heritage interpretation strategy for western sydney stadium · 8.04.2019 · the heritage...

Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 15 602 062 297) 42 BOTANY STREET RANDWICK NSW 2031

Email: [email protected] Web: www.musecape.com.au

Mobile (Margaret Betteridge): +61 (0)419 238 996 Mobile (Chris Betteridge): +61 (0)419 011 347

SPECIALISTS IN THE IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Heritage Interpretation Strategy

for

Western Sydney Stadium

Prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd

for

Casey and Lowe Pty Ltd

Archaeology and Heritage Consultants

and

Lendlease

FINAL 8 April 2019

mailto:[email protected]

WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM INTERPRETATION STRATEGY prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd Final 6 March 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 6

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 8

1.1 Background ............................................................................................................... 8

1.2 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 9

1.3 Consultation .............................................................................................................. 9

1.3.1 Consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties ....................................... 10

1.3.2 Consultation with the Heritage Division, Office of the Environment and

Heritage ..................................................................................................................... 15

1.3.3 Consultation with Venues NSW and Sport NSW ........................................ 16

1.3.4 Consultation with Parramatta Park Trust .................................................... 20

1.3.5 Consultation with City of Parramatta Council (COPC) ............................ 21

1.3.6 Consultation with the Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative

Committee ................................................................................................................ 26

1.4 Authorship ................................................................................................................ 29

1.5 References ............................................................................................................... 29

2. SITE HISTORY ...................................................................................................................................... 29

2.1 Historical Phases of Development ........................................................................ 29

2.1.1 The Natural Environment ............................................................................. 29

2.1.2 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage ....................................................................... 30

2.1.3 Early British Settlement ................................................................................. 48

2.1.4 Governor’s Domain ..................................................................................... 51

2.1.5 The Cumberland Turf Club .......................................................................... 51

2.1.6 Parramatta Park .......................................................................................... 53

2.1.7 Cumberland Oval ....................................................................................... 53

2.1.8 Parramatta (later Pirtek) Stadium............................................................... 58

2.1.9 Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool ............................................... 61

2.1.10 Recent Stadium history and upgrade ....................................................... 63

3. VISION FOR WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM ...................................................................................... 65

3.1 A new facility for Western Sydney ........................................................................ 65

3.2 Understanding the significance of the site ......................................................... 66

3.2.1 Historical Archaeology results ..................................................................... 67

3.2.2 Aboriginal Archaeology results .................................................................. 68

3.2.3 Significance to the Aboriginal sporting community ................................. 69

4. UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF RECOGNITION IN SPORT ................................................. 71

4.1 Recognition of sporting achievement ................................................................. 71


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4.1.1 National recognition ................................................................................... 72

4.1.2 State recognition ......................................................................................... 73

4.1.3 Local recognition ........................................................................................ 73

4.1.5 Home ground, stadia and halls of fame at sporting facilities .................. 75

4.1.6 Club recognition .......................................................................................... 77

4.2 Establishing the Boulevard of Legends at WSS ................................................... 78

4.3 Criteria for nomination for induction to the Boulevard of Legends ................. 80

4.3.1 Eligibility ........................................................................................................ 80

4.3.2 Selection criteria .......................................................................................... 80

4.3.3 Nomination process .................................................................................... 81

4.3.4 Selection process ......................................................................................... 81

4.3.5 Format for recognition ................................................................................ 82

5. RELOCATION OF STATUE OF RAY PRICE ....................................................................................... 84

5.1 The statue ................................................................................................................. 84

5.2 The plaque ............................................................................................................... 87

5.3. The plinth .................................................................................................................. 88

5.4 Location of the statue ............................................................................................ 89

6. SITE INTERPRETATION ........................................................................................................................ 91

6.1 Locations of Interpretation ......................................................................................... 92

6.2 Evolution of the Interpretation Strategy in tandem with the detailed design .... 98

7. RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................... 100

7.1 Boulevard of Legends .......................................................................................... 100

7.2 Relocation of Ray Price statue ........................................................................... 101

7.3 Multicultural Welcome ......................................................................................... 101

7.4 Interpretation of site history ................................................................................. 102

APPENDIX 1: DRAFT POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR RECOGNITION ON THE BOULEVARD OF LEGENDS AT WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM ............................................................................................ 104

APPENDIX 2: CONSULTATION CORRESPONDENCE ........................................................................... 111


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IMAGE REFERENCES

Left to right: images on front cover:

A view of Government Farm at Rose Hill N.S. Wales, 1791, Port Jackson painter, Watling and Lambert

Collection, British Museum of Natural History

Ebsworth’s survey, 1887 provides information about the mill-race and mill-pond (dam) of the

government watermill. Ms 80-Sy, LPI.

Aerial view of Pirtek Stadium, Airview [1003-1936-49] from Dictionary of Sydney entry accessed online at

http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/parramatta_park


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DOCUMENT CONTROL

Report Register

The table below documents the development and issue of drafts and the final document titled Western Sydney Stadium Heritage Interpretation Strategy, prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd in accordance with the company’s Quality Assurance Policy.

Issue No. Description Issue Date

1 Heritage Interpretation Strategy Part 1 Draft v1

9 January 2019

2 Heritage Interpretation Strategy Part 1 Draft V2

11 January 2019

3 Heritage Interpretation Strategy Draft v3

13 February 2019

4 Heritage Interpretation Strategy Draft v4

18 February 2019 (updated 4 March 2019)

5 Final Draft

5 March 2019

6 Final 6 March 2019

7 Final – Addressing DPE’s comments 8 April 2019

Signature

Position Director Director

Quality Assurance

Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd operates under the company’s Quality Assurance Policy, dated March 2017. This document has been reviewed and approved for issue in accordance with the Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd Quality Assurance Policy and procedures.

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Historical sources and reference material used in the preparation of this report are acknowledged and referenced in the footnotes. Reasonable effort has been made to identify, contact, acknowledge and obtain permission to use material from the relevant

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Purpose of the Heritage Interpretation Strategy (HIS)

This Heritage Interpretation Strategy addresses condition D26 of the consent for Western Sydney Stadium, SSD 8175. Condition D26 requires:

The Heritage Interpretation Strategy for Western Sydney Stadium (HIS),

prepared by MUSEcape, dated 6 March 2017 must be developed in tandem

with the detailed design of Western Sydney Stadium and must include details

of the archaeological investigation of the site and how the results will be

incorporated into the project. The final HIS must be prepared in consultation

with the community and relevant stakeholders and details submitted to the

satisfaction of the Secretary [Department of Planning and Environment] prior

to the commencement of use of Western Sydney Stadium and/or associated

public domain.

An overview of where the relevant requirements of the condition have been met is as follows:

Requirement Where Addresses

D26. The Heritage Interpretation Strategy for Western Sydney Stadium (HIS), prepared by MUSEcape, dated 6 March 2017,

The strategy

must be developed in tandem with the detailed design of the western Sydney Stadium and

Section 6.2

must include details of the archaeological investigation of the site and how the results will be incorporated into the project.

Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2

Sections 6.1 and 7.4

The final HIS must be prepared in consultation with the community

Section 1.3

and relevant stakeholders Section 1.3

and details submitted to the Satisfaction of the Secretary prior to the commencement of use of Western Sydney Stadium and/or associated public domain.

The strategy

This document, prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd develops the 2017 Strategy prepared by Betteridge Consulting (trading as MUSEcape) to deliver interpretation of the history of the site of the Western Sydney Stadium, including information revealed through archaeological excavation of the site and historical research. It incorporates the outcomes of consultations and provides guidelines for the recognition of past, present and future sports people whose achievements in sporting codes are relevant to Western Sydney Stadium and the former sporting facilities on the site.


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Interpretation is broadly defined as the communication of information about, or the explanation of the nature, origin and purpose of natural, historical or cultural places, sites and objects and the processes and people who have contributed to their significance. The NSW Heritage Office recognises that “interpretation may be a combination of the treatment and fabric of the item; the use of the item; the use of interpretive media, such as events, activities, signs and publications, or activities, but is not limited to these”. This HIS advances the site interpretation strategic directions by identifying indicative locations for the delivery of specific themes and messages. Detailed design and content will be developed as an Interpretation Plan for implementation by Venues NSW as the next stage, as per the methodology diagram below. The future Plan will benefit from, and be informed by, the completion of final archaeological excavation reports which will inform the heritage site interpretation.

This Strategy also identifies a mechanism for recognising the contribution of sports men and women to Western Sydney. It provides guidelines for the nomination and selection of appropriate nominees for inclusion on the ‘Boulevard of Legends’ within the Stadium precinct; and recommends a location for the re-installation of statue commemorating Parramatta Eels footballer Ray Price, previously located outside the former Parramatta (Pirtek) Stadium.


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Western Sydney Stadium (WSS) (to be known commercially as Bankwest Stadium) is nearing completion as a rectangular field sports stadium with seating capacity for 30,000 spectators, in Parramatta. Located at 11-13 O’Connell Street, Parramatta, 25 kilometres from the centre of the city of Sydney, WSS replaces the demolished Parramatta Stadium (formerly the site of Cumberland Oval and most recently known as Pirtek Stadium) and incorporates the site of the former Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool. The new Stadium will provide facilities for its primary users – Football Federation Australia (FFA) A-League matches of the Western Sydney Wanderers and National Rugby League (NRL) for the Parramatta Eels. Minor tenants will include Wests Tigers and Super Rugby matches for New South Wales Waratahs. This Heritage Interpretation Strategy for WSS develops the strategic overview prepared by MUSEcape in the Western Sydney Stadium Interpretation Strategy prepared for Lendlease in 2017. It adopts the recommendation from Venues NSW for the recognition of sporting legends as a feature in hard landscaping adjacent to the stadium structure. The creation of a pedestrian avenue in this location represents the major pedestrian thoroughfare to the Stadium and will be known as the Boulevard of Legends. This feature will honour historical ‘Legends’ associated with the previous sporting uses of the site and provide opportunities for the addition over time of current and future sporting ‘legends’ associated with sport in western Sydney. A mechanism for the identification of appropriate inclusions is provided in this Strategy. Consultation with the Registered Aboriginal Parties in respect of interpretation of the Aboriginal history of the site, pre-contact, contact and post-contact have indicated their interest in ensuring that the contribution of Aboriginal football players associated with Parramatta Rugby League on the site of WSS is incorporated into the Boulevard of Legends. This Strategy also addresses the relocation of the statue of football legend, Ray Price and the development of a heritage trail addressing the significance of the site’s history. It follows recommendations arising from the WSS Heritage Interpretation Strategy prepared in 2017. The proposed wider site interpretation provides an opportunity to acknowledge the Aboriginal occupation of traditional land and the early British colonial attempts to tame the land. It addresses the history of the site as a valued sporting venue since 1847. The detailed content and design of the wider site interpretation will be developed in consultation with all appropriate stakeholders and include the findings of research and excavation associated with the Aboriginal archaeology and the historical archaeology of the site.


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1.2 Methodology

This Strategy has been prepared in accordance with the Interpretation Policy & Guidelines published in 2005 by the former NSW Heritage Office (now Heritage Division, Office of Environment and Heritage). It is also guided by the Australia ICOMOS The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural

Significance 1999 (revised 2013).

1.3 Consultation

The specific outcomes of consultations with relevant organisations and stakeholders regarding the interpretation of the heritage significance of the site of Western Sydney Stadium has informed the development of the Heritage Interpretation Strategy prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Lend Lease. The consultation process was managed by Lendlease and the recommendations

arising from these consultations incorporated in the relevant sections of this

document. Copies of the record of consultations is attached to this document as

Attachment 1.

The following entities were deemed to be the relevant stakeholders to provide

comments on the Heritage Interpretation Strategy:

Registered Aboriginal Parties The Registered Aboriginal Parties represent the

interests of the Aboriginal community in respect of

the Western Sydney Stadium land. Consultation was

undertaken in accordance with the Office of

Environment and Heritage’s “Guide to Aboriginal

Cultural Heritage Consultation for Proponents 2010”.

They maintain an interest in how the stories are told

and presented.

Office of Environment and

Heritage

The Office of the Environment and Heritage

administers the NSW Heritage Act 1977 and

Venues NSW and V-Live Venues NSW is the owner, coordinator and promoter

of a portfolio of publicly-owned sports and

entertainment venues in NSW. V-Live is the operator

of Western Sydney Stadium.

Sport NSW Sport NSW is the peak body representing New South Wales sport and the active recreation sector. It has an overarching role for all levels of sport in NSW and recognises the sporting history and significance of the site.

Parramatta Park and Western

Sydney Parklands Trusts

Western Sydney Stadium occupies land belonging to

Parramatta Park and adjacent to Parramatta Park.


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City of Parramatta Council Western Sydney Stadium is located within the local

government area administered by the City of

Parramatta Council.

Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative Committee

The local community is represented by a Consultative Committee which has participated in consultation throughout the Western Sydney Stadium redevelopment.

The following table identifies the organisation which participated in the consultative

process. It identifies the matters which were raised and provides a reference to the

content in the Strategy which adopts those matters as outcomes.

1.3.1 Consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties

Organisation,

Representative/s and

Date of Consultation

Matter raised

Outcome

Deerubbin Local

Aboriginal Land Council

(DLALC)

Representative: Steve

Randall

Consultation provided

through the 2016 WSS

Heritage Statement.

Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.1.1

Would like a landscape

approach to interpretation

40% of the landscape species

selected for planting across the

site represent species which are

indigenous and local to the

local area.

The design, setting and choice

of plant species in the river

terrace landscape provides an

opportunity for interpretation.

Landscape stories associated

with the history of the site will be

integrated into interpretation

using the NSW State heritage

themes.

ADOPTED AND INCORPORATED

INTO THE HERITAGE

INTERPRETATION STRATEGY

[SECTION 6] AND OVERALL SITE

LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR

WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM

DEVELOPED BY ASPECT

STUDIOS.


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Registered Aboriginal

Parties assisting with

excavation:

Darug Custodian Aboriginal Darug Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments Kamilaroi-Yankuntjatjara Working Group Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council

Darug Cultural Heritage Assessments

Ongoing face to face

consultation held with

Registered Aboriginal

parties assisting with the

excavation between 3

July to 25 August 2017.

All advised they would like

meaningful interpretation.

They wanted the history

including contemporary

history interpreted.

They want Aboriginal

sportspeople to be given the

same amount of space as

non-Aboriginal sportspeople.

They want to see artworks by

local Aboriginal artists.

5 locations in the public

domain have been identified

for heritage interpretation on

the history of the site of WSS.

Contemporary history of the site

has been incorporated into the

Final Heritage Interpretation

Strategy for WSS.

Aboriginal sportspeople

significant to the WSS site will

feature in the selection for

recognition along the

Boulevard of Legends.

A recommendation for

Aboriginal design for the

heritage interpretation will

inform the brief for heritage

interpretation signage.


INTO THE HERITAGE

INTERPRETATION STRATEGY AS

FOLLOWS:

History of Aboriginal sport on

the site and including

contemporary sports people

[SECTION 2 and SECTION 3.2.1]

Meaningful Aboriginal

interpretation has been guided

by the NSW State heritage

themes [SECTION 6.1, Locations

1,2,3 and 4]

Recommendations for

Aboriginal site interpretation

and the use of Aboriginal artists

where appropriate [SECTION

7.4.6]

Darug Cultural Heritage

Assessments

Representative:

Celestine Everingham

Consultation recommendation

Would like to see the

Aboriginal history of

Parramatta and the WSS site

interpreted within the new

Stadium.

Aboriginal history in the context

of Parramatta and the site of

WSS at Parramatta has been

identified and incorporated

into the Heritage Interpretation


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provided to Comber Consultants in a letter from September 2017 included in 2019

Aboriginal Cultural

Heritage Management

Plan.

Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.1.1.

Strategy for incorporation into

the public domain at WSS.


INTO THE HERITAGE


[SECTION 6.1 and SECTION 7.4]

Darug Custodian

Aboriginal Corporation

Representative: Justine

Coplin

Consultation recommendation provided to Comber Consultants in a letter dated September 2017 included in 2019

Aboriginal Cultural

Heritage Management

Plan.

Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.1.2.

Would like interpretation of

the Aboriginal history at the

Stadium.


of the site of WSS at Parramatta

has been identified and

incorporated into the Heritage

Interpretation Strategy for

incorporation into the public

domain at WSS.


INTO THE HERITAGE


[SECTION 6.1 SECTION 7.4]

Kamilaroi-Yankuntjatjara

Working Group

Representative:

Pollowan Phil Khan

Consultation recommendation provided to Comber Consultants in a letter dated September 2017 included in 2019

Aboriginal Cultural

Heritage Management

Plan.

Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.1.3.

Would like to see

interpretation of the

Aboriginal history and

archaeology at the Western

Sydney Stadium


of Parramatta and

interpretation of the Aboriginal

archaeology relevant to the

site of WSS at Parramatta has

been identified as a

recommendation in the


for the development of content

for incorporation into the public

domain at WSS.


INTO THE HERITAGE


[SECTION 3.2; SECTION 6.1 and

SECTION 7.4]


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Further to the development of the Final Heritage Interpretation Strategy in accordance with this consultation, a copy of the Heritage Interpretation Strategy was forwarded to all RAPs. Detailed below are the names of the RAPs who wished to comment and their responses. The RAPs were contacted by telephone to discuss the strategy which was then emailed. In some cases, further telephone conversations were held, or in the case of the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council a meeting was held with Steve Randall.

Registered Aboriginal Party

Response

Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council Meeting 1/4/19: Supports the strategy.

Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation Letter 28/3/19: Supports the strategy. Wants equal representation of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sportspeople. Agrees to see artefacts being displayed.

Refer Appendix 2, Section 2.1.4.

Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation Email 2/04/2019: Advised of name change to Darug Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation. They are “happy to know Dharug perspectives included”. Refer Appendix 2, Section 2.1.5.

Darug Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments

Letter 28/3/19: Supports the strategy. Interpretation must be meaningful and respectful of Aboriginal history, heritage and culture Wants equal representation of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sportspeople.


Darug Land Observations Email 1/4/19: Supports the strategy.


Darug Aboriginal Land Care Inc Email: 1/4/19: Agrees with the interpretation strategy.


Gunjeewong Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

No response. This organisation has an interest in the Parramatta area, but generally receives all documentation for information only, and does not respond.

Corroboree Aboriginal Corporation Email: 2/4/19: Agrees with the interpretation strategy.


Kamilaroi-Yankuntjatjara Working Group Email 28/3/19: Agrees to the strategy.


Tocomwall Pty Ltd Email 2/4/19: Do not support the strategy and feel they haven’t been consulted or involved in the project.


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They have declined meeting with Lendlease to go through the Strategy, and do not wish to provide any further comments or have any involvement in the project.


Aboriginal Archaeology Service (AAS) Spoke to Andrew Williams on 08/04/2019. This organisation has been disbanded and no longer undertakes cultural heritage projects and does not want to provide comment.

Walbunja Spoke to Hika Te Kowhai on 08/04/2019. He supports the recommendations in the report. Would like to be consulted further about the text on the plaques.

Murri Bidgee Mullangari Aboriginal Corporation

Email dated 08/04/2019: Endorses the recommendations made for the Western Sydney Stadium Interpretation.


Wurrumay Consultant This organisation appears to no longer exist. Not responding to emails or phone calls. Phone number appears to be disconnected.

Kawul Cultural Services This organisation appears to no longer exist. Not responding to emails or phone calls. Phone number appears to be disconnected.

Gundungurra Tribal Technical Services This organisation appears to no longer exist. Not responding to emails or phone calls.

Didge Ngunawal Clan Phone call with Paul Boyd on 08/04/2019. He is “Fine with it” and supports the strategy and is pleased that Aboriginal history will be included at the Stadium

Duncan Suey & Associates Phone call 1/4/19: Really happy with strategy. Wants same number of Aboriginal sportspeople in Boulevard as there are “whitefellas”.

Widescope Indigenous Corp Spoke to both Steven and Donna Hickey by phone on 08/04/2019. They agree with the interpretation strategy and the inclusion of Aboriginal history at the Western Sydney Stadium. They believe it is really important that Aboriginal history be included and that Aboriginal sportspeople be included in the Boulevarde of Legends. They also suggested that a Board of Aboriginal people be appointed to oversee the Aboriginal interpretation and to ensure that the appropriate text is included on all panels.

Muragadi Heritage Indigenous Corporation Email 1/4/19: Supports the strategy and recommendations.



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1.3.2 Consultation with the Heritage Division, Office of the Environment and

Heritage

Organisation,



Matter raised

Outcome

Heritage Division, Office

of the Environment and

Heritage

Representative: Dr

Siobhan Lavelle, Senior

Team Leader, Specialist

Services

Representative: Felicity

Barry, Senior Historical

Archaeologist, Specialist

Services

Stakeholder meeting and presentation held on 8 February 2019 Comments provided in email correspondence to Helen Jacq, Design Manager, Design & Project Management, Building, Lendlease on 18 February 2019. Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.2.

The Heritage Division is

satisfied the Proponent’s Heritage Interpretation

Strategy has achieved the

required approach and the

detailed delivery of this

Strategy will be outlined in

the Interpretation Plan. This is

understood to include the

requisite detailed responses

to the archaeological

investigations, materials and

design elements proposed,

details of guidance and

governance around

interpretation and its

ultimate roll out on the site in

future

The development of the Heritage

Interpretation Plan as an outcome

of the Heritage Interpretation

Strategy will deliver the design,

content and site-specific locations

for heritage site interpretation.


INTO THE HERITAGE INTERPRETATION

STRATEGY [SECTION 3.2; SECTION 6

and SECTION 7]


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1.3.3 Consultation with Venues NSW and Sport NSW

Key stakeholders from Venues NSW And Sport NSW were consulted on matters

specific to heritage interpretation in respect of sporting recognition on the site and

suitable locations for its delivery. The outcomes of consultation informed the

recommendations of the Heritage Interpretation Strategy.

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 1 WITH VENUES NSW

Organisation,



Matter raised

Outcome

Stakeholders

representing Venues

NSW:

Representatives:

Pat Wilson from VNSW

Steve Clark from VNSW

Stakeholder meeting

and presentation held

on Monday 29 October

2018.

Consultation and

recommendations

provided in email

correspondence to

Angus Morten, Senior

Project Manager,

Building, Lendlease on 5

November 2018.

Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.3.1.

A location within the

curtilage of Western Sydney

Stadium with high visibility for

the commemoration of

sporting legends was

required to be incorporated

into the hard landscaping at

Western Sydney Stadium.

The walkway extending from the

O’Connell Street entrance to the

Stadium and the north-west corner

was identified as an appropriate

location for interpreting the

contribution of sports people at

Western Sydney Stadium.



STRATEGY (SECTION 4.2]

Guidelines for selection and

inclusion of past, present

and future candidates

across all sporting codes

relevant to Western Sydney

was identified as a

requirement.

The Heritage Interpretation

Strategy develops criteria and

guidelines for the nomination,

selection and inclusion on the




STRATEGY [SECTION 4.3; SECTION

7.1 AND APPENDIX 1]

The format for the Boulevard

of Legends which interprets

the significance of

inductees was required.

Aspect Studios developed a

template for a bronze paving insert

documenting the details of each

inductee. Final inscription and font

to be determined by Venues NSW.


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STRATEGY [SECTION 4.3.5]

The Heritage Interpretation

Strategy recommends a method

for interpreting the significance of

each sports person

commemorated which is

accessible on location.



STRATEGY [SECTION 4.3.5 and

SECTION 7.1.9]

A transparent methodology

which provided policy and

guidelines for the

nomination and selection of

inductees was required by

stakeholders.

Research on other similar forms of

recognition was undertaken and

policy and guidelines developed

for the development of a Policy

and Guidelines.



