Lost in the heart of the city a humble plaque commemorates a momentous chapter in Sydney’s history. This is the Herald Square Plaque. It marks more than just a spot. It celebrates the enduring legacy of the Sydney Morning Herald.
In 1981, John Fairfax and Sons Limited gifted Herald Square to the city. This gift marked the newspaper’s 150th anniversary. The Herald Square plaque commemorates this generous act. It also celebrates the establishment of the Sydney Herald in 1831.
The Sydney Herald, later known as the Sydney Morning Herald, began as a humble weekly paper. It first rolled off the presses on April 18, 1831. Back then, it cost 7 pence. Only 750 copies were printed across four pages. Alfred Ward Stephens, Frederick Stokes, and William McGarvie founded the paper. These Englishmen previously worked for the Sydney Gazette. They named their paper after Scotland’s Glasgow Herald.
Herald Square also features the Tank Stream Fountain. Stephen Walker designed it. The fountain features bronze sculptures of Australian animals. Locals also call it “The Children’s Fountain”. It’s dedicated to children who played around the Tank Stream.
The Tank Stream itself played a vital role in Sydney’s early history. European settlement began along its banks in 1788. A stream flowed into Sydney Cove. Droughts soon struck. Storage tanks were carved from the stone. Hence the name Tank Stream.
The Herald Square Plaque includes an inscription. It highlights mankind’s dependence on the Tank Stream. It also honors our links with life around the region. The Tank Stream Fountain stands as a reminder. It symbolizes the city’s historical reliance on this essential water source.
Lord Mayor Douglas W. Sutherland accepted the gift of Herald Square in 1981. He did so on behalf of the citizens of Sydney. J.O. Fairfax was Chairman. L.P. Carter was Town Clerk.
The Herald Square Plaque is more than a historical marker. It represents Sydney’s past. It connects the city’s early struggles with its present vitality. It celebrates the role of the Sydney Morning Herald. It also honors the importance of community and the environment. Take a moment to appreciate this piece of Sydney’s story. It quietly speaks volumes about the city’s heritage.