Nominations for the 2026 Bayside Historical Marker Program, which recognises sites and people of historical and cultural significance across the local area, open on Saturday 5 September 2026.
Since its launch in February 2024, Bayside Council's Historical Marker Program has celebrated local heritage through the installation of 10 historical markers across Bayside.
The program has seen historical markers installed at the following sites:
- Wilson's Farmhouse, Rockdale. Built in 1855, this state heritage listed building was restored by Bayside Council in 2019
- Botany Public School. One of the first public schools in Sydney and the oldest existing public school in New South Wales.
- Former Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, Banksmeadow. Opened in 1844 as a holiday spot, the estate was also home to Australia's first zoo.
- Bexley Public School. The school opened in1887 with one teacher and went on to become the centre for local social life, fetes and athletic competitions.
- Tempe House, Wolli Creek. Built on the banks of the Cooks River for colonial merchant Alexander Brodie Sparks in 1836, the home is now fully restored.
- Botany Literary Institute (now operating as John Brotchie Nursery School). The building dates from the 1870s when it was the Botany Mechanic's Institute
- Botany Fire Station. Opened in1906, initially for horse drawn vehicles, the building has been adapted to meet modern firefighting standards.
- Bruce Mackenzie at Sir Joseph Banks Park. Bruce Mackenzie AM, AILA, FRLA (1932 - 2024) was the landscape architect responsible for developing Sir Joseph Banks Park.
- The site of the former Earl Park, Arncliffe. Earl Park was a privately owned sports stadium built by Lancelot Lewis Earl in 1925 on land between Wollongong Road and Martin Avenue.
- Lydham Hall, Rockdale. This 1870s sandstone villa, one of the oldest homes in the area, is now a museum run by the St George Historical Society.
Nominations submitted for the 2026 program will be assessed by a panel of local history and heritage specialists, with the successful sites and individuals to be announced later in the year.
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said:
"Our Historical Marker Program is helping to build a strong sense of local identity while raising awareness of the places and people that have shaped Bayside's history and culture," Mayor McDougall said.
"I encourage everyone in our community to submit a nomination in this latest round of the program, which recognises our rich cultural heritage."
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