Dr Crookston's house and garden in Camden has been revitalized into an entertainment venue, preserving its rich history. New owners Shane and Rhiannon Smith manage this adaptive reuse, offering various activities that enhance heritage tourism. The estate now fosters local pride while contributing to economic growth, transforming the once-closed site into a vibrant community asset.
Category: Storytelling
Camden Council’s Volunteer Thank You Receptions Highlights
The 2024 Camden Volunteer Thank You Reception celebrated local volunteers with a musical introduction, remarks by Mayor Ashleigh Cagney, and a served meal. Approximately 170 volunteers enjoyed the evening, which included entertainment. This annual event highlights the importance of volunteering in the Camden community and fosters social connections and community resilience.
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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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Rediscovering Forgotten Australian History Books
The blog post discusses three historically significant Australian books from the 1980s, which have become neglected items. Heaton’s work is a reference on early Australian history, while Smith’s volume showcases historical sites through photography. Morrison and Irving focus on historic towns and architectural heritage. Collectively, they reflect on popular historiography in Australia.
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Exploring ‘Just the Two of Us’ at Tegel Gallery 581
The Tegel Gallery 581 in Cobbitty, NSW, launched the exhibition 'Just the Two of Us' featuring 100 paintings by local artists Nola Tegel and Patricia Johnston. This collection reflects their artistic journeys and love for the Camden countryside and their travels. The exhibition runs until 27 October 2024, excluding certain dates.
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Explore Belgenny Farm: A Journey Through Time 2024
The 2024 Back to Belgenny festival showcased living history at Belgenny Farm, featuring reenactments, traditional trades, and various activities such as sheepdog trials and guided tours. The event included a demonstration by Governor Macquarie’s regiment and highlighted the farm's historical significance, providing visitors with an immersive glimpse into colonial agricultural life.
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Future of the former Camden police barracks: community concerns
The former Camden police barracks, now vacant since 2011, represents a risk of neglect and disrepair. The Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, which acquired the site in 2020, has yet to disclose plans for its future use. The community seeks clarity on whether the building will be utilized or sold.
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Revitalizing John Street: A Vision for Community Placemaking
The proposal advocates for transforming John Street in Camden into an Italian-style piazza, enhancing community bonding and social capital. By activating and enhancing various existing and under-utilised elements this revitalized space could foster deeper connections among residents and serve as a vibrant, meaningful heart for the town.
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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.
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Denbigh Open Days: Exploring Historic Colonial Farm
Denbigh, a significant colonial farming complex in Australia, recently opened its gardens to the public for a rare charity viewing. The property, with a dark history of conflict and anxiety, reveals layers of history from dispossession of Aboriginal lands to dairying and urban invasion. Denbigh's fortified structures reflect the fear and violence of the Cowpastures frontier.