STRATEGY [SECTION 4.3, SECTION

7.1 AND APPENDIX 1]

Recognition was originally

suggested to be site specific

for Western Sydney Stadium

to avoid replication across

numerous sites.

VNSW determined that recognition

should not be site specific for WSS

but incorporate recognition of past

achievements and the site but be

broadened for present and future

recognition across Western Sydney.



STRATEGY [SECTION 4.3.2 and

SECTION 7.1.6]

An appropriate location

where the Ray Price statue

could be re-installed within

the Western Sydney Stadium

curtilage needed to be

identified

A location in the north-west corner,

in proximity to the proposed

Boulevard of Legends, was

identified and accepted by the

stakeholders.



STRATEGY SECTION 5.4 and

SECTION 7.2.2.


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STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 2 WITH VENUES NSW AND SPORT NSW

Organisation,



Matter raised

Outcome

Sport NSW:

Representative: Darren Simpson – Sports NSW – Chief Executive Officer Venues NSW Representative: Steve Clark – Venues NSW – Principal Officer, Major Projects Stakeholder meeting and presentation held on 15 February 2019 Comments provided in email correspondence to Helen Jacq, Design Manager, Design & Project Management, Building, Lendlease on 28 February 2019. Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.3.2.

Locations for heritage

interpretation are site

specific to the identified

NSW heritage themes and to

the stories which can be told

at each location.

Locations 1 and 2 (Figure 50) are currently shown within the access road to the loading dock area of the stadium. The general public would not have access to this area and therefore would be of not great benefit in installing a monument of any sort at these locations. These two sites are located adjacent to Government Farm Field (the training field) which is on Parramatta Park Trust lands which Venues NSW do not have any control over. Similarly, location 3 and 4 (Figure 50) are currently shown in the western and northern car park however we understand that the actual site for these two locations fall outside Venues NSW and therefore outside of Venues NSW control. To place these locations inside the northern and western carpark would dilute the purpose of recognition. These locations would be the responsibility of Parramatta Park Trust.

The locations proposed were

indicative and will be determined

by Venues NSW in consultation with

stakeholders.

Location 5 was incorrectly

transposed during conversion of

the document to a pdf. This has

been corrected.

Proposed locations impacted by

the working operations will require

review by Venues NSW.

A detailed Interpretation Plan

developed in consultation with key

stakeholders will determine the final

locations.



STRATEGY [SECTION 6.1 and

SECTION 7.4]


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With regard to location 5,

this is shown between the

northern car park and the

future development site

however we understand

that is represents the

Boulevard of Legends which

is located along the external

northern perimeter of the

Stadium.

Venues NSW have engaged Sport NSW to assist with the nomination and selection process for who we would like to recognise. The document says only people involved in sports that have been played on those grounds, however, there have been more sports played on the site than many would be aware (i.e. motorsport, athletics horse racing), it’s still going to rule out a huge number of Western Sydney sportspeople. It will also make the legends highly skewed to being male, which in this day and age, needs to be avoided where possible. Notwithstanding Venues NSW will work with Sports NSW to formulate criteria for recognition of personalities for the Boulevard of Legends and note the recommendations contained in the Strategy document.

The draft Heritage Interpretation

Strategy included a lengthy

summary history of the different

sporting codes which have been

associated with the site.

This Strategy has included all the

sports mentioned in Section 2.

Venues NSW is working with Sport

NSW on a framework for

recognition across relevant

sporting codes.

Early advice had proposed that

the recognition of sports people

focus on those directly associated

with the WSS site, historically,

contemporary and in the future.

The criteria proposed for

recognition has been reviewed to

remove any suggestion that

recognition may be restricted to

those with an association with WSS.



STRATEGY [SECTION 4; 6 and 7.1

and APPENDIX 1]


20

1.3.4 Consultation with Parramatta Park Trust

Organisation,



Matter raised

Outcome

Parramatta Park Trust

and Western Sydney

Parklands Trusts

Representative: Joshua French – Parramatta Park & Western Sydney Parklands Trusts – Director, Parklands Development and Strategy Representative: Joanna Savill – Parramatta Park & Western Sydney Parklands Trusts – Director, Business Development Stakeholder meeting and presentation held on 15 February 2019 Comments provided in email correspondence to Helen Jacq, Design Manager, Design & Project management, Building, Lendlease on 1 March 2019.

Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.4.

Parramatta Park Trust indicated a preference that interpretation elements for the Western Sydney Stadium be installed on current or future Venues NSW land and not within land which is currently or will become Trust land. As the design develops for the interpretation elements, the Trust will work with Venues NSW to determine the best location for these elements and may consider locating some elements on Trust land if this is determined to be the best location by both parties.

The locations proposed were

indicative and will be determined

by Venues NSW in consultation with

stakeholders.

Location 5 was incorrectly

transposed during conversion of

the document to a pdf.

Proposed locations impacted by

the working operations will require

review by Venues NSW.

A detailed Interpretation Plan

developed in consultation with key

stakeholders will determine the final

locations.




SECTION 7.4]


21

1.3.5 Consultation with City of Parramatta Council (COPC)

Organisation,



Matter raised

Outcome

City of Parramatta

Council

Representative: Michelle

Desailly, Interpretation

and Strategy

Coordinator

Stakeholder meeting and presentation held on 15 February 2019 Comments in email correspondence to Helen Jacq, Design Manager, Design & Project Management, Building, Lendlease received on 6 March 2019. Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.5.

Council is supportive of the continued engagement of the Darug and Aboriginal community to prepare content for the recognition of Aboriginal culture and heritage across the site. Traditional custodians must guide and approve any interpretation related to Aboriginal culture (past, present and future).

Consultation with Registered

Aboriginal Parties to consolidate

the recognition of the significance

of the site will continue through all

future interpretation planning.



STRATEGY [SECTION 3.2; SECTION 6

and SECTION 7]

An (sic) on Country Marker –Given the prominence of the digital welcome screen in the north-east section of the stadium, Council proposes an additional location to recognise country at the high pedestrian traffic area of the South-Eastern entry point to the stadium precinct. This proposal is for an interpretive element (of significant scale and visible to large and small crowds) guided by Darug to inform the public about country.

Culturally Diverse Welcome: From an interpretation, cultural heritage and inclusive perspective, it is important that the Culturally Diverse Welcome follows the sentiments outlines in the Draft HIS, and:

-follows the guidance of Darug and respects Darug as traditional custodians of

The South-East corner location was

considered but not recommended

because of the adverse visual

impacts on World Heritage Old

Government House and Domain

and Parramatta Park.

This matter is noted and should be

referred for future discussion in the

interpretation planning phase in

consultation with key stakeholders.

NOTED AND INCORPORATED INTO

THE HERITAGE INTERPRETATION

STRATEGY [SECTION 7.3]


22

this place;

-is as inclusive as possible and representative of many cultures languages;

-is mindful and responsive to the complexities of cultures and languages; and

-is visible on ALL occasions at the stadium, sporting and cultural.

Boulevard of legends: From an interpretation and fairness and equitable perspective, Council is supportive of the range of codes to be represented and gives in-principle support for the Guidelines and Policy for Recognition to guide its design and delivery. Council understands that Venues NSW will be organising who and how the codes will be represented, and in consultation with key stakeholders. Council wishes to be informed of how competitive swimming will be incorporated in the Boulevard of Legends concept. Council has noted the Draft HIS recommendation for co-location of the interpretation of the former Memorial Swimming Pool to be incorporated into the new swimming pool site.



STRATEGY [SECTION 7.1.5 and 7.1.6]

COPC supports integrating significant content that is site specific and broadens the public’s knowledge of place and culture. Council does not support the duplication





23

or repartition of interpretation that are already available around the Parramatta city centre, or interpretation proposals that do not effectively communicate the significant stories of the site.

COPC does not support the title or concept of the Public Domain Heritage Trail. Audiences for interpretation will be sporadic because they happened to walk past on their way to another destination. Therefore, the design of the interpretation at any location is focused on the content and environment of that location.

This recommendation is referred for

future discussion with stakeholders

in the development of the Heritage

Interpretation Plan.



STRATEGY [SECTION 6.2 and 7.4.10]

COPC supports the location for interpretation in high pedestrian traffic areas (where not obstructive, but still visible and designed to engage) in the areas surrounding the stadium, rather than inside the stadium.








COPC recommends that the design interpretation elements for particular locations be undertaken based on observations of the public during a few of the game days and during weekends. Council understands the primary audience for interpretation around the stadium site will be on days where the stadium is in use








COPC has an Archaeological




24

Management Framework (2018) that provides guidance for developers regarding the recording and reporting on the archaeological work undertaken on redevelopment sites in Parramatta, to encourage public access to information about archaeology.






Site interpretation: River terraces Subject to traditional custodian’s support, Council gives in-principle support for storylines that relate to Darug Country across the precinct. It is good to see stories that have not been interpreted in onsite installations, such as, botanical engagement with Daniel Moowattin. Council includes the stories of Daniel and George in our guided programs.

Council suggests the co-location of the interpretive elements aligned with high pedestrian traffic and within close viewing of the features being interpreted (such as, endemic plant species). Government Farm - As there are a number of locations (and nearby) which interpret the Government Farm, Council requires care be taken not to duplicate existing narrative, and rather to focus on Darug content and expand the narrative.

Government Watermill - The walkway that leads to the river crossing is an important

The HIS has aligned the key themes

and messages with the objectives

of site interpretation in Parramatta

Park and across the Parramatta

LGA. Detailed site interpretation will

be further developed in an

Interpretation Plan in consultation

with key stakeholders.



STRATEGY [SECTION 6 and SECTION

7.4]


25

location for interpretation. Council is supportive of the content to highlight interesting stories related to the specific location, that people can see from that point. Council is supportive of archaeological stories that help the public understand the landscape and in a way that is engaging for audiences.

Sporting personalities and sporting history of the site –

From an interpretive perspective, Council is supportive of the detailed approach to recognise the range of sporting codes that have a strong connection to the site. There may be a need to add another interpretive element or expanded digital content to cater for the range of significant sporting narratives that should be available to the public.

Ray Price (Eels) statue and accompanying plaque: From an interpretation perspective, Council is supportive of the relocation of the statue and the original accompanying plaque to be in a highly visible location surrounding the stadium (described as proposed location 2). Consider the story of relocating the statue in an online/digital form to sit on the eels and stadium websites, rather than requiring a second plaque to explain why it was relocated.

The interpretation of the Ray Price

statue and its relocation will be

further developed in the Heritage

Interpretation Plan. Alternate

methods may be considered.





26

1.3.6 Consultation with the Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative

Committee

Organisation,



Matter raised

Outcome

Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative Committee Representative: Megan Phelps, Community member

Comments provided in email correspondence to Helen Jacq, Design Manager, Design & Project Management, Building, Lendlease on 4 March 2019. Refer Appendix 2,

Section 2.6.

Appears that the Comber Consultation document, or part thereof, has been included in this document but this is not clear. This seems to have resulted in significant repetition and lack of clarity

Sections of the Comber Consultants, Western Sydney Stadium SSD 7534 MOD1, Aboriginal Archaeological Excavation Report, 2019, which specifically addressed the Aboriginal history of the site was inserted following consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders and indented in the text of the HIS to make it clear that it was an insertion. Section 2 of the HIS has since been restructured. ADOPTED AND INCORPORATED


STRATEGY [SECTION 2].

Lack of inclusion of significance to the community, apart from the Indigenous peoples of the region and associated with the stadium area, of the land and activities where the stadium now stands, from a sociological and anthropological viewpoint.

The significance values of the site have been expanded.




The Strategy did not include the history of the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, nor mention of community opposition to it.

The historical information about the

Pool which was provided in the

2017 Heritage Interpretation

Strategy has been inserted into the

document and reference made to

the community opposition.





27

The Strategy did not include adequate historical coverage of Rugby Union.

Additional information has been

incorporated into the Strategy.




Is Figure 27 (now Figure 40) an aerial view of the proposed plaques? Where would the plaques be located within the whole paving? I note the images are from Aspect Studios. How will the plaques be integrated with the landscaping and wayfinding of the site?

Further details have been provided

in Figure 41:

The pavement layout, where

circled in red, allows for some

pavers to be removed and

replaced by a brass plaque. Final

locations of plaques within the

existing paving bands are to be

determined and will be a

progressive process allowing for

recognition of sports people in the

future.



STRATEGY [SECTION 4.3.5, Figure 41]

Additional information and examples regarding the use of technology to enhance the Boulevard of Legends.

Further development of this form of

interpretation using the best

available technology will be

included in a detailed





Relocation of the Statue of Ray Price - The recommendation for the placement in Location 2, near the north-west entry to the Stadium as proposed in the Strategy is supported.




Further explanation of the proposed five locations has not been provided to members of the Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative Committee. This makes it extremely

The five locations for heritage

interpretation are indicative only.

The locations will be determined by

Venues NSW in consultation with

key stakeholders.


28

difficult to provide appropriate comments and feedback. For example, the demolished stand at Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, was named for Kevin Hession for his contribution to water polo, but there does not seem to be the possibility of recognising this.



STRATEGY [SECTION 6 and 7.4]

Multicultural Welcome

should not detract from venue wayfinding



STRATEGY [SECTION 6 and 7.3]

The respondent disagreed with the following statement ‘Interpretation of the former Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool should be incorporated into the new aquatic leisure centre which the NSW Government has committed to fund, scheduled to be constructed in the Mays Hill Precinct within Parramatta Park on the site of the former golf course’.

The information has been updated

and a link to the City of

Parramatta’s website which includes a November 2018 update.




The criteria for nomination as an inductee to the Boulevard of Legends mention ‘professional athletes’. This should be revised as not all athletes were or will be professional.

The word professional in relation to

nominations and recognition of

athletes has been removed.




APPENDIX 1]

The inclusion of ‘Australian citizens’ in criteria may exclude appropriate individuals, for example Aboriginal people before 1967.

The word ‘citizens’ has been removed.





29

1.4 Authorship

This Interpretation Strategy has been prepared by Margaret Betteridge and Chris Betteridge, principals of Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd (t/a MUSEcape), a Sydney-based heritage consultancy established in 1991. Margaret Betteridge BA (UNSW), Grad. Cert. (Museum Studies) (Leicester), AMA (London) is a trained curator with extensive experience in the interpretation of cultural heritage places.

1.5 References

The Heritage Interpretation Strategy has referenced the following key documents: Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd (t/a MUSEcape), 2017, Western Sydney Stadium Heritage Interpretation Strategy. Casey & Lowe, 2017, Western Sydney Stadium: Historical Archaeological Assessment & S96 Modification Heritage Impact Statement. Casey & Lowe 2017, Western Sydney Stadium – Stage 2A DA, Statement of Heritage Impact, SSD8175. Casey & Lowe 2017 Historical Archaeological Testing Western Sydney Stadium (draft currently being updated). Comber Consultants, 2019, Western Sydney Stadium SSDA8175 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Post Excavation. Comber Consultants, 2017, Western Sydney Stadium SSDA16-8175 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment and Management Plan. Comber Consultants, 2019, Western Sydney Stadium SSD 7534 MOD1 Aboriginal Archaeological Excavation Report.

2. SITE HISTORY The following site history is an updated extract from the Western Sydney Stadium Heritage Interpretation Strategy prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd in 2017. It incorporates material provided by Comber Consultants in respect of Aboriginal history and cultural heritage.

2.1 Historical Phases of Development

2.1.1 The Natural Environment

The original ancient natural riverine environment of the WSS site was likely to have been characterised by river terraces with woodland vegetation, dominated by eucalypts - grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana) and forest red gum (Eucalyptus

tereticormis), with an open grassy understorey; and common reed (Phragmites

australis) paperbarks (Melaleuca linariifolia) and rough barked native apple (Angophora floribunda); and mangroves (Avicennia marina) along the river margins.


30

2.1.2 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

The following information has been provided by Comber Consultants and is included in this Strategy for consistency and accuracy as indented text in Section 2.1

Darug

The Darug are the traditional owners of the main east-west ridge of the Blue Mountains, the northern Blue Mountains and the Cumberland Plain in which the study area is located (Tindale 1974; Attenbrow 2003). Research by R.H. Mathews, a pioneer linguist and anthropologist, in the early twentieth-century revealed that the Darug (or ‘Dharruk’ people as he referred to them) inhabited an area adjoining the ‘Thurawal’ (Dharawal) to the south and Gundungurra and Wiradjuri to the west. Their territory extended along the coast to the Hawkesbury River and inland to Windsor, Penrith and Campbelltown; then from the mouth of the Hawkesbury River to Mount Victoria (Mathews 1901a: 140; Mathews 1901b:155;). Three distinct groups have been identified – the coastal, hinterland and mountain Darug (Attenbrow 2003:23). The study area is on the border between the coastal and hinterland groups. The Burramatta

Aboriginal people have occupied the valley extending from Prospect to the coastline for at least twenty thousand years. One or possibly two clans occupied the land around the banks of the Parramatta River at the headwaters of Sydney Harbour (Kass, Liston & McClymont 1996:4). The surrounding area was reasonably fertile and, with the resources of the river, was able to support their living needs. Anthropological studies indicate that clan sizes varied widely, consisting of between thirty to sixty people who moved through their territory using seasonal routes to access food, shelter and other resources necessary for survival as well as ceremonial sites. Generally, people camped, travelled, foraged, fished and hunted in smaller, extended family groups, coming together at times with the larger group for ceremonies and ritual combats (Attenbrow 2003:29). The people living at the head of the Parramatta River were a clan of the Darug, known as the Burramatta, Burramattagal (sometimes written as Boromedegal) or

Burramattagalleon clan. The word burra means eel whilst the word matta

means creek or river and described the name of the country. The suffix “-gal” (man) or “-galleon” (woman) was added to describe a man or woman from Burramatta. (Phillip 13 Feb 1790 in HRA 1(1)) cited in Attenbrow 2003; Attenbrow 2003:22-24; Kass et al. 1996:6). Initially Parramatta was named Rose Hill, with the name “Parramatta” being formally adopted in 1792. It was a derivation of the Aboriginal name for the Burramatta clan who were recorded as originally inhabiting this location (Attenbrow 2003:24; Phillip 13 Feb 1790 in HRA I (I): 155-61; Kass 1996:6). The Parramatta district is thought to be a linguistic and economic boundary between the coastal and inland Darug people. Although opinions differ, linguists believe that a dialect of the Darug coastal language was spoken from the

1 Comber Consultants, 2017, Western Sydney Stadium SSDA16-8175 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Assessment and Management Plan.


31

Sydney peninsula as far west as Parramatta, while a hinterland dialect was spoken from Parramatta to the north, west and south (Arthur Capell 1970 cited in Attenbrow 2003: 33).

Other Sydney Clans

The earliest colonial records of the Aboriginal people encountered at Port Jackson generally refer to ‘tribes’. In modern anthropological terms however, it is more likely that many of the communities they referred to were local or territorial clans. Groups that they saw hunting, fishing or gathering together were not all from the same clan (though they might have been related by marriage) but were bands or communities sharing the same land (Attenbrow 2003: 22). Late eighteenth-century observers recorded descriptions of groups of Port Jackson Aborigines at this time. In 1798 David Collins noted that:

...each family has a particular place of residence from which is

derived its distinguishing name. This is formed by adding the

monosyllable Gal to the name of the place: thus the southern shore

of Botany Bay is called Gwea, and the people who inhabit style

themselves Gweagal (Collins 1798 cited in Attenbrow 2003: 22).

Governor Arthur Phillip was one of the earliest Europeans to see what is now known as the Parramatta district and wrote that:

...the south side of the harbour from the above side of the cove to

Rose Hill, which the natives call Parramatta, the district is call Wann,

and the tribe Wangal (Phillip 1790 cited in Attenbrow 2003: 22).

Watkin Tench also recorded the name ‘Parramàtta’ linking it to the place at the head of today’s Parramatta River (Tench 1793 cited in Attenbrow 2003:22). The township established in the vicinity of Rose Hill was based on its traditional name, ‘Parramatta’. The name was also generally applied to the surrounding district. Governor Phillip Gidley King made observations about the extent of Aboriginal territories to the west of Port Jackson, noting Aboriginal place names. He wrote that:

...the tribe of Cadi inhabit the south side, extending from the south

head to Long Cove; at which place the district of Wanne, and the

tribe of Wangal, commences, extending as far as Par-ra-mata, or

Rose Hill... I have already observed that the space between Rose-

Hill and Prospect-Hill is distinguished by eight different names,

although the distance is only four miles (King 1793 cited in Attenbrow 2003:22).

Places linked to the Rose Hill/Parramatta area were Wau-maille/Warmul, Malgray-matta/Mal-gra-mattar, Era-worong/A-rar-woo-rung, Carra-matta/Car-rar-mattar, Bool-bane-matta/Bul-barn-mattar, Carro-wotong/Kar-rar-wotong, Mar-ron/Mararong and Arrowanelly (alternative spellings were given). It is thought that the name Mararong was associated with the Prospect Hill area; the word War-mul referred to the place inhabited by the Cannemegal; and


32

Arrowanelly is linked to a place named ‘Island at the Flats’ associated with the Bediagal (Attenbrow 2003: 22). The name Warmul is shown as Weymaly in nineteenth-century Blanket Returns. As a result of the displacement resulting from European colonisation and settlement it is likely that Aboriginal people from these locations were forced into neighbouring areas. The general location of some of these communities, as well as the language and clan groups around Port Jackson, is shown in Figure 1 below. The Burramatta lived in the vicinity of Rose Hill and present-day Parramatta, including the Parramatta North area and Western Sydney Stadium site. Documentary sources provide little detailed information about the boundaries of the traditional ‘country’ with which Sydney Aboriginal clans identified. Due to variances in spelling used by the authors of the various records, it is difficult to ascertain the number of clans. It is quite likely that some were not recorded (Attenbrow 2003:28-29). Parramatta (the study area) is thought to be the western extremity of the territory of the Coastal Darug and the traditional land of the Burramatta (or Boromedegal) clan of the Darug. The boundary between the adjacent language groups or dialects is not able to be identified precisely (Attenbrow 2003:23).

Figure 1: Study area shown at the western extremity of the Coastal Darug people

Language and Dialects

Although attempts were made by British colonists to learn and record local languages and dialects and where they were spoken, methods were not systematic, and some went unrecorded. British colonists observed variations in the Darug language on the Cumberland Plain, but the variants were not systematically recorded. Watkin Tench (c.1758-1833), a naval officer noted that people spoke ‘different dialects of the same language; many of the most common and necessary words, used in life, bearing no similitude, and others being slightly different’. It was observed that although individuals from the coast and from the Hawkesbury were using different dialects to converse, they understood each other without difficulty (Tench 1793: 122 in Fitzhardinge 1979:

Study area


33

230). Tench was bemused by the variance in the languages considering the geographical proximity of the places, noting that ‘these diversities arise from want of intercourse with the people on the coast, can hardly be imagined, as distance inland is but thirty-eight miles; and from Rose Hill not more than twenty, where the dialect of the sea coast is spoken’ (Tench 1793: 122 in Fitzhardinge 1979: 231). William Dawes (1762-1836), David Collins (1756-1810) and Governor Phillip Gidley King (1758-1808) made lists of words spoken by the coastal people (Attenbrow 2003:31). Dawes, a naval officer and scientist recorded details about pronunciation, verb tenses and sentence construction. A significant characteristic of the Aboriginal language recorded in eighteenth-century colonial records is the use of the suffix ‘-gal’ (man) or ‘-galleon’ (woman). In some areas, the suffix was added to a word descriptive of the country in which the community lived. (Phillip 13 Feb 1790 in Attenbrow 2003:22). For example, Burramattagal describes a man from Burramatta or Burramatagalleon describes a woman from Burramatta. The names of some groups of the Sydney region are associated with a local animal food source. For example, the word Burramatta (linked with the Parramatta district) is derived from burra meaning eel, matta

meaning river (Attenbrow 2003: 28). It was not until the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century that more methodical attempts to record Aboriginal languages were made by individuals such as R.H. Mathews, an anthropologist and linguist. By this time however there were few fluent speakers of the languages and dialects spoken in Sydney (Attenbrow 2003: 31-32). Despite the small number of informants available Mathews mapped new boundary alignments based on his research concluding that:

...a dialect of the Darug language, which was spoken on the

Cumberland Plain and to the west of the Lane Cove River, was

spoken on the “Sydney Peninsula” – an area he described as

“extending between the south shore of Port Jackson and the north

shore of Botany Bay and as far inland as Rosehill (Parramatta

district)” (Attenbrow 2003: 33).

