Stanmore Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sydney (NSW) is in need of help to win a Blue Plaque award. The church has been nominated for the award by Heritage NSW in the People’s Choice category. The award, determined by public vote until the end of the month, recognises significant historical events at nominated sites.
The nomination highlights a unique historical contribution—the creation of Weet-Bix. Church member Amini Qiosese explained that while Weet-Bix is owned by Sanitarium, “it was actually invented by members of the Stanmore church”. Arthur Shannon, a church member and the founder of the company that created Weet-Bix, later sold the company to Sanitarium at the request of the General Conference.
If selected, Stanmore Church will receive a Blue Plaque, commemorating this notable event in the history of New South Wales. Mr Qiosese encourages everyone to support the nomination by voting on the Heritage NSW website.
According to him, receiving this award would create a point of difference for the local church. “When people walk past the church, they might feel a bit intimidated or uncertain about the people who go to the church and what actually happens there. But if they see that Weet-Bix started at Stanmore church, they will feel like they have something they can engage with and something in common with us,” he said.
“It’s a touchstone for people to engage with our church and for us to then be able to share Jesus with them,” added Mr Qiosese.
To vote, visit Heritage NSW’s website, scroll through the nominations, and select The creation of Weet-Bix Mid-1920s. Voting closes on June 30.
