In late June 2021, the State Government committed $5million through Heritage NSW to the programme . A SMH report on June 12 2021 reported that “ heritage homes and buildings will be able to sport commemorative blue plaques modelled on the blue plaques of London. “
Nsw Treasurer , Dominic Perrottet said that” the programme will unlock stories of the State’s history . Blue plaques are an internationally recognised way of promoting the heritage significance of key heritage paces, people and their stories” he said.
The Heritage Advisory Committee at the then Rockdale Council had considered this idea in the mid- 1990’s . Mick Freedman , on behalf of the Rockdale District Heritage Association, proposed this idea at a Heritage Advisory Committee meeting . Council did not accept the proposal.
Now is the time to move forward with this idea. Bayside Council has many significant properties and properties with significant social history , which deserve to be recognised . In watching Flashback Friday , which is currently hosted by Bayside Council , one appreciates the depth of our local history.
Sadly , there are no buildings left to indicate the former Moorefield Racecourse, Kogarah, which played an important part in our local history from 1888 until the area was cleared in the mid 1950’s for schools and residential development.
Councillor Liz Barlow and former Councillor, Anne Field , have combined forces to develop a list of properties, which they plan to nominate to the State Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper and the State Member for Kogarah , Chris Minns.
They have provided 5 examples but there are many more that are worthy of recognition . Lydham Hall , Bexley is significant not only for its building and contents but also for its association with Christina Stead . She was an esteemed author who lived here and had attended St George Girls High School in 1916. “ Dappeto”, 171 Wollongong Road Arncliffe ,which is Macquarie Lodge was built in 1885 by Frederick Gibbins. A very significant Victorian property. “ Glenwood” in Eden Street , Arncliffe ; “ Victoria House “, Forest Road Bexley , and “Dundry “ in Verdun Street , Bexley are other worthy inclusions. Tempe House at Wolli Creek is a very significant property which must be included.
Councillor Liz Barlow
Anne Field