Since the 1970s anthropologists and archaeologists have presented new theories about the boundaries of linguistic and tribal groups in and around the Sydney Basin, and debate on the subject continues. The extent of the Darug languages and dialects spoken in the Sydney region as summarised by Attenbrow in Sydney’s Aboriginal Past is shown below (2003: 34).

Language/dialect Boundaries

Darug, coastal dialect/s

The Sydney Peninsula (north of Botany Bay, south of Port Jackson, west to Parramatta), as well as the country to the north of Port Jackson, possibly as far as Broken Bay.

Darug, hinterland dialect

The Cumberland Plain from Appin in the south to the Hawkesbury River in the north; west of the Georges River, Parramatta, the Lane Cove River and Berowra Creek.

Table 1: Extent of the Darug language in the Sydney Region (Attenbrow 2003: 34).


34

It is essential to emphasise that due to the dearth of historical documentation and the imprecise nature of boundaries between language groups, any language or dialect boundaries mapped today are only indicative (Attenbrow 2003:35). Further information on the Darug language including word lists and places names can be found in Val Attenbrow’s Sydney’s Aboriginal Past: investigating the archaeological and historical records (2003) and in J.L. Kohen’s Daruganora: Darug Country - the place and people (Revised Edition) (2009). Food and Subsistence

The land around the head of the river provided the Burramatta clan with diverse plant and animal resources. The saltwater river and fresh water streams provided a rich environment where fish, turtles, crays, shellfish and molluscs could be caught or collected. Like other clans living along the river, the Burramatta people made canoes from which to fish or for transport (Kass et al 1996: 6). The shallow-draught, water craft made of bark and two to three metres in length were skilfully manoeuvred around the river. Bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides) and species of Stringybark (Eucalyptus agglomerata) are thought to have been used for canoe construction (Turbet 1989:50). Colonial observers noted that coastal Aboriginal people obtained bark for canoes during excursions to Parramatta (Collins 1798: Vol 1 App 6). The large River Oak or C.

cunninghamiana growing on the freshwater reaches of the rivers might have been used on both the coast and inland (Attenbrow 2003:112). The ample fresh water sources attracted native animals which were hunted or trapped. The hunting of tree-dwellers such as possums and gliders is thought to have been a common activity. Kangaroo and wallaby were hunted less often and most likely when several clans came together for ceremonies (Brook & Kohen 1991:3-4). Aboriginal people of the district used traps and snares to catch animals to eat. In 1789 on a journey between Rose Hill and the Nepean, observations were made that traps were used to catch ducks which were plentiful, and snares were used to catch “opossums” and other tree and small ground dwelling animals (Bradley c.1802, SLNSW Manuscripts, Electronic transcript, p.166). Other food resources included bull ants and the eggs and larvae of the longicorn beetle or witchetty grub (Kass et al 1996:6). Seasonal plant foods including fruits, tubers, shoots, flowers, berries, seeds and nectar of local trees, and grasses were also prominent in the diet. Food collection required a detailed knowledge of each plant’s properties as well as of the local environment, seasonal variations and preparation methods. Macrozamia for example is poisonous unless prepared in a particular way. Plants also provided ingredients for medicinal preparations (Brook & Kohen 1991:5). Observations made by Francis Barrallier (1773-1853) during exploration in 1802 revealed that the Parramatta people’s customs relating to food and hunting were similar to those practised between Nattai and the lower Wollondilly. The local environment was also the source of raw materials for tool and weapon-making, clothing and shelter (Attenbrow 2003:71). Aboriginal people relied on an extensive knowledge of their land and its resources and the acquisition of diverse skills essential to their survival in an environment that could be unpredictable. By 1814 it was increasingly difficult for


35

Aboriginal people to catch or procure food using traditional methods. Similarly, food-gathering patterns were altered by the lack of access to their traditional lands, which were now farmed by the new settlers. Limited opportunities were offered by Europeans willing to barter spirits and tobacco, and even food, for fish (Barratt 1981:71-2). A report in the Sydney Gazette published after the first Aboriginal Conference (see below for details of the “Aboriginal Conference”) held at Parramatta and the proposed establishment of a “Native Institution” outlined the problems facing Aboriginal communities who tried to maintain a traditional way-of life in the face of rapidly expanding settlements.

... when the weather is cold, the woods afford them little or no food,

and they become a prey to many loathsome diseases which

poverty entails upon the human frame. The kangaroo has almost

disappeared about the Settlements; the opossum, long substituted

as their chief dependence, has at length become as scarce; the

roots of the earth are by nature too sparingly administered to

constitute anything like a dependence to them; and the tribes of

each district dare not incroach (sic) upon any other, In the summer

those of the coast subsist by fishing; but in the winter, only for the

occasional aid they derive from us, their situation would be equally

miserable: -And whence have those evils originated, but in the

clearing of the immense forests which formerly abounded in the wild

animals they lived upon? This admission certainly gives them a claim

upon the consideration of the British Settler; and we cannot imagine

for a moment, that any one who bears that character will withhold

any means that may fall within his power of forwarding the

benevolent views of the Native Institution (Sydney Gazette 31 Dec 1814: 2).

European Occupation

After British settlement, Aboriginal communities were dislocated with experiences varying widely. It was not long after settlement at Port Jackson in January 1788 that Governor Phillip began to search for arable land. An expedition led by Governor Phillip set out on 22 April 1788 venturing up the harbour to Duck River. They then continued on foot following the upper part of the Parramatta River on its south bank. On the 24 April, the party continued along the river through land that was ‘fine open country, having very little timber, and being perfectly free from underwood’ (Kass et al 1996: 11-12; HRA I (I):74, 97). The party reached a point at which the ‘tide ceased to flow’ and where they were ‘stopped by large broad stones over which a fresh water stream ran’. A little to the west they reached a billabong skirted by a raised area of land that Phillip named “The Crescent” (within Parramatta Park). From this vantage point thousands of acres of what appeared to be arable land could be seen. The party continued on to Prospect Hill or Bellevue as Phillip named it. They did not encounter Aboriginal people, however traces of Aboriginal campsites, hearths and traps were observed and their presence in the surrounding bush was felt (Kass et al 1996: 11-12).


36

Surveys of the area by the explorers revealed little about the Burramatta clan who possibly chose to observe the intruders more closely until their intentions were known. In investigating the land around the head of the river Lieutenant William Bradley recorded in his journal that his party:

... went up the Harbour to the lake or creek running to the NW above

the flats, we went about 3 Miles up; to a very fine run of water, the

Country on both sides pleasant & the ground apparently fit for opening

with far less trouble than any in the other parts of the Harbour & the Soil

good; a little above the part where the fresh water meets the tide is the

place supposed would produce slate, but had been found on

examination not fit for working: We tried it as Coal without success:

found a great number of Cranes & other Birds about & above the flats,

all very shy (Bradley c.1802: 106). It is thought that Bradley and his party reached a location between present day Lennox Bridge and the wharf without reporting any encounters with the land’s traditional owners who might have hoped that these strangers would not return (Campbell 1927: 354). Plans for a new settlement at the head of the river were made and, as recorded by Watkin Tench, ‘named by the Governor Rose Hill, 16 miles inland, (it) was established on the 3d November (1788), the soil here being judged better than that around Sydney’. Fears of retaliation from the Aboriginal inhabitants were expressed and “a small redoubt was thrown up, and a captain’s detachment posted in it (in the area now known as “Parramatta Park”) to protect the convicts who were employed to cultivate the ground” (Tench cited in Flannery 1996:92). However, attacks did not occur. The settlement’s establishment is well-documented and focuses mainly on what must have appeared to the traditional owners as the reckless destruction of their homeland, history and, most critically, their means of survival. In February 1790 Despatches record that the Captain’s guard at Rose Hill was reduced and that ‘there is nothing to be apprehended from the natives’ (HRA I/I: 143). The clearing and development of the area was swift and by 16 November 1790, Tench estimated that 200 acres (80.94 ha) had been cleared and some cultivated. Seeing the landscape through European eyes he described the gently rolling ‘hill and dale’ as ‘grand and capacious’ (Tench 1793 in Fitzhardinge 1979:193, 195) and the field nearby was soon to be the location of a planned township for the agricultural settlement. By March of the following year the area of land cleared had doubled and whatever was not cultivated was thinned of trees to be used for grazing (Bradley c.1802:232; Collins 1798: Vol 1, Ch 15). Watkin Tench is one of few diarists who recorded the reaction of the Burramatta clan to the colonist’s occupation of their territory. On the 14 September 1790 while travelling in Port Jackson or on the Parramatta River he reported meeting ‘two Indians’ in a boat. After discussing the wounding of the Governor ‘they said they are inhabitants of Rose Hill and expressed great dissatisfaction at the number of white men who had settled in their former territories. In consequence


37

of which declaration, the detachment at that post was reinforced on the following day’ (Tench 1793: Ch 8 cited in Flannery 1996:140). Specific information about the Burramatta clan or impact of settlement does not appear to have been recorded by the settlers. It is not known why there is little record of the Burramatta at or around Rose Hill at this time. They might have avoided the immediate area to avoid confrontation until they knew more about the intentions of the intruders. Clearly within a short period of time much of their country was changed beyond recognition. Except for the river and its resources, the environment at Rose Hill and the plant and animal resources it once supported was substantially altered. In order to survive, the Burramatta clan had little option but to move further afield to places where they could sustain themselves, providing adequate food and shelter. It is likely that they had contact with the settlers at Rose Hill but, attracting little attention to themselves, are not readily identifiable in the historical record by their clan name. In contrast Darug from the coastal parts of Sydney often accompanied exploration parties acting as interpreters and guides and who do appear in the record, often by name. However, records reflect that Aboriginal people from various clans were coming and going through Parramatta at this time. On 2 June 1791 by order of the Governor the settlement at Rose Hill was named ‘Par-ra-màt-ta’ after the name used by the traditional owners (Tench 1793:132 in Fitzhardinge 1979:239). At this time Aboriginal communities living at the ‘head of the harbour’ were encouraged to supply the surplus from their fishing expeditions to the Parramatta settlement. A number of contemporary observers including David Collins and John Hunter recounted (although somewhat differently) an incident involving members of the Burramatta clan and convicts at this time. Collins’ account suggested a generally friendly and mutually beneficial relationship existed with the traditional owners at this time (Collins 1798: Vol 1 Ch 13).

Since the establishment of that familiar intercourse which now

subsisted between us and the natives, several of them had found it

their interest to sell or exchange fish among the people at

Parramatta; they being contented to receive a small quantity of

either bread or salt meat in barter for mullet, bream, and other fish.

To the officers who resided there this proved a great convenience,

and they encouraged the natives to visit them as often as they

could bring the fish. There were, however, among the convicts some

who were so unthinking, or so depraved, as wantonly to destroy a

canoe belonging to a fine young man, a native, who had left it at

some little distance from the settlement, and as he hoped out of the

way of observation, while he went with some fish to the huts. His

rage at finding his canoe destroyed was inconceivable; and he

threatened to take his own revenge, and in his own way, upon all

white people. Three of the six people who had done him the injury,

however, were so well described by someone who had seen them,

that, being closely followed, they were taken and punished, as were

the remainder in a few days after.


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The instant effect of all this was, that the natives discontinued to

bring up fish; and Bal-loo-der-ry, whose canoe had been destroyed,

although he had been taught to believe that one of the six convicts

had been hanged for the offence, meeting a few days afterwards

with a poor wretch who had strayed from Parramatta as far as the

Flats, he wounded him in two places with a spear. This act of

Ballooderry's was followed by the governor's strictly forbidding him to

appear again at any of the settlements; the other natives, his friends,

being alarmed, Parramatta was seldom visited by any of them, and

all commerce with them was destroyed. How much greater claim to

the appellation of savages had the wretches who were the cause of

this, than the native who was the sufferer? (Collins 1798: Vol 1 Ch 13).

Although Aboriginal law was not accepted under British law, it was observed by colonists that revenge for an injustice was permitted under Aboriginal law (Collins 1798: Vol 1 Ch 13), generally in the form of a non-fatal spearing. This was only one instance where the differences between European and Aboriginal cultures were viewed with incredulity. Problems arose between colonists and Aboriginal people when resolutions could not be reached resulting in offence or to physical conflict. What seemed an equitable solution to one party was not necessarily considered fair or reasonable to the other, ultimately leading to the escalation of conflict and acts of retribution.

Aboriginal Resistance and Conflict with Settlers

There are numerous accounts of conflict between settlers and Aboriginal people on the Cumberland Plain in the nineteenth-century. As the subject of this report is Parramatta this history will focus on events that had an impact on Aboriginal communities in the vicinity. By the close of 1791 large parts of the Parramatta district had been cleared as had 300 acres (121.4 ha) at Toongabbie six miles (9.6km) distant, leaving only small pockets of uncleared land between (Tench 1793 in Campbell 1927:360-1). The colonisation process put pressure on the resources available to local Aboriginal communities, blocking access to traditional pathways, camping places and hunting grounds. Relations deteriorated with increasing attacks from both sides, causing injury and sometimes death. The fatal spearing of Governor Phillip’s gamekeeper, John McIntyre in retribution by Pemulwuy (c.1750-1802), a warrior, was the catalyst for the ‘first (but unsuccessful) punitive expedition’ against Aboriginal people on the Cumberland Plain (Attenbrow 2003: 14). This was by no means Pemulwuy’s last act of resistance or retaliation against the depredations that colonisation forced on them. Pemulwuy is thought to be from the Botany Bay area, north of the Georges River or the Bediagal or ‘woods tribe’. With the support of other members of his community, he courageously waged armed warfare against the intruders whose settlements were spreading across the Sydney basin resulting in theft of their land and destruction of their traditional way of life (Kohen 2005:318-9). The colony grew rapidly during the 1790s and the land surrounding Parramatta and other settlements no longer provided a ‘viable subsistence base’ for the traditional owners, forcing them to rely on settlements and settlers for food and other resources. Some people maintained peaceful associations with colonists


39

providing opportunities for the latter to learn about Aboriginal culture and the environment. Rites and ceremonies continued to be held outside of the settlements and although the ‘events’ were observed by colonists the significance was generally concealed (Attenbrow 2003: 15). Conflict between Aborigines and settlers increased in 1793 and 1794 with a number reported around the Parramatta district, in particular along the routes to Prospect Hill and Toongabbie. At the same time the government, explorers and some settlers maintained friendly relations with individual Aboriginal men, who they relied on as guides and interpreters, as well as their communities who were given freedom to come and go from settlements (Collins 1798: Vol 1 Ch 24, 26). By 1797 relations between colonists and Aborigines had deteriorated. The European population and the area of land settled had expanded to the north and south of Parramatta. Reacting to the untenable situation, bands of Aboriginal people began a guerrilla war, attacking settlers who stole and occupied their land, prevented access to their homeland and who were exploiting their precious resources. Conflict was ‘waged in earnest between 1797 and 1805 during which time the farms in the Parramatta-Toongabbie area and the Hawkesbury and Georges River districts were raided’ in retaliation against ‘random killings and massacres by white colonists’ and dispossession from traditional lands. Retaliatory attacks were made on colonists who ventured out of the settlements, away from their farms, or into the bush (Attenbrow 2003: 14, 15). In 1797 a raid of the government farm at Toongabbie by a desperate group of Aboriginal people and the theft of grain and musket balls led to an armed pursuit by a large group of settlers. A confrontation between the armed settlers and one hundred Aboriginal warriors led by Pemulwuy erupted on the outskirts of Parramatta. Reports suggest that in attempting to capture the resistance leader, muskets were fired, and spears were thrown. The resistance leader was severely injured and five Aboriginal men were killed. Receiving buck shot to his head and body Pemulwuy was taken to hospital from where he soon escaped (Collins 1798 Vol 2 Ch 3; Kohen 2005:318-9). Governor Hunter was not ignorant of the cause of much of the conflict between settlers and Aboriginal people. He placed blame for some incidents squarely with the settlers, also acknowledging that the forces of law and order rarely took this into account. He expressed in despatches that,

Much of the hostile disposition which has occasionally appear’d in those people has been but too often provoked by the treatment

which many of them have received from the white inhabitants, and

which have scarsely (sic) been heard of by those who have the

power bestowing punishment (Hunter in HRNSW Vol 4: 1 cited in Brook & Kohen 1991:15).

Subsequent Governors such as King were less sympathetic to the double-standards that were being imposed (Brook and Kohen 1991:16). Pemulwuy continued active resistance and further instances of conflict were reported in despatches to Britain, describing the conduct of the Aboriginal warriors led by the ‘active daring leader named Pemulwye’ around settlements such as


40

Parramatta and Toongabbie (HRNSW King to Hobart 30/10/1802 HRNSW Vol 4:867). Pemulwuy evaded capture and continued his campaign of resistance to British settlement until 1802 when he was shot and killed by an armed patrol (Kass et al 1996: 49).

The Native Institution and Aboriginal Conferences at Parramatta

The orders made by the Governor leading up to the 1814 conference help in understanding some historical documents linked to this period in colonial history. It cannot be assumed that names used to identify Aboriginal communities after this date reflect pre-settlement names identifying clan or language group affiliations. Given the effect of dispossession, dislocation and dispersal from traditional land it is likely that new family groups or mixed communities formed taking up residence in remnant pockets of bushland on the outskirts of settlements and homesteads. Forced movement of people resulted in the loss of many aspects of Aboriginal culture and the emergence of new groups incorporating people from diverse areas. Reorganisation ensured the preservation of some of the core cultural practices and knowledge in Aboriginal communities (Hinkson 2001: xxiv-xxv). Some individuals or families began living within settlements, adopting aspects of European culture. There were still intermittent outbreaks of hostilities as the Cumberland Plain became more densely settled and expanded westward. An outbreak of hostility in 1816 led to the imposition of new and tighter restrictions on the movement of Aboriginal people in and around settlements such as Parramatta. Despite expressions of sympathy with their plight, Governor Macquarie ordered the mobilisation of military detachments to ‘drive away these hostile Tribes from the British Settlements’. As ‘a counter balance for the restrictions’, natives were offered land on which to establish themselves as settlers, as well as the necessary tools and stores for six months. As attacks on settlers were reported at the Nepean, Grose Valley, Hawkesbury and South Creek, restrictions were also imposed on Aboriginal people between Sydney and Parramatta. General Orders were that those found in the vicinity were to be detained (Sydney Gazette 11 May 1816:1; HRA I/9:139-145, 365; Brook & Kohen 1991: 21, 23, 32). At the same time Land Grants previously given to Aboriginal people were rescinded. The establishment of the Native Institution, a school for Aboriginal children in Parramatta, in 1814-15 had a significant impact on the lives of some Aboriginal children and their families. The history of the Institution together with the Annual Native Conference held in the Market Place will be discussed here as both drew Aboriginal people to the area in the first half of the nineteenth-century. Although only once a year, the conference and the feast held afterwards brought together large groups of local and distant Aboriginal clans who camped in the vicinity of Parramatta for the period surrounding the event. The establishment of a school for the education and training of Aboriginal children was central to an assimilation policy instituted by Governor Lachlan Macquarie (1762-1824) in 1814. Although consistent with Macquarie’s humanitarian interests, the idea of a ‘Native Institution’ was instigated by William Shelley (1774-1815), a trader and former missionary who had recently settled in Parramatta (Brook & Kohen 1991:54-5). Shelley claimed to have spoken to a


41

‘number of tribes and individuals’ who showed interest in their children attending school and on 20 August 1814 Macquarie instructed him to draw-up a proposal. Shelley began teaching four Aboriginal children to read and write from his home in Parramatta prior to the school’s establishment and by December of that year rules and regulations for an institution were gazetted (Brook & Kohen 1991: 57; SRNSW Reel 6038 Frames 0295-0297). The live-in school run by Shelley was to cater for six boys and six girls for a two-year trial period. Reading and writing, as well as domestic, trade and agricultural skills were to be taught within a general framework of Christian morals and values. Land set-aside for the school’s use is shown in the map reproduced below.

Figure 2: Site of the Native Institution shown in a plan of William and Elizabeth’s Shelley’s allotment to the north (SRNSW SR No 4815).

The school occupied a large site ‘near the Church of Parramatta’ (bounded by today’s Macquarie, Marsden and Hunter Streets), in addition to a block to the south bounded by Hunter St (to the north) and Marsden St (to the west). A building at the rear of the site was built, leased or owned by the Government (Brook & Kohen 1991: 64; Kass et al 1996: 81). The site of the former Native Institution lies to the south of the study area. To attract students to the school Macquarie announced a meeting or conference with Aboriginal tribes to be held on 28 December 1814 at the Market Place in Parramatta. A ‘feast’ was planned, and a committee was instructed to speak to Aboriginal people about the aims of the Institution and its administration. The conference also had another purpose. It was to be announced that Aborigines would be divided into ‘District Tribes’ based on their


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place of usual ‘resort’. Tribes would then elect a Chief who the Governor would ‘distinguish with an ‘honorary Badge’. The nominated Chief would be responsible for resolving problems that arose within the tribe and was accountable to the Governor for their conduct. Aboriginal people wishing to become settlers would be considered for the allocation of land. The conference was to be an annual event when the parents of children attending the Institution could see them (ML Manuscripts ADD 340 27 Dec 1814 cited in Brooks & Kohen 1991:65-6). The Sydney Gazette recorded many of the annual conferences held at Parramatta, noting the number who attended and the names of individuals who received copper chest plates in acknowledgement of their status as chiefs or for services to the colony. The Market Place where they congregated was located in Section 26 to the west of Allotment 6 and south of the present site of the Town Hall. The site and the Native Institution nearby are indicated on the plan below.

