RDHS History Talk: Resuming Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach from the south end looking towards Ben Buckler (Mort Family Collection 1879-89, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW)

Join the Randwick and District Historical Society for an engaging presentation that will explore the history of Bondi Beach. Did you know the world-famous Bondi Beach was privately owned for most of the nineteenth century? Public use was dependent on the landowners’ permission until the NSW Government resumed it in 1882. Achieving public access took time and advocacy.

About the speaker: Alice Paul is a local historian and member of the Waverley Historical Society. Alice contributes to the Society’s annual exhibitions and is an editorial member and contributor to the Society’s latest publication, Waverley.

This is a free event, but bookings are essential. This is a joint talk held by the Randwick and District Historical Society and Randwick City Library.

When: Saturday, 5 April at 1 pm.
Where: Lionel Bowen Library, 669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra.
Admission: Free, but bookings are essential.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TICKET

The Convict Valley by Mark Dunn

Parramatta Female Factory Friends Bi-monthly Speaker

Newcastle, at the mouth of the Hunter River, is largely a forgotten convict town, despite its foundation story being a convict story and its first twenty years being one of convict toil, punishment and endeavour. The talk will focus on the story of Newcastle in the years before 1830, including its foundation as a convict penal station, interactions with Aboriginal people and the exploitation of the area’s coal and timber resources. The talk will also touch on the establishment of the Newcastle Female Factory and the transportation of women from Parramatta.

Dr Mark Dunn is a professional historian with broad-based historical research over 25 years. He has a PhD in history from the University of New South Wales, focusing on the colonial interactions of Newcastle. He is the author of The Convict Valley: The Bloody Struggle for Australia’s Early Frontier (2020), which was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award for Australian History in 2021. Mark is a member of ICOMOS Australia and sits on the editorial board for the Australian Dictionary of Biography.

When: Friday, 11 April at 1 pm.
Where: Parramatta Female Factory, Friends Rooms, the ‘Greenway’ Matron’s Quarters, 5 Fleet Street, North Parramatta.
Admission: $5 (plus booking surcharge). Places are limited, so please book early. The talk will be followed by afternoon tea and then the PFFF General Meeting at 2.15 pm.

CLICK HERE TO BUY A TICKET

Paterson Historical Society launch new book: Gresford to Carrabolla – People and Places

Paterson Historical Society’s new book, Gresford to Carrabolla – People and Places by Dr Brian Walsh, was recently launched by the Mayor of Dungog, Digby Rayward, at Gresford Bowling Club. It was published with support from Create NSW’s Cultural Grants Program.

The book reveals how European society emerged along the Paterson River from the 1820s, albeit at the expense of the dispossession of Aboriginal people. It provides information on the landowners, convicts, immigrants and colonial-born who worked on the estates or leased parts of them as tenant farmers. It also features the many ‘selectors’ who took up small blocks in the remote bushland, hills and mountains of the upper Paterson. Despite floods, poor roads and isolation, they made it their home. With hard work, bush skills and resilience, they raised their families there.

The book highlights the formation of the schools, churches and post offices that became a vital part of the social fabric of the upper Paterson. It also shows the impact on the many families that lost their farms when Lostock Dam was built. This was followed by the dramatic contraction of the dairy industry and the depopulation of the upper Paterson.

The book includes a chapter on the Lindeman family. Their inspiring story is a testament to the expertise and enterprise of Henry Lindeman and his descendants, who built what was probably the colony’s largest wine enterprise at Cawarra. Part of their success lay in the family’s ability to pass the business to the next generation.

The 168-page book includes a comprehensive index and is illustrated with many photos, maps and diagrams. It is available at Paterson Court House Museum on Sundays, Macdonalds Book Store in Maitland and several outlets in Paterson. It can also be purchased online from the Society at patersonhistory.square.site.

This project is supported by the Create NSW Cultural Grants Program, a devolved funding program administered by the RAHS on behalf of the NSW Government.

Kiama Historical Society to launch new book:

Rascals and Respectables: A social history of Kiama hotels

Published by Kiama Historical Society, Dr Tony Gilmour’s new book tells the exciting history of the hostelries of Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong on the NSW south coast. From the first local hotels licenced in 1837 to the present day, drinking venues have shaped local social life and character.

Kiama was once a place of ‘besotted and shameless drunkards’, nearby Bombo hosted an illegal ‘sly grog’ shop and Kiama’s 1899 great fire led to mass bingeing on stolen alcohol. Tony will share many of these stories.

The book will be officially launched by The Hon. Gareth Ward, MP for Kiama.

Speaker: Tony Gilmour.
When: Saturday, 22 March at 2 pm.
Where: Kiama Library Auditorium (downstairs), 7 Railway Parade, Kiama.
Admission: $5, includes afternoon tea.
Enquiries: kiamahistory@outlook.com

More local anecdotes will be shared at a second (free) event hosted by Tony in the upstairs bar of Kiama Inn, 50 Terralong Street, Kiama from 5 pm.

