North Sydney Council is proud to announce the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the late Jim Saad, a beloved member of our community who served the people of North Sydney for over 50 years.
The memorial unveiling will take place at 10am on Saturday 24 August, at the new Burton Street Plaza in Kirribilli. The event will be attended by the North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker, along with members of Mr. Saad’s family, who will join us in paying tribute to his remarkable legacy.
Jim Saad, originally from Lebanon, arrived in Sydney in 1962. Just two years later, he began working at a small shoe repair and key cutting business located in the Milsons Point Train Station access tunnel. In 1966, he purchased the business and continued to operate it for the next 56 years, becoming a well-known and cherished figure in the community. His shop was a place where countless shoes were mended, and innumerable keys were cut, serving residents and visitors alike from both Milsons Point and Kirribilli.
When he passed away in August 2021 at the age of 80, there was an outpouring of respect and sympathy from the community. Flowers and tributes adorned his shopfront, reflecting the deep connection he had with those he served.
This memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to Jim Saad’s dedication and contribution to the local area. The sculpture features a pair of shoes and shoe repair tools, symbolising the craft to which Mr. Saad dedicated his life. It has been installed at the top of Burton Street, across from the train station entrance, ensuring its proximity to the place where Mr. Saad’s shop once stood.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said, “This memorial is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to our community, and it will ensure his legacy lives on in the hearts of our residents for generations to come.
“However, I am disappointed to hear that a group of individuals took it upon themselves to remove the covering on the recently installed memorial, especially without the presence of Jim's family members. Council has been in regular conversation with Jim’s family for several months and this unveiling event on 24 August was confirmed, with their blessing, earlier this month. We ask that the whole community joins us in respecting this important memorial and honouring Jim’s memory together.”
EVENT DETAILS:
Jim Saad Memorial Unveiling
Saturday 24 August 2024, 10am
Burton Street Plaza
32 Burton Street, Kirribilli
Contact details:
9936 8196