Figure 3: The site of Market Place at Parramatta where the Annual Conference and Feast

instituted by Lachlan Macquarie were held from 1814 until 1835 (Plan of the Township of

Parramatta in NSW, 1 Oct 1814, LM, ML M2 811.1301/1814/1)

Market

Native Institution


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About sixty Aboriginal people of all ages, male and female, attended the first meeting at Parramatta with the report in the Sydney Gazette speculating that others had not come, doubting the colonists’ motives or fearing that their children would be forcibly taken away. Ultimately four children were ‘yielded up to the benevolent purposes of the Institution’ in addition to three children already being tutored by Shelley (Sydney Gazette 31 Dec 1814: 2). The Native Institution officially opened on 18 January 1815, operating at Parramatta until 1824 when it was closed (Turbet 1989: 12). Children enrolled in 1815 were identified as being from Richmond, Prospect, Caddie (Cattai Creek), Portland Head and South Creek ranging from four to eight years of age. It is not known if the places reflect the areas in which their families settled or was the traditional land with which their clan or band identified. Children enrolled in later years came from the Hawkesbury, Cowpastures, Botany Bay, Newcastle and Kissing Point. Lists do not identify any children from the Parramatta district or Burramatta people, providing evidence of the extent of disruption and dislocation that they endured due to colonisation. Aboriginal parents were reticent to relinquish their children to the school and numbers remained low. Some children were surreptitiously taken back by their parents who, it could be assumed, did not want to abandon them to a system that rejected their cultural traditions and isolated them from their family and community (Brook & Kohen 1991: 68-70, 78; SLNSW ML Manuscripts DLADD 85 Digitised). Enrolment at the school varied from year to year, with the number increasing to 23 in 1820 (Misc. Papers ML DLADD 85: 8). The children’s achievements were displayed to their parents at the Annual Meeting held in the Parramatta Market Place (HRA I/10: 95). A few students are recorded as having become ill and died while in the school’s care (Sydney Gazette 29 Dec 1821). Among the diseases introduced by the settlers, smallpox had a devastating impact on the Aboriginal population with adults and children dying in significant numbers (Bellingshausen in Barratt 1981: 43). A more comprehensive account of the Native Institution can be found in J. Brook and J.L. Kohen’s The Parramatta

Native Institution and the Black Town: A History (1991). Following the inaugural Aboriginal Conference in December 1814 they were held annually. Macquarie and a few subsequent Governors used the event as an opportunity to diffuse tensions between Aborigines and settlers, to promote the Native Institution as well as to distribute clothes and blankets. With the exception of 1815, they were held annually until 1835 (Turbet 1989:12). In Despatches Macquarie reported that natives ‘from different parts of the colony up to 100 miles distant’ attended the Native Meeting in the Parramatta Market Place and clothing and blankets were distributed to each Aboriginal man, woman and child (HRA I/10: 95). In 1821 a record number of some 340 Aboriginal people attended the Conference to farewell Lachlan Macquarie, one of few Governors who had made a sincere effort ‘to understand and gain their trust and confidence’ (Kass et al 1996: 81). Reminiscences of local settlers and their families record that leading up to the Annual Conference people would set-up camp on the outskirts of Parramatta where their fires would be seen through the night. Aboriginal people from the west set up camp at Clay Cliff Creek to the south-east of the town centre; those from the south camped at the head of A’Beckett’s Creek (near the junction of


44

Woodville Road and Union St, Granville); while others would congregate on the Western Road near the toll house. In the 1830s camps were set-up ‘out of Parramatta, towards Prospect’. The creeks mentioned above and the main routes into Parramatta are shown in the map below. Following the feast and blanket distribution Aboriginal people would gather on the site of the Native Institution at the corner of Macquarie and Marsden Streets (to the east of the Study Area) for a corroboree (John Taylor cited in Kass et al 1996: 105; Hassall 1902: 17). The Sydney Gazette and later the Sydney Herald reported on attendance at the Annual Aboriginal Conference, presentations made by the children of the Native Institution and any other activities that took place. Although 287 Aborigines attended in January 1832 the government’s interest in its continuation declined (Sydney Gazette 12 Jan 1832). In May 1833 a dinner was arranged by the Committee of the Female Factory and although the Conference was held, Governor Bourke did not want Aboriginal people to be encouraged to attend (Brook & Kohen 1991: 102). It was now held in May so that the distribution of clothes and blankets would coincide with winter (Kass et al 1996: 105). The genuine interest in the future of the Aboriginal community expressed by Governor Macquarie was not shared by Bourke and the event was now little more than a hollow goodwill gesture when blankets could be conveniently distributed (Brook & Kohen 1991: 102). The Annual Conference at Parramatta was discontinued in 1835 (Turbet 1989: 12).

Figure 4: Map of the Parish of St John showing Clay Cliff Creek, A’Becketts Creek, Duck Creek

and Duck River and the main routes into the town of Parramatta. Not dated (Parish of St

John, PMapMN05, Id 14063601, AO Map 277)


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A notable student of the Native Institution was Maria Lock born at Richmond Bottoms on the eastern floodplain of the Hawkesbury River c1805. She was the daughter of Yarramundi, “Chief of the Richmond Tribes”. Her family belonged to the Boorooberongal clan of the Darug people. Maria was an exceptional student and won first prize in an 1819 school examination ahead of 20 fellow students of the Native Institution and almost 100 non-Aboriginal students. In 1824 Maria married an illiterate convict carpenter, the first officially sanction union of a convict and an Aboriginal woman. They initially settled on a small farm at Black Town (Blacktown) and were employed by Rev. Robert Cartwright at Liverpool. In 1831 she petitioned for the Blacktown area deceased estate of her brother Coley (Colebee). Although opposed by Rev Cartwright, she was granted 40 acres (16.2 ha) of her own choosing near her residence (granted in her convict husband’s name on her behalf). She received another 40 acres at Liverpool (again through Robert’s name) in 1833 and finally also received Colebee’s 30-acre (12.1 ha) Blacktown grant in 1843 ([Brooks & Kohen 1991: 256, Parry 2005) In 1844 a further 30 acres were acquired at Blacktown. Before her death in 1854 Maria and Robert had 10 children. Upon her death in 1878 her lands were divided equally among her children and their descendants. However, in 1920, the Aboriginal Protection Board deemed her freehold land to be an Aboriginal Reserve (Plumpton) and their title was revoked.

Population Numbers

In the years following settlement there was no systematic or comprehensive documentation of the extent of the Aboriginal population, their language group or clan or the extent of traditional land with which they identified. Census and musters often linked to blanket distribution in Parramatta provide some record of families and individuals and the areas in which they were living. It is likely that they do not accurately reflect all Aboriginal people living in the district for a variety of reasons including fear of retribution for conflict with settlers, loss of their children to the Native Institution, or loss of their freedom and independence. Colonial records document many of the names of ‘native guides and friendly natives’ who were given rewards for their services to the colony although they are not always identified by their clan name (Misc. Papers ML SLNSW DLADD 85 Digitised). The records of the Native Institution include the names of the children who attended the school, although usually only their European names and also the geographical area where their families were living. Sometimes diaries, letters and other records kept by European settlers and visitors to the colony make reference to Aboriginal communities and specific families living in and on the periphery of settlements.

Census or muster documents reflect the different ways that Aboriginal people were identified by colonial administrators. Records show that some individuals continued to identify themselves by what appear to be traditional community or clan names as well as the European names. The 1828 census recorded 49 members of the “Parramatta Tribe” including 21 men, 13 women and fifteen children who were recorded by the local Magistrate. On the Governor’s recommendation, they were to be given ‘Blankets and Slops’ on the 23rd April 1828 in commemoration of ‘His Majesty’s Birthday’ (Sainty & Johnson 1985: 15).


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Returns for Aborigines for 1834 provide a little more detail than previous records, and in some respects were consistent with musters of the European population at that time. The Return lists the Aboriginal and European names of individuals, estimated age, ‘Designation Tribe’, and ‘Place or District of Usual Resort’. It appears that only the adult males (14) are named on the list and wives (9) and male and female children (11) are numbered. Of a total of 34 individuals listed, twenty were from Prospect and two from Duck River, both locations close to Parramatta. Others were from Kissing Point (Ryde) and Breakfast Creek (Quaker’s Hill). Only Mosquito known as Will Will from Duck River gave the name of his ‘tribe’ which was Watergoro (Col Sec, Special Bundles, SRNSW Reel 3706). There is some inconsistency between the spelling and use of names from year to year making it difficult to trace individuals. In 1837 both adult males and females and a few children were named on the Parramatta return with the named individuals totalling 30. The record shows the Watergoro from Duck River and the Weymaly from Prospect both in close proximity to Parramatta (Col Sec, Special Bundles, SRNSW Reel 3706). The relationship between the Burramatta people noted in early settlement records and the Watergoro and Weymaly shown in Blanket Returns is not known (Col Sec, Special Bundles, SRNSW Reel 3706). The 1840 Blanket Return taken at Parramatta recorded eight men and 12 women, 18 of whom were listed by name. Twenty children were noted however no Duck River people are recorded. Five adults and children are shown as Weymaly although only a few are shown as living at Prospect while others are at ‘Bungarrabbee’ further west (Bungarribee, Blacktown) (Col Sec, SRNSW Reel 1927). L.E. Threlkeld compiled Returns for Aboriginal men, women and children in 1839 and 1840 showing the population taken at Parramatta as 61 and 40 respectively. The population had dropped markedly not only in Parramatta but in other districts where returns were recorded (Col Sec, Special Bundles, SRNSW Reel 3706). The Duck River or Watergoro people do not appear in any Parramatta Returns after 1837. From 1840 until 1843 Returns continue to include the Weymaly people of Prospect, as well as people from other districts who travelled considerable distances to receive blankets. By 1845 official records suggest that there were no longer any of Parramatta’s Aboriginal inhabitants’ resident in the locality. Darug people continued to live on the Cumberland Plain however ‘their presence did not always attract written comment from the authorities or observers’ (Kass et al 1996: 106).

It is clear that the lives of people who had lived according to traditional ways in this area were catastrophically altered by European occupation and settlement over a century. Through perseverance and showing great resilience Aboriginal Australians retained some of their core traditions, customs and beliefs, passing them onto future generations despite the significant changes imposed on their lives. In 2006 Indigenous people represented 0.9% of a population of 154,158 in the Parramatta Local Government Area (2006 Census Stats www.abs.gov.au).

http://www.abs.gov.au/


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Study Area

The area of Parramatta Park, which once included the study area and was part of Parramatta Park, is significant because of the interaction between Aboriginal people and settlers after colonisation. Kohen et al (1999) have detailed the extensive interaction between Aboriginal people, Government House and Parramatta Park. Parramatta Park became the site of important contact between Aboriginal people and the colonists. Maugoran a Burramatta elder advised Governor Phillip that he was not happy about the number of white settlers at Rose Hill. Other Aboriginal people who visited Rose Hill with Governor Phillip included Bennelong and Colebee on an expedition from Sydney in 1793 whilst Arrabannu and Bennelong became regular visitors to Rose Hill (Koehn et al 1999:21). Bigon visited Governor Phillip at his hut in Parramatta in 1791. Boorong the daughter of Maugoran and her brother Ballooderry continued to visit and played an important role in cross-cultural relations in the Sydney-Parramatta area (Kohen et al 1999:25). Even Pemulwuy, a Bediagal warrior visited Parramatta Park during Governor Phillips period of residence. (Kohen et al 1999:34-35). Dissatisfied with the theft of land and resources Pemulwuy fought a guerrilla warfare in and around Parramatta. He was eventually shot by two white settlers, decapitated and his head sent to London.

George Caley who resided in a hut immediately to the south of the study area, befriended members of the Burramatta clan to obtain information about plant species. Caley also established a Botanic Gardens on the site of the Government Farm on the northern side of Parramatta River, immediately to the south of the current study area. Moowattin a Burramatta man became closely associated with George Caley and travelled on expeditions to Tasmania and Norfolk Island with Caley (Koehn 1999 47-48). Moowattin eventually travelled to London with Caley in 1810, returning to Sydney in 1811. His friendship and help were rewarded by being taken to the gallows for the supposed rape and murder of a young woman - a charge he consistently denied (Kohen 1999 59-60). During King and Macquarie’s period of governorship further attempts were made to engage in friendly relations with the Burramatta clan, with varying degrees of success. Trading was encouraged with Aboriginal people trading fresh fish caught in the Parramatta River until convicts stove in Ballooderry’s canoe. Male convicts were reported as living with Aboriginal women (Kohen 1999:76). Macquarie maintained friendly relations with the Burramatta clan by dealing primarily with high profile people like Bennelong and Bungaree (although neither were Burramatta) (Kohen et al 1999:79). Macquarie’s attempts included establishment of the Native Institute at Parramatta and the Native Feasts. Various policies for the control of Aboriginal people were delivered from Government House at Parramatta. Prior to European occupation of Parramatta (including North Parramatta) the Burramatta clan had a system of laws and religious beliefs and a well-established system of land tenure which was understood by everyone. They had developed a system of technologies, land management strategies and


48

trading networks. Each person had rights and responsibilities which were determined by his or her family affiliations. However, after 10 years of European occupation, their population had declined due to disease, massacres and displacement. Attempts at friendly relationships had been made without success. The aggressive nature of colonisation, the superior strength of numbers, guns and horses eventually disposed all Aboriginal people including those at Parramatta. Government House and the cultural landscape of Parramatta Park, including the study area, remain as evidence of significant early contact between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal settlers.’

The consequence of British settlement in Parramatta from 1788 was the dispossession of the Burramatta clan from their land which was seized for agriculture. In clearing land for cultivation and development, the survival of the traditional owners was threatened. As relations between Aboriginal people and settlers deteriorated, conflicts became hostile acts of active resistance and attempts by colonial authorities at assimilation only served to impose an inappropriate foreign moral code and rule of law on the traditional owners of the land. Over the next two hundred years, disenfranchisement would only become worse.

For Darug people today, this land is significant, demonstrating their traditional occupation, hunting and fishing ground. Their occupation can be interpreted by the artefact scatters, scarred trees and management of the indigenous plantings which have been revealed through archaeological investigation. The WSS site is important too for its associations with a landscape defined by the river and its terraces, plants, animals, seasons, spiritual associations; and as a place of gathering which connects today’s Darug to their ancestors and makes it possible for them to transfer their stories, language, ceremonies, rituals, totems and laws to contemporary generations.

The WSS site has significant associations with the interaction between Aboriginal people and colonial authorities and with the dispossession of Aboriginal people as a consequence of early colonial settlement and agricultural enterprise. The tangible evidence lies in the archaeological evidence recovered from the site; the intangible evidence reflects the resilience of Aboriginal descendants in maintaining and sharing their cultural heritage.’

2.1.3 Early British Settlement

The WSS site is within the area of the first British settlement of Rose Hill (renamed Parramatta on 4 June 1791) and was the third site of early colonial settlement after Sydney Cove and Norfolk Island. The shortage of food and the failure of farming in Sydney Cove prompted Governor Phillip, in 1788, to investigate opportunities further west and an early exploratory survey suggested that conditions on the fertile river terraces at the head of the Parramatta River might offer more success. A military redoubt (a small ditched fortification with an earthen embankment) was constructed on Rose Hill, offering protection for the detachment of marines which Phillip had dispatched to oversee the establishment of an agricultural settlement and its convict labour. Across the river, a government farm was established with a


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residence for its supervisor, Edward Dodd and a barn and granaries for storing harvested wheat, barley, oats and maize. This site is identified in images and maps reproduced below.

Figure 5: View of the Government Farm, Rose Hill, Port Jackson circa 1791, artist unknown SLNSW DG SV1A/24

Figure 6: A view of Government Farm at Rose Hill N.S. Wales, 1791, Port Jackson painter,

Watling and Lambert Collection, British Museum of Natural History

[Note: Figures 1,2 3,4,5 and 6 have been reproduced from Casey & Lowe’s Historical

Archaeological Assessment & S96 Heritage Impact Statement prepared for WSS, February

2017[

The location of the Government Farm is in the southern part of the WSS site, adjacent to the Parramatta River to the south. It is depicted on a number of early sketch maps of Rose Hill and in two watercolours as a rectangular fenced area, neatly aligned with pathways and plantings sloping towards the Parramatta River.


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Figure 7: Sketch of Rose Hill by William Bradley, circa May 1789, showing the location of the

Government Farm adjacent to the Parramatta River and opposite the redoubt. SLNSW

SAFE/MT4 140/1792/1, chart 4 digital order no a127082

In September 1800, Governor John Hunter announced his intention to construct a large watermill which would harness the tidal power of the river for grinding grain. This required the construction of a mill-race and dams to direct and control the flow of water. The mill-race commenced just north of the junction between Toongabbie Creek and the Parramatta River, ran south-east through a farming leasehold north of the Government Farm held by Charles Smith and followed a line to the site of the watermill. Despite modifications intended to sure up the dam walls and redirect water, the project was beset with construction problems, disputes and mismanagement. Ultimately it was the failure of the earthen works, the irregular and unpredictable water supply and the reliance on traditional British farming methods which contributed to its demise. In 1806, Governor King granted two adjacent leaseholds on the northern side of the river in the general area of the Government Farm, one to George Caley, the plant specimen collector to botanist, Sir Joseph Banks; the other to pardoned convicts, Thomas and Elizabeth Eccles. Caley appears to have lived here prior to the leasehold, leaving in 1808, while the Eccles resided on his allotment until the death of Thomas.

Government Farm


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Figure 8: Map of Parramatta showing the 1799-1803 mill and race and the southern and

northern dams. This map does not identify the Government Farm. James Meehan’s 1804 drawing of G V Evan’s survey, UK National Archives C0700 NSW22. The Government Farm is generally considered to be the colony’s first successful agricultural enterprise, albeit tarnished by the failure of the watermill. However, it was a catalyst which contributed to the expansion of settlement which would eventually lead to the establishment of Parramatta as a township. The outcome of this success however was that, as land was appropriated for colonial settlement, Aboriginal people were denied their connections to the land and despite attempts at reconciliation, particularly by Governor Macquarie, Aboriginal people suffered the consequences of intervention and dispossession.

2.1.4 Governor’s Domain

From 1788 to 1857, Parramatta was a centre of administration for the penal colony and a vice-regal residence built there was home to the first 10 governors of NSW. Old Government House, enlarged and enhanced by Governor Macquarie and his wife, Elizabeth, included land on both sides of the river, known as the Governor’s Domain, which provided a picturesque setting for the residence. The public’s ‘customary access’ to the Governor’s Domain was curtailed in 1846 by Governor Sir Charles Fitzroy and the following year he approved an application from the Cumberland Turf Club (later renamed the Parramatta Jockey Club in November 1879) to build a racecourse for the sport of horse-racing.

2.1.5 The Cumberland Turf Club

Horse racing The use of parts of the former Governor’s Domain at Parramatta for sporting activities had begun earlier, in 1825, with the Cumberland Turf Club’s horse races held on a stretch of land south of the river until the club was disbanded in the 1830s. Racing however remained popular and on Easter Monday in 1847 a horse race was held again south of the river. It was so successful that the Cumberland Turf Club Parramatta Jockey Club from November 1879) was revived and gained permission


52

from Governor Fitzroy to use a portion of the Governor’s Domain north of the river, previously used for grazing, to hold their next race. This was the first excision of land from the Government Domain for a sectional sporting interest and extended from the river east to what is now O’Connell Street. The Club operated on a site extending from the former Pirtek Stadium to O’Connell Street with a course circuit length of approximately one mile. The popular Mud Lodge Races2 were held here between 1858 and 1883 (and training continued until 1893) after which horse racing was established at Rosehill.

Figure 9: Part of Kirkby’s plan of a park proposed for Parramatta illustrating the extent of the

racecourse in the Government Domain at North Parramatta in January 1858 (Map SR Item

4807, SRNSW reproduced from Rosen 2003:118).

Figure 10: The Corporation Stakes, Parramatta, Boxing Day, 1861 (SLNSW SSV/Hors/3)

2 Mud Lodge was the name of a cottage in Parramatta Park occupied by a constable. The racecourse was accessed via the gate to this cottage (which was replaced by the Ross Street gatehouse in 1935).


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2.1.6 Parramatta Park

In 1858, 200 acres of Government Domain land was gazetted as public parkland (Parramatta Park) for the ‘health and recreation of the inhabitants of Parramatta’3. This move reflected the international trend for the creation of public parklands and local agitation by the Parramatta Citizens’ Movement for Recreation in Open Lands. The site of the Government Farm was included within the curtilage of the Park. Over time, however, excisions of leaseholds for other sectional interests (including licensed clubs and sporting interests) have impacted on the Park’s boundaries well into the late 20th century. In 2010, parts of Parramatta Park were included as one of eleven significant Australian convict sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Figure 11: Ebsworth’s survey, 1887 provides information about the mill-race and mill-pond

(dam) of the government watermill. Ms. 80-Sy, LPI.

2.1.7 Cumberland Oval

Motor sport

Cumberland Oval was the main sporting venue for the Parramatta District from the mid-19th century until 1982. It was initially a venue for horse-racing and cricket then for rugby union from 1879 and Rugby League from 1909. Motor cycle racing on a dirt track started in 1930 followed by midget speed car racing in 1936. Australia's triple Formula One World Champion, Jack Brabham. As a novice, Jack Brabham raced a Midget at Cumberland Speedway in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Crashes resulted in three deaths and the oval's curator at the time suffered a broken leg from being hit during a race. The first stand at Cumberland Oval was built in 1850 and others followed at various times up to the final structure, built in 1936. Players from the local cricket club erected a two-rail fence around the oval during the 1860s but a solid planked safety barrier was needed for motor cycle racing which commenced on 6 February 1930. The oval dirt track was very bumpy extending 428 yards with 6 turns, originally 18 feet in width until extended to 30 feet for the speed cars. The boundary fence and track remained in place after speedway racing ended in 1959.

3 Parramatta Domain Act, 1857

Former mill race and dam

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One


54

Figure 12: British racing legend Stirling Moss driving a demonstration lap in a Myers WM

Cooper around Cumberland Oval Speedway,

1956.http://aussieroadracing.homestead.com/Liebrand1.html; accessed on 30 August 2014

Cricket

The following information has been provided by Comber Consultants from Western Sydney Stadium, SSD7534 MOD1, Aboriginal Archaeological Excavation Report, 2019.

‘The earliest cricket matches at Parramatta were matches in February and March 1847 between the Cumberland and the Union Cricket Clubs on the Parramatta Gaol Green. Without a regular ground set aside for cricket, a paddock at the back of the Protestant Orphan school (now Rydalmere) was the site of a well-attended cricket match in November 1858 [Jervis 1961: 152-53]. A ‘New Cricket Ground’ opened at Parramatta on 31 March 1863, sharing the northern Domain with the racecourse. At times conflicts arose over access to the site and responsibilities for upkeep. Descriptions suggest that the cricket ground was originally located on the grassed area at the centre of the racecourse track (. The first match contested by an Aboriginal cricket team took place in Parramatta Park on the 10th and 11th April 1867. The match was part of a year-long tour of Australia and England. The team played against eighteen players of the County of Cumberland with the match followed by spear and boomerang throwing and an athletic exhibition by the Aboriginal players [SMH 29 Mar 1867: 2].

A large attendance was expected at Parramatta Park on April 1867 for the game between the Aboriginal team and the County of Cumberland side, but wet weather before the match resulted in fewer spectators. The Aboriginal Eleven included Harry Bullocky (Bullchanach), Johnny Cuzens (Zellanach), Johnny Mullagh (Unaarrimin), Dick, Jellico, Paddy, Peter (Arrahmunijarrimun), Dick a Dick (Jumgumjenanuke), and Jeremy Tarpot (Murrumgunerrimin). The play on both days was good, with the odds favouring the Aboriginal team, joined by Messrs Wills and Lawrence as players on the day. Their defeat by four runs was unexpected but showed ‘how evenly the sides were matched.’ Although reports of other matches included illustrations none have been located of the Parramatta game.’4

4 Comber Consultants, 2019, Western Sydney Stadium, SSD7534 MOD1, Aboriginal Archaeological

Excavation Report.

http://aussieroadracing.homestead.com/Liebrand1.html


55

Some of the early touring English cricket teams played at Cumberland Oval at a time when Parramatta was "way out in the country". At one match in 1891, Cumberland Cricket Club played the English cricket team, captained by W G Grace. Cumberland was beaten by twenty runs but a local man Joe Wilson bowled Grace for a duck. The cricket club evolved as Central Cumberland for the initial Sydney Grade Competition in 1893/94. When the nearby King's School moved to Gowan Brae at North Parramatta during the early 1970s the turf pitches were removed and the cricket club moved to the adjacent oval that had been the school's main sports ground. The club, now known as the Parramatta District Cricket Club, still has Old Kings Oval as its main ground.

