The Burragorang Valley's coal mining history spans from the early 1800s to the closure of the last operational mine in 2000. The community relied on coal for jobs, but the inevitable end affected the region. International mining companies became involved, and the introduction of electricity transformed mining processes. Many mines opened and closed throughout the years, leaving a rich and complex history documented in various sources.
Category: Business
Narellan ‘Gayline’ Drive-In Movie Theatre, a touch of modernism
The Narellan Gayline Drive-In Movie Theatre in Camden was a defining feature of the local 1960s-1980s culture, offering a relaxed, family-friendly movie experience. The drive-in's success peaked in the early 1970s but eventually closed in 1990 due to changing lifestyles and real estate development. It provided a memorable experience for many local residents, offering a nostalgic look back at a bygone era.
Narellan’s Architectural Landmarks: A Journey Through Time
Narellan, named after an 1816 land grant, features historical buildings like St Thomas Church and School from the 1830s and 1880s. The village, surveyed in 1827, was one of four pre-dating Camden's establishment in 1840. Significant structures include the Narellan Hotel , the former Burton Arms Hotel and Ben Linden reflecting local heritage.
Ferguson’s Nursery, the post-war years
During the post-war years, Ferguson's Nurseries continued to be located on Sydney’s urban fringe as the metropolitan area expanded into the rural surrounds.
Ferguson’s Australian Nurseries on the urban fringe
The 20th-century story of Ferguson’s Australian Nurseries is about their location within Sydney’s rural-urban fringe.
Ferguson’s Australian Nurseries, a century of horticulture
Ferguson's Australian Nursery was part of the horticulture industry in the Camden area for over 100 years. Francis Ferguson established a nursery opposite Macquarie Grove on the Nepean River.
Mundane objects tell an interesting story
Utility covers are mundane objects that tell interesting stories about the past in an area. Others consider then to be a form of street art and street aesthetic.
The West Journal
A new lifestyle magazine, The West Journal, has appeared in the local area and makes an interesting addition to the media landscape.
Local identities, Colin and Dorothy Clark
The life and times of Colin and Dorothy Clark were examples of active citizenship. Together they shaped a future for themselves in Camden and served their community, church and family.
Exploring Campbelltown’s Mid-Century Modern Administration Building
The Campbelltown Council office building, completed in 1964, serves as an unrecognized icon of mid-century modernism, symbolizing the town's optimistic vision as a satellite city. Despite its structural significance and initial hopes for community development, later planning challenges undermined this vision, leaving the building's legacy complex and often overlooked.
