Bondi Memorial Project reaches detailed design phase

26 February 2020

Waverley Council and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON have reached another milestone in the Bondi Memorial Project through the commencement of design concept development for the site-specific public artwork.

The permanent memorial, to be established at Marks Park, Tamarama, will acknowledge the gay and transgender people who were targeted in homophobic attacks from the 1970s to 1990s in Sydney and be a place of reflection and healing for survivors and their families.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said before embarking on their detailed design concepts, shortlisted candidates will participate in a historical and cultural tour of the site to deepen their understanding of the history of social trauma, violence and discrimination experienced here in Bondi.

“Waverley Council has been working with ACON since 2015 to establish an appropriate permanent reminder of the tragedies of the recent past and to heal together as a community,” Mayor Masselos said.

“Community feedback and input from ACON is directly informing the design proposals.”

ACON Chief Executive Officer, Nicolas Parkhill, said the design candidates demonstrated great compassion and empathy towards the project.

“This memorial will help heal the trauma for loved ones of the victims and survivors as well as the broader LGBTQ community and many local residents,” Mr Parkhill said.

“Arriving at detailed design phase is a significant moment for us as a community.”

The memorial will be located on the north-eastern side of Marks Park in a peaceful area with a natural framing in the landscape and views across the ocean to Bronte.

The Council has committed $100,000 for the commissioning of the memorial. ACON is also fundraising through www.bondimemorial.com.au

ACON: David Alexander, dalexander@acon.org.au, 0428 477 042

Waverley Council: Deborah Field, media@waverley.nsw.gov.au, 0416 075 532