Figure 13: Doug Walters played for Cumberland Cricket Club (now Parramatta District Cricket

Club) which moved to the Old Kings Oval n.d.

http://www.parrapark.com.au/things-to-do/play-cricket-1/parramatta-district-cricket-club

Rugby league

Cumberland Oval was first used for Rugby League by the Parramatta Iona and Endeavour clubs and the Western Districts representative side. When the Parramatta District Rugby League Club (later known as the Parramatta Eels) was admitted into the NSW Rugby League Premiership in 1947, Cumberland Oval became the Club's home ground. The first match was played against Newtown (now Newtown Jets) on 12 April 1947, before a crowd of 6,000. The largest crowd to watch a Rugby League match at Cumberland Oval was 22,470 when the Eels took on the South Sydney Rabbitohs on 26 April 1971. Cumberland Oval remained the home ground of the Parramatta Eels until 1981, when the team won its first Premiership by defeating Newtown 20-11 in the Grand Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Following the win, wildly jubilant scenes erupted in Parramatta, and the Leagues Club quickly overflowed with Eels fans celebrating, with thousands rallying at nearby Cumberland Oval. In a frenzy of vandalism, fans burned the Oval's grandstand to the ground. For a while some junior Rugby League matches were played on the unfenced oval before the site was eventually redeveloped.

http://www.parrapark.com.au/things-to-do/play-cricket-1/parramatta-district-cricket-club

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtown_Jets

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_league

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sydney_Rabbitohs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sydney_Rabbitohs


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Figure 14: [Left] Sports day at Cumberland Oval, c1955. Students of Parramatta High School

marched in their house teams through Parramatta to Cumberland Oval for their annual

sports carnival. Local schools and institutions regularly used Cumberland Oval for their

sporting fixtures.

http://faxmentis.org/html/1955-athletics-pg3.html

Figure 15: [Right] Match between Manly Sea Eagles and the Parramatta Eels at Cumberland

Oval 27 June 1953, http:/www.silvertails.net/forumThread-Game-Day-Manly-v-Parramatta Round.

Rugby Union

The game of Rugby Union is thought to have arrived in Australia by July 1829 and had its foundations in the style of football played in English private schools. Early games were largely restricted to the social elite. Rugby was played in Sydney on a regular basis from 1865, and by 1877 there were 23 clubs in the Southern Rugby Football Union. The Southern Rugby Football Union was established in 1874 and renamed New South wales Rugby Union in 1892 [Cash in Davison et al 2001: 571]. 5

The Cumberland Rugby Club was established in Parramatta in 1879, playing in a senior competition with University, Wallaroos, Waratah, Redfern and Pirates until 1899 when the existing system was disbanded. The Club changed its name to Parramatta in 1934 and was admitted to Sydney First Grade competition, contesting its first Grand Final in 1945, with a 9-3 defeat to Sydney University. The 1940s and 50s were lean years but strong youth competition strengthened the game’s popular appeal. During the 1970s, under the leadership of captain-coach Rod Phelps, Parramatta’s standing improved, demonstrated by two Grand Final appearances. The First Grade Premiership win in 1977 under coach Peter Fenton’s guidance was sweet victory, after a 44-year drought. Coach Paul Dalton would take the team to victory in 1985 and 1986, defeating the Galloping Greens both times. Four of Parramatta’s favourite sons, Ken Kearney, Ray Price, Tony Melrose and Andrew Leeds successfully switched to Rugby League, all wearing the Two Blues with pride before changing codes to play for the Parramatta Eels. 6

The home stadium is now Merrylands RSL Rugby Park [‘Parramatta Two Blues Rugby Union Club Sponsorship Proposal’ 2008: 3, 4]. 7


Excavation Report. 6 Information accessed at http://twobluesrugby.com.au/our-history/ 5 March 2019 7 ibid

http://faxmentis.org/html/1955-athletics-pg3.html

http://twobluesrugby.com.au/our-history/


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Aboriginal players associated with Rugby Union at Parramatta have made important contributions to the game.

Harry Penrith arrived in Sydney in 1954 aged 17 years. In 1955 he played in the under 21s for Balmain Rugby League Club and was quickly promoted to the senior reserve grade. In 1956 he switched to Rugby Union playing for Parramatta [Ramsland & Mooney 2006: np]. In May 1959 the young rugby union fullback was given a ‘hero’s reception’ at Cumberland Oval. The former country player was acclaimed for his outstanding ability, earning a place in First Grade for his speed, agility and tackling skill [Cumberland Argus 6 May 1959: 3]. In 1960 Penrith played in First Grade at Parramatta, considered at the time to be a ‘premier rugby district club.’ Talented in both codes of football, Penrith won the Ray Wayling Medal for best and fairest in Group 13 Rugby League in 1963. His sporting abilities were not limited to football and he was acclaimed as a first-rate cricketer and proficient in tennis among other sports [Dawn Nov 1963: 16; Dawn Dec 1960: 8; Canberra Times 1 Mar 1967: 29; Ramsland 2001: 103; Ramsland et al 2006: np]. Harry James Penrith (1936-1997) was born in 1936 at Wallaga Lake on the South Coast of NSW and was an Aboriginal activist, actor, author and talented sportsman. He spent his early years in children’s homes run by the Aborigines Welfare Board, including at Bomaderry Children’s Home and Kinchela. Penrith was promoted as a ‘poster boy’ for assimilation and his many educational and sporting achievements were reported in the Dawn. The talented athlete graduated from Kempsey High School and in 1956 was employed by the Department of Agriculture in Sydney and later Wagga Wagga. Despite outward signs of success, the institutionalisation experienced as a child began to affect his well-being and family life [Ramsland 2004: 103; Dawn May 1956: 19; Dawn July 1963].] Rejecting his European birth name in 1976 he adopted the traditional name of his Wurundjeri great-grandfather Burnum Burnum. Known as Burnum Burnum from the 1960s he was active in lobbying for Aboriginal rights and as a symbolic and personal gesture of defiance during the Australian Bicentennial Celebrations planted an Australian Aboriginal flag on the cliffs of Dover. The act was widely reported [Ramsland 2004: 94-95]. His many achievements included studying law at the University of Tasmania, winning a Churchill Scholarship, running for the Senate and working as the manager of Aboriginal Hostels. Burnum Burnum died in 1997. [Burnum Burnum 1936-1997 Biography NPG]. John Ramsland’s article ‘Bringing Up Harry Penrith’ provides a broad understanding of Burnum Burnum’s life and achievements [Ramsland 2004: 94-106] and a biography by Marlene Norst provides a more comprehensive history (Photograph 9) [1999]. 8


Excavation Report.


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Figure 16: Portrait of Burnum Burnum ‘author, rugby player, public servant, film actor and land rights activist’ taken in 1989 (Canberra Times 9 Mar 1989: 28). the wait was worthwhile.

Figure 17: Aerial photograph showing Cumberland Oval c.1950s, taken by Frank Hurley,

looking southeast. nla.obj-157515572. Sometime in the 1960s, the embankment around

Cumberland Oval was expanded and the watercourse associated with the former

government watermill and dam was filled in to expand the carpark area.

2.1.8 Parramatta (later Pirtek) Stadium

There was considerable public opposition to the redevelopment and expansion of Cumberland Oval following the fire as it was seen by many as the alienation of public parkland for a sectional sporting interest Notwithstanding these concerns, the government of the day proceeded with the proposal and in November 1984, the construction company Civil & Civic won the contract to design and build a new stadium on the site of Cumberland Oval. In November 1985, the stadium was complete, with a rectangular playing area several metres below the old Cumberland Oval surface. On 5 March 1986 the Parramatta Stadium was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and on 16 March the first NSW Rugby League premiership match was played at the ground with 26,870 people in attendance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_%26_Civic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II_of_the_United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSWRL_Premiership

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSWRL_Premiership


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Figures 18 and19: Opening of Parramatta Stadium in March 1986 by Queen Elizabeth II (left),

reproduced in Daily Telegraph 27 Aug 2015; and the first game at Parramatta Stadium after

its opening (right)http://www.austadiums.com/forum/viewtopic.

Rugby League

Parramatta Stadium was also used for various Rugby League matches including pre-season Sevens tournaments in 1989 and 1990, and a test match against France in 1994. Parramatta Eels have been the main Rugby League team to use the stadium as their home-ground for the NRL premiership season, since 1986. In 1995 and 1996, the ground was also used for the short-lived Sydney Tigers, (formerly Balmain Tigers). In 1997 the Sydney Tigers reverted to being the Balmain Tigers and moved back to Leichhardt Oval. Also in 1995, the Canterbury Bulldogs team changed their name to 'Sydney Bulldogs', and played their home games at the Parramatta Stadium. In 1996, they reverted to their original name and returned to Belmore Oval. The stadium was used as a host venue for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup and the 2010 Four Nations. Two of Ireland's 2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C games were played at Parramatta Stadium: one against Tonga and the other against Samoa. On 19 June 1992, the Parramatta Eels versus Great Britain Lions game on the Lions 1992 tour of Australasia attracted a crowd of 18,220, the largest non-Test match crowd of the Lions tour, with Parramatta winning 22–16. Rugby Union

A new generation of Aboriginal talent in rugby union emerged in the 1980s with some players furthering their contributions through coaching. In 2005 Gary Ella, a talented former Rugby Union player was appointed coach of Parramatta Two Blues Rugby Union Club [Koori Mail 6 Oct 2004: 71]. Born in La Perouse, Ella was one of three brothers to play for Randwick Firsts, going on to play with the Wallabies. [‘Parramatta Sponsorship Proposal’ 2008: 3]. After retiring from his playing career Ella coached NSW and Australian Under 19 sides and was then engaged as assistant coach of the NSW Waratahs [‘John Brewer’s Directory of Players: Randwick Rugby Club’ website, c2008].

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_league_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parramatta_Eels

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NRL

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmain_Tigers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leichhardt_Oval

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury_Bulldogs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belmore_Oval

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Rugby_League_World_Cup

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Four_Nations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Four_Nations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_league_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Rugby_League_World_Cup_Group_C

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga_national_rugby_league_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_league_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Britain_Lions

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Great_Britain_Lions_tour_of_Australasia


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Figures 20 to 24: Arthur ‘Artie’ Beetson 1979-80 (Tatz & Tatz 1996) Steve Ella 1979-88 (Tatz &

Tatz 1996) David Liddiard 1983-85,1988-89 (David Liddiard Group); Glen Liddiard 1988-91

(Telegraph Mirror Mar 1991) Dean Widders 2002-2006 (ABC News posted 20 May 2005)

In 2014 the Club launched a Reconciliation Action Plan acknowledging the importance of sport and the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in working towards reconciliation. The Plan recognised the Club’s long history within communities in particular the Aboriginal community of Parramatta as representatives of the traditional custodians of the land on which the Club is located. The Plan affirmed the role played in the development of the Club on and off the field and expressed a commitment to maintaining and developing relationships at all levels of the NRL. In 2014 the Club had 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and two staff members [‘Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-2015,’ Parramatta Eels]. Running since 2014, Aboriginal women participate in the Aboriginal Women’s All Stars Rugby League team competing at a yearly festival [Rugby League Week 9 Feb 2015]. 9 On 18 September 1997 two Rugby World Cup qualifiers–Western Samoa vs Tonga and Australia vs Fiji were played at Parramatta Stadium. A number of NSW rugby union club matches were played at the ground between 2001 and 2002. Australia A also played a match against Canada in 2002 at Parramatta Stadium. During 2007, Parramatta Stadium was also the home ground for the Western Sydney Rams club side that participated in the now defunct Australian Rugby Championship. The Stadium (renamed Pirtek Stadium) remained the home ground of the Parramatta Eels until its closure in 2016 for redevelopment. Soccer

On 20 May 1990, the 1989–90 National Soccer League Grand Final between western Sydney based clubs, Sydney Olympic and the Marconi Stallions, was played at the venue. Between 1999 and 2004, the stadium was home to Parramatta Power, a National Soccer League (NSL) club owned and operated by the Parramatta Leagues Club (owner of the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club). With the announcement of the demise of the NSL and the creation of the A-League, the club was wound-up at the end of the 2003–04 season. Parramatta Power contested the last ever NSL Grand Final against Perth Glory at the stadium. The ground hosted seven NSL Grand Final matches, in 1986 (second leg), 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 2001 and 2004. In April 2007,

9 Comber Consultants, 2019, Western Sydney Stadium, SSDA7534 MOD1, Aboriginal Archaeological

Excavation Report.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga_national_rugby_union_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_Rugby_Union

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_Rugby_Union

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_A_national_rugby_union_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_national_rugby_union_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Sydney_Rams

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Rugby_Championship

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_National_Soccer_League

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Olympic_FC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marconi_Stallions_FC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parramatta_Power_SC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Soccer_League

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Soccer_League

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parramatta_Eels

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-League

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_National_Soccer_League

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_Glory_FC


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Sydney FC played one game in the AFC Champions League against Persik Kediri at Parramatta Stadium. In February 2010, during the 2009–10 A-League season, Sydney FC defeated Perth Glory 3–2. The game had been moved from the Sydney Football Stadium due to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. On 26 July 2012, the new A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers announced a five-year deal with Parramatta Stadium, and made its debut with a crowd of 10,458. On 25 October 2014, the stadium hosted the first leg of the 2014 AFC Champions League Final between Western Sydney Wanderers and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. On 23 March 2013, the third A-League Sydney derby saw the highest A-League attendance at Parramatta Stadium, with 19,585 turning out for the occasion, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Western Sydney Wanderers, along with their active support group the ‘Red and Black Bloc’ campaigned for the installation of German-style rail seating to enable safe standing in the northern stands as part of the 2015 refurbishment. In 2013, the club imported seven sets of rail seats and worked with Parramatta Stadium to perform a test installation. The proposed installation would have been the first safe seating in the country, in any sport. However, it did not move past the planning stage. Baseball

Baseball has also been played at Parramatta Stadium with the Sydney Blues playing home matches there. The Sydney Blues entered the Australian Baseball League in 1992 and played at Parramatta Stadium to much controversy, having a short home run fence in right field. The Sydney Blues were later known as the Sydney Storm who also played some games at Parramatta, until the collapse of the Australian Baseball League in 1999.

2.1.9 Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool

Before the advent of formal swimming facilities in Parramatta, early residents swam unprotected in the Parramatta River until the construction of the Centennial Baths next to Lennox Bridge. It was here that Dick Cavill introduced the overarm freestyle swimming stroke popularly referred to as the ‘Australian crawl’ in the 1890s. However, by the 1930s, the Baths had fallen into disrepair and closed. An alternative to swimming in Parramatta River (particularly at Little Coogee) and Lake Parramatta came with the completion of a new’ Olympic’ pool at Granville in 1936. In 1954, Parramatta Council approved a proposal for the erection of a new pool in Parramatta. A suitable site was identified just west of the King’s School, bounded by O’Connell Street and Cumberland Oval and the community was encouraged to offset the cost by donating funds. Local architects Figgs, Cowell, Ham and Jefferson were engaged to design the pool and its ancillary facilities and the tender for construction was awarded to Crystal Pools. The first stage of Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre, completed at a cost of £140,000, was opened on Saturday 24 October 1959 before a crowd of 5,000 people. Intended to be one of the major swim centres in the Sydney area, it was built as a useful and living memorial to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War II. It also coincided with the prevailing civic philosophy of encouraging healthy sporting pursuits which could be enjoyed across a wide cross section of the

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_FC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_AFC_Champions_League

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persik_Kediri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_Glory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Football_Stadium

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Football_Stadium

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Sydney_Wanderers_FC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_AFC_Champions_League_Final

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Hilal_FC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Derby_(A-League)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Sydney_Wanderers_FC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_support

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_standing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Blues

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Baseball_League_(1989-1999)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Storm


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community and the expanding residential development of western Sydney. It reflected the increased interest in swimming following the success of Australian swimmers at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and a growing appreciation that it was the responsibility of local government to provide such an amenity as a necessary community facility. The opening ceremony, which included the dedication of a plaque unveiled by Mayor, Alderman Eric Mobbs, included a swimwear fashion parade featuring ‘mermaids in nylon’, organised by local department store, Murray Brothers and compered by popular radio personality, Terry Dear. A highlight of the proceedings was a demonstration swim by local and recent Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, John Devitt, a former Parramatta Marist High School student, along with other successful swimmers including Ilsa and John Konrads. Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre has functioned as a community swimming centre for competitive and instructional sport, recreation and a place for individuals, schools, special interest groups and family groups to gather and participate in swimming activities. The pool was built by Crystal Pools (established 1957) for Parramatta Council using reinforced concrete and the latest water-proofing and filtration technology. The cost was offset with donations from the community. H C De Lowe and O’Keefe who surveyed the site donated their fee to Council. Then managing director of the Ford Motor Company in Australia, Canadian-born Charles Smith, who competed against Australian Olympic swimmer, the late Sir Frank Beaurepaire, donated £100. Additional funds were raised when two Holden cars were auctioned through an Art Union established specifically for pool fund-raising and tax-deductible donations were offered as war memorial gifts. In 1960, 2 smaller pools for learners and waders were completed and officially opened by John Devitt who had now added further Olympic glory to his name at the Rome Olympic Games. The popularity of the new pool was evident when, in 1961, Parramatta Council reported a slump in attendances at its Granville pool. Patrons, preferring the sparkling new facility at Parramatta, rose in numbers from 299,893 in 1959/60 to 315,562 the following year. Further expansion continued with a new entry foyer and administration block added in 1962 and a diving pool and tower completed in 1966. However, proposed features including a cafeteria and restaurant, war memorial clock tower and enclosed pool were never realised. A car park was created in 1972. In 1987 a water slide was added, and extensive repairs and maintenance undertaken in 1998/9 before the pool closed for a major upgrade in 2007. On 25 September 2008, the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre was re-opened by the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Paul Barber, following a $9.5 million refurbishment by the original construction company, Crystal Pools. The renovated aquatic centre now comprises 3 pools including a 10-lane, 50 metre swimming pool, a diving tower, and children’s swimming facilities. Users include local swim clubs, school carnivals, Learn to Swim classes and locals enjoying social recreation, particularly during the sweltering summer season. Parramatta Swimming Centre is one of a declining number of outdoor Council-operated swimming pools


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as many are de-commissioned and their sites sold for redevelopment; or rebuilt in enclosed multi-sport facilities. Annual attendance is currently 250,000, with an additional 1,900 attending swim school programs. The Centre was recognised on the NSW Register of War Memorials, a joint venture between the NSW Government and the Returned Services League (RSL) to record the war memorials across NSW. In 2016, the NSW Government announced the closure of the Centre and its demolition as part of the WSS development and despite strong public opposition, the Centre closed in 2017. Plans for a replacement pool are currently under discussion.

Figures 25 and 26: Plaque commemorating the opening of the Parramatta War Memorial

Swimming Pool, 1956, http://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au (left); Parramatta

Swimming Centre following the 2008 refurbishment, City of Parramatta Council website,

accessed online.

2.1.10 Recent Stadium history and upgrade

In December 2002, work began on converting the formerly grassed hill areas (The Brett Kenny Hill and The Peter Sterling Hill) into seated terrace areas (holding 4,500 spectators). This redevelopment reduced the ground's capacity to 21,500, down from the previous capacity of 27,000. Parramatta Stadium announced on 9 October 2013, that for the first time in the history of the stadium it would take on a naming rights sponsor. Pirtek, a hydraulics company with origins in Western Sydney, became the sponsors of the stadium and the stadium became known officially as "Pirtek Stadium". Most recently it was the home ground of the Parramatta Eels (NRL), the Western Sydney Wanderers (A League) and the Greater Sydney Rams (Rugby Union). Parramatta Stadium has also served as a major event venue in western Sydney for entertainment, (including Michael Jackson’s Bad World concert on 21 November 1987 and Paul McCartney’s New World Tour on 22 and 23 March 1993) and for corporate, cultural and community events.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Kenny

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sterling

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirtek


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Figure 27: Fans attending Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour concert at Parramatta Stadium in 1987.

After the conversion to an all-seater stadium, plans to further expand Parramatta Stadium were originally initiated in May 2007. The Parramatta Stadium Trust announced plans to build a new southern stand with room for 2,700 extra patrons as well as a players’ change room and gym. The plan did not proceed, and no construction was undertaken. In 2010, a commission to establish a "Master Plan" for the future development of the stadium was initiated. The master plan, had it been enacted, would have increased the stadium capacity to 31,300 seats and extensively redeveloped the facilities for players, corporate sponsors, the media and supporters.[ On 2 July 2013, the Australian Federal Government, the New South Wales State Government and Parramatta City Council announced an expansion for the stadium. A pre-existing fund of $8 million for upgrading the stadium was combined with $20 million of new funding, with the expansion expected to increase the capacity of the stadium to 24,700. In June 2014 the NSW State Government embarked on a citywide "Stadium Plan", intended to increase investment in small suburban grounds and direct funding to a small number of new modern facilities. This plan was developed as the Parramatta Stadium refurbishment, delivering new corporate hospitality facilities, player facilities, food and drink outlets, bathrooms, training field and gym facilities, all of which were located in the main grandstand. These improvements were completed in mid-2015, but the recommendation for additional seating at either end of the ground stalled pending a decision on where Parramatta would stand in the new stadium plan. In September 2015, the New South Wales Government announced that the stadium would be replaced with a new 30,000 seat venue on the same site. In 2016, fans were offered the chance to acquire a piece of the Stadium’s history prior to its demolition. In order to achieve the larger stadium capacity, the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, adjacent to the former Pirtek Stadium was also demolished.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parramatta_Stadium#cite_note-8


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Figure 28: In 2016, the Parramatta Eels played their last match on their home ground in the

Pirtek Stadium; Parramatta Eels website, accessed online

Figure 29: Western Sydney Stadium (to be known as Bankwest Stadium) is scheduled for

opening in April 2019

3. VISION FOR WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM

3.1 A new facility for Western Sydney

Venues NSW is a statutory authority established in 2012 under the Sporting Venues

Authorities Act 2008 and sits within the NSW Office of Sport. It is currently within the portfolio responsibility of the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Sport, Minister for WestConnex and Minister for Western Sydney. Venues NSW is the owner, coordinator and promoter of a portfolio of publicly-owned sports and entertainment venues in NSW. It raises revenue through commercial activities such as hiring venues to sports and entertainment organisations, event ticketing, hospitality and catering sales, and through advertising, leasing, membership naming rights and sponsorship arrangements. Venues NSW is governed by a Board of Management charged with setting the strategic direction and has responsibility for the performance of the authority. Its brief is to take an integrated approach to the development of stadia, bringing together users, services and resources to coordinate key projects and programs as well as making partnerships between the venue, the Codes, the audiences, local businesses, NSW Government agencies and community groups. Venues NSW, on behalf of the NSW Government is the owner and administrator of the new Western Sydney Stadium at Parramatta. Its day-to-day management will be overseen by the appointed stadium operator, VenuesLive.


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WSS replaces the Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta which was demolished in February 2017 to make way for construction of the new state of the art stadium, due to open in the first semester of 2019. As a consequence of this redevelopment, the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool was also demolished. In addition to the stadium, with seating capacity for 30,000 people, the new complex will provide four levels of corporate and function spaces and feature advanced digital technology to provide an exceptional spectator experience.

3.2 Understanding the significance of the site

The 21st century vision for WSS is underpinned by the significance of the site, its ancient history and its sporting associations with Western Sydney. The site adjoins the buffer zone of the Old Government House World Heritage area (including the former Governor’s Domain) and is partially located within the State Heritage Register (SHR) curtilage of Parramatta Park and Old Government House, an historic cultural landscape with significant built, landscape and both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal archaeological values. Aboriginal archaeological excavation at the WSS site in 2017 added to our understanding of the site. This excavation recovered over 1500 artefacts from a high sand terrace flanking the Parramatta River, evidence of occupation of over 7,000 years. It also revealed a quantity of glass artefacts which confirm site occupation which continued into the contact period. The artefacts recovered through excavation are important for education and research purposes and the cultural protocols associated with the significance of the artefacts to the Aboriginal people must be respected. This was addressed through the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan: Post Excavation by Comber Consultants 2019.

