WILLIAMSON BACKS PUSH TO SAVE HISTORIC KEITH HOWLAND MURAL

A community-led push is gaining momentum to save the historic Keith Howland mural at the former Sydney Fish Market, with State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson also backing the campaign.

Mr Williamson has been advocating for the mural's preservation in the NSW Parliament, through the relevant Minister, and directly with Infrastructure NSW as redevelopment of the Blackwattle Bay precinct progresses.

He first raised the issue in a Private Member's Statement in the NSW Parliament on 23 June highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the 1990 artwork and calling for urgent action to ensure it is not lost.

Following his parliamentary contribution, Mr Williamson wrote to the relevant Minister seeking intervention to protect the mural.

Since that correspondence was sent last week, Infrastructure NSW has directly contacted Mr Williamson and facilitated an on-site inspection of the mural last Friday, with indications there is a willingness to explore options for its preservation.

Mr Williamson said the engagement to date was an encouraging development.

"It is very encouraging to see Infrastructure NSW engage directly and take a practical interest in the future of this remarkable piece of New South Wales history," Mr Williamson said.

"The preferred outcome remains the careful removal and incorporation of the mural into the new Sydney Fish Market redevelopment, so it continues to tell the story of our fishing industry for future generations.

"If that proves not to be possible, then we must ensure it is still preserved, protected and relocated rather than lost forever."

Mr Williamson met with members of the community campaign group in Yamba yesterday to provide an update on recent developments and reaffirm his support for preserving the artwork.

The Keith Howland mural, created in 1990, is an eight-by-four metre ceramic artwork comprising approximately 400 individually hand-painted and glazed tiles. It depicts the NSW commercial fishing industry, including vessels, workers, fish markets and regional contributions from communities such as Yamba and the Clarence Valley.

Mr Williamson said the mural holds significant cultural and historical value, particularly given its connection to both Sydney's fishing industry and the Clarence region.

"This is not just a Sydney artwork – it is part of the broader story of our coastal communities, including the Clarence Valley," he said.

"I will continue to advocate strongly for a solution that preserves this important piece of New South Wales heritage."

Keith Howland's son, John Howland, welcomed Mr Williamson's advocacy and the progress that had been made.

"The Keith Howland mural team really appreciates Richie Williamson's intervention and the commitment he has secured from the Minister, Infrastructure NSW and the Government to explore options to preserve and reuse the mural," Mr Howland said.

"Every day, people from both the Clarence Valley and Sydney contact us to tell us why they love this mural, ask whether it will be destroyed and what they can do to help protect it. Having Richie deliver his Private Member's Statement in Parliament has had such a positive impact."

Mr Williamson said he would continue working with the community group, Infrastructure NSW and the NSW Government to achieve the best possible outcome.

"The best-case scenario is to see this magnificent artwork incorporated into the new Sydney Fish Market redevelopment where it belongs. However, if that is ultimately not possible, we must ensure it is carefully removed and preserved so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations."

A copy of Mr Williamson’s Private Members’ Statement can be found here - Legislative Assembly Hansard - 23 June 2026 - Proof

IMAGES:

1- Richie with L-R: John Howland (son of Keith Howland), Jacqui Hinshaw and her father, Mike Hinshaw (the fisherman pictured in red mending nets on the mural).

2 - Richie at the former Sydney Fish Markets in front of the mural.  He visited the site on 26 June with Infrastructure NSW reps. 

3 – 1989 article that featured in the former Daily Examiner newspaper about the mural.