Bondi Memorial Project reaches shortlisted design phase

3 June 2020

Waverley Council and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON are calling for community feedback on the shortlisted designs for the development of a site-specific public artwork in Marks Park, Tamarama.

The permanent memorial is to acknowledge the victims and survivors of an epidemic of homophobic and transphobic violence estimated to have claimed the lives of more than 88 gay men and transgender women across NSW between 1970 and 2000.

Several of these crimes took place in Marks Park on the Bondi coastline and were documented in Greg Callaghan's 2007 true crime book, Bondi Badlands and Duncan McNab’s 2017 book Getting Away With Murder.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the six shortlisted designs are unique in nature and capture of the essence of the Bondi Memorial Project.

“This artwork will serve as a place for people to reflect and seek solace as well as be a beacon of hope for an inclusive future,” Mayor Masselos said.

“I encourage all corners of the community to provide their feedback on the designs as this will assist in us selecting a final design to be commissioned.”

“Recognition and acknowledgment are key in the healing process for the families, partners and friends of victims of these crimes and the LGBTQ+ community generally.”

The six shortlisted artists and their design proposals are:

• Design 1: Jane Cavanough
• Design 2: William Eicholtz
• Design 3: Studio Trobec
• Design 4: Jane Irwin and McGregor + Westlake Architecture
• Design 5: Aspect
• Design 6: Urban Arts Projects