By John Buckingham, Bulletin 02/2026, April

It’s hard today to imagine what Glebe was like in the 1970s, when there was virtually no public access to the foreshores of Rozelle and Blackwattle Bays and only small pockets of parkland. The foreshores had been home to waterfront businesses, but these were in decline and much of the land was derelict and inaccessible.

Today, much of the stunning waterfront of Sydney Harbour in the Inner West–the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora nation–are parklands and walkways cherished by locals and tourists alike.

Foreshores for the People, by Nick O’Neill, about the decades-long fight to win public open space in Glebe and Sydney’s Inner West, was launched by former premier Bob Carr, on 21 April at Gleebooks. 

Foreshores for the People tells the inspiring story of how local residents helped secure waterfront land between Darling Harbour and Iron Cove for the people. Today’s public parklands are the result of the tireless efforts of local residents who helped fund court cases, lobby ministers, and maintain public commitment to the campaign.

Nick O’Neill, a great friend of Glebe and the Glebe Society especially through the late 1970s to early 1980s, was vital to the gaining of so much waterfront open space during that period. He was especially instrumental in the creation of the much-loved Bicentennial Park.

Foreshores for the People is available at Gleebooks.