Lord Mayor launches Grandeur & Grit

Well over 200 specially invited people gath- ered at the Glebe Branch Library on Tuesday 16 October for the launch of Max Solling’s long-awaited history of Glebe. The wait was well worth while as Lord Mayor Clover Moore indicated in her speech. It is a hand- some volume – replicated as one of the most amazing cakes we have ever seen! Superbly enlarged photographs from the book adorned the Library and entrance hall of Benledi. Finding just the right illustrations was one of the reasons why publication was somewhat delayed, as well as Max’s determination to check every detail of his research. Clover commented again in the course of her talk on the strong community spirit in Glebe and how much the City appreciated the kind of feedback and responses that it receives from this particular one of its villages. The evening’s proceedings were led by the City of Sydney Historian, Dr Shirley Fitzgerald. Max’s response to the launch of his book is The Lord Mayor. Cr Clover Moore, MP and printed on p2 of this Bulletin. Other speakers Max Solling after the book launch. 8/2007 October/November 8/2007 October/November were Matthew Richardson, from the publish- Photo: Jom Photography, courtesy SCC ers, Halstead Press, and a long-standing (and also busking) friend of Max’s, John Dengate (see p3), who provided a musical backdrop Meet the Candidates for the evening once all the formal talking The Glebe Society has organised a “meet was over. Much other conversation was gen- the candidates” evening for the Federal seat erated over the refreshments bought by Coun- of Sydney on Thursday 15 November, 7pm cil; from local businesses: the drinks from – 9pm at Forest Lodge Public School, Tim Smith of Glebe Liquor and the savouries corner Bridge Road and Ross Street from Stella & Sophie’s Gourmet Café and Deli. This meeting is being organised by the Both Max and John emphasised the special Glebe Society to give local residents an character of Glebe, its constantly changing opportunity to hear and ask questions of our nature, and some of the fights of earlier years, local candidates. The Society will provide such as the Green Bans, the perception of the the candidates with a short list of questions, suburb as a “slum”, and the struggle against which we ask them to address. These will expressways which would have literally cut focus on issues where the Federal Glebe apart. All in all, it was a great “Glebe” government can impact on local matters, evening, and we were glad that Max’s family especially support for cities, their were able to be there, including his elderly infrastructure and sustainability. In the mother who travelled down from the country. second half of the meeting candidates will It had been hoped to welcome Bernard Smith, address questions from the audience. the founding President of the Glebe Society, The meeting will be held in the Forest as a guest of honour on the occasion, but alas Lodge Primary School Assembly Hall, on frail health precluded his travelling from Mel- the corner of Bridge Road and Ross Street. bourne. We wish him well for the launch of The entrance is in Bridge Road. Unfortun- his own latest work which is also happening ately there is no wheelchair access, as there in October. are four small steps to negotiate. Please Now, all that remains is for us to enjoy read- arrive early and be seated by 7pm. ing the book. We look forward to seeing you there. - Jeanette Knox Everyone is welcome. And who would like to write a review for the - Jan Macindoe, President next Bulletin? - Editor

There are a few places left for the Glebe Society Champagne High

Glebe Society Bulletin Tea at The Retreat on 4 November. See page 9.

A publication of THE GLEBE SOCIETY INC PO Box 100 GLEBE 2037 www.glebesociety.org.au Max Solling’s speech at the book launch