The colonial history of the site, particularly relating to the former Government farm and watermill and the associated water engineering efforts, strengthens our understanding of the agricultural context of the development of Parramatta. Archaeological evidence uncovered during the testing process has added to the understanding of the remnant and buried landscape of the Government farm and watermill. This information is important in the context of the broader history and development of Parramatta and for its connections to water engineering works on the adjoining Parramatta North site. Specific evidence relating to soil types and profiles, pollen as evidence of plant species help to interpret not only agricultural practices at the site but also the wider picture of the landscape, climate and changing habitats. The WSS site has had an unbroken connection to a diverse range of organised sporting activities since 1847 and has a strong attachment to the people of Western Sydney. The community hold the association and long tradition of sporting activities in high esteem. As a location for venues and facilities supporting a range of sport, recreation, leisure and spectatorship, it is associated with sports men and women, young and old whose passion, determination, pride and loyalty to sporting codes is evidenced by their many achievements. The site is also significant for its tangible and intangible values associated with the playing of sport and the emotional highs and lows of feelings of pride, victory and defeat of competitors, coaches and spectators.


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3.2.1 Historical Archaeology results

Purpose of the Historical Archaeological Testing Program

The main purpose of the historical archaeological testing program for the Western Sydney Stadium was to ensure the in situ conservation of the fragile and ephemeral archaeology of the Government Farm situated across the southern project area and the archaeology of the Government Watermill and mill dam. Therefore, the interpretation of the historical archaeology program will focus on the known historical activities that were undertaken within this area rather than any actual findings or artefacts:

1. The Government Farm (c.1789 to 1807), its purpose and survival within the landscape and its role is the survival of the early British colony (Interpretation Location 1).

2. The role of the Government Watermill and dam, the first successful watermill established on the mainland (Interpretation Location 4).

These findings have informed the updated Statement of Significance (Casey & Lowe 2017 draft to be finalised with final archaeology report) for the project area.

Results of Testing

The following information addressing the outcome of the historical archaeological excavation of testing trenches is summarised in the report Historical Archaeological Testing Western Sydney Stadium (draft) prepared by Casey & Lowe, 2017. This report is currently being updated. The results of historical archaeological testing at the Western Sydney Stadium Site were:

▪ No evidence was found of the Government watermill or dam in the two test pits located in the northern part of the site. Nor were any historic soils encountered at the proposed construction levels.

▪ During the original four phases of testing within the Playing Field area no direct evidence was uncovered of any structures relating to the State significant Government Farm or in the area of the proposed stadium basement to the immediate north. Recent testing in the Southern Carpark (September 2018) found evidence of a brick structure/scatter associated with the Government Farm.

▪ Apart from this brick deposit/structure encountered during archaeological testing, no further structures were encountered, but the initial assessment and further spatial data analysis undertaken during the archaeological testing indicate that any physical, archaeological remnants of the Government Farm buildings, conserved in situ under the southern training field and southern carpark, are likely to be as follows:

o Two buildings, a granary and barn, located at the southern limit of the playing field portion of the site,

o Two cottages located just outside the southern boundary of the site, o A building of unknown use is located partially in the protected part of

the playing field and partially in the carpark to the east, o Two more buildings, one of which is possibly another barn, are located

in the area of the southern carpark. ▪ No direct evidence was uncovered of the locally significant, 19th-century

park pavilion.


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▪ 51 postholes/ stakeholes and 10 planting pits were uncovered, tested and recorded. However, no obvious alignments were found in regard to the postholes, while only six of the planting pits could be described as aligned and therefore potentially contemporary.

▪ Historic topsoil was found throughout the proposed basement and Government Farm area. The topsoil may have been truncated or modified by later activities relating to the site’s use as a racecourse, park and playing fields. No agricultural ridges or furrows were encountered, in section or in plan, in any of the Test Pits/Trenches.

Statement of Significance - Historical Archaeology

This site is within a remnant landscape which was used for agricultural and

productive purposes through the operation of the group of early farm buildings

which formed the core of the Government Farm (c.1789-1807), and the Government

Watermill (c.1801-1820) with its mill dam and races. The Farm is the first successful

agriculture grown in the new British colony and the watermill is the first on mainland

Australia. They are considered to be unique as part of the success of agriculture

and food production in Parramatta. The archaeology of the site is associated with

governors Hunter and King, who both sought to stop the corrupting power of the

civilian and military officers by providing other strategies to combat their influences,

as well as Henry Dodd who ran the Government Farm, Nathanial Lucas, Rev. Samuel

Marsden and George Caley. The remnant colonial landscape formed a central

element for siting the watermill and allows us to read how the mill operated within

this landscape and offers a rare example of aesthetic/technical values from the

beginnings of British colonial settlement.

The archaeology of the farm and watermill should be able to testify to, exemplify,

and offer insight into the history of this place, especially when examined through

properly defined archaeological research questions, such as those relating to:

survival of the British Colony, technology of farming and watermills, the changing

landscape of Parramatta from 1788 to modern times, and agricultural settlement

and contact between Aboriginal People and British colonists. They need to be read

as part of a rare landscape of lost agriculture and technical practices which hardly

survive, other than perhaps on Norfolk Island. Therefore, this site is part of a State and

Nationally significant archaeological and remnant landscape belonging to the

beginnings of colonial Australia.

This information has been used to inform the interpretation at the relevant locations proposed in Section 6.1. There were no artefacts of any significance which could be displayed as an outcome of these excavations.

3.2.2 Aboriginal Archaeology results

Aboriginal archaeological testing and salvage was undertaken in accordance with the Office of Environment & Heritage’s Code of Practice for Archaeological Investigation of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales, prior to bulk excavation. The test and salvage excavations were undertaken by Comber Consultants from 3rd July to 25th August 2017 and detailed in Comber Consultants, 2019, Western Sydney Stadium, SSD 7534 MOD1, Aboriginal Archaeological Excavation Report Over 1,500 Aboriginal stone artefacts were retrieved. Aboriginal artefacts made from glass were also uncovered, indicating that Aboriginal people occupied the site


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during early Colonial settlement. The majority of the artefacts were found within a low rise which overlooked the Parramatta River with the ground sloping towards the Parramatta River. The artefacts have been analysed, photographed and catalogued and will be deposited with the Australian Museum for curation until Parramatta City Council has a suitable repository. Evidence of the Parramatta Terrace Sand, a significant geological and cultural feature was also uncovered. This program of archaeological excavation confirmed the presence of Aboriginal objects, indicating that Aboriginal people were occupying and gathering resources within the study area. There is evidence for a change over time in the use of raw materials suggesting a long and ongoing Aboriginal occupation from over 7,500 years ago until the early 1800s. The evidence suggests that Aboriginal people adapted to changing environmental conditions including modifying their lithic technologies. The types of stone material also indicate that trade with people from other areas was occurring. This evidence is exceptionally significant, indicating continuous occupation and association with the study area over an exceptionally long period of time. It shows ingenuity in the use of raw materials such as stone and glass. Sufficient evidence was uncovered to allow a comparative analysis of other sites within Parramatta to allow the Aboriginal occupation of Parramatta to be understood. The artefacts recovered from the excavation will be considered for onsite display as requested by the Registered Aboriginal Parties. This information has been used to inform the interpretation at the relevant locations proposed in Section 6.1.

3.2.3 Significance to the Aboriginal sporting community

Aboriginal people feel strongly about the site, their connections to the site and the long tradition of Aboriginal sportsmanship on the site. This has been reflected in consultation with stakeholders representing the Aboriginal communities in Western Sydney and evidenced by the research and archaeological investigation of the site. The WSS site is important to Aboriginal people for the contribution of former and contemporary sportsmen and women who have played on the site. The following information has been provided by Comber Consultants 11.

‘Aboriginal Women in Sport Although Aboriginal women and girls participate in sport in Parramatta, they face similar challenges to other women in sport in Australia. Women’s sports attract less sponsorship and government funding than male sports and have more difficulty in accessing good facilities or getting regular media coverage. Although not linked to Parramatta a number of Aboriginal women have played in sport at State level and some at International level. There remains a need for educational programs to encourage more girls, including Aboriginal


Excavation Report.


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girls, to participate. Colin Tatz’ Aborigines in Sport discusses the challenges facing Aboriginal women in sport as well as recording the achievements of the Aboriginal Women who have made significant contributions to sport in Australia. [Mosely et al 1997: 227; Tatz 1987 95-102].

Aboriginal Players in Sport in Parramatta The history of Aboriginal sport in Parramatta reveals as much about sporting achievement as it does about other aspects of Aboriginal history. Any discussion is not restricted to the boundary of what is now the city of Parramatta and extends beyond it. it is possible that some Aboriginal sportspeople have not been included in this history. Many of the sportspeople whose achievements have been examined were not traditionally from Parramatta however their contribution to the Aboriginal sporting history of the locality remains significant. In the nineteenth century traditional skills had a place in community athletic demonstrations at Parramatta providing opportunities to share them with urbanised Aboriginal communities. Demonstrations and celebration of traditional skills at community events also contributed to the non-Aboriginal community’s understanding of one aspect of Aboriginal culture of which most knew very little.

As illustrated, many of the Aboriginal sportspeople linked to Parramatta during and after their careers have made significant contributions to the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community, through activism, education, health and welfare, utilising sport as a pathway. In the twenty first century despite the wealth of talent Aboriginal players continue to bring to teams and sports, players still contend with racism from other players, officials and spectators, on and off the field. The contributions to the community of many of the sportspeople after their playing careers had ended make their achievements all the more significant.’ Like cricket, documentation about the participation of Aboriginal men and women in football in Parramatta in the nineteenth and early twentieth century is scarce. As pointed out by Colin Tatz there is no doubt that prejudice led to the exclusion of Aboriginal players in Rugby League before, during and immediately after World War II; a statement that can be equally applied to other codes of football and to other organised sports. The NSW State Government policy restricting Aboriginal people to reserves and missions in rural areas and limiting their movement outside of them prevented participation in organised sport. The number of Aboriginal players in Sydney was also small. While suburban football clubs were slow to welcome Aboriginal players, the Aboriginal community established the Redfern All Blacks in 1930, drawing players from rural New South Wales and southern Queensland [Tatz 1995: 192, 195]. Due to exclusion from local teams and other restrictions there were few opportunities for Aboriginal participation in football until the second half of the twentieth century. The documentary record suggests that while participation in sport in urban areas remained low, it was increasingly being encouraged and appears to have been more inclusive in regional and rural areas. Talented players from these areas were later invited to play at city or suburban clubs where they furthered their sporting careers, and where many


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excelled. The career trajectory for Aboriginal players moving from the country, or other States, to the city is evident in the history of Parramatta football teams. 12

Interpretation of the significance of the site of Western Sydney Stadium is intended to address all the aspects identified in the sections above. It will incorporate the findings of archaeological investigations relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage and the British history of the site, as shown in Section 6.1, and provide for the ongoing and future addition of the site’s sporting history through the Boulevard of Legends.

4. UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF RECOGNITION IN SPORT The following section discusses the context for interpretation through recognition of athletes and those whose professional work supports their sporting endeavours. It illustrates, with examples, approaches adopted at national, state, local and code level. This information has been included to help identify the appropriate level of recognition, the criteria for nominating inductees and the selection process for the Boulevard of Legends at WSS. It has been included because there are currently other avenues for recognising sporting legends and while nominations may duplicate other forms of recognition in other locations, specific associations with WSS should be mandatory.

4.1 Recognition of sporting achievement

Sport is a defining and dominant feature of Australian social culture and children are taught in school and club sports from a young age that the pursuit of excellence at the highest level in an individual’s chosen sport is consistent with a commitment to fair play. Sport serves as an inspiration to the youth of Australia to be active, to set goals and to achieve them. It fosters an appreciation of the nation's sporting heritage and achievements and encourages sporting heroes to act responsibly as role models, ensuring that younger members of Australian communities strive to uphold a value system based on respect, fairness, inclusivity and commitment. The practice of honouring Australian sporting legends who have achieved local, state, national and international fame in competitive sports takes a number of forms, These include:

• recognition in the Australian Honours and Awards scheme,

• admission to sporting halls and walks of fame, legends, champions and

immortals,

• naming of sporting facilities, and

• sporting code medals and awards at all levels of participation.

In 2000, the year of the Sydney Olympic Games, a national Australian Sports medal was given to over 18,000 people, including competitors, coaches, sports scientists, office holders, and people who maintained sporting facilities and services, making it the largest award for sportsmen and women and those in roles supporting those sports of its kind in Australia.


Excavation Report.


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4.1.1 National recognition

Sport Australia Hall of Fame in Melbourne provides national recognition of Australia’s greatest sports men and women from all sports and those in roles supporting athletes. Membership is open to athletes who have competed at the top level of competition in their chosen sport and for those in sports administration, coaching, training, media, sports science, medicine and technology as well as umpires, referees and judges. 13 Membership status can be elevated to ‘Legend’ to honour outstanding achievements. Nomination for Athlete Membership is open to anyone or any organisation who has competed at the highest level of competition in their chosen sport. Selection for General Membership acknowledges excellence and outstanding achievements in roles which support sports participants. The application process clearly identifies the selection criteria.14 The Selection Committee comprises Members who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame and one external ‘sports expert’ chosen for his or her extensive knowledge. Each recipient Member is identified with a photographic plaque, their date/s of competition or service achievement and an icon denoting their field of sport. The plaques are displayed in the National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Figure 30: Plaques honouring Australian sporting Athletes and Members inducted into the

Sport Australia Hall of Fame, National Sports Museum, Melbourne.

The Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame was an initiative of Chris Clark, a

director of an Aboriginal-owned and operated sports complex in Condobolin, NSW

13 https://www.sahof.org.au/ 14 https://www.sahof.org.au/nomination/nomination-information/


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which led to the publication of a book, Black diamonds: the Aboriginal and Islander

Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. A subsequent publication with additions to the Hall of

Fame, Black Gold the Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame was published in

1999. By 2018, 276 Aboriginal and Islanders sports men and women have been

acknowledged for their contribution to Australian and international sport.

4.1.2 State recognition

The NSW Hall of Champions was established at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in 1979 to honour athletes from NSW and currently includes 372 men and women across 55 sporting codes. Among the inductees are sportsmen and women who have been associated with sporting codes represented in Olympic sporting competition. Athletes are nominated once a year for inclusion in the Hall of Champions by peak NSW sporting bodies. They are short-listed by the Hall of Champions Selection Committee, with final approval by the NSW Minister for Sport. An interactive touch screen located in the Hall of Champions provides more information on each athlete.

Figure 31: NSW Sporting Hall of Fame at Sydney Olympic Park

Sporting achievement recognition in other Australian states is managed by similar

state government authorities, at the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame; Northern

Territory Hall of Champions; Queensland Sport Hall of Fame; South Australia Sport Hall

of Fame; ACT Sport Hall of Fame and Western Australian Hall of Champions. While

these facilities honour individuals and teams on a state basis, methods of nomination

and selection vary slightly across these organisations.

4.1.3 Local recognition

Sporting ‘walks of fame’ are often favoured by local communities as a means of

recognising the achievements of sports people prominent in local communities and

whose participation promotes the locality, town or region. The administration

associated with the nomination and selection of inductees generally favours a local

committee with civic, sporting, community and business representation. The

preferred delivery is an embedded bronze plaque or inscribed brick paver in a

landscape setting, often associated with a sporting facility or main street.


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Figure 32: The Shire of Baw Baw Victoria, established a sporting walk of fame to honour

sportspeople who have resided in the shire. This image does not reflect the actual pavement

placement.

4.1.4 Code recognition

Individual sporting organisations have also developed their own forms of recognition

for sports men and women, specific to their sporting code. The National Rugby

League (NRL) Commission has over 30 categories of recognition for professional

Rugby League players ranging from those who reach 100 NRL games, top tier

awards such as the Dally M Medal and induction into the NRL Hall of Fame (new

inductees added every 4 years) where members can be enshrined as ‘Immortals’.

Figure 33: Rugby League Museum exhibits associated with the Hall of Fame at Rugby League

Central, Moore Park, Sydney. Of the 13 ‘Immortals’, 2 former coaches associated with

Parramatta Eels, Artie Beetson and Norm Provan, have been honoured.


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The Football Federation of Australia (formerly the Australian Soccer Federation) has

an annual award system for recognising outstanding achievements by men and

women in soccer, futsal, and beach soccer and maintains an online register of the

names of recipients and a profile of their achievements.

Figure 34: Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame acknowledges inductees annually with

an award presentation and an online record.

4.1.5 Home ground, stadia and halls of fame at sporting facilities

Figure 35: The Rugby League Museum memorabilia associated with the inductees of

Immortals and the Hall of Fame at Rugby League Central, Moore Park, Sydney


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Figure 36: ACT Sport Hall of Fame at the University of Canberra sporting complex honours the

contribution of athletes from the ACT.

In Brisbane, former Origin Greats have created a State of Origin Walk of Fame at

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane which honours every player who has won the

Queensland maroon jersey and played for their State.

Figure 37: Embedded plaque on Suncorp Stadium’s State of Origin Walk of Fame. Every

player who has worn the Queensland maroon jersey in Origin has a plaque showing the

number of games played, the years played and their Queensland playing number (in

chronological order).

In 2016, the Central Coast Sports Federation launched a Walk of Fame for Central

Coast Stadium to connect the stadium with Gosford CBD. This has yet to be

developed.


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4.1.6 Club recognition

Individual sporting clubs maintain their own methods for recognising the outstanding

sporting achievements of their members. The following example illustrates how the

Parramatta Eels Club, which has signed an agreement with WSS operator,

VenuesLive, to use WSS as their home ground, has honoured the achievements of its

players. Parramatta Leagues Club administers the Eels Hall of Fame for its sporting

legends with two categories of recognition:

Champion of Parramatta:

Michael Cronin OAM (elevated 2014) Eels Hall of Fame Legends:

Ken Thornett (inducted 2002) Neville Glover OAM (inducted 2002) Michael Cronin OAM (inducted 2002) Steve Ella (inducted 2002) Eric Grothe (inducted 2002) Brett Kenny (inducted 2002) Peter Sterling OAM (inducted 2002) Ray Price OAM (inducted 2002) Peter Wynn (inducted 2002) Dick Thornett (inducted 2002) Bob O’Reilly (inducted 2002) Steve Edge (inducted 2002) Dean Pay (inducted 2002) Jack Gibson OAM (inducted 2002) Ron Lynch (inducted 2003) Billy Rayner (inducted 2004) Brian Hambly (inducted 2005) Ron Hilditch (inducted 2006) Barry Rushworth (inducted 2007) Denis Fitzgerald AM (inducted 2008) Ian Johnston (inducted 2009) Geoff Gerard (inducted 2010) Ray Higgs (inducted 2011) Jack Argent (inducted 2014) Nathan Cayless (inducted 2014) Nathan Hindmarsh (inducted 2018)

The Football Federation of Australia’s A-League team, Western Sydney Wanderers, has also signed with WSS as their home ground. The Wanderers were formed in 2012 and no admission to the FFA Hall of Fame has yet included a player from that club.

[Note: NRL’s Wests Tigers and NSW Rugby Union’s NSW Waratahs have signed as minor tenants with less significant long-term or home ground attachment to WSS so

have not been included in this overview.].


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4.2 Establishing the Boulevard of Legends at WSS

From the summary in Section 4.1, it can be concluded that the role of a hall of fame or walk of legends is to recognise and enshrine players, coaches, umpires, administrators, experts in supporting disciplines (including sports medicine and technology) and media representatives who have made an outstanding contribution to their sporting code and who have competed at the highest level of competition available in their chosen sport. The WSS site is recognised as having tangible and intangible significance to former occupiers of this land. In establishing the Boulevard of Legends, it is appropriate that reference is made to these heritage values of the WSS site which is significant for its Aboriginal connections to country and Aboriginal sportsmanship. Plaques at the start of the Boulevard should establish its chronological context, specifically addressing these two key associations: The patronage of WSS will draw heavily on the Western Sydney community which is distinguished by its racial diversity. The Northern Entry and the Boulevard of Legends provide opportunities to celebrate inclusiveness and racial diversity of participants and spectators at WSS. As part of this, it can offer an opportunity to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Australians and the Darug people as the traditional owners of the land on which WSS – and the Boulevard of Legends – is located. It should recognise their culture, history and diversity, pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge more recent Aboriginal connections to the land through sport and players associated with the site. The site is also significant for its associations for over 170 years with organised sporting competitions including horse racing, cricket, motor sports, amateur athletics, rugby league, soccer, rugby union and baseball. A feature of WSS will be a pedestrian boulevard connecting O’Connell Street with the Stadium. This public domain space will be known as the Boulevard of Legends. Creating the Boulevard of Legends at WSS provides an opportunity to celebrate the place of popular sport in the lives of the community. It will honour the achievements of those associated with sporting triumphs on the site since 1847 and those of present and future generations whose sporting careers are intertwined with sporting codes in Western Sydney. which have WSS as their home ground. This initiative will have three important outcomes, namely:

• the sporting culture of Western Sydney and historical traditions directly associated with the WSS site will also be recognised as having significance to the sporting traditions in western Sydney and the growth and development of sport in NSW;

• WSS will become a focal point for the recognition of Australians whose sporting achievements promote the values which sporting codes champion and inspire others to attain; and

• contribute to the furthering of our Australian identity and pride.


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The Boulevard of Legends will feature names of sporting greats significant to Western Sydney which will be recorded in the paving of the hard landscaping of the pedestrian boulevard.

Figure 38: Location of the Boulevard of Legends extending along the pedestrian avenue

from O’Connell Street to the Stadium

Figure 39: Location of the Boulevard of Legends along the northern edge of WSS, shown as a

red line to the right.


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4.3 Criteria for nomination for induction to the Boulevard of Legends

The Boulevard of Legends provides an opportunity for historical and contemporary recognition of sporting achievements on the WSS site. Specific selection criteria can ensure that nominations do not compete with, or replicate, other forms of recognition, but instead, enhance each inductee’s connection with Western Sydney. Each of the organisations surveyed in the preceding section have different processes for nominating and selecting inductees, different criteria against which each nomination is judged and different levels of recognition. Inductees to the NRL Hall of Fame for example, are assessed on a complex formula of ‘metrics of excellence’ which uses an aggregate of points achieved during an individual’s career as a weighting system to filter applications and an equalisation process to ensure retrospective parity for players from different historical periods of the code. The Sport Australia Hall of Fame assess applications against set criteria, underpinned by a set of attributes and values including courage, sportsmanship, integrity, mateship, persistence, excellence, generosity, modesty, pride and ambition. The following criteria for nomination and a selection process are proposed, based on comparative analysis of similar examples of recognition in Australia and with regard to specific association with Western Sydney.

4.3.1 Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for induction to the Boulevard of Legends, the following criteria apply to the nomination of inductees, as a minimum requirement: Nominees must:

• be Australians; • celebrate gender and racial diversity and include sports people of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander origin; • demonstrate outstanding achievements in their chosen sport in Western

Sydney in competition, including representing their team, state and/or country;

• have retired from competition for a minimum of five years; and • continue to exhibit a high standard of personal integrity, sportsmanship and

character.

4.3.2 Selection criteria

A number of criteria are proposed to ensure the method of considering proposals for nominating nominees and in turn, selecting inductees is fair and transparent: Nominees may include individual elite athletes and/or teams who have competed at the highest level of competition in sporting codes which are played at WSS; and people who are recognised for their excellence and outstanding achievements in roles which significantly support athletes in Western Sydney and who enhance the status of Australian sport, including but not limited to sports administration, coaching and training, refereeing, judging and umpiring, sports medicine, science and technology, media, and history.


