PETA calls for Newtown’s Egan St to become Vegan St

A BID to formally recognise Newtown’s reputation as an enclave for vegans has reached Sydney Town Hall. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals want to change Egan St to Vegan St.

Emma Hurst from PETA at the corner of Egan St and King Street Newtown. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

A BID to formally recognise Newtown’s reputation as an enclave for vegans has reached Sydney Town Hall.

Egan St, on the corner of Newtown’s iconic strip King St, has become a target for mischievous locals — for whom adding a “V” to the street sign has reportedly become something of a pastime — transforming it into “Vegan St”.

The Inner West Courier understands the City of Sydney has considered removing the sign or placing it on a taller pole and has had to replace it at irregular intervals.

While the City of Sydney has not had to replace it in the last 12 months the action costs $200 a pop.

Now, animal welfare organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has come up with a novel solution — permanently change the name.

Emma Hurst from PETA on Egan St, Newtown. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

The sign was recently vandalised to read Vegan St.

The organisation has written to Lord Mayor Clover Moore requesting the change — arguing that as well as ending a waste of ratepayers dollars on graffiti clean up, the action would reflect the spirit of the area.

The name change would reflect the “vegan revolution” happening across Australia, PETA’s Emma Hurst said.

“Newtown is well known for having a large number of vegan restaurants, so changing the street’s name would not only promote plant-based eating and kindness to animals but also support local businesses,” she said.

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Indeed along King St and its surrounds 80 businesses are listed as either fully vegan or offering vegan options.

A City spokeswoman said that to apply for the naming of a new street or renaming of an existing street, it must submit a proposed name for the consideration of the Geographical Names Board as the authority for naming public places.

Egan St dates back to 1844 and may have been named for a former mayor of Sydney.

In the past 15 years, the City has renamed just two streets.

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