Historical Markers Program

LINKING PEOPLE OF THE PAST WITH SITES OF THE PRESENT

The Georges River Local Government Area (LGA) is an important commercial, transport, environmental, medical and educational district with numerous sites of natural and cultural history and heritage and local historical significance.

A historical markers program, as guided by Georges River Council and the local community, looks to:

• Create awareness of the history, heritage and cultural identity of the Georges River LGA to build a strong sense of identity and belonging in the community
• Mark historically important places in the local area
• Incorporate a historical resource and open air archive which provides multi-dimensional and ongoing opportunities for community engagement with the local area

Selection of sites for the 2019 Georges River Council Historical Markers Program

Georges River Council’s Historical Markers Program was launched in 2018 to highlight and recognise people and places of historical and cultural importance, as recommended by the local community.

Applications for the 2019 program have been reviewed by a selection panel and Council would like to hear your thoughts on the recommended sites:

Collaroy House, Peakhurst (764 Forest Road, Peakhurst)

Collaroy House in Peakhurst is one of the oldest and most significant houses in this area. The building was constructed c. 1882 for Robert Newell, and called ‘Collaroy’, believed to be named after the grounded SS Collaroy. The building has a long history of use for functions such as wedding receptions, and is now known as ‘The Gardens on Forest’.

Recommended location is at the entrance to the property, located at 764 Forest Road, Peakhurst.

“Ellesmere” camp, Sans Souci

Aboriginal people, including the Malone family, lived on the shores of Kogarah Bay. The camp sat within the “Ellesmere” estate, then owned by NSW Premier, Joseph Carruthers. It is believed Aboriginal people lived at this site until around 1885.

Recommended location is Endeavour Street Reserve, Sans Souci, close to the location of ‘Ellesmere’.

The English Family

Edmond and Elizabeth English were pioneers of Kogarah from 1854 when Edmond purchased 87 acres of wild bush land in the area. The land purchased was bound by Kogarah Road (Princes Hwy), O’Meara Street, Bowns Road, and beyond Neilsen Avenue and Bellevue Street - almost to Hampton Court Road. Edmond and Elizabeth were instrumental in the development of the area, establishing a school, church, and market gardens. The English children also built their homes in the area, many of which still stand today. Two of Edmond’s sons became Aldermen for Kogarah, and the English family were strong advocates for a railway line for the Illawarra, passing through Kogarah.

Recommended location is the corner of English Street and Princes Highway, close to the former Kogarah Hotel built by the English Family (currently the Nan Tien Temple).

Paramount/Hoyts Cinema, Mortdale

The Paramount Cinema at Mortdale opened in 1929 and was operated by Kennedy Theatres Pty Ltd until June 1950, when Suburban Cinemas Pty Ltd purchased the site. It then operated under the name of Hoyt’s until the late 1950s. This cinema was a popular venue and is fondly remembered. In December 1963 the site was sold and demolished for housing.

Recommended location is 126 Railway Parade, Mortdale.

William Currey VC MLA

William Currey is a celebrated war veteran, who went on to represent Kogarah in State Parliament. He served on the Western Front during World War I and was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions in September 1918 in northern France. During the 1940s, Currey was the elected Member for Kogarah and was the first Victoria Cross recipient to enter NSW parliament.

Recommended location is the site of William Currey’s office while he was Member for Kogarah at 4 Regent Street, Kogarah.

2018 Georges River Historical Markers

The following sites received Historical Markers in 2018:

• Sans Souci Hotel
• Michael Gannon
• Robert Kyle
• Joe Anderson (King Burraga)
• Mervyn ‘Merv’ Lynch