PL Travers to be honoured

P.L Travers, the creator of the world’s favourite magical nanny Mary Poppins, is among 11 distinguished Australian and international authors to be celebrated at the popular Writer’s Walk on Sydney Harbour.

P.L Travers, the creator of the world’s favourite magical nanny Mary Poppins, is among 11 distinguished Australian and international authors to be celebrated at the popular Writer’s Walk on Sydney Harbour.

Minister for the Arts, George Souris, made the announcement on the occasion of the premiere of the well-known musical Mary Poppins at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre tonight (May 5). The placement of the plaque is subject to approval by the executors of the P.L Travers estate.

Mr Souris said the existing walk comprises a series of 49 brass plaques set into the ground around Circular Quay extending from the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House to the front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, the site where Sir Cameron Mackintosh wrote the synopsis for the current musical.

“P.L Travers is a most worthy recipient of this honour. The Australian-born novelist penned the story of the mystical and magical English nanny Mary Poppins, a timeless classic still enjoyed by children and adults alike today,” said Mr Souris

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, producer of the theatrical musical Mary Poppins, said he was “absolutely thrilled” that the Minister has decided to honour Pamela Lyndon Travers with the installation of a plaque in her name at the Writers’ Walk in Circular Quay.

“Born a Queenslander, Patricia spent her formative years in Sydney and went on to create one of the most iconic characters of all time, Mary Poppins,” he said.

“Her stories continue to fuel the imagination of children and adults around the world opening their eyes to the belief that ‘anything can happen if you let it’.”

Mr Souris said the Writers’ Walk serves as a permanent reminder of the significant contribution that these great writers have made to our national identity.

“I can also announce that another 11 Australian literary greats will be soon also be added to the Writers’ Walk which has become an important contribution to the cultural landscape that links the Opera House to Walsh Bay,” Mr Souris said.

The Writers’ Walk was created 20 years ago to commemorate the lives and achievements of writers who either lived in Australia or made a contribution during a visit or period of residency.

The plaques installed between 1991 and 1994. Arts NSW will work with the Sydney Ports Corporation, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and families of the writers to facilitate the installation of the plaques.