Reg Bartley
Reginald James Bartley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Armidale, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | January 16, 1982 (aged 82) Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, corporate executive, politician |
| Known for | Lord Mayor of Sydney (1943–1944, 1946–1948) |
Reginald James Bartley (3 February 1899 – 16 January 1982) was a prominent entrepreneur, corporate executive, and served as the Lord Mayor of Sydney.
Life
Bartley was born in Armidale, New South Wales, to Henry and Annie P Bartley, originally from Forbes. In 1929, he gained admission to practice before the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
He held the position of Lord Mayor of Sydney during two terms: 1943–1944 and 1946–1948. As a representative of the Civic Reform Association, Bartley initiated the removal of "Maramonah," a mansion that accommodated approximately 600 squatters, to establish Fitzroy Gardens in King's Cross. Despite opposition from the Communist Party of Australia, his proposal was ultimately carried out. Bartley later acknowledged his disappointment that the situation escalated into a confrontation between "communists and lawful authority."
In March 1946, he called for the demolition of heritage sites such as the Sydney Mint and Hyde Park Barracks to facilitate the construction of contemporary buildings, demonstrating his commitment to urban modernization.
Bartley passed away at Bellevue Hill on 16 January 1982.
Legacy
His impact on Sydney is commemorated through several landmarks bearing his name, including Reg Bartley Oval located at Rushcutters Bay, the Reg Bartley XI Cricket Club, and Bartley Street in Chippendale. The City of Sydney Florence Bartley Library honors his wife and Lady Mayoress, Florence.