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Nominees must have the support and respect of their peers and the community and have demonstrated integrity, sportsmanship, achievements and good character. Nominees should not be considered for induction to the Boulevard of Legends until a five-year waiting period following retirement has elapsed. The performance of a particularly outstanding athletic achievement may warrant more immediate special recognition. Nominations for posthumous recognition should not be excluded from the process of recognition. Nominations may be proposed annually for consideration by a Selection Committee to be convened by Venues NSW. Nominees should not be inducted merely on length of service to sport. Minor, junior and secondary sporting achievements fall outside the scope of the selection criteria. Nominations for recognition of sporting achievements and names of significant ‘Legends’ on the WSS site prior to 2019 may include significant sporting achievements of individuals and/or teams associated with Cumberland Turf Club (prior to its relocation to Rosehill), Cumberland Cricket Club, Cumberland Oval, Parramatta Stadium, Pirtek Stadium and the War Memorial Swimming Pool. The nomination for recognition should be prepared in consultation with the peak organisations representing those sports, including Cricket NSW, the NSW Turf Club, NSW Federation of Motorsports Motorcycling Australia, The Athletics Federation of Australia and the governance authorities which oversee the codes of sport played a Cumberland Oval, Parramatta Stadium, Pirtek Stadium. Only those sports which had a significant tenure on the site should be considered for recognition. Nominees should not be discriminated against on the basis of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or age. Nominations which reflect the importance of sporting associations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the WSS site are encouraged.

4.3.3 Nomination process

Nominations may be submitted annually. No more than one inductee should be admitted annually. Nominations should address selection criteria and be accompanied by two references supporting the nominee’s eligibility. It is up to the discretion of the Selection Committee to accept or reject nominations. Amateur sportsmen and women should not be considered for nomination.

4.3.4 Selection process

Venues NSW will coordinate the terms of reference for the establishment and appointment of a Selection Committee to assess nominations for inductions into the Boulevard of Legends.


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The composition of the Selection Committee is subject to the determination of Venues NSW but may include (but not be limited to):

• CEO, Venues NSW (or delegate representative)

• NSW Minister for Sport (or delegate representative)

• State representation of the relevant peak organisation for each home ground

code (currently the National Rugby League and the Football Federation of

Australia)

• Representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community familiar with

sporting codes represented at WSS

• Sporting historian • Sporting journalist

• Community representative

The Selection Committee may reserve the right to consult with club management associated with the home ground competitors. The Selection Committee is the designated arbiter in respect of the selection process. The decision of the Selection Committee is subject to the final approval of the Board of Management of Venues NSW.

4.3.5 Format for recognition

Recognition of inductees for the Boulevard of Legends will take the form of a slip resistant rectangular bronze paving band inscribed with text in relief set into the hard landscaping (granite sets of the pedestrian boulevard). Other physical forms of recognition including commemorative plaques, figurative statues, likenesses in any other form (excluding the relocation of the statue of Ray Price) and public art interpreting sporting personalities are not considered appropriate for the Boulevard of Legends. Venues NSW, in consultation with the stadium operator, will manage the production, installation and maintenance of the paving bands.


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Figure 40: Detail of proposed paving band design for the Boulevard of Legends showing

placement of text (name/team, discipline) and date/s. Rectangular bronze bands featuring

embossed text. Three font options have been provided but only one will be selected.

Figure 41: The pavement layout, where circled in red, allows for some pavers to be removed

and replaced by a brass plaque. Final locations of plaques within the existing paving bands

are to be determined and will be a progressive process allowing for recognition of sports

people in the future.

Induction to the Boulevard of Legends should be supported with some form of

award presentation (e.g. ceremony) and an award presentation, in the form of a

certificate which the inductee can keep, of the inductees might take the form of an

online gallery as a component of the WSS website or a gallery of images of

inductees located inside WSS. Information which can be accessed via a handheld

device e.g. mobile phone using a platform such as a QR code has been suggested

as a means of accessing the interpretation of the significance of the achievements

of the ‘legends’. Further development of this form of interpretation using the best

available technology will be included in a detailed Interpretation Plan.


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5. RELOCATION OF STATUE OF RAY PRICE

5.1 The statue

In 2008, the Parramatta Stadium Trust commissioned a life-size bronze statue to

commemorate their five Grand Final appearances and four premiership wins

between 1981 and 1986 and in recognition of former Eels player, Ray Price OAM, for

his contribution to the game and his standing in the community. Price had

captained the Eels team during their 1986 season, playing his final game for

Parramatta in the Grand Final.

This was a single honour and not repeated for other players. The statue was created

by sculptor Brett Garling and depicted Price (at his suggestion) holding aloft a copy

of the Winfield Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner of the New South Wales

Rugby League Premiership's Grand Final between 1982 and 1994, and to the winner

of the Australian Rugby League Grand Final in 1995. The statue references an image

of Ray Price with the trophy, published in the Daily Telegraph in 1986. The statue,

located outside Parramatta Stadium, was unveiled by former NSW Premier, Nathan

Rees on 21st February 2009. Its location at Parramatta Stadium (renamed Pirtek

Stadium) was appropriate as it has been the home-ground for Parramatta Eels

Rugby League teams since their inaugural match in 1947. It remained thus until 1981

and again from 1985 until 2016.

Figures 42 and 43: Ray Price (left) and Ray Price and Mick Cronin (right) holding the Winfield

Cup following the Parramatta Eels’ 1986 grand final win. Images © Daily Telegraph and

Sydney Morning Herald (reproduced only for the purposes of this study)


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Figure 44: The bronze statue of Ray Price commemorates the victorious Grand Final win for

the Parramatta Eels in 1986 and its captain at the time, Ray Price. The statue is shown here in

its previous location in 2016. Price, a former dual Rugby League and Rugby Union

international player, was instrumental in the dominance of the Eels in competition during the

1980s.


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Figures 45 and 46: The statue was previously located at the front of the northern end of

Parramatta (Pirtek) Stadium, opposite the main car park.


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The statue was removed in December 2016 and relocated into storage prior to the

demolition of Pirtek Stadium.

The justification for the re-installation of the statue on the WSS site is that the statue

has historic significance to the site which has been the home ground for the

Parramatta Eels between 1947 and 1981 and 1985 to 2016. It commemorates the

captaincy of Ray Price during the season of their historic Grand Final win in 1986.

Since then, this success has thus far eluded the Eels.

The decision to return the statue to the WSS site invoked friendly rivalry from some

supporters of the Western Sydney Wanderers, the A-leagues Football Federation

team which played at Pirtek Stadium between 2012 and 2016 and which has signed

on to use WSS as their home ground from 2019. Some fans considered that rugby

league was being given precedence over soccer.

However, the Wanderers currently have a much shorter historical association with

the Parramatta site and to date have secured one A-League premiership but no

Grand Final win.

Any future decision to honour a legendary victory or individual or team players will

be subject to the provisions of the Policy for Recognition at Western Sydney Stadium

and be determined by an independent Selection Committee reporting to Venues

NSW.

5.2 The plaque

The statue of Ray Price is accompanied by a bronze plaque which is inscribed ‘

RAY PRICE

‘MR PERPETUAL MOTION’

Unveiled on 21.2.2009

by

The Hon Nathan Rees MP

Premier of NSW

Sculptor Brett Mon Garling F.A.I.H.A

Commissioned by Parramatta Stadium Trust


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Figure 47: Plaque accompanying the Ray price statue, unveiled in 2009. ‘Perpetual Motion’ was the nickname given to Ray Price for his hard, intimidating style of play in league at lock

forward.

The plaque should be considered integral to the statue and provides the context for

the significance of the statue.

It would be appropriate for a second plaque to be added below, consistent in

design and text font, to acknowledge its relocation in 2019 to coincide with the

opening of WSS. This becomes part of the history and interpretation of the history of

the statue. Alternate methods for interpretation may be explored in a Heritage

Interpretation Plan and may consider an online solution. However, interpretation is

generally best delivered at the site.

5.3. The plinth

The statue was originally located on a brick plinth with solid concrete fill and a stone

coping on top of the plinth. The sculpture is pinned into the solid concrete fill with

two 25mm diameter stainless steel dowels, one in each foot and inserted into the

concrete to a depth of approximately 200-300mm.

For consistency of design with the hard landscaping at WSS, a new plinth for the

statue is required. ASPECT Studios has recommended that a solid concrete plinth be

constructed to approximately the same dimensions as the original brick plinth and

clad in granite to match the paving on the Boulevard of Legends. The statue would

be secured into the concrete in a similar fashion to the original.


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5.4 Location of the statue

Two possible locations for the relocation of the statue of Ray Price were investigated.

Location 1 is adjacent to the VIP Entry to the Stadium and has the least visibility. It

does not conflict with service and emergency vehicle access and has no

connection with the Boulevard of Legends.

Location 2 at the North-West Entry offers moderate visibility, does not conflict with

service and emergency vehicle access and is separate, although loosely

connected to the Boulevard of Legends.

Location 2 is the preferred choice for the re-installation of the Ray Price statue.

Figure 48: Proposed locations for the Ray Price statue. The recommended location is

Location 2.

1 2


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Figure 49: ASPECT Studios’ design solution for the new plinth to support the statue of Ray Price


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6. SITE INTERPRETATION WSS occupies a site which has significance for its Aboriginal and early colonial

heritage and important connections to the wider history of Parramatta including

Parramatta Park, the former Government farm and watermill and Parramatta North.

The site of WSS has also a long association with NSW sporting history and its versatility

is demonstrated by the range of activities since 1847 which include horse racing,

cricket, motor sports, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, amateur athletics and

baseball. It has hosted sporting events of local, state, national and international

significance and been the venue for concerts, including the Bad World Tour by the

late Michael Jackson in 1987 and Paul McCartney in 1993.

The redevelopment of WSS is a State Significant Development on a site which has

heritage significance for its Aboriginal and British colonial occupation and requires

interpretation of those values to satisfy the conditions arising from the Heritage Act

1977 and its administration by the Heritage Division, Office of Environment and

Heritage in respect of requirements associated with the issue of permits for

archaeological excavations and the site’s location adjacent to (and previously part

of) a designated World Heritage landscape.

Each location for interpretation has been identified on the basis of the findings of

archaeological excavation and historical research as being significant for

contextual and thematic interpretation to provide an overview of the site’s history

(see Figure 50). The locations are accessible as part of the public domain and

create a ‘heritage’ trail around the perimeter of the site.

WSS is being marketed as a venue with a broader appeal to the public and will

attract visitors with local, state, national and international representation.

Consequently, the audiences for interpretation at WSS extend well beyond the fans

and supporters of sporting fixtures to include other users of the facility having

cultural, social, corporate and community interests.

Interpretation may take the form of illustrated signs with short text, not necessarily the

same design at each location. The detailed content will be developed and finalised

in consultation with Jillian Comber, Archaeologist and Director of Comber

Consultants and Aboriginal representatives; and Dr Mary Casey, Archaeologist and

Director, Casey & Lowe Archaeology & Heritage, both of whom have extensive

knowledge of the archaeology and history of the site. Continuing consultation with

Aboriginal stakeholders and the Heritage Division, Office of the Environment and

Heritage will ensure that the matters raised during the consultation process will be

addressed.


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6.1 Locations of Interpretation

The locations show on Figure 49 are indicative only and have been provided only to

demonstrate the relationship between the NSW State heritage themes and the

relevant narratives that can be told which relate specifically to those locations.

Operational issues which impact on the locations of site interpretation will need to

be considered. A detailed Interpretation Plan should propose the final locations for

the heritage site interpretation following a process of further consultation with key

stakeholders.

Following review of the content and sign-off, the interpretive content and design will

be submitted to Venues NSW prior to delivery and installation by the stadium

operator.

Figure 50: Indicative locations where NSW State heritage themes can be explored, and

relevant stories told.

4

3

2 1

5


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The NSW State Heritage Themes for the Western Sydney Stadium site were identified

in the 2017 Heritage Strategy as appropriate for interpreting the heritage values of

the site:

- Environment

- Aboriginal culture

- Convict

- Agriculture

- Cultural landscape

- Technology

- Events

- Leisure

- Sport

- Persons

The narrative for historical and archaeological interpretation is recommended at the

following locations as a trail connecting the sites within the curtilage of the Stadium:

LOCATION NSW State

themes

Parramatta

themes

Content Form and detailed location

LOCATION 1

(Government

Farm)

- Aboriginal - Convict - Agriculture

- Darug country, Darug

people - Fertile ground

Aboriginal

dispossession

and the

Government

Farm

Pictures of some of the Aboriginal

artefacts found on site, with details

outlining the archaeology results as

per Section 3.2.2.


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Detail of the government farm

buildings as drawn in 1791 (‘A view of Government Farm at Rose Hill N.S.

Wales, 1791’, Natural History Museum, London.):

1943 aerial interpreted with contours and the river terraces of the site

overlaid with the Government Farm

buildings identified as per the archaeological testing results outlined in Section 3.2.1:


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LOCATION 2

(Southern

Training

Field)

- Aboriginal - Natural

landscape

- Landscape stories

Natural

landscape,

Aboriginal land

management,

creation of the

Governor’s Domain and

botanical

collector

George Caley

and bush

guide Daniel

Moowattin

Local species

endemic to

the area have

been planted

across the WSS

site.

Site specific biographies, and representations of George Caley,

Daniel Moowattin as well as the Governor’s Domain. Details and pictures of some endemic species planted on site (plants in italic

are also bush tucker plants): - Casuarina Cunninghamiana - Corymbia Citriodora - Eucalyptus Tereticornis - Ozothamnus Diosmifolius - Dichelachne Micrantha

- Eragrostis Leptostachya - Hadenbergia Violacea


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LOCATION 3

(River

terraces)

- Aboriginal - Natural

landscape - Cultural landscape

- Landscape stories

River terraces

and estuarine

landscape,

Aboriginal

artefact

scatters,

modifications

to river bank

Interpretation of Aboriginal artefact

scatters.

Details and pictures of some endemic species planted on site (plants in italic

are also bush tucker plants):

- Angophora Floribunda - Dichondra Repens - Melaleuca Linariifolia - Imperata Cylindrica

- Lomandra Longifolia ‘Tanika’ - Microlaena Stipoides var.

stipoides - Eustrephus Latifolius

LOCATION 4

(Government

watermill)

- Technology - Landscape

stories

Government

watermill and

water capture

and

management


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1804 survey showing the watermill (30)

and the dam and water race north of

Parramatta:

LOCATION 5

(Boulevard of

Legends)

-Sport -Leisure

- Gathering place

Sporting history

of the site and

contribution of

sporting

personalities to

the history of

the site which

supports the

recognition of

sports men

and women

on the

Boulevard of

Legends.

6 paved bands along the eastern

external concourse, allowing for a

minimum of 17 brass inlays.


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6.2 Evolution of the Interpretation Strategy in tandem with the detailed design

The detailed design development of WSS Stadium considered the integration of heritage into a number of possible areas which had been previously identified in the 2017 Strategy (Section 6.2), namely:

- Northern entry: the Northern Entry was originally proposed as a location for a Welcome to Country, but expanded as a more inclusive Multicultural Welcome in recognition of Western Sydney’s multi-racial demographic. [Section 7.3]

- Urban park: the function of the urban park and plantings were not considered appropriate for heritage site interpretation. This suggestion did not proceed.

- Southern entry: considered now as a principal entry point to the Stadium, heritage interpretation was not considered to be appropriate for integration in this location because of the crush of spectator traffic on match days. This suggestion did not proceed.

- Southern carpark: no interpretation was proposed at this location but further consultation with stakeholders including the Parramatta Park Trust is necessary to develop the Government farm interpretation (LOCATION 1) further.

- The Southern training field – This location is in an area where interpretation will add to the understanding and significance of the site. Further consultation with stakeholders including the Parramatta Park


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Trust is necessary to develop this further (LOCATION 2).

- The Western carpark – No interpretation was proposed at this location.

- River terraces – the river terraces were identified as having significance for Aboriginal people. The design and plantings support the integration of site interpretation in this location. Site interpretation has been recommended for this location. Further consultation with Parramatta Park Trust is required to develop this for the future heritage interpretation planning stage (LOCATION 3) [Section 1.3].

- Northern carpark: no interpretation was proposed at this location but further consultation with stakeholders including the Parramatta Park Trust is necessary to develop the Government watermill interpretation (LOCATION 4) further.

- Pedestrian boulevard: the identification of a site for the Boulevard of Legends (LOCATION 5) considered a number of criteria including accessibility and visibility. The design by Aspect Studios of a simple plaque which could be inscribed and inserted into the paving bands was the outcome of successful design development with Aspect Studios. The choice of a durable, non slip and high quality bronze finish is acceptable as best practice. [Section 4; Section 7.1]

- VIP and Corporate areas: in addition, locations within the corporate areas which may have been suitable for the display of artefacts from the archaeological excavations were considered. These were ultimately rejected because of the cultural protocols associated with the display of Aboriginal artefacts and the difficulty in accessing these spaces during operating hours and at times when the Stadium is not operating for a sporting fixture.

- Relocation of Ray Price statue: the relocation of the bronze statue of Ray Price was determined through consultation with key stakeholders through Venues NSW. The design of a new plinth and a rationale for a new, updated plaque were developed in consultation with Aspect Studios to ensure that the design aesthetic and materials palette was consistent with the hard landscaping design of the wider site. [Section 5; Section 7.2]

Conclusion for site interpretation: Final locations for site interpretation will be identified through further consultation, having respect for the architectural design of the Stadium, the landscape design of the site and public accessibility. The City of Parramatta Council’s preference for stand-alone site interpretation, rather than a trail connecting delivery points, is noted and will be reviewed during the Detailed interpretation planning required to finalise this site interpretation. [Section 1.3; Section 7.4]


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7. RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Boulevard of Legends

7.1.1 The development of the Boulevard of Legends is subject to the oversight of

Venues NSW and should be guided by the Policy for Recognition for the

Boulevard of Legends at Western Sydney Stadium and accompanying

Guidelines. (Appendix 1)

7.1.2 Venues NSW should work in consultation with Sport NSW to assist with the

selection and recognition of sports people at WSS.

7.1.3 The Boulevard of Legends will extend along the northern pedestrian avenue

of Western Sydney Stadium as a hard-landscaping feature set within the

granite paving, incorporating rectangular textured bronze bands with

embossed text incorporating the name, discipline and relevant dates of each

inductee. No variation to the approved design should be permitted and no

alternative feature (e.g. figurative statuary) or unsolicited donations of 2 or 3

dimensional likenesses) should be accepted.

7.1.4 The Boulevard of Legends should adopt a chronological approach to the

placement of the names of inductees, commencing with an

acknowledgement of the site as traditional land of Aboriginal people and

inclusion of inductees associated with the site’s historical sporting lineage, assessed against the adopted Selection Criteria.

7.1.5 A Selection Committee should be appointed by Venues NSW and comprise

members with appropriate experience and/or qualifications to manage the

nomination, assessment and induction of individuals and/or teams to the

Boulevard of Legends. Venues NSW will manage future consultation with key

stakeholder.

7.1.6 Induction to the Boulevard of Legends should be restricted to sporting

achievements directly associated with local, state, national or international

sports people and/or events in Western Sydney. The Committee will assess

and review the significance of the association of the War Memorial Swimming

Pool and competitive swimming to the site to determine how best to deliver

appropriate recognition which maintains an association with its legacy.

7.1.7 The process for nomination should be open to members of the public and

sporting organisations. The process for the selection of inductees is an open

and transparent process and subject to final approval by the Board of

Management of Venues NSW and endorsement by the appropriate NSW

Government Minister with portfolio responsibility for Sport.

7.1.8 The award of induction to the Boulevard of Legends should be accompanied

by supporting documentation to interpret the significance of the contribution

of inductees to sporting achievements in Western Sydney.


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7.1.9 A method of providing supporting information on the Boulevard of Legends

about each inductee, their sporting code and their achievements which is

accessible at the location of each commemorative plaque should be

developed. A QR code or similar application for downloadable content is

recommended.

7.1.10 Venues NSW, in consultation with the stadium operator, should manage the

production, installation and maintenance of the paving bands.

7.2 Relocation of Ray Price statue

7.2.1 The statue of Ray Price, formerly located at Parramatta (Pirtek) Stadium should be re-instated in the public domain outside Western Sydney Stadium and recognised as having significance to the history of the site and its long association as the home-ground for the Parramatta Eels.

7.2.2. A new location at the North-West Entry to the Stadium is recommended to

provide a context and visual relationship with the Boulevard of Legends, but

distinct from it.

7.2.3. A new plinth for the statue which is sympathetic to the hard landscaping and

paving of the Boulevard of Legends is recommended.

7.2.4. The original plaque documenting the unveiling of the statue in 2009 should be

retained and installed on the plinth in the same location and manner as on

the original plinth.

7.2.5. A secondary plaque in the same style as the original should document the re-

installation of the statue to interpret its historical association with the site and

be affixed to the plinth below the original plaque in the same manner.

Alternate methods for interpretation may be explored in a Heritage

Interpretation Plan and may consider an online solution. However,

interpretation is generally best delivered at the site.

7..2.6 Recognition of future achievements and/or commemorations should follow

the provisions of the Policy for Recognition at Western Sydney Stadium and

adhere to the accompanying Policy Guidelines in respect of nomination,

selection and delivery.

7.3 Multicultural Welcome

A Multicultural Welcome which is inclusive and representative of the diversity

of the Western Sydney demographic should be developed. Consideration will

be given by the operator to incorporate a Welcome to Country as part of the

Boulevard of Legends or as a digital multilingual presentation, on the Fixtures

Board along O’Connell St, before the commencement of matches and

performances.


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Consideration will also be given to have a Multicultural Welcome at the

south-east entry, but it should be noted that this location was previously

considered but not recommended because of the adverse visual impacts on

World Heritage Old Government House and Domain and Parramatta Park.

The Multicultural Welcome should not interfere with the legibility of wayfinding

on the site.

This Strategy refers any other sites or use of media for future interpretation

planning with key stakeholders.

7.4 Interpretation of site history

7.4.1 Site interpretation should address the heritage significance of the site to include its Aboriginal history and British colonial management and development. It should link the areas on the WSS site to provide a narrative of former occupation and use of the area and its significance in the context of Parramatta.

7.4.2 Details of the Aboriginal and historical archaeological investigations of the

site and the results and findings of those excavations will be developed in consultation with Comber Consultants and Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd. Their knowledge of the Aboriginal and British colonial occupation of the site has underpinned the archaeological excavation and historical research of the site. All Aboriginal site interpretation will be developed in consultation with the Registered Aboriginal Parties.

7.4.3 The content for site interpretation relating to the archaeological significance

of the site will be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Aboriginal stakeholders identified in this report and should respect the contribution of past and contemporary sporting players.

7.4.6 Site interpretation should be designed to satisfy the design guidelines of

Western Sydney Stadium and incorporate relevant images and text. The manufacture and production should ensure that interpretive signage contains accurate information and is durable, weatherproof and vandal resistant. Where appropriate, an Aboriginal artist should be engaged to develop designs which relate to Aboriginal content.

7.4.7 Interpretation of the former Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool site and

facilities should be incorporated into the new aquatic leisure centre which

the NSW Government has committed to fund.15

7.4.8 The selection of locations for site interpretation will be identified by Venues

NSW in consultation with key stakeholders including Parramatta Park Trust. A

detailed Heritage Interpretation Plan which develops the recommendations

of this Strategy will be required to inform the future delivery of heritage site

interpretation.

15 https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/poolupdate accessed 5 March 2019

https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/poolupdate


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7.4.9 Narratives for site interpretation will be developed in a future Heritage

Interpretation Plan in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure that the key

themes and messages align with the objectives of heritage interpretation

across Parramatta.

7.4.10 The development of the detailed Heritage Interpretation Plan will reference the City of Parramatta Council’s Archaeological Management Framework in respect of the interpretation of Aboriginal and archaeological interpretation of excavations at the WSS site. The Plan will consider the co-location of interpretive elements in areas in the public domain to enable linkages to be made with inter-related topics. Consideration will be given to refining locations for site interpretation once the patterns of foot traffic and use of the site during its activation for sporting fixtures and other events. The site interpretation, if located in high pedestrian traffic areas, should be not obstructive, but still visible and designed to engage.

