The NSW Parliament allows Members to submit Community Recognition Statements acknowledging community achievements, charity work, and other contributions since 2017. On May 28, 2025, Mrs. Sally Quinnell MP hosted a morning tea to honor Camden recipients, including Dr. Ian Willis, joint-author of 'A History of Camden Chinese Market Gardeners 1899-1993' published by the Camden Historical Society.
Category: Place
Understanding NSW’s 2025 Draft Heritage Strategy
The NSW Government has unveiled the NSW Heritage Strategy, marking a significant update in over twenty years. Aiming to broaden the understanding of heritage, it includes Aboriginal culture, historic structures, and natural heritage. Public feedback is welcomed until July 13, 2025, to shape the final strategy guiding future heritage policies.
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Exploring Your Hometown: Hidden Gems Await
Exploring your hometown can reveal hidden wonders and local history often overlooked. Resources like libraries and historical societies offer insights into the past, while nature provides adventurous experiences. Engaging with local culture, festivals, and unique culinary offerings can enhance your appreciation of familiar surroundings. Stay curious and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
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Camden’s First Hospital: A Historical Insight
Camden historian Dr. Ian Willis will present a paper on the origins of Camden Cottage Hospital at the 2025 Australian Historical Association Annual Conference. His paper, focusing on the hospital's role in rural health from 1899-1902, highlights community resilience and offers insights into local history and heritage in New South Wales.
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2025 Camden Show: A Photographic Journey
The photographic essay captures the vibrant atmosphere of the 2025 Camden Show, showcasing various activities, displays, and exhibitions. Highlights include the Woolworths produce pavilion, enthusiastic attendance from parents at performances, and contributions from local services like the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire Brigade, and police, enriching the community experience.
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The Celebration Society: Revitalizing Picton’s Retail Scene Through Adaptive Re-use
The Celebration Society opened in 2024 in the former Corbett hardware store, revitalizing Picton's retail scene. Owners Deborah and Michael Quinn, along with business partners, preserved the building’s historic integrity. The venue includes a café and space for events, enhancing community engagement and contributing to the area's renewal.
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Camden Council vote on listing the Camden Township on the State Heritage Register
On 11 March 2025, Camden Council discussed a motion by Councillor Peter McLean to list Camden Township on the State Heritage Register, citing its significant historical and cultural value. Despite support from the Camden Historical Society and several councillors, the motion was ultimately defeated in a 6-3 vote, with concerns raised about its impact on businesses.
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Sarah Ashcroft: Art as a Journey of Healing
The Camden area boasts a vibrant art culture, featuring public art and local artists like Sarah Ashcroft. After retiring from the NSW Police Force due to PTSD, Sarah found solace in drawing, particularly architectural pieces. She aims to preserve local history through her art while promoting awareness about mental health and creativity.
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Exploring Greg Johns’s public art installation outside the Oran Park Leisure Centre
At the front of the Oran Park Leisure Centre is Greg Johns' art installation, Vortex Mandala, which was inaugurated on 21 October 2024. This public artwork reflects swirling patterns symbolizing energy flow and consciousness. Johns, influenced by the Adelaide Hills, aims to create significant public sculptures that engage viewers and enhance the local environment.
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Camden Cottage Hospital – foundation and early days
By the 1890s, Camden's economy depended on dairy, but health concerns arose due to contaminated water and infectious diseases like scarlet fever. In response, the community pushed for a cottage hospital, leading to its opening in 1899. Local efforts highlighted the crucial link between health and the dairy industry's sustainability.
