In the mid-20th century it was not unusual for local Camden women to travel overseas by ship. They were part of an exodus seeking adventure and new horizons. They wanted to see the world and they did. The story of one of these young women, Shirley Dunk and her best friend Beth Jackman, has been told in a recently published article in Anglica by the University of Warsaw.
Category: Memory
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.
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An amazing woman, Sheila Murdoch
Sheila Murdoch was a community worker, musician and mother of five children. She was a rural woman from Orangeville who served her community, church and family.
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Understanding Bellman Hangars: Camden’s WWII Heritage
Camden Airfield's Bellman hangars, erected during World War II, served as transportable structures for the RAAF Central Flying School under the Empire Air Training Scheme. British-designed by NS Bellman in 1936, these hangars represent Australia's aviation heritage and were crucial for pilot training. Over 280 were supplied across Australia and New Guinea and are part of the country's aviation archaeology.
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Exploring Camden Realism: Art as storytelling
Camden Realism is an art style emerging in the Macarthur region, characterized by storytelling through representational artworks. Artists like Nola Tegel and Patricia Johnston, influenced by Alan Baker, capture local history and change. Exhibitions at Campbelltown Arts Centre showcase their work, reflecting the evolving landscape and community identity.
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Macarthur Bridge
The Macarthur Bridge across the Nepean River at Camden NSW is an important engineering heritage item.
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Traditional trades, the legacy of Camden’s carpenters
Carpentry, vital in Camden for centuries, began with Aboriginal bush carpentry using local materials for survival. European settlers adopted this craft, creating simple structures and relying on ingenuity. Formal carpentry evolved with guilds and apprenticeships, maintaining traditional techniques and tools, shaping Camden's architectural landscape with lasting quality.
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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.
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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.
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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.