This project is supported by the Create NSW Cultural Grants Program, a devolved funding program administered by the RAHS on behalf of the NSW Government.

Mosman Story: The Community and Council Then and Now

Peter Abelson speaking after he unveiled a Mosman Council/Mosman Historical Society plaque at Mosman Bay in October 2016 (Photographer: David Carment)

Dr Peter Abelson will discuss his recently published book Mosman Story: The Council and Community Then and Now: A History and A Personal Memoir.

The book covers the period from Mosman’s Indigenous origins to the author’s retirement from its local government in 2017. Its key message is the enduring importance of the local community and council in Mosman residents’ lives.

Please join members of the Mosman Historical Society for refreshments and a chat following the talk. Copies of Mosman Story will be on sale following the talk.

Dr Peter Abelson is a former Professor of Economics at Macquarie University. Currently an Honorary Professor there, he is also a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University’s Crawford School. He served on Mosman Council from 1979 to 1987 and was Mayor between 1983 and 1985. He was the first popularly elected Mayor between 2012 and 2017. During that period, he successfully led the fight against council amalgamation.

When: Wednesday, 12 March at 7 pm (please arrive promptly).
Where: Mosman Library, 605 Military Rd, Mosman.
Admission: Members Free. Visitors $5.
RSVP: Contact David Carment davidcarment@me.com before Monday, 10 March.

For more information, visit the Mosman Historical Society website.

Mothers, Matrons and Lady Superintendents:

Women Working in NSW Prisons, 1788-1969

Darlinghurst Gaol, 1891 / watercolour by H. L. Bertrand (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW)

By the end of the 19th century, female staff were thought to be more appropriate to manage institutions housing women and children. However, the status, everyday experience and career prospects for women in these senior appointments was often difficult and within the NSW prison service remained discomforting for male colleagues and problematic for the authorities.

Noeline Kyle says she wanted to find the details, the stories and the complexity which surely must have been part of their lives, their character, and their careers. In this talk for the City of Sydney Historical Association, Noeline Kyle AM will discuss the result of her research into the lost and largely forgotten stories of senior women working in NSW prisons.

Speaker: Noeline Kyle AM.
When: Saturday, 8 March at 2 pm.
Where: Henry Carmichael Theatre, Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney.
Admission: Members $5. Visitors $10. No bookings required.

For more information, visit the City of Sydney Historical Association website.

PHA-OHA Event: Working as a freelance historian and/or oral historian in NSW

Image courtesy State Library of NSW

The Professional Historians Association of NSW-ACT and Oral History Association of NSW have partnered to bring you an informative discussion about working as a freelance historian and/or oral historian. You are invited to hear from three experienced freelancers, who will hopefully answer many of your questions, such as:

• How do I set myself up to work as a freelance/consultant historian?
• Can you provide some advice on those boring practicalities such as tax, insurance, and an ABN?
• How do I get work and clients?
• Should I be promoting myself on social media such as LinkedIn?
• What are some of the pros and cons of being a freelancer?

The session will be chaired by the PHA NSW-ACT President Dr Naomi Parry Duncan, who currently works as a freelance historian.

Panel members:

Dr Martina Mueller – Storialines

Dr Martina Muller is a professional historian who has worked in Sydney’s heritage sector for over a decade. After her employment at heritage consultancies such as GBA and NBRS, she set out on her own four years ago and now works as a freelance historian in NSW and adjacent states. Her main areas of expertise are research and writing for heritage and developing content for interpretive media. Martina has been actively involved in the PHA NSW & ACT, recently serving four years as treasurer, which has proved invaluable for her career.

Dr Paul Irish – Coast History and Heritage

Paul Irish is a historian and director of consultancy Coast History and Heritage. He started working about 25 years ago as an archaeological consultant specialising in Aboriginal heritage, working for other consultancies and also running his own projects as a ‘sole trader’ business. After training as a historian, he set up Coast History and Heritage as a company employing both historians and archaeologists to undertake both heritage and history projects. Since 2024, Paul has hung up his trowel to focus fully on working as an Aboriginal history consultant, working collaboratively with Aboriginal community members, particularly in the Sydney area.

Dr Margaret Leask – Oral History Association of NSW

Formerly an arts administrator in London and Sydney, Margaret has worked as a freelance oral historian and performing arts historian since 2004. Her first project included 80 interviews for the 50th anniversary of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). She researches and records oral history interviews for the National Library of Australia, State Library of NSW, National Film and Sound Archive, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. She has also recorded interviews for the Australian Theatre for Young People, Parramatta City Council and for the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, which resulted in the 2021 publication of Warwick Ross: Making Music, based on a 36-hour oral history interview.

This event is free for all PHA and OHA members (including those outside of NSW and the ACT).

