Contact Details

Clr Chiang Lim
Address: Level 3, Council Chamber Building, Civic Place
PARRAMATTA, SYDNEY
NSW, 2150

Address:
(02) 9806 5000

Address:

Address:
(02) 8079 0729

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Home arrow Blog arrow It’s not over yet to save Richie Benaud’s childhood home

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It’s not over yet to save Richie Benaud’s childhood home

There is a proposal to demolish Richie Benaud’s childhood home and construct a 2 storey dual occupancy at 5 Sutherland Road, North Parramatta. We did seek an Interim Heritage Order from the NSW State Government but this was rejected by the NSW Planning Minister, the Hon Tony Kelly MP.

Deputy Lord Mayor Chiang Lim with Lord Mayor Paul Garrard 

As a world class cricketer, a member of the Australian and ICC Cricket Halls of Fame, he is undoubtedly the most influential cricketer and cricket personality. His family home, backyard and neighbourhood during his formative years is where Richie Benaud developed his googly, topspinner and flipper and other cricket skills, thereby making his childhood home a culturally significant heritage property.

The Benaud family sold their family home in 2003 to David Borger, a former Lord Mayor of Parramatta, and today the current NSW State Minister for Western Sydney. The property was recently sold to the current developers by Minister Borger. As a local councillor, as a Lord Mayor, as a Member of Parliament, or as a Minister of the Crown, he should have initiated a heritage status application which would have enhanced the property’s value, not diminish it.

Councillors have also unanimously backed my call to seek the feasibility of a Council bank account to receive Australian and international donations to help maintain or keep Richie Benaud’s family home. The Council has also agreed with me that Council should also seek the feasibility of a national heritage status on Richie Benaud’s family home.

On Monday, 8 November 2010, I will be initiating a fundraising committee in order to viable fundraising strategies and options for the purposes of purchasing the former childhood home of Ritchie Benaud on 5 Sutherland Street, North Parramatta, in order for it to become an appropriate cricket museum, by way of an independent trust entity.

Already, the Parramatta District Cricket Club has pledged their support and involvement in such a fundraising committee. Together, we hope to invite the involvement and receive practical assistance and financial support from the Federal Government, NSW State Government, Cricket Australia, Channel 9, ESPN, the National Heritage Trust, and any other organisations, individuals or corporate supporters from across Australia as well as from other cricket loving countries.

Numerous fundraising ideas are anticipated, including a national and international lottery, grants, direct and on-line donations strategies, memberships, sponsorships, endowments, and fundraising events.

If you would like to be involved, please feel free to contact me via This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or PO Box 2133, North Parramatta NSW 2151.