Wollongong landscape designer celebrated with a Blue Plaque

Landscape designer Paul Sorensen, who designed Wollongong’s Gleniffer Brae and more than 100 other gardens in NSW is one of 16 new blue plaque recipients, as the Minns Labor Government spotlights people and events that have shaped our state’s rich history.

With work spanning seven decades, Sorensen designed remarkable gardens from Glen Innes in the far north to Cowra and Orange in the west, through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and south to Wollongong and Canberra.

Many of his iconic designs, including Gleniffer Brae and Everglades in the Blue Mountains, are must-see examples of his work for garden lovers. These gardens, often described as ‘outside rooms’, showcase his signature seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Danish-born Sorensen developed his own distinctive landscape style, ethos and technique in gardens across NSW. They were notable for their aesthetic values, his distinctive use of dry-stone wall technique, and extensive paving.

Chosen from 184 public nominations, the 16 new plaques join 49 blue plaques already announced, from Waverly to Wagga Wagga, Beecroft to Broken Hill. Each plaque is an invitation to explore the untold stories that connect us across the state.

All nominations are assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians.

For more information visit blueplaques.nsw.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:

“The Blue Plaques NSW program is a great way to celebrate the remarkable people and events that have shaped the state’s history. I am proud to see Paul Sorensen’s work acknowledged, highlighting our local heritage and the significance of his contributions.

“Paul Sorensen’s work continues to inspire gardeners, designers and nature enthusiasts alike. His iconic designs, such as those at Gleniffer Brae, are a testament to his vision and dedication to creating spaces that blend beauty with nature.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully:

“This is a fantastic celebration of our local heritage, highlighting not only the achievements of the past but also their lasting significance today.

“It is fitting that the man behind the gardens of Gleniffer Brae is recognised for his contribution to the heritage of Wollongong and NSW as a whole. I encourage locals and visitors to Wollongong to seek out this blue plaque once it is installed.”

Full list of Round Three Blue Plaques:

Subject	Recognition
Bobby Goldsmith	A prominent and active member of Sydney’s gay community whose battle with HIV-AIDS inspired the formation of Australia’s oldest HIV/AIDS charity.
Building Bridges Concert	On 24 January 1988, Indigenous activists held a concert at the Bondi Pavilion in the lead up to Australia Day and the Bicentenary. It highlighted Indigenous creativity and strength.
Bessie Guthrie	One of the founding members of Elsie Refuge in Glebe, Bessie Guthrie was a designer, publisher and feminist who opened her home and dedicated her life to championing women and girls.
Golding Sisters	Annie Golding, Belle Golding and Kate Dwyer (Golding) were teachers turned activists that lead women’s rights and social justice movements in NSW. They were born at Tambaroora, north of Bathurst.
Ida Leeson	The first female Mitchell Librarian at the State Library of NSW. She was involved in women’s right’s movements and was a serving officer in the Australian Military Forces.
Koori Knockout	First Koori Knockout, the largest annual Indigenous sporting carnival in Australia, took place at Camdenville Park, St Peters in 1971.
Leslie Mervyn Tanner	A political cartoonist, historian of cartooning and columnist.
Louisa Lawson	A significant figure within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements, born in Gulgong in the Central Tablelands.
Malcolm Cole	Aboriginal artist and activist who led the first Aboriginal Mardi Gras float.
Orry-Kelly	Designer to the stars, leading the costume design on over 300 films and winning three Oscars. He was the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over 50 years. Born in Kiama, he moved to Sydney then New York City.
Paul Sorensen	A Danish born master landscape designer who developed his own distinctive landscape style, ethos and technique in gardens across NSW – many of which still stand 100 years later.
Peter Allen	One of Australia’s most beloved and successful performance artists.
Sarah (Fanny) Durack	First woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming.
Sister Kaliniki	Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun. She dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia.
The Introduction of Weet-Bix	Australia’s love of the humble breakfast cereal, Weet-Bix, began in 1926. The winner of the People’s Choice Blue Plaque.
Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie	Prolific and trailblazing swimmer, and Olympic silver medalist. A sculpture of Mina stands at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee which were established by her father Henry Wylie in 1907.