Launch of a new guide book about the stories behind the Sydney Writers Walk at Sydney Cove

Sydney Writer’s Walk Honoured in Pros

Friday 11 April 2014, Sydney NSW – The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove today announced the launch of a new book that reveals the man stories behind the Sydney Writers Walk.

Written by Roger Cherry, “Sydney Cove Writers Walk Plaques – The Guide” has been timed to coincide with the upcoming International Rotary Convention, which is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors to Sydney from 1-4 June, 2014.

A distinctive feature of the Sydney Cove foreshore, the Writers Walk comprises a series of 60 large brass plaques located around Circular Quay between the Opera House and the International Passenger Terminal. Each plaque commemorates the life and works of a prominent writer who has influenced the Australian literary scene, including such luminaries as Dorothea Mackellar, Manning Clarke, Banjo Paterson and P.L. Travers.

Cherry began researching the plaques out of personal interest and said he decided to write the book to share what he learned.

“I first noticed the plaques while wandering around the Quay after attending a performance at the Opera House and was curious about the stories behind the tributes. Once I began researching the different authors, I was fascinated by what I discovered and the book developed from there,” he explained.

Originally launched with 49 plaques in February 1991 by the then Minister for the Arts, Peter Collins, the Walk was extended with an additional 11 plaques in 2011.

The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove plans to promote the book during the upcoming Rotary International Convention, with all sales from the book going to support the Club’s various initiatives and causes, including projects to feed the homeless, support sick children and disadvantaged youth, eradicate polio and bridge the digital divide.

Club President, Jeremy Wright, said the book was an opportunity to provide a deeper insight into one of the lesser known attractions of Sydney Cove at a time when Sydney is about to receive a significant influx of tourists for the Rotary International Convention.

“With thousands of Rotarians and guests about to visit Sydney for the International Convention, we hope to use Roger’s book to raise awareness of the Writers Walk while also raising money for our important charity work,” he said.

The book’s cover features an original painting of Sydney Harbour by renowned local artist, Ken Done, who donated the artwork to the Club in recognition of its many contributions to the community.

The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove was established in 1988 with the common goal of giving back to the community in which we live and work. With over 90 members, the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove is one of Sydney’s largest and most active clubs, supporting 30 community service projects including: working with the homeless, disaster relief, assisting organisations caring for the disabled, youth leadership programs, providing education resources support, international scholarships and the support of local charities. The Club meets every Friday morning from 7.15-8.45am on the Captain Cook Cruise boat moored at Pier 6 on Circular Quay.

For more information contact Alex Allwood | alex@holla.com.au

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