The article explores regional identity in Sydney's Macarthur district, focusing on the communities of Campbelltown, Camden, and Picton. It discusses the strong local attachment to identity, which is challenged by perceptions of western Sydney as a cultural wasteland. Jeff McGill’s criticism of regional labeling sparked significant community response, revealing a conflict over identification and stereotypes. While Macarthur's regionalism reflects urban expansion, it struggles for acceptance amidst historical, cultural, and emotional ties that residents hold with their distinct localities.
Category: Heritage
Interwar Camden, the heritage of a country town
During the interwar period, Camden experienced economic growth driven by dairy and coal industries. The town's population grew by over 35%, making it a vital commercial and administrative center. The Hume Highway and railway brought modern influences, leading to developments such as motor industry, cinemas, and the airfield. Camden has maintained its bucolic charm, but has also experienced urbanization pressure. The town centre has many buildings from the interwar period.
Share this:
Share this:
Camden Cafes and Milk Bars
Cafes and Milk Bars were a vibrant part of the retail precinct of any country town in Australia
Share this:
Share this:
Life, horses and the Army at Narellan in WW2
Narellan Military Camp occupies an important place in Narellan Military Heritage although in the overall picture of the Second World War the Camp was not of great military importance.  In the national story it does not appear in Gavin Long’s Official History of the Second World War and there are very few references to the… Continue reading Life, horses and the Army at Narellan in WW2
Share this:
Share this:
The army in camp at Narellan in WW2
The Narellan Military Camp was an important part of the story of wartime Camden during the Second World War.
Share this:
Share this:
Being a Historical Detective
There are a number of steps involved in being a historical detective and conducting an investigation (historical research).
John Hawdon of Elderslie in a settler society
John Hawdon of Elderslie was part of the story of settler colonialism in New South Wales in the early 19th century.
Share this:
Share this:
The seaside holiday
Seaside holidays on the NSW South Coast has been a popular holiday spot for Camden families. This is the story of seaside holidays in the Wollongong area.
Share this:
Share this:
Viewing the Cowpastures landscape
The early colonists of the Sydney area viewed the landscape from a number of different perspectives according to historian Grace Karskins in her book The Colony a History of Early Sydney (2009) and this also applied to the Cowpastures.
Share this:
Share this:
Pictorial History of Camden and District
The history of the Camden District is told in a recent publication that has been recently been republished by Kingsclear Books. Pictorial History of Camden & District.
