Distinguished Kiama resident, writer Charmian Clift, has been nominated for the Blue Plaques Program, a $5 million initiative led by Heritage NSW which aims to bring life to people and events that have shaped the history of NSW.

Kiama & District Historical Society President Sue Eggins, who put forward Charmian’s name in the lastest round of nominations, says she certainly deserves to be commemorated with one of the next Blue Plaques.

“Charmian was a novelist, memoirist, journalist, script-writer, dreamer, political thinker, and an inspiration to three generations of Australian women,” Sue says.

“More than fifty years after her untimely death, her reputation continues to grow.”

If successful, Charmian’s plaque will be installed on the outside wall of Kiama Library, which holds the full collection of her writings.

In the application – with the help of Julian Neylan and Charmian’s official biographer Nardia Wheatly – Sue wrote, “It will provide: a fitting tribute to Australia’s finest essayist in the literary centre of her birthplace, a catalyst for new and renewed interest in the author among Kiama’s booming population and its many tourists, and right an oversight in the homage of Australians to one of our best authors.”

Charmian with her husband George Johnston, author of My Brother Jack

She also noted that the plaque will highlight Charmian’s centenary year, as 2023 will be the hundredth anniversary of the author’s birth.

“This significant anniversary will provide a golden opportunity to promote the literary and cultural legacy of a woman many writers and readers consider to be our forgotten national literary treasure,” Sue wrote.

Charmian lived in the first house closest to the bridge until 1937. Image from Kiama Library. 

Born and raised on Hothersal Street, Sue says, “Charmian was shaped by the physical and social landscape of her hometown which is captured in her first solo novel, Walk to the Paradise Gardens.”

 In addition, she refers to her Kiama childhood in at least six of her essays.

The plaque would join the street - Charmian Clift Place - and park - Charmian Clift Reserve - in being named after her.

Sydney also holds the Charmian Clift Cottages which offers supported accommodation to mothers at risk of homelessness.

Since the Blue Plaques Program began in June 2021, 35 plaques have been announced including for pioneering female aviator Nancy Bird Walton AO, artist Brett Whiteley and Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, who helped popularise surfing in NSW.

Successful nominations will be announced in the first half of this year and installed mid-2023.