Few thought Glebe had a history through its History Project, demon- at the moment it is very much on the worth writing about when I came strated a commitment to publish histo- way up. It began as a semi-rural re- from the Bush to go to Uni in 1960 ries of who have lived, worked and treat for families of professional and and found cheap accommodation here. played here that has contributed much mercantile men but by the end of the An old local told me confidentially to its character. I owe much to a num- nineteenth century Glebe's open then that outsiders thought if you ber of local people, born between spaces were rapidly filled with new lived in Glebe you could probably 1896 and 1911, with an intimate people, new houses and industry. As fight or play football, but do blessed knowledge of Glebe gained from a the better off, with their rising for- little else. Some were haunted by this life-long association, whose oral testi- tunes, withdrew to semi-detached image but I was quite comfortable mony filled in gaps, particularly on houses and bungalows on the outer with it since I engaged in those kind working class life, which the manu- limits of development, their places of activities. I thought it was my sort script material failed to yield. I were increasingly being taken by a of place. And it was. gained so much from David Kerno- poorer, more transient, population that han, Ada Stokes, Jack Flitcroft, Alice The streets of Glebe have always been rented rooms, and lived in lodgings Currie, Tom Brown, Josephine Law, full of characters, and the way Glebe and boarding houses. From the early Billy Gough and George Borwick. accepts all sorts of personalities and years of a new nation inner Sydney All have since died and I much regret their eccentricities is part of what became more industrialised and their passing. They gave an identity makes it a very human place. If overtly working class in its demo- and character to people who would you're feeling low, go for a stroll graphic profile. Social boundaries otherwise remain mere names on a along Glebe Road; it’s good for the within Glebe became hazier, but it street directory or electoral roll, and soul. You never know what you'll still remained a mosaic divided along restored to some who left no written see. I found the locals laid back, pos- class lines and this social pattern was record of their living, their original sessing an earthy friendliness and lack not drastically revised for a long time. importance. of pretence. But I soon found out that After World War II, Glebe and Syd- it was not without its own peculiar The City Historian, Dr Shirley Fitz- ney's other inner suburbs entered a complexities. The landlady at the first gerald and Dr Dennis Jeans read and period of prolonged population de- place where I found lodgings heard commented on the manuscript at its cline. Young couples wishing to raise me tell someone on the phone I lived various stages. I greatly benefitted a family were attracted by the pros- in Glebe. She quickly showed me the from their insights and advice. Continued on next page ... error of my ways. “Max”, she said, Shirley has written extensively “you live at Glebe Point, not Glebe” . on Sydney's history, and Dennis Her perspective of the suburb was that is well known as a pioneer in people lived in the same place but Australian historical geography inhabited different worlds. She was during his time as Associate right. Glebe has always been a social Professor at Sydney University. mosaic, and that's part of its fascina- I am deeply indebted to them. tion. Matthew Richardson and Alana Ayliffe from Halstead Press Glebe people don't need a reason to really have produced a very celebrate life. Glebe has some very handsome book. I have thor- august institutions, none more so than oughly enjoyed working with its rowing club. Physical exertion Matthew and Alana, and their creates the need to quench one’s skilful editing has made this a thirst, so the rowers were known to much better book. Their index have the occasional drink. They cele- to the book is superb. Glebe has brated their AGM in 1927 in the main its own great little urban re- hall upstairs in Glebe Town Hall. It search group, and 1 am indebted was a terrific night and much alco- to Michael Foster, Helen Rand- holic liquor was consumed. Some erson and John Fischer for pro- liquor spilt on the floor seeped viding wonderful research sup- through onto the mayor's chair below. port and assistance. Nothing to Never again, Glebe Council decreed, do with Glebe escapes their would Glebe Rowing Club be allowed scrutiny. The names of many to party in their town hall. I should other people who contributed to add that they're much more respect- the making of the book are set able now. out in the acknowledgements. The City Council is to be commended Max Solling and the Lord Mayour cut the cake Glebe has had its ups and downs for being especially active promoting Photo: Jom Photography, courtesy Sydney City over the last two centuries, and an awareness of our history. It has, Council

2 Glebe Society Bulletin Grandeur and Grit launch—memories of Max Get hooked on Mad to live in Glebe? heritage You probably listed heritage as a ma- “Shame on those who would deny the In the 1970s, there was a series of jor interest when you joined the Glebe knotted hands that set us high” - I quote articles in the Sydney Morning Herald Society. Most of us did. The Heri- from Dame Mary Gilmore’s poem Old on Sydney pubs. The article on the tage Sub-committee needs your assis- Botany Bay. Toxteth pub began with the words “In tance as there are a number of projects the Toxteth Hotel in Glebe Point. that present opportunities for you to Max came to Glebe in 1960. My wife Road, a left hook is considered repar- take on; tasks that suit your circum- and I came in 1964. Hardly anyone tee”. Gentrification has come and wanted to buy property in Glebe then. stances. We are seeking members Glebe is now a far more genteel place. who wish to become involved in the People said we were mad to buy a house But, when Max and I meet in the in Avenue Road in 1967 for $13,000 Heritage Sub-committee by providing street we don’t discuss the fact that a knowledge and expertise. and to send our boys to Forest Lodge house in Arcadia Road went for 1.2 School. Well I’ve never regretted mak- million dollars or that the renovation Even if you are unable to commit on a ing Glebe my home and neither has and extensions on a house in Allen regular basis you may be able to par- Max. Street are costing the equivalent of the ticipate in special interest projects. When Max speaks or writes about the gross national product of a small east- Given that most if not all of us have history of Glebe, its battlers, footballers, ern European country. If it’s test access to the Internet we don’t always hockey players, rowers, its colourful cricket time, we talk about the need have to meet face to face to communi- character, he doesn’t approach the task for Ricky Ponting’s men to grind the cate effectively. in an objective, detached manner. His Pommies into the dust. writing and his famous Toxteth pub Our major heritage project for 2007- Glebe was a tough place where you 2008 is conserving our heritage by talks are the product of thorough, disci- needed to know how to use your fists. plined research, but not just that. Max undertaking an audit of current re- Well Max is no stranger to the Mar- cords, identifying gaps and compiling loves Glebe and the people who made quis of Queensberry rules. Dave reliable data for inclusion in either the this suburb special. He has interviewed Sands trained in a gym in Glebe Point State or Local Heritage Database. old men and women who grew up here Road - there is a memorial to him on in the turbulent days of the 1920s and the Parramatta Road corner. Ray In some instances, the hard work may the desperate, hungry ‘30s. He em- Coleman, featherweight champion of have already been done by individuals phathises with them and, vicariously, Australia in the 1950s, was a Glebe when researching their own house or shares their adventures, struggles and boy. His nickname was “Mustard”, family connections. We need to cap- prejudices - the essence of their lives. Glebe’s own “Mustard” Coleman who ture this information in a meaningful I haven’t read this book yet - this is the ended his career belting up the cop- way to ensure its preservation. first time I’ve seen it. But I can antici- pers and belting down the beer, if I pate Max’s prose bringing to life the may wax alliterative. Maybe Mustard Today, Glebe has 11 items on the struggles, the humour, the sense of com- merits a mention. I declare Grandeur State Heritage Register and 204 list- munity that was part of the old Glebe & Grit, a history of Glebe, launched. ings in the Local Heritage Database; most with little or no detail. and which hasn’t been completely - John Dengate wiped out. If you are interested in contributing,

