This presentation at the WEA-RAHS Seminar Series on 28 October 2009 at History House, Sydney, explores the conflict between urban expansion and the desire to preserve Camden's identity as a country town. It delves into the tension between nostalgic ideals and the reality of modern development in the area.
Category: Urban history
Despina’s story, fond memories of living in Campbelltown
A former resident of Campbelltown, Despina Maddalena, has recalled her time living in Campbelltown in the early 2000s. She has fond memories and is quick to defend the city from stereotypes and misinformation.
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.
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.
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
Explore Narellan’s History: Heritage Walking Tour and Historic Sites
The Narellan Heritage Walking Tour, curated by local photographers Kylie and Peter Lyons, provides a fascinating exploration of the historical and architectural legacy of Narellan. This tour offers insights into the original villages predating Camden's establishment in 1840, featuring notable sites like The Old St Thomas Chapel and the Narellan Public School.
Unlock Camden 2023, a festival celebrating our past
Unlock Camden is a history festival that celebrates the Camden story through walks, art, images, stories, and a host of other activities. Events are centred in historic the John Street precinct around the Alan Baker Art Gallery Macaria.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, an engineering marvel
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an icon on the Sydney urban landscape. The bridge is an engineering marvel of modernism and the early 20th hope of a new nation.
‘Fibro Majestic’: A Celebration of Mid-Century Housing at Campbelltown Arts Centre by Catherine O’Donnell
The "Fibro Majestic" exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre celebrates the historical significance of fibro housing in Australia, highlighting its role in post-war society. Artist Catherine O'Donnell's work reflects on the nostalgia, memories, and social contexts surrounding these humble structures, transforming perceptions of an architecture once deemed unattractive.
Botanic gardens herbarium at Mount Annan wins top architecture award
The National Herbarium of NSW at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has been awarded the AILA 2023 NSW AILA Awards in the Health and Education Category.
