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Vale Doris Goddard

Decision Maker: Council

Decision status: Recommendations Determined

Decision:

Moved by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Scott –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note that beloved Sydney publican performer and icon Doris Goddard passed away on 28 July 2019, aged 89;

(i)          born in Forest Lodge on 1 March 1930, Doris has had a longstanding contribution to Sydney’s cultural life, night time ecology, LGBTQI+ community and for those less fortunate than herself;

(ii)         Doris found fame during the 1950s as an actress and cabaret singer performing alongside Hollywood greats including Katherine Hepburn, Mel Gibson, Piper Laurie, Bob Hope and Sid James;

(iii)        upon her return to Australia, Doris owned pubs in Surry Hills, Newtown and Balmain. In 1977 she and her husband Charlie Bishop purchased the iconic art deco building at the corner of Foster Street and Hunt Street, Surry Hills, which would become known as the Hotel Hollywood. Throughout her career as a publican, Doris enraptured punters with performances and tales of Old Hollywood gossip. The Hotel Hollywood was her home for over 40 years;

(iv)       Doris was driven by a love for her community and an affinity with the underdog. She lent an ear to any concern, and unconditionally gave her hospitality, respect and kindness without judgement. Despite the disapproval of some of her neighbours, she was known to open the doors of the hotel to the homeless when nearby hostels became full, and reached out to patrons experiencing hardship. She was truly the beating heart of the Hotel Hollywood, and embraced the Surry Hills arts, music and entertainment community with gusto; and

(v)         Doris was a champion of Sydney’s nightlife until her final days. She attended rallies against the State Government’s Lock Out Laws as recently as February this year, and was described by Mr Mark Symons, who has managed the Hotel Hollywood for Doris since 1998, as continuing “to sing until the end”; 

(B)        all persons present in the chamber rise to observe one minute’s silence to mark the passing of Doris Goddard; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write the family of Doris Goddard expressing Council’s condolences.

 

Note – the motion above was not carried. The resolution below was carried.

(A)        Council note that beloved Sydney publican performer and icon Doris Goddard passed away on 28 July 2019, aged 89;

(i)          born in Forest Lodge on 1 March 1930, Doris has had a longstanding contribution to Sydney’s cultural life, night time ecology, LGBTQI+ community and for those less fortunate than herself;

(ii)         Doris found fame during the 1950s as an actress and cabaret singer performing alongside Hollywood greats including Katherine Hepburn, Mel Gibson, Piper Laurie, Bob Hope and Sid James;

(iii)        upon her return to Australia, Doris owned pubs in Surry Hills, Newtown and Balmain. In 1977 she and her husband Charlie Bishop purchased the iconic art deco building at the corner of Foster Street and Hunt Street, Surry Hills, which would become known as the Hotel Hollywood. Throughout her career as a publican, Doris enraptured punters with performances and tales of Old Hollywood gossip. The Hotel Hollywood was her home for over 40 years;

(iv)       Doris was driven by a love for her community and an affinity with the underdog. She lent an ear to any concern, and unconditionally gave her hospitality, respect and kindness without judgement. Despite the disapproval of some of her neighbours, she was known to open the doors of the hotel to the homeless when nearby hostels became full, and reached out to patrons experiencing hardship. She was truly the beating heart of the Hotel Hollywood, and embraced the Surry Hills arts, music and entertainment community with gusto;

(v)         Doris was a trail blazer for women across the entertainment and hospitality industries. As Sydney's first female publican she changed the face of the city for the better; and

(vi)       Doris was a champion of Sydney’s nightlife until her final days. She attended rallies against the State Government’s Lock Out Laws as recently as February this year, and was described by Mr Mark Symons, who has managed the Hotel Hollywood for Doris since 1998, as continuing “to sing until the end”; 

(B)        all persons present in the chamber rise to observe one minute’s silence to mark the passing of Doris Goddard; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Doris Goddard’s family, friend Mark Symons and all at the Hotel Hollywood expressing Council’s condolences.

Carried unanimously.

Note – All Councillors, staff, press and members of the public present stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to Doris Goddard.

S129262

Report author: Erin Cashman

Publication date: 19/08/2019

Date of decision: 19/08/2019

Decided at meeting: 19/08/2019 - Council

Accompanying Documents: