MEDIA RELEASE - 23 AUGUST 2010

Richie Benaud’s family home is proposed to be redeveloped for the construction of a 2 storey dual occupancy at 5 Sutherland Road, North Parramatta. Parramatta City Council is urgently seeking an Interim Heritage Order from the NSW State Government.

“In addition to Richie Benaud’s success as an international cricketer, as a member of the Australian and ICC Cricket Halls of Fame, he is undoubtedly the most influential cricketer and cricket personality. His family home and backyard during his formative years is where Richie Benaud developed his googly, topspinner and flipper and other cricket skills, thereby making his family home a cultural heritage item,” said Deputy Lord Mayor Chiang Lim.

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. “The previous owner should have instigated a local, state or even national heritage status. 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,” said Clr Lim.

The Parramatta City Councillors have also unanimously backed Deputy Lord Mayor Chiang Lim’s 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 Clr Lim that Council should also seek the feasibility of a national heritage status on Richie Benaud’s family home.

“Australians and international cricket fans should be invited to help save Richie Benaud’s family home, whether by a petition, or by donating a bit of money. We will be trying our best to help save this local, national and globally significant cricket mecca, not just for this and past generations, but also for future generations of cricket tragics to appreciate this living cricket legend,” said Clr Lim.

To download the petition and donation form,
please visit the Deputy Lord Mayor’s website at www.chianglim.com.au.

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For any further information, please contact Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Chiang Lim,
Parramatta City Council on 0427 277 299 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Click here for the PDF copy of this Media Release

Click here for the petition to support the heritage listing of Richie Benaud's (former) family home