Some of NSW's greatest sporting heroes and events have been recognised as part of 16 new blue plaques, spotlighting remarkable stories that have shaped our state's rich history.
They include the first Koori Knockout which took place on the October long weekend at Camdenville Park, St Peters in 1971. Seven teams from across the state gathered to unite, celebrate and showcase Aboriginal talent, laying the foundation for what is acknowledged today as one of the largest annual sporting gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia.
Swimmers Sarah 'Fanny' Durack and Wilhelmina 'Mina' Wylie have also been recognised with blue plaques. As close friends, training partners and fierce rivals, they made history as the first women to win Olympic swimming medals, with Durack winning gold and Wylie claiming silver at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
Chosen from 184 public nominations and assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians, these new plaques join 49 blue plaques already announced, from Waverly to Wagga Wagga, Beecroft to Broken Hill. Each plaque is an invitation to explore the untold stories that connect us across the state.
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, and it's wonderful to see sporting events and athletes recognised.
"From the largest Indigenous sporting carnival in Australia, the Koori Knockout, to swimmers Fanny and Mina who paved the way for female athletes, these are stories that have woven the rich and unique heritage of NSW."
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport Steve Kamper:
"This is a fantastic celebration of our sporting heritage, highlighting not only the achievements of the past but also the lasting impact they continue to have today.
"The Koori Knockout is a powerful celebration of Aboriginal culture, talent and community. What began as a small gathering in 1971 has grown into the largest annual event of its kind and is still taking place to this day, uniting people from all corners of NSW and showcasing the strength and spirit of Aboriginal athletes.
"As a nation we take great pride in our achievements in the pool, and I am especially proud that NSW is home to our first female Olympic medallists, these two trailblazing swimmers. Their legacy is truly remarkable and it continues to inspire us today."
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. |
