A court ruling has declared that the New South Wales Government’s earlier decision to keep the iconic Sirius public housing block OFF the heritage list was invalid. Naming names directly, they’ve judged that former Heritage Minister Mark Speakman’s decision had no legal effect. There are now renewed calls for a re-assessment that considers Sirius’ heritage significance.

The Heritage Council has unanimously recommended the building of 79 units overlooking Sydney Harbour for a listing, in the face of Government plans to sell it off to raise funds for more social housing. Save Our Sirius chairperson Shaun Carter has just urged Premier Gladys Berejiklian to discuss a heritage listing, suggesting the building could in fact be used for social housing again! Still awaiting a response…

The last two remaining Sirius residents joined Shaun to advocate for Sirius in court, funded via a high-profile crowdfunding campaign which raised $50,000. The ruling itself is a significant milestone, marking the first time a court has deliberated over the NSW Heritage Act since it was introduced 40 years ago.

Take a look inside this irreplaceable building in our enlightening story by architecture contributor Stuart Harrison, here. Closer to home, preserving the ‘Lind House’ by Anatol Kagan in Caufield is still very-much on our radar.