at Sydney Women's Liberation House, 1974