please email me now on [email protected] or phone me on … continued from previous page their forces, and found a powerful ally 9518 7253. - Dianne Gray pects of owner occupancy in outlying in the Builders Labourers Federation areas, leaving inner Sydney with a which placed a green ban on construc- disproportionate number of older and tion of the expressways. The BLF’s Get your copy of poorer people. green bans and intervention by the Federal Labor Government prevented Grandeur and Grit: a Inner Sydney entered a new phase of the carving up of Glebe. Much has History of GLEBE its development from the late 1960s. changed in Glebe since 1945, and that from The Glebe Society at a Community participation created a is dealt with in some detail in the con- members only price of $42.95 new awareness of the history and cluding chapter. character of inner city life, and these Copies will be available at Glebe communities began forming opinions This is an important occasion to cele- Society events. So pick up a few brate. I’m sure of that because my copies for Christmas presents of their own about the quality of their Mum has travelled a long way to be when you attend the Champagne environment. Glebe was coloured in here. Glebe is a great place, and I “High Tea” at The Retreat on 4 on maps as a zone of blight with two really enjoyed writing about it. Thank November, or Christmas Party expressway corridors to carve through you very much. Drinks at Lyndhurst on 14 its heart. The Glebe Society and other December. Or ring Jan Macindoe anti-expressway groups marshalled - Max Solling (9660 0208) and arrange to get a copy or two.

