Linnwood Estate is one of New South Wales' most significant heritage sites. More than just a beautiful Victorian estate, it represents over 80 years of social welfare history, serving as the state's first and only Truant School, a Girls Home Science Domestic School for state wards, and today continues to serve the community through the dedicated work of the Friends of Linnwood Inc. and Sunnyfield Intellectual Disability Services.

This State Heritage-listed property tells the story of NSW's social history, education, welfare and local community. Its magnificent buildings, open landscapes, mature trees and abundant wildlife form an irreplaceable part of our shared heritage.

Today, Linnwood Estate is once again under threat.

Following the subdivision of part of the estate in early 2026, the remainder of the property has been claimed by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. A proposal has now been put forward that would leave the Friends of Linnwood and Sunnyfield with access to only the three existing buildings, the driveway and a small staff parking area, while the remaining grounds—including the iconic front lawn and rear open space—would be available for future development.

This would have devastating consequences.

The Friends of Linnwood would lose the open space needed to continue hosting Open Days, guided tours, community events and educational activities that bring the estate's history to life.  Sunnyfield would lose the outdoor areas that are essential to providing meaningful programs and activities for more than 50 adults with intellectual disability who attend the site every week.

The estate's historic gardens, mature trees, wildlife habitat and unique heritage setting would also be placed at risk—changes that can never be undone.

Linnwood is not an unused property. It is an active community asset, a place of education, inclusion, history and connection. It continues to fulfil an important public purpose and deserves to be protected in its entirety.

We believe it is unacceptable that a State Heritage-listed property of such historical, cultural and community significance can be progressively diminished through land claims and future development.

Please sign this petition today and help protect Linnwood Estate before this irreplaceable piece of New South Wales' heritage is lost forever.

Every signature sends a clear message that our shared history matters. 

For more information, Contact The Friends of Linnwood at this link or email them at friendsoflinnwood@gmail.com