When: 3 March 2025 at 5.30 – 7.15 pm
Where: History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney AND online
Registration: https://www.phansw.org.au/upcoming-events/
Cost: Members Free. Non-members $10.

Lavender Bay Heritage Walk led by Dr Roy Lumby

Join the Twentieth Century Heritage Society of NSW and ACT for the Lavender Bay Heritage Walk led by heritage practitioner Dr Roy Lumby.

Opening of the North Shore Terminal at Lavender Bay, 29 April 1893 (State Library of NSW – Hall & Co.)

Originally known by First Nations people as Gooweebahree or Quibaree, understood to mean spring of fresh water, Lavender Bay’s history has been rich and varied. In the 1820s and 1830s, it was known as Hulk Bay, after the prison hulk Phoenix that was anchored there. It was renamed Lavender Bay after George Lavender, the boatswain of the Phoenix. During the second half of the nineteenth century, Lavender Bay contrasted stately houses with a dynamic working waterfront, notable for its extensive boatbuilding and repair. However, the locality was transformed first by the coming of the railway in the 1890s and then by the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the 1920s.

This walk will explore Lavender Bay’s rich built heritage and the evidence it provides of the locality’s evolution during the twentieth century.

Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025.
Time: 11.00 am (walk duration approx. 2 hours).
Price: Members $25. Non-members $35.
Meet: Harry’s Park, corner of Dind Street and Glen Street, Milsons Point.

Book your ticket now on Eventbrite.

The Show Must Go On! Blue Mountains Performance and Entertainment

Join BMACHO at the Carrington Hotel for a day filled with fascinating insights into the Blue Mountains’ rich performance and entertainment history.

The lineup of speakers will cover a range of topics. Associate Professor Richard White will present the keynote R. Ian Jack Address.

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories and heritage of this iconic region.

When: Saturday, 10 May 2025 at 9.00 am – 4.30 pm.
Where: The Ballroom, The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba.
Cost: $85 per person (or $80 early bird, closing 5 pm, 10 March 2025).

For more information, including bookings and speaker program, visit: http://bluemountainsheritage.com.au/blue-mountains-history-conference/

RDHS Workshop: Who Once Lived in My House?

‘Ventnor’, home of George Kiss, Mayor of Randwick in 1878 (Randwick City Library).

Have you ever wanted to research the history of a house or property and who lived there, but weren’t sure where to start? The Randwick and District Historical Society is hosting a workshop to introduce you to a range of easily accessible resources that can help you trace the history of a house or property in the local area.

About the presenters:

Christine Yeats is an archivist and historical researcher, President of Randwick and District Historical Society, President of the Federation of Australian Historical Societies and past President of the Royal Australian Historical Society. She has presented numerous talks and workshops on this subject to local historical groups.

Judith Neville is a researcher, current Randwick and District Historical Society Committee Member and past Secretary.

When: Saturday, 1 February 2025 at 1 pm – 2.30 pm.
Where: Lionel Bowen Library, 669–673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra, NSW 2035.
Cost: $10. Light refreshments served following the workshop. A handout will be provided.
Bookings: Click here to book a ticket. Bookings are essential online. Payment is required upon arrival on the day of the event. RDHS accepts both cash and card. If paying with cash, please ensure you have the exact amount. For more information, email: randwickhistory@outlook.com

This workshop is presented by The Randwick and District Historical Society in collaboration with Randwick City Library.

PDHS Event: Dive! Australian Submariners at War

The Parramatta and District Historical Society invites you to their February Monthly Meeting when Mike Carlton will speak about his latest book, Dive! Australian Submariners at War.

In a working life of more than fifty years, Mike Carlton was one of Australia’s best-known media figures in radio, television and newspapers. Beginning as a cadet journalist at the ABC, he became a war correspondent in Vietnam. He also reported for the ABC from Jakarta, London, New York and major Asian capitals. In television, he worked on ABC’s groundbreaking This Day Tonight current affairs program in the 1970s and for Nine Network News and A Current Affair. He was also prominent on radio at stations 2UE, 2GB and in Britain.

He is the author of several books on naval history, such as Cruiser: The Life and Loss of HMAS Perth and Her Crew, First Victory, and The Scrap Iron Flotilla.

Mike’s latest book, Dive! Australian Submariners at War, tells the story of the extraordinary deeds done by Australian Submariners in the First and Second World Wars and, more recently, the Cold War.

Submariners are a special breed. Not for them a life on the ocean wave, the fresh air and sunshine of other naval sailors. With stealth and daring, they go deep and dark, alone and unseen, in often dangerous waters. They sometimes call themselves the Silent Service, with good reason.

When: Monday, 17 February 2025 at 7.30 pm
Where: Burnside Gardens Community Centre, 3 Blackwood Place, Oatlands

The presentation is free and will be followed by supper.

Enquiries Jeff Allen at jallen6@bigpond.net.au

Visitors Very Welcome.