The City of Parramatta Council’s preference for stand-alone site interpretation, rather than a trail connecting delivery points, is noted and will be reviewed during the preparation of an Interpretation Plan on the site. It is further noted that repetition of information that is already available in site interpretation at locations outside WSS is not desirable.

ooOoo


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APPENDIX 1: DRAFT POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR RECOGNITION ON

THE BOULEVARD OF LEGENDS AT WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM

POLICY

1. Background

Venues NSW recognises that an appropriately designed and located

commemoration of significant sporting achievements by individuals and or

teams in Western Sydney provides tangible recognition of their contribution to

upholding the ideals of sportsmanship and contributing to the sporting life of the

community.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to the designated public domain area of Western Sydney

Stadium which has been identified as the Boulevard of Legends. It is restricted to

recognising achievements sportsmanship in Western Sydney and including those

of former participants engaged in sporting activities on the site prior to the

inauguration of Western Sydney Stadium. The Policy is supported by Guidelines

which are intended to assist in the nomination, selection and induction of

individuals and/or teams identified for recognition.

3. Purpose

This Policy provides a consistent approach to the recognition of candidates for

inclusion in the Boulevard of Legends and to the manner in which this recognition

is physically executed.

4. Policy

4.1 Venues NSW is committed to honouring the outstanding contribution of

sportsmen and women and those who work in areas which support their

endeavours across Western Sydney.

4.2 Venues NSW will work with Sport NSW in the nomination and selection process

4.3 Recognition will acknowledge sporting achievements in Western Sydney, and

which are valued by the people of Western Sydney across the sporting codes

which are represented in competitive play in Western Sydney.

4.4 Individuals and/or teams associated with sporting activities formerly

conducted on the site may be commemorated on the Boulevard of Legends

and are subject to the same nomination process for induction.

4.5 Nomination for recognition will consider the specific criteria set out in the

Guidelines which accompany this Policy, including demonstrated sporting


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excellence, respect, commitment, fair play and leadership as role models in

the community.

4.6 Recognition on the Boulevard of Legends must conform to the design

prepared by ASPECT Studios. No variation or alternative form of recognition

will be endorsed or accepted.

5. Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy, the terms recognition and commemoration

have been adopted.

The Macquarie Dictionary definitions note a distinction between the two

words; ‘commemoration’ meaning the action of remembrance in memory of a person or event and ‘recognition’ as the action or process of recognising a person and acknowledging an achievement.

‘Legend’ can be a term applied to an admirable person whose attributes and achievements are valued by society.

6. Associated documents

Western Sydney Stadium Heritage Interpretation Strategy 2019

7. History

Adopted by Venues NSW and Sport NSW (add date)

GUIDELINES

General

The development of the Boulevard of Legends is subject to the oversight of

Venues NSW and should be guided by the Policy for Recognition for the

Boulevard of Legends at Western Sydney Stadium and accompanying

Guidelines. (Appendix 1)

The Boulevard of Legends will extend along the northern pedestrian avenue

of Western Sydney Stadium as a hard landscaping feature set within the

granite paving, incorporating rectangular textured bronze bands with

embossed text incorporating the name, discipline and relevant dates of each

inductee. No variation to the approved design should be permitted and no

alternative feature (e.g. figurative statuary) or unsolicited donations of 2 or 3

dimensional likenesses) should be accepted.

The Boulevard of Legends should adopt a chronological approach to the

placement of the names of inductees, commencing with an


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acknowledgement of the site as traditional land of Aboriginal people and

inclusion of inductees associated with the site’s historical sporting lineage, assessed against the adopted Selection Criteria.

A Selection Committee should be appointed by Venues NSW and comprise

members with appropriate experience and/or qualifications to manage the

nomination, assessment and induction of individuals and/or teams to the


Induction to the Boulevard of Legends should be restricted to sporting

achievements directly associated with local, state, national or international

sporting players and/or events in Western Sydney.

The process for nomination should be open to members of the public and

sporting organisations. The process for selection of inductees is an open and

transparent process and subject to final approval by the Board of

Management of Venues NSW and endorsement by the appropriate NSW

Government Minister with portfolio responsibility for Sport.

The award of induction to the Boulevard of Legends should be accompanied

by supporting documentation to interpret the significance of the contribution

of inductees to sporting achievements at Western Sydney Stadium.

Information about the ‘legends’ and their achievements should be delivered through an accessible medium, available at the site in a format suitable for a

mobile device or some form of augmented reality.

Venues NSW, in consultation with the stadium operator, should manage the


Criteria for nomination for induction to the Boulevard of Legends

The Boulevard of Legends provides an opportunity for historical and

contemporary recognition of sporting achievements in Western Sydney. By

establishing specific selection criteria nominations should not compete with,

or replicate, other forms of recognition, but instead, enhance each

inductee’s connection with Western Sydney.

Each of the organisations surveyed in Section 4 of this document have

different processes for nominating and selecting inductees, different criteria

against which each nomination is judged and different levels of recognition.

Inductees to the NRL Hall of Fame for example, are assessed on a complex

formula of ‘metrics of excellence’ which uses an aggregate of points achieved during an individual’s career as a weighting system to filter applications and an equalisation process to ensure retrospective parity for

players from different historical periods of the code.


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The Sport Australia Hall of Fame assess applications against set criteria,

underpinned by a set of attributes and values including courage,

sportsmanship, integrity, mateship, persistence, excellence, generosity,

modesty, pride and ambition.

The following criteria for nomination and a selection process are proposed,

based on comparative analysis of similar examples of recognition in Australia

and with regard to specific association with Western Sydney.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for induction to the Boulevard of Legends, the

following criteria apply to the nomination of inductees, as a minimum

requirement:

Nominees must:

• be Australian;

• celebrate gender and racial diversity and include sports people of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin;

• demonstrate outstanding achievements in their chosen sport in Western

Sydney in competition, including representing their team, state and/or

country,

• have retired from the highest level of competition for a minimum of five

years; and

• continue to exhibit a high standard of personal integrity, sportsmanship

and character.

Selection criteria

A number of criteria are proposed to ensure the method of considering

proposals for nominating nominees and in turn, selecting inductees is fair and

transparent:

Nominees may include individual elite athletes and/or teams who have

competed in competition in sporting codes in Western Sydney; and people

who are recognised for their excellence and outstanding achievements in

roles which significantly support athletes in Western Sydney and who enhance

the status of Australian sport, including but not limited to sports administration,

coaching and training, refereeing, judging and umpiring, sports medicine,

science and technology, media, and history.

Nominees must have the support and respect of their peers and the

community and have demonstrated integrity, sportsmanship, achievements

and good character.


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Nominees should not be considered for induction to the Boulevard of

Legends until a five-year waiting period following retirement has elapsed or

the performance of a particularly outstanding athletic achievement that

warrants more immediate special recognition. Nominations for posthumous

recognition should not be excluded from the process of recognition.

Nominations may be proposed annually for consideration by a Selection

Committee to be convened by Venues NSW.

Nominees should not be inducted merely on length of service to sport.

Minor, junior and secondary sporting achievements fall outside the scope of

the selection criteria.

Nominations for recognition of sporting achievements and names of

significant ‘Legends’ on the WSS site prior to 2019 may include significant

sporting achievements of individuals and/or teams associated with

Cumberland Turf Club (prior to its relocation to Rosehill), Cumberland Cricket

Club, Cumberland Oval, Pirtek Stadium and the War Memorial Swimming

Centre. The nomination for recognition should be prepared in consultation

with the peak organisations representing those sports, including Cricket NSW,

the NSW Turf Club, NSW Federation of Motorsports and Motorcycling Australia,

The Athletics Federation of Australia, Swimming Australia and the professional

organisations which oversee the governance of codes relating to the codes

of sport played Cumberland Oval, Parramatta Stadium and Pirtek Stadium.

Only those sports which had a significant tenure on the site should be

considered for recognition.

Nominees should not be discriminated against on the basis of their gender,

sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or age. Nominations which reflect the

importance of sporting associations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people on the WSS site are encouraged.

Nomination process

Nominations may be submitted annually. No more than one inductee should be admitted annually.

Nominations should address selection criteria and be accompanied by two references supporting the nominee’s eligibility.

It is up to the discretion of the Selection Committee to accept or reject nominations.

Amateur sportsmen and women should not be considered for nomination.


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Selection process

Venues NSW will coordinate the terms of reference for the establishment and

appointment of a Selection Committee to assess nominations for inductions

into the Boulevard of Legends.

The composition of the Selection Committee is subject to the determination

of Venues NSW but may include (but not be limited to):

• CEO, Venues NSW (or delegate representative)

• NSW Minister for Sport (or delegate representative)

• State representation of the relevant peak organisation for each home

ground code (currently the National Rugby League and the Football

Federation of Australia)

• Representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community familiar

with sporting codes represented at WSS

• Sporting historian

• Sporting journalist

• Community representative

The Selection Committee may reserve the right to consult with club

management associated with the home ground competitors.

The Selection Committee is the designated arbiter in respect of the selection

process.

The decision of the Selection Committee is subject to the final approval of the

Board of Management of Venues NSW.

Format for recognition

Recognition of inductees for the Boulevard of Legends will take the form of a

slip resistant rectangular bronze paving band inscribed with text in relief set

into the hard landscaping (granite sets of the pedestrian boulevard).

Other physical forms of recognition including commemorative plaques,

figurative statues, 2 or 3 dimensional likenesses (excluding the relocation of

the statue of Ray Price) and public art interpreting sporting personalities are

not considered appropriate for the Boulevard of Legends.

Venues NSW, in consultation with the stadium operator, will manage the


Induction to the Boulevard of Legends should be supported with some form of

award presentation (e.g. ceremony) and an award presentation in the form

of a certificate which the inductee can keep.


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Interpretation

Some form of documentation which extends the interpretation of the

significance of the achievements of the inductees might take the form of an

online gallery delivered in an accessible format on a hand-held device at the


ooOoo


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APPENDIX 2: CONSULTATION CORRESPONDENCE 2.1 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION CO-ORDINATED BY COMBER CONSULTANTS IN

RESPECT OF INTERPRETATION

Aboriginal Community Consultation

Consultation with representatives of the local Aboriginal community has been initiated, to

seek input into potential interpretation themes and options, and provide an opportunity for

the community to comment and provide culturally appropriate information for design and

interpretation.

Initial consultation has been undertaken with the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council,

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer Steven Randall approved in principle a landscape-based

interpretation of the Aboriginal history of the Stadium location, but was not able to provide

any specific historic information or traditional stories associated with the place specifically. Mr

Randall indicated that Parramatta River was of great significance to the traditional owners,

primarily due to the extensive resources associated with it, and indicated that the inclusion of

an eel motif in the landscape, furniture or play equipment in the stadium surrounds may be a

suitable design theme.

Additional consultation should be undertaken as part of the detailed design process to

maintain ongoing Aboriginal community involvement, and to ensure that the design and

motifs used are appropriate. Where suitable and appropriate, consideration should be given

to engaging Aboriginal artists in the design process, and priority should be given to engaging

artists from the local community.

Key Themes and Interpretation Opportunities The lands around the Western Sydney Stadium represent a culturally significant landscape to

Aboriginal people, an important source of plants and animals utilised by the traditional

custodians through fishing, hunting and use of native edible plants. In particular, the

Parramatta River is a significant feature in the local Aboriginal cultural heritage landscape.

There is an opportunity to highlight this thematic aspect of the area’s Aboriginal history through interpretation of the local landscape to the west of the stadium. Key themes which

may be addressed through the interpretation are:

• The Parramatta River continues to hold significance to the community as a place and

gathering. Fishing is a recurring event in the early histories of the area, in particular the

catching of eels. Possible imagery which may be relevant are images of canoes with

cooking fires, fishing nets, and shell fish hooks;

• Plantings of native food plants may be appropriate in landscaping on the western

side of the stadium, and may allow effective blending and contrast with more

regimented European plantings used to represent the farm site; and;

• The location of the Aboriginal interpretation, plantings and landscaping on the

western side of the stadium, facing the river, will allow association with their use of the

river’s resources.


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2.1.1 Letter from Darug Cultural Heritage Assessments - dated 8 September 2017


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2.1.2 Letter from Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation – received in September

2017


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2.1.3 Letter from Kamilaroi-Yankuntjatjara Working Group – dated 12 September

2017


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2.1.4 Letter from Darug Cultural Heritage Assessments - dated 28 March 2019


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2.1.5 Email from Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation, now known as Darug Ngurra

Aboriginal Corporation – dated 02 April 2019


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2.1.6 Letter from Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation – dated 28 March 2019


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2.1.7 Email from Darug Land Observations – dated 01 April 2019


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2.1.8 Email from Darug Aboriginal Land Care – dated 01 April 2019


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2.1.9 Email from Corroboree Aboriginal Corporation – dated 02 April 2019


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2.1.10 Email from Kamilaroi-Yankuntjatjara Working Group – dated 28 March 2019


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2.1.11 Email from Tocomwall Pty Ltd – dated 02 April 2019


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2.1.12 Email from Murri Bidgee Mullangari Aboriginal Corporation – dated 08 April

2019


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2.1.13 Email from Muragadi Heritage Indigenous Corporation – dated 01 April 2019


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2.2 CONSULTATION WITH THE HERITAGE DIVISION, OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND

HERITAGE


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2.3 CONSULTATION WITH VENUES NSW AND SPORT NSW

2.3.1 VNSW CONSULTATION 1


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131


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2.3.2 VNSW/Sport NSW CONSULTATION 2


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2.4 CONSULTATION WITH PARRAMATTA PARK TRUST


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2.5 CONSULTATION WITH CITY OF PARRAMATTA COUNCIL

Your Reference Your Reference

Our Reference Our Reference

Contact Michelle Desailly

Telephone 0488 198 838

Email [email protected]

5 March 2019

RE: Draft Heritage Interpretation Strategy Western Sydney Stadium - DA/1066/2016

Council provides the following review on the Draft Heritage Interpretation Strategy (7 February 2019) [DRAFT HIS] for Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta - written by Musecape for Lendlease. Council Recommendation:

The DRAFT HIS is generally supported and should be refined to take into account the comments provided below. Council also request that:

1) the guidance provided in this review is incorporated into all future interpretation planning work for the development of this site;

2) Council be involved reviewing final content of the Heritage Interpretation Plan; and

3) Council be updated on the delivery of the approved Interpretation Plan.

General comments on the Draft HIS: • The DRAFT HIS contains a comprehensive historical overview of the site (particularly

documented knowledge of the Aboriginal landscape) and details an appropriate range of

storylines to represent diverse heritages that are contained within the site.

• Council supports the mature interpretive principles contained in the DRAFT HIS, particularly

the objective to craft sophisticated, intelligent and integrated interpretation that sparks diverse

audience’s curiosity. • Council also recognises the role of interpretation in place-making and increasing the

economic, socio-cultural and environmental value to the stadium development, and its

surrounds in the park, along the river, and in Parramatta City.

The NSW Heritage Office Guidelines for Interpreting Heritage Places and Items (2005) is aligned with City of Parramatta Council’s Heritage Interpretation Guidelines (2017) attached. Both documents emphasise the need for a strong thematic approach, site-specific design, and audience engagement to deliver effective interpretation. Council acknowledges the Draft HIS thematic approach and its alignment with the encompassing themes of the Parramatta region that are outlined in Council’s Heritage Interpretation Guidelines. Council is supportive of the continued engagement of the Darug and Aboriginal community to prepare content for the recognition of Aboriginal culture and heritage across the site. Traditional custodians must guide and approve any interpretation related to Aboriginal culture (past, present and future). The Draft HIS identified interpretive themes and general locations, however, the details and nature of the delivery/materiality (digital, physical, oral) and the specifics of content (text, images, audio, etc) is yet to be prepared for review.


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Site Interpretation

1) An on Country Marker – Given the prominence of the digital welcome screen in the north-east section of the stadium, Council proposes an additional location to recognise country at the high pedestrian traffic area of the South Eastern entry point to the stadium precinct. This proposal is for an interpretive element (of significant scale and visible to large and small crowds) guided by Darug to inform the public about country.

2) Aboriginal Dispossession and Government Farm

3) Aboriginal landscape, creation of the Governor’s Domain and botanical collector George Caley and Aboriginal man Daniel Moowattin

4) River Terraces, changing uses and curtilage of the site

Subject to traditional custodian’s support, Council gives in-principle support for storylines that relate to Darug Country across the precinct. It is good to see stories that have not been interpreted in onsite installations, such as, botanical engagement with Daniel Moowattin. Council includes the stories of Daniel and George in our guided programs. Council suggests the co-location of the interpretive elements aligned with high pedestrian traffic and within close viewing of the features being interpreted (such as, endemic plant species). As there are a number of locations (and nearby) which interpret the Government Farm, Council requires care be taken not to duplicate existing narrative, and rather to focus on Darug content and expand the narrative.

5) Government Watermill - The walkway that leads to the river crossing is an important location for interpretation. Council is supportive of the content to highlight interesting stories related to the specific location, that people can see from that point. Council is supportive of archaeological stories that help the public understand the landscape and in a way that is engaging for audiences.

6) Sporting personalities and sporting history of the site – From an interpretive perspective, Council is supportive of the detailed approach to recognise the range of sporting codes that have a strong connection to the site. There may be a need to add another interpretive element or expanded digital content to cater for the range of significant sporting narratives that should be available to the public.

Ray Price (Eels) statue and accompanying plaque From an interpretation perspective, Council is supportive of the relocation of the statue and the original accompanying plaque to be in a highly visible location surrounding the stadium (described as proposed location 2). Consider the story of relocating the statue in an online/digital form to sit on the eels and stadium websites, rather than requiring a second plaque to explain why it was relocated. Culturally Diverse Welcome From an interpretation, cultural heritage and inclusive perspective, it is important that the Culturally Diverse Welcome follows the sentiments outlines in the Draft HIS, and:

• Follows the guidance of Darug and respects Darug as traditional custodians of this place;

• is as inclusive as possible and representative of many cultures languages;

• is mindful and responsive to the complexities of cultures and languages; and

• is visible on ALL occasions at the stadium, sporting and cultural.

Boulevard of legends From an interpretation and fairness and equitable perspective, Council is supportive of the


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range of codes to be represented and gives in-principle support for the Guidelines and Policy for Recognition to guide its design and delivery. Council understands that Venues NSW will be organising who and how the codes will be represented, and in consultation with key stakeholders. Council wishes to be informed of how competitive swimming will be incorporated in the Boulevard of Legends concept. Council has noted the Draft HIS recommendation for co-location of the interpretation of the former Memorial Swimming Pool to be incorporated into the new swimming pool site. Regarding the progression of interpretation planning for this development site, Council:

• supports integrating significant content that is site specific and broadens the public’s knowledge of place and culture. Council does not support the duplication or repartition of interpretation that are already available around the Parramatta city centre, or interpretation proposals that do not effectively communicate the significant stories of the site;

• does not support the title or concept of the Public Domain Heritage Trail. Audiences for interpretation will be sporadic because they happened to walk past on their way to another destination. Therefore, the design of the interpretation at any location is focused on the content and environment of that location;

• supports the location for interpretation in high pedestrian traffic areas (where not obstructive, but still visible and designed to engage) in the areas surrounding the stadium, rather than inside the stadium;

• recommends that the design interpretation elements for particular locations be undertaken based on observations of the public during a few of the game days and during weekends. Council understands the primary audience for interpretation around the stadium site will be on days where the stadium is in use; and,

• has an Archaeological Management Framework (2018) that provides guidance for developers regarding the recording and reporting on the archaeological work undertaken on redevelopment sites in Parramatta, to encourage public access to information about archaeology. Please contact Council’s Research and Collections Services to discuss the framework.

_________________________________________________________________________

Development Consent Condition:

For further information about Council’s Heritage Interpretation Guidelines (2017) or to discuss this review, please contact me on 0488 198 838. Many thanks,

Michelle Desailly

Interpretation + Strategy Coordinator

City of Parramatta

PO Box 32, Parramatta, NSW 2124

cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

http://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/


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2.6 CONSULTATION WITH WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE

COMMITTEE


for

Western Sydney Stadium Prepared by Betteridge Consulting Pty Ltd for Casey and Lowe Pty Ltd Archaeology and Heritage Consultants and Lendlease Draft issued 7 February 2019

Comments prepared by Megan Phelps Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative Committee community member Monday 4 March 2019 Overall Comments: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the report. Major points for comment:

• Insufficient time to consider the proposal for The Boulevarde of Legends and the selection criteria

• Inadequate information included regarding Rugby Union

• Inadequate information included regarding the establishment and activities of the Parramatta Memorial Swimming Pool

• Appears that the Comber consultation document, or part thereof, has been included in this document but this is not clear. This seems to have resulted in significant repetition and lack of clarity

• Lack of inclusion of significance to the community, apart from the Indigenous peoples of the region and associated with the stadium area, of the land and activities where the stadium now stands, from a sociological and anthropological viewpoint

• I support relocation of the Ray Price statue to the proposed Location 2, closer to O’Connell St

Detailed comments and queries: Page 1: Please label and credit images. The image on the right shows the Parramatta Memorial Olympic Pool which has been demolished.


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Page 11: ‘PNUT” not defined in document. Page 19: Which ‘government farm’ is referred to and the location is not clear, even after referring to online maps. Page 21: Note the Native Institution discussed lies to the SOUTH of the study area. Is this information cut and pasted from a document related unrelated to Western Sydney Stadium? Page 26: Why are paragraphs 2-6 indented? Why is there a line break between ‘(Col Sec,’ and ‘Special Bundles … 3706)? Page 27: The statement ‘once included in the study area’ requires clarification. Page 40: No mention is included of community opposition to the demolition of the swimming pool complex. There is no history of the pool included. Page 42: There is inadequate inclusion of information about the history of Rugby Union and the area. Note the Rugby Union club is now known as Western Sydney Two Blues: http://twobluesrugby.com.au/ Accessed 4 March 2019. Page 53: Does Figure 23 (now figure 32) represent an overlay of images of individual plaques Page 60: Is Figure 27 (now figure 40) an aerial view of the proposed plaques? Where would the plaques be located within the whole paving? I note the images are from Aspect Studios. How will the plaques be integrated with the landscaping and wayfinding of the site? Page 61: Additional information and examples regarding the use of technology to enhance the Boulevarde of Legends. I would also question the spelling of ‘Boulevarde’ with an ‘e’, as I believe Boulevard is the preferred spelling. It has no ‘e’ in French. Note that Figure 29 (now figure 43) is from 2016, not 1986. Page 62: Figure 30 (now figure 44) caption should read ‘a former dual rugby union and league international’. Page 66: I support location 2 for the relocation of the Ray Price statue.

http://twobluesrugby.com.au/


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Page 71: Further explanation of the proposed five locations has not been provided to members of the Western Sydney Stadium Community Consultative Committee. This makes it extremely difficult to provide appropriate comments and feedback. For example, the demolished stand at Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, was named for Kevin Hession for his contribution to water polo, but there does not seem to be the possibility of recognising this. Page 72: 7.3 Multicultural Welcome This should not detract from venue wayfinding 7.3.7 Interpretation of the former Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool should be incorporated into the new aquatic leisure centre which the NSW Government has committed to fund, scheduled to be constructed in the Mays Hill Precinct within Parramatta Park on the site of the former golf course. I strongly disagree with this statement. No definite plan or funding for a replacement pool is in place. Page 74: The criteria mention ‘professional athletes’. This should be revised as not all athletes were or will be professional. Page 77: The inclusion of ‘Australian citizens’ in criteria may exclude appropriate individuals, for example Aboriginal people before 1967. It was a pleasure to review this document and provide suggestions. I particularly enjoyed reading about Burnum Burnum and look forward, following verification and approval of details, to his story being included in the interpretation of the past of the stadium area.

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