This article discusses the concept of a "country town idyll" in Camden, an idealised version of a country town from an imagined past that uses history to construct imagery based on Camden's heritage buildings and other material fabrics. The paper delves into the origins of the idyll, examines its development, and investigates its validity in its contemporary context. It shows how its supporters have used history as a community asset to remake Camden's identity and explore how the 'country town idyll' has been used variously as a political weapon, a marketing tool, and a tourist promotion.
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Who were the Camden Chinese market gardeners, a new book reveals the story
The book "A History of Camden Chinese Market Gardeners 1899-1993" edited by Ian Willis & Julie Wrigley tells the story of Chinese market gardeners in Camden. They faced challenges such as the White Australia Policy and local ostracism but demonstrated resilience. The book sheds light on their history and is recommended for those interested in local studies and the Chinese diaspora.
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Public art in Hobart tells the story of female convicts in Van Diemen’s Land
Public art has been used in Hobart to reveal stories of female convicts that have been hidden in the shadows for decades on the Hobart waterfront and at the Cascades Female Factory.
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The Camden Library Museum, conservation through adaptative reuse
The Camden Library Museum, located at 40 John Street, has a rich history with numerous additions and occupants, including the Camden Council, Library, Fire Brigade, and Red Cross. The building's conservation through adaptation has retained its cultural significance as a heritage place. The former School of Arts and Temperance Hall have also played important roles in the building's evolution.
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Types of Mid-Century Modernist Housing in Camden
This blog post discusses the types mid-century houses of the Camden NSW area that were built as part of the economic growth and development created by the Burragorang coalfields. These houses were built between the Second World War and the early 1970s, have a variety of residential architectural styles are located south of the town centre, in Elderslie and at Narellan.
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Camden Teamsters Memorial, when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road
Tribute to mining and industrial heritage If you wander along the John Street heritage precinct, you will come across a quaint monument with a large wagon wheel reminding you of when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road. The Camden Teamster's Memorial is on John Street, Camden. The memorial is between Macaria, a… Continue reading Camden Teamsters Memorial, when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road
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Camden Material and Colour Guide, a heritage building guide
Camden Material and Colour Guide In 2023, Camden Council published the Camden Material and Colour Guide. The guide was the initiative of the Camden Council Heritage Advisory Committee. The aim of the guide The Material and Colour Guide aims to provide a handy guide for owners of heritage buildings with practical tips on working with… Continue reading Camden Material and Colour Guide, a heritage building guide
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Celebrate Camden 93, a spring festival
In 2023, Camden celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Celebrate Camden 93 spring festival, initiated by the Camden Chamber of Commerce to boost tourism. Despite initial sponsorship issues, the event drew over 100,000 attendees and was deemed a success. Subsequent festivals struggled with community support, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
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Camden Library and Museum public art
Collaborative efforts The 2007 Camden Library and Camden Museum redevelopment project resulted in a community collaboration to create a mix of public artworks. The collaboration process was led by Camden Council Cultural Development Coordinator Angela Pasqua. Participants included school children, TAFE students, artists and sculptors. The artworks were commissioned by Camden Council.. The efforts have… Continue reading Camden Library and Museum public art
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Billie Holiday on stage at the Belvoir Street Theatre
Review: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill by Lanie Robertson. Musical Arrangements by Danny Holgate. Belvoir St Theatre, 14 September – 15 October 2023. Theatre performance with heart I recently attended a theatre performance with a strong humanitarian message at the Belvoir Street Theatre in Surry Hills. The show was a combination of cabaret… Continue reading Billie Holiday on stage at the Belvoir Street Theatre
