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Sydney’s first Blue Plaques installed in Mosman, Neutral Bay and Lavender Bay.

Published On: October 12, 2022

Three lower north shore identities recieved famed Blue Plaques this week. Sir Edward Hallstrom’s can be found at Taronga Zoo.

By TAYLOR RYAN

Florence Nightingale has one in England, so does Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Wells, Enid Blyton and even Mozart.

And now famous lower north shore identities have been honoured with their own Blue Plaques at locations where they lived or worked.

Wendy Whiteley alongside husband Brett’s “Blue Plaque” at Lavender Bay. Image: Heritage NSW.

May Gibbs, Brett Whiteley and Sir Edward Hallstrom Plaques were installed in Neutral Bay, Lavender Bay and Mosman this week.

“The initiative is all about celebrating the wide-ranging and eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history and fabric of our state,” Minister for Heritage James Griffin said.

Workmen fix the May Gibbs plaque to her former home, “Nutcote” in Neutral Bay.

“Every Australian remembers tales of gum nut babies,” says Minister for Heritage James Griffin.

“Every Australian remembers tales of gumnut babies and ‘big bad Banksia men’ from childhood, and May Gibbs shaped generations of children’s responses to nature,” Mr Griffin said.

“The May Gibbs Blue Plaque, which has been installed at Nutcote in Neutral Bay, celebrates her grand legacy as Australia’s first full-time, professionally trained children’s book author and illustrator, whose work continues to delight readers to this day.”

The Sir Edward Hallstrom Blue Plaque, installed at the entrance of Taronga Zoo, recognises a self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist who cared deeply about conservation and remains one of the Zoo’s most generous private benefactors.

“The NSW Government’s $5 million Blue Plaques program is a fantastic way of getting communities excited about and involved in their local heritage around the State,” Mr Griffin said.

The plaques honour the contributions made to NSW by Brett Whiteley, May Gibbs and Sir Edward Hallstrom.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the Brett Whiteley Blue Plaque, now installed at his home in Lavender Bay, is a must-see for visitors to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden.

“Archibald-winning Brett Whiteley created some of his most famous works at his home and studio in Lavender Bay, inspired by views of Sydney Harbour,” Ms Wilson said.

“These Blue Plaques celebrate and recognise the important contributions that Sir Edward Hallstrom, May Gibbs, and Brett Whiteley have made not only to our local community, but across NSW and Australia.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such rich local heritage, and these Blue Plaques will ensure we are safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.”

21 Blue Plaque recipients have been announced, and a second round of nominations will open shortly. Image: NSW Heritage.

These are the third, fourth and fifth Blue Plaques ever to be installed in New South Wales. The first was the Caroline Chisholm Plaque in East Maitland. The second was the Nancy Bird Walton Plaque in Kew, Port Macquarie.

So far, 21 Blue Plaque recipients have been named, and the NSW public will be invited to nominate more noteworthy people, stories and events when a second round of nominations opens.

The remainder of the Blue Plaques will be installed in yet to be announced locations in the coming weeks. To learn more, visit Blue Plaques NSW.