The Greek-Australian community in Sydney is rallying to protect Stockroute Park and its iconic Discobolus sculpture, following the New South Wales (NSW) government’s draft masterplan 2050, which proposes their demolition, The Greek Herald reports. The plan has sparked widespread concern over the potential loss of this cultural and historical landmark, a gift from the Greek-Australian community to the city of Sydney.
Created by artist Robert Owen, the Discobolus sculpture symbolizes the enduring connection between Greece and Australia. Nestled among olive and cypress trees, the artwork pays homage to the ancient Greek origins of the Olympic Games. It forms part of the “Hellenic Tribute Trilogy,” commemorating the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Olympics.
The park features distinctive design elements, including a discus-throwing circle, ancient-style stone steps, and eucalyptus trees that honor Indigenous Australian heritage. Architectural fragments and salvaged trachyte cobblestones also serve as reminders of the site’s rich history.
Former Randwick City mayor and community leader John Procopiades has taken steps to safeguard the landmark, contacting NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig MP. Hoenig expressed disappointment over the draft masterplan’s failure to acknowledge the Discobolus and its cultural significance.
“It is a shame that some bureaucrats in the Department of Planning thought it would be okay to simply remove a public sculpture that had been commissioned and funded by Greek organizations and various Greek individuals as a gift to the NSW government,” Hoenig said, acknowledging the cultural and historical value of the Discobolus, not just for those of Greek heritage but for all Sydneysiders. He has since raised the issue with NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully MP, committing to advocate for the sculpture’s preservation.
Procopiades has called on the Greek-Australian community to mobilize and voice their concerns, stressing that the Discobolus is a “gift to the people of Sydney” intended to stand as a legacy for future generations.
The community had until November 25 to submit feedback on the proposal, hoping to persuade the government to reconsider plans that threaten this cherished cultural landmark. While the future of the Discobolus and Stockroute Park remains uncertain, the fight to save them highlights the ongoing importance of preserving Sydney’s diverse cultural heritage.
