Celebrating new Sydney Fish Market’s rich social and cultural history

Visitors to the new Sydney Fish Market will be able to learn about the history of the area through five permanent installations that celebrate the site as a community gathering place.

The first three sculptures revealed today, Saltwater People Stories, pay respect to the continued presence of local Aboriginal people and their ancestral fishing traditions in Blackwattle Bay and the surrounding area.

Three Aboriginal Australian artists have designed works which reference traditional cultural practices of the Aboriginal nations and communities connected to the new Sydney Fish Market site including:

‘The Nawi’ – a traditional nawi (fishing canoe) by Bidjigal elder Uncle Steven Russell

‘Birrang Narrami (Star Net)’ – a traditional woven fishing net by Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gadigal multi-disciplinary artist and master weaver Nadeena Dixon

‘The Call of Ngura (Country)’ – with eel-like forms representing the Dreamtime journey of the great Creator Gurangady, by Buruberong and Wumali (Dharug) creative Leanne Tobin.

The sculptures, cast in bronze at the North Head Foundry in Manly, will be installed on the eastern and western promenades of the new Sydney Fish Market later this year.

Two further installations will sit on the eastern promenade – an interactive water play area for families, and an installation paying homage to the site’s industrial history as a working harbour.

Placemaking NSW will also host a curated arts and cultural program featuring dance and music. This will take place in the public domain throughout 2026 featuring local artists.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market project, visit: new Sydney Fish Market. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“For thousands of years, the Saltwater clans of the Sydney region have been traditional custodians of this land, with Blackwattle Bay serving as a vital site for fishing, swimming and gathering.

“These installations will honour ancestral fishing traditions and share the stories of the Saltwater People with the millions of visitors anticipated at the new Sydney Fish Market.

“Visitors can look forward to not only viewing the stunning architecture but learning about the site’s cultural significance through these installations – and, of course, savouring the freshest seafood in NSW.”

Infrastructure NSW Head of Projects Bruno Zinghini said:

“These Saltwater People Stories installations led by Aboriginal curator Tess Allas will enrich the public domain around the new Sydney Fish Market, providing both local and international visitors with a glimpse into our First Nations heritage.

“Forming part of the urban renewal of the Blackwattle Bay precinct, commissions like these will ensure the revitalised waterfront destination will deliver a lasting cultural legacy for Sydney, celebrating history through creative expression, infusing the area with vibrancy and a distinct sense of place.” 

First Nations Contemporary Artist, Leanne Tobin said:  

“As a First Nations artist, I’m excited to see our culture represented and visibly acknowledged as part of the new Sydney Fish Market.   

“This project is more than a world-class building and fish market. It is an opportunity for us to educate and inform visitors here by weaving our stories and culture into the precinct.

“These installations allow us a way to share our cultural stories and highlight our deep and ancient connection to this land while also creating a shared experience that reflects our heritage for all to enjoy.”