In the backyard of an historic cottage at 80 John Street there is a funny little dunny that dates from the 1890s. In 2011 it created a great deal of fuss when there was a proposal for a two-storey commercial development at the rear of the cottage site and the demolition of the dunny for parking.
Category: Macarthur
Macarthur regional newspaper history
The story of hard-bitten local newspaper identities and their publications has been told in a recent article published in British academic journal Media History. Local author and historian Ian Willis details the travails of local reporters, printers, owners, and others who made the news across the region for over 140 years.
‘Face to Face’, a new exhibition at Alan Baker Art Gallery
A new art exhibition has opened recently at the Alan Baker Art Gallery in Macaria, John Street, Camden. The exhibition FACE to FACE Live Sittings 1936 -1972 runs from April to September 2021. Entry is free.
Crazy Colourful Koalas on the Prowl
Prowling around The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan are a group of Hello Koalas visiting from Port Macquarie. These cute sculptures are attracting a lot of attention from Mums, Dads, Grandparents and children. These folk are enchanted by the visiting koala who return to Port Macquarie at the end of April.
Camden Showgirl, the enduring appeal of a rural pageant
The Showgirl competition (formerly Miss Showgirl) is a complex mix of paradoxes and apparent contradictions reflecting many aspects of rural life. The pageant is an exercise in women's agency with differing representations of womanhood.
Camden’s heritage inventory
The Camden Heritage Inventory has a list of Camden properties of local and state significant to the district. The formation of the Camden Council Heritage Advisory Committee has assisted the promotion of heritage in the Camden LGA.
Camden Show Sponsors’ Night
The Camden Show committee expressed gratitude to sponsors during the 2025 event, highlighting the long-term support from Hennings Jewellers. President David Dunbier anticipated 48,000 attendees and addressed past challenges, while Ellen Stucki shared her ambassadorial experience. The show, a prominent regional event since 1886, strengthens community identity and engagement.
Motherhood and nation-building in the early 20th century
Around the turn of the century a direct link was made between infant welfare, motherhood, patriotism and nationalism. Motherhood and mothering were expressed in terms of patriotism and a national priority. All driven by European exceptionalism.
Bottled milk and hygienic dairies: agricultural modernism
Camden Vale Milk was produced by the dairies of Camden Park Estate. It was promoted as ‘Free from Tubercule, Typhoid and Diphtheria Bacilli’. Camden Vale promised that its milk was ‘rich, clean’ and ‘safe’ in an advertisement for the 1931 Health and Baby Welfare Week.
Macarthur FC: Symbolism, Regional History, and Nationalism
Macarthur FC, the newest A-League team, represents the Macarthur region in soccer. The club's identity is rooted in regional symbols and colors, including ochre to honor the local Dharawal Aboriginal people. Their use of the Macarthur name signifies the colonial and regional history. The club's presence is expected to shape Macarthur's identity and visibility nationally and internationally.
