Time to write Coffs Coast history with NSW Blue Plaques Program Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - October 24, 2021 Examples of the UK’s Blue Plaque Program. STORYTELLING is the essence of the NSW Blue Plaques Program and you are encouraged to contribute to their stories reflecting the diversity and richness of our area’s history. It is a great opportunity to balance the books of history and elevate stories of women, Indigenous Australians and multicultural shakers and movers who have shaped and influenced our locale, as well as places that have historical and heritage value. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Even social movements can qualify to get a plaque! The program is modelled on a similar initiative in the United Kingdom and will showcase key heritage sites, key personalities, events and places. Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh encourages our community to nominate local places and personalities which deserve to have their heritage value recognised. “I’m asking everyone to think of the places in our community that have an important story attached to them and submit those suggestions to my office to be nominated for a Blue Plaque,” Mr Singh said. “The place could be a much loved historic building, a place linked to a moment in history, or even somewhere linked to a local hero. “By suggesting these sites, we can make sure the places which matter most to the Coffs Coast can be considered for recognition with a Blue Plaque.” The Minister responsible for Heritage, the Hon. Don Harwin MLC, Special Minister of State, said whether it’s places, buildings or people that have had an important impact, across NSW there are hidden gems with stories that deserve to be told. “Behind every plaque is a story. “We want everyone to be involved in making suggestions to their local MP or MLC so we can recognise the people and places in our history, including those that matter most to local communities,” Mr Harwin said. The Blue Plaques Program is part of a $5 million heritage engagement program funded by the NSW Government. Heritage NSW administers this program. Nomination forms are available at https://bit.ly/HNSWBluePlaques. They should be emailed to Gurmesh Singh’s electorate office coffsharbour@parliament.nsw.gov.au no later than Thursday, 28 October. By Sandra MOON