Right here, where Roslyn Street meets Darlinghurst Road, stands the Juanita Nielsen Plaque. It marks the spot near the former Carousel Cabaret, a place linked to Juanita’s mysterious disappearance. The Juanita Nielsen Plaque commemorates a woman who fearlessly challenged the status quo.
Juanita Nielsen, a publisher and heiress, vanished on July 4, 1975. She was last seen at the Carousel Cabaret. The Juanita Nielsen Plaque reminds us of her courageous fight. She was there to discuss advertising for her newspaper, NOW. Edward Trigg, an employee of the club, had invited her.
In the early 1970s, Juanita Nielsen used her newspaper, NOW, to champion causes. She lived on Victoria Street and fiercely opposed a major development project. Juanita Nielsen stood against those who threatened her community’s heritage.
The Juanita Nielsen Plaque tells a story of activism. It is a story about the power of a local voice. It’s also a stark reminder of unsolved crimes and potential corruption.
Later, in 1977, Trigg and two other Carousel Club employees faced charges. They were accused of conspiring to kidnap Juanita Nielsen. Trigg went to prison for three years, another man for two. The third man was acquitted. The truth about what happened to Juanita remained elusive.
A coronial inquiry in 1983 concluded Juanita Nielsen was likely dead. Yet, the details of her death remained unclear. The inquest suggested police corruption might have hindered the investigation.
In 1994, a Joint Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament investigated further. It too found that corruption had hampered the police investigation. The crime remains unsolved to this day.
The Juanita Nielsen Plaque serves as a reminder of her dedication. It reads that she was “Not afraid whose toes she tramped on”. Thanks to her and others like her, much of Victoria Street’s 19th-century heritage was saved.
Today, the NSW Government offers a $1 million reward for information. They hope to bring closure to Juanita’s family. The Juanita Nielsen Plaque stands as a testament to her enduring impact.
Juanita’s cousin, Mr. Francis Foy, described the family’s pain. He said the unknown circumstances of her disappearance caused incredible pain. The family’s hope is to find Juanita’s remains. They want to bury her respectfully and create a memorial.
The Juanita Nielsen Plaque is more than just a marker. It’s a symbol of courage and a call for justice. It reminds us to fight for what we believe in. It urges us to remember those who disappeared while standing up for their beliefs. The Juanita Nielsen Plaque invites us to reflect on the cost of speaking truth to power.