October/November 2007 3 and fitness facilities, and perhaps even Orphan School Letter a small geriatric teaching hospital or nursing home nearby in conjunction Creek to the with the University of Sydney would Editor certainly be viable. These types of From: Helen Randerson developments could face towards the To: Kathleen Ng, City of Sydney Crescent at Rozelle Bay and connect to Bicentennial Park and perhaps the Subject: Larkin Street Park and light rail stop there, having an en- through site link (Orphan School trance at Minogue Crescent. Creek) Your recent Bulletin contained a letter Given the size of the site, and of Dear Kathleen from John Burnheim regarding devel- course it is early days, such a plan I am very pleased that Council is go- opment of the Harold Park site. I would still leave room for parkland in ing to complete the park construction, wholeheartedly support the general the bowl of the original site, and leave but I noted with dismay that there is content of John's letter, but more spe- room for higher density development no mention of any continuity between cifically his suggestion that we should facing Ross Street and perhaps some this side of Orphan School Creek and think about a diversified development supermarket facilities and townhouses that on the other side of Bridge Road. which would include substantial re- accessible via the current entrance tirement and aged care facilities. from Wigram Road, while larger fam- Larkin Street Park's boundary fence is I agree with the tenor of his letter, that ily apartments could be sited at where the Orphan School Creek bed and it plans for the future of such a major the tribunes now are, providing play- would be great if the park fully recog- site as Harold Park are not served by ing facilities in the oval. nised and incorporated this in its de- sign. kneejerk reactions appealing to envi- I think that it is time to think about ronment, heritage and nostalgia. It is modern answers to the needs of an Yours sincerely much more important that we look ageing population. This could be a Helen Randerson realistically at the needs of the inner chance to create such an environment, St Johns Road, Forest Lodge. city, and among those I think there is which allows elderly people to remain a need for, I hate the phrase, sustain- located in the midst of a vibrant com- able development. More importantly, munity like Glebe, and to keep taking Hi Helen, many of the residents in Glebe are of part in its local amenities and in the a certain age and we all will not get pleasures of inner city living, but in a Thank you for your email. younger. Yet we would hate to have safe and secure location, not a fenced- The City's staff will investigate the to leave the area we have come to off estate somewhere out in the sticks, possibility of improving access across know and love so well, not in the least however lovely the surroundings. because it is so marvellously close to Pyrmont Bridge Road to fully recog- the CBD. So I would say that in par- I hope The Glebe Society starts early nise the Orphan School Creek corridor ticular the Harold Park site lends itself with approaching the State Govern- and Larkin Street pedestrian link and to cater for, but not exclusively, the ment and Sydney Council with these park as a whole. types of plans, to prevent being sur- over 55s. In regards to the boundary of Larkin prised by any Master Plans, which Park the City's design staff will con- I recently visited a complex of apart- may pre-empt any real community sider your request to recognise the ments administered by St Lukes on input and end up in delivering us to creek bed in the landscape design of part of the old Prince Henry Hospital unscrupulous development on a grand the park. site in Little Bay. This complex was scale such as the Boating Centre on specifically meant to appeal to over Rozelle Bay. Regards 55s, it contains several sizes of apart- ments, a restaurant, some small shops Mia Campioni Kathleen Ng and other amenities, while a nursing home and small hospital/hostel is be- ing built nearby. The idea is that we want to continue living independently Orphan School Creek exhibition in a secure and beautiful environment with the amenities needed and if nec- There is an exhibition at Glebe Creek and Hereford Streets, and essary care at hand. What was miss- Library (not at Glebe Town Hall) redesign of the stretch between ing there is the inner city location, in seeking feedback on a number of Creek Street and Wigram Road. issues regarding to the Orphan my view. Comment is due before 9 Novem- School Creek corridor. These ber. I strongly suggest that you With respect to Harold Park, looking issues relate to the section between look at this exhibition when you at the types of uses permitted under Wood Street and Wigram Road, Open Space, a community facility are at the Library and send me your and include the nature of such as aged care accommodation, comments. playgrounds, treatment of the substantial retirement apartments for currently asphalted area between - Neil Macindoe sale to over 55s with in-house health

