Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe has unveiled a Blue Plaque in Ashfield, recognising the life of historical figure Quong Tart and celebrating his political advocacy and charity work in the 1800s.
Blue Plaques NSW celebrate well-known characters many of us are familiar with, but also bring attention to lesser-known stories of people and events that shaped a particular community, town, or field of work or study.
12 new Blue Plaques are being installed in New South Wales. They join the 18 already in place.
The Blue Plaque at Ashfield is fixed on what was originally known as Gallop House, which Quong Tart had built in 1890 as a home for himself and his family. He lived there until his death in 1903.
The building is now home to the Uniting Quong Tart aged care facility, proudly carrying on his legacy of compassionate care.
Quong Tart ran tea rooms across Sydney and worked to combat anti-Chinese sentiment. He provided meals to the disadvantaged and supported the arts by hosting concerts and exhibitions.
His rich story, along with those of the people and events behind other Blue Plaques, can be found on the Blue Plaques NSW Website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe:
"I am proud that we have a Blue Plaques program in New South Wales that celebrates diversity and encourages people to learn about historical moments and stories that shaped the state.
"Quong Tart was selfless in his charity work and political advocacy and this Blue Plaque is a wonderful tribute to his contribution."
Quotes attributable to Member for Summer Hill, Minister for Transport Jo Haylen:
"Quong Tart was a Chinese Australian icon and an early pioneer of what would become known as multiculturalism.
"It's only fitting that the Inner West, the birthplace of multiculturalism, honours Quong Tart, someone who is a historic figure for all of Australia.
"I want to pay tribute to the Ashfield Historical Society and all other local groups which campaigned so hard for this blue plaque. It is a form of recognition that is long overdue."
Quote attributable to Uniting Director of Seniors Services Saviour Buhagiar:
"It's very exciting for our residents and staff to know Quong Tart's legacy is being recognised as part of Sydney's rich cultural and historical heritage.
"Like Quong Tart, Uniting has a long history of supporting some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our community and we celebrate diversity and welcome all people regardless of their ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity."
List of plaques being installed by the end of August:
| Subject | Recognition | Local government area |
|---|---|---|
| Quong Tart | Philanthropist, merchant, and Chinese-Australian community leader | Inner West |
| Walter Liberty Vernon | NSW Government architect | City of Sydney |
| Dorothea Mackellar | Australian poet and author of 'My Country' | Woollahra |
| Grace Cossington Smith | Australian artist and pioneer of modernist painting | Ku-Ring-Gai |
| Albert (Tibby) Cotter | International test cricketer and soldier | City of Sydney |
| Billy Hughes | 7th Prime Minister, established the AFP and CSIRO | Lane Cove |
| Margaret Catchpole | Female convict chronicler | Hawkesbury |
| Thomas Fiaschi | Pioneering surgeon | Hawkesbury |
| Patrick White | Australian novelist | Hills Shire |
| Arthur Bryant Triggs | Pastoralist and collector | Yass Valley |
| Joseph Laurie | Timber industry pioneer | Port Macquarie Hastings |
| William and Ian Clunies Ross | Science educator and his son, the first Chair of the CSIRO | Bathurst |
