The recent "Back to Belgenny Day" at Belgenny Farm attracted over 3,000 visitors, celebrating Australia’s agricultural heritage. The event featured reenactments, vintage machinery, and craft demonstrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Proceeds support conservation efforts for this historic site, preserving its rich stories and landscapes for future generations.
Category: Settler colonialism
Camden’s Herberts Hill: Views, History, Culture and Walk
Herberts Hill, also known as Rheinbergers Hill, offers scenic pathways for walkers and joggers, revealing stunning views over the Nepean River floodplain. Historically significant, the site is linked to early English settlers, particularly Thomas Herbert, whose life reflects the colonial narrative of New South Wales. The hill provides important cultural insight and recreational opportunities.
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George Caley’s 1804 Report on the Vaccary Forest
George Caley (1770–1829) explored the Cowpastures in New South Wales and reported in 1804 on the thriving wild cattle there, suggesting the name "Vaccary Forest." Caley's knowledge of "vaccaries," common in medieval England, influenced his preference for this term over the existing one. He extensively documented his findings during his decade-long exploration in Australia.
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Insights from the Hawdon Letters: Colonial Life in NSW, Part 3, 1833-1837
The letters of John Hawdon and others from 1828 to 1837, preserved in the State Library of NSW, provide insights into colonial life in New South Wales. They highlight themes of isolation, communication challenges, economic struggles, and attitudes toward gender and Indigenous populations, alongside Hawdon's farming experiences and family connections.
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Exploring Caroline’s Diary: A Women’s Perspective on Colonial Australia
Anne Philp's "Caroline’s Diary" narrates the life of Caroline Husband, an Englishwoman who migrated to colonial Australia in the mid-19th century. Through her personal diaries, readers explore her adventures, social life, and experiences from England to New South Wales, providing insights into women's roles and societal dynamics during this period.
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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.
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Understanding the Camden Story: History, Community, and Identity
The Camden story encapsulates the rich tapestry of tales and histories that define the Camden community, including dreamtime legends and settler accounts. It offers insight into the community's values, identity, and resilience, serving as both a historical narrative and a tool for local businesses, fostering deeper connections among residents.
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Exploring Studley Park: A Victorian Italianate Heritage Site
Studley Park House, located in Narellan, NSW, exemplifies Victorian Italianate architecture and holds state significance for its aesthetics and historical associations. Constructed in 1889 by architect firm AL & G McCredie for William Charles Payne, it served various purposes, including a school and military quarters, before becoming a private residence.
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Unveiling Hardy Wilson’s architectural legacy and his influence on Camden’s aesthetics
William Hardy Wilson, a largely unrecognized architect and artist, authored The Cow Pasture Road in 1920, impacting Camden's cultural narrative. His work celebrates colonial architecture and aesthetics, leading to a recent exhibition at the University of Sydney Library, which explores his dual legacy as both a visionary artist and controversial figure in Australian history.
