The Camden Motorcycle Club, founded in 1919 and led by Dr. Francis W. West, played a pivotal role in local motorcycle culture in early 20th-century Australia. Members,. like Laurie Kelloway, engaged in adventurous overlanding, promoting camaraderie and the excitement of the open road. The club also provided community support, such as raising funds for disabled veterans like Private Cecil Wheeler.
Category: Placemaking
Discover the Hidden Signatures of Camden’s Former Bank
In Camden's old bank building, a hidden strongroom features signatures of former bank employees, each telling a unique story. Now part of Camden Markets Collective, these signatures are viewed as graffiti art, reflecting local history and culture. The community seeks to preserve this unique public art for future generations.
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Narellan Town Centre Revitalization: a community-centric approach through placemaking
The redevelopment of Narellan Town Centre in 2017 enhanced its community space through placemaking, incorporating public art and amenities. Valued at $200 million, the extension nearly doubled its size, accommodating 100+ retailers and encouraging social interactions. The design reflects local history, fostering cultural identity and community engagement, achieving successful early usage by families.
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Addressing Australia’s Heritage Skills Crisis
The Australian Garden History article by Yolanda Cool discusses a crisis in heritage skills training in Australia, highlighting a lack of formal education and accreditation for tradespeople. The Heritage Skills Association emphasizes the urgent need for skilled workers to preserve heritage properties, advocating for solutions and initiatives to address this ongoing shortage. The article explores how the shortage of traditional trades skills in not new in Australia.
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Sydney’s Cultural Identity: A City of Contradictions
Sydney presents a striking contrast between its stunning harbour and perceived lack of cultural depth. Critics argue the city is a "cultural wasteland," with isolated artistic venues and a fragmented entertainment scene, unlike the vibrant precincts found in Melbourne, London and New York. Sydney's cultural identity partly emerges from its diverse tribes and subcultures that are found in the depths of the suburbs.
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Top Walking Trails in Camden: Experience Walking the Cowpastures
Camden township, located in the historical Cow Pastures, features walking and cycling paths that reflect its Indigenous and colonial history. The Nepean River Trail, integrating various public artworks, enhances the area's historic character, while memorial walkways pay tribute to Australian service members. It's a site for both recreation and cultural immersion.
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Exploring Community History: Benefits and Applications
Community history focuses on the stories and experiences of specific groups, emphasizing local and social history often overlooked in traditional research. It fosters empowerment, engages community members, preserves unique cultural heritage, and creates a deeper connection to place, ultimately enhancing social cohesion and supporting informed decision-making for future generations.
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How History Shapes Our Present and Future
History enables us to comprehend the past and influences the future by revealing how past events shape current realities. It provides context, identifies patterns, and highlights cultural influences. Additionally, it inspires critical thinking, informs decision-making, and prompts social justice efforts, reinforcing that the future is shaped by choices made today.
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Community Recognition Morning Tea for Camden Recipients at NSW Parliament
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.
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Explore History with Friends of Belgenny Farm Events
On a cloudy day in late May 2025, the Friends of Belgenny Farm held an open day attracting over 285 visitors interested in early Australian history. The event featured various stalls, historical displays, and guided tours of the historic site, which holds national significance and showcases Australia's earliest colonial farm buildings.
