Did you know that plans for a Surry Hills mural seeking to immortalise the moment AFL legend Lance “Buddy” Franklin achieved his remarkable 1,000th goal at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2022 have been rejected? Find out why.
Staff members who assessed the mural proposal argued that it amounted to advertising, a violation of state laws within the Bourke Street South heritage conservation area, where it was planned. They contended that the mural would detract from the area’s character and contribute to visual clutter.
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Mural
The company behind the mural, Apparition Media, has a history of disputes with the City of Sydney over murals, some of which were commissioned without council approval. Notably, the company was fined $30,000 for a 36.8-meter avocado-themed mural in Darlinghurst in 2021.
However, Apparition Media sought permission for the Buddy Franklin tribute, believing it would resonate with the community. This stance received support from the Sydney Swans, who were not the mural’s commissioners but expressed their disappointment with the City of Sydney’s decision.
Diverging Perspectives
Liberal Councillor Lyndon Gannon expressed his perplexity at the council’s assertion that the mural would diminish the heritage value of the area, describing the building’s current appearance as “derelict.” On the other hand, Councillor Yvonne Weldon, who is Indigenous, pointed out the popularity of nearby murals depicting Aboriginal footballers Adam Goodes and Greg Inglis, indicating that a Buddy Franklin tribute would have been well-received.
Mayor Clover Moore underscored the council’s commitment to delivering public art and increasing recognition of Indigenous heritage in the public domain, but emphasised the need for murals to be created by artists, rather than advertising companies.
A council spokesperson defended the rejection, stating that the mural’s size and location, the extensive Swans branding, and a perceived lack of underlying artistic integrity categorised it as advertising. The council’s stance is consistent with the broader state government legislation.
Community Feedback and Local Opinions
Notably, there was a mixture of public opinion on the mural’s fate. While some residents and local sports enthusiasts lamented the rejection, several of the 11 public submissions expressed concerns about the prevalence of male sports stars in street art. An anonymous individual went as far as to suggest that AFL supporters should “go back to where they have come from.” They criticised the mural as “commercial kitsch” that relied on size for impact, branding it as visual pollution.
Amidst the controversy, the lone supportive submission came from the property owner, Alex Perina, who viewed the mural as a “wonderful homage” to Mr Franklin, expressing no financial gain from the artwork. Gannon, the Liberal councillor, asserted that the situation should not be framed as a “male versus female” dilemma and called for more murals celebrating women athletes in Surry Hills.
A Disappointing Outcome
The Sydney Swans, saddened by the mural’s rejection, expressed their belief that it would have made a significant contribution to Surry Hills’ street art. Despite this setback, Mr Franklin’s illustrious career and his achievement of 1000 goals remain a source of inspiration for many in the world of Australian Rules Football.
His status as an all-time great player is undeniable, with his accomplishments earning him an eventual place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame and potential Legend status.
Mr Franklin, 36, retired in early 2023.
Published 9-Nov-2023