Residents are being encouraged to nominate the local people or events that helped to shape the rich heritage of the State in the second round of the $5 million NSW Blue Plaques program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the program is a fantastic opportunity for communities to learn about and celebrate local heritage.
“This initiative is all about recognising the eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history of our state,” Ms Cooke said.
In Canowindra, there is a Blue Plaque dedicated to local identity Elizabeth Jane (Bessie) Robinson was a businesswoman who drove the development of the town and advocated for quality public education.
In the early 1870s, Bessie was not only instrumental in building modern-day Canowindra she also began campaigning for better education in Canowindra, with the Government agreeing to set up a state school in 1875.
“I encourage people to research the region’s local history and nominate diverse and unique individuals and stories for a Blue Plaque in the second nominations round,” Ms Cooke said.
The second round of nominations for Blue Plaques opened on 13 November, and close 21 December 2022.
To be eligible, each Blue Plaque must meet eligibility criteria and go through an extensive fact-checking process carried out by independent historians to verify the story behind the Plaque.
Minister for Heritage James Griffin said the second round of nominations opens as 14 new Blue Plaques are announced.
“The 35 Blue Plaques announced so far are just the beginning of this fantastic program, which is reinvigorating community connections with our rich NSW heritage.”
The previously announced 21 Blue Plaques are currently being installed in locations including Albury, Wagga Wagga and Canowindra, and the 14 new Plaques will be installed in 2023, with exact locations to be revealed when they’re installed.
For more information on Blue Plaques recipients, installation locations, and to find out how to nominate a Blue Plaque, visit the Blue Plaques website