4 Glebe Society Bulletin Planning Matters

Cliff Terrace 208 Bridge Road have them redesigned, as they are almost double the current permissible This row of intact Victorian terraces is During my absence in Turkey the Bul- FSR of 0.7:1. perhaps the most spectacularly located letin Editor, Edwina Doe, noticed the in all Glebe, perched on the clifftop façade of this abandoned factory, des- Friend in Hand Hotel, 58 above Lewis Hoad Reserve and Mino- tined to become town houses like the Cowper Street adjoining, matching factory in Bridge gue Crescent. It attracts the eye in the This pub is the latest to apply for an same way as the witch’s houses on Road, being demolished. She in- area for smokers. In this case they are Johnstone Street, Annandale, and goes formed Derek Barton, who had gener- asking Council for three tables and six some way to compensate for the un- ously agreed to look after planning chairs on the street. This will create sightly Harold Park at its feet. The matters while I was away, and he con- additional noise and disturbance for entire row is an Item of Environ- tacted the City. The developer is now residents, in a situation where noise is mental Heritage. required to reconstruct the façade in already excessive and not adequately its original form, and this now appears controlled, so the Society is lodging It has not always been so. An ugly to be under way. There was a similar an objection. boarding house was demolished to requirement when a section of Univer- create the reserve in the 1970s. sity Hall collapsed during excavation Urban Renewal Where the Terrace meets Wigram for underground parking. It is not as Whether you have visited Cappadocia Road there has been for many years a good as preserving the original fa- in Turkey or not, you are probably vacant lot. In the past I have made çade, but it is the next best thing if it familiar with the wonderful “fairy various attempts to persuade both is done properly. Thanks to both Ed- houses”, where dwellings have been Leichhardt and the City Council to wina and Derek for their prompt ac- carved from the mushroom shaped remains of eroded solidified volcanic purchase this lot and incorporate it tions. ash or tuffe, because they are con- into Lew Hoad Reserve. The most Bakery, 215 Glebe Point stantly shown in travel programs and recent attempt was on 2006, when the Road brochures. City exhibited the sites it intended to What you may nor realise is that while acquire with developers’ contribu- In September a number of people re- these picturesque dwellings are all tions, as required by law. ported the shopfront had been re- moved and a roller shutter installed, protected and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area, there are a num- Recently Members may have noticed both without approval. Council is ber of towns nearby where the facades building activity on the site. Accord- taking action to require removal of the of the stone houses appear quite nor- ing to Cr Robyn Kemmis, in the final shutter and reinstatement of the shop- mal, but where everything behind is days of neglect, when Leichhardt front (not a heritage shopfront). excavated into the soft volcanic rock. Council was about to lose Glebe, it 208 St Johns Road After years of neglect the Turks now failed to deal with a development ap- recognise these houses are also plication for the site in a timely fash- The Old Manse, an early Victorian unique, and we were privileged to see ion, and it was approved by the Land mansion and Heritage Item on the many being restored to original de- and Environment Court. For years no corner of Ross Street and St Johns signs and in original materials. action was taken on this DA apart Road, operated for many years as part of the Richmond Fellowship, an or- Indeed, the value of older housing, from a survey, but according to the ganisation set up by a reforming Di- Ottoman or even earlier, is being real- City’s solicitors, this is sufficient to rector of Mental Health as community ised in some of the regional centers in count as implementation of the DA. housing for young people with mental Turkey. Soon it will be possible to Currently the proposal is for three afflictions (the same one whose rec- stay in restored housing in old town townhouses, but it appears negotia- ommendations for community care centers that remain, just as it has be- tions are continuing with some current have been studiously ignored by all come possible to stay in Istanbul’s yali, the gracious wooden Ottoman owners on Cliff Terrace that may pro- succeeding State Governments). It mansions still to be seen in parts of duce a better result. was the second such community home in Glebe, the first being in Oxley that spectacularly located and ancient It is not a happy story, and the moral Street. Two years ago, as its contribu- city. The value of heritage housing is is obvious. Let us hope the outcome tion to mental health, the Federal being recognised in more and more does not impact too severely on this Government cut off funding, so the countries, and there is still much to be done in Australia to ensure ours is not lovely spot. In the meantime the City building had to be sold. The car park lost. has been busy stabilising the cliff face and dwelling at the rear is now pro- posed for three townhouses, and the and cleaning up the Reserve. - Neil Macindoe Society will lodge an objection to

October/November 2007 5 Book review OK for Bendigo, but not for Glebe “A gem of a Did you see this article in the Sydney Kerbs will be eliminated and replaced Morning Herald, 18 October? with paving to mark where cars can book” drive and park. Walkers first on naked The idea was dreamed up by the Sustainability, Alex Colley AO, streets Dutch urban designer Hans Monder- Envirobook, 2006, 89p man in the 1970s, and has slowly by Clay Lucas gained acceptance in Europe, Britain Alex Colley probably wouldn’t appre- Rip down the traffic signs, throw them and the US. ciate being called a grand old man, out and erase the road markings - it Advocates of the system say street but having, at the age of 97, produced doesn’t seem the logical way to im- signs and road markings make streets such a gem of a book I can’t think of a prove road safety. more dangerous confusing drivers or more apt description. In 2004, in con- reinforcing perceptions that only cars junction with the photographer Henry But Bendigo City Council., in Victo- ria, has decided to do just that, and matter. Gold, he published Blue Mountains follow a revolutionary: overseas trend World Heritage, a history of the strug- By removing them and creating a in urban design that planners say gle for the Blue Mountains National situation that feels "unsafe'", people saves lives, improves health and cre- Park and its listing as a world heritage are more alert and there are fewer ate better communities. site. His Order of Australia having accidents, evidence from other cities been awarded for services to conser- The council will today unveil $16 shows. "lf you walk into a church, you vation, being a graduate of Hawkes- million makeover of its city centre, don't start tap-dancin,'" Bendigo's bury Agricultural College and having coined "naked streets" by commenta- roads engineer Jos Dulvenvoorden, earned a Bachelor of Economics de- tors. It will radically alter the city cen- said. gree at the University Sydney he is a tre by narrowing spaces for cars and The council wants the street redesign returning the town's wide streets to rare combination of ecologist and to slow cars so much that even economist. walkers and cyclists. "human error' will not cause serious Although Australia is still a long way Under the scheme, all "visual signals" injury or death. Instead, minor acci- behind many other countries in its that streets are for cars first and walk- dent might become more common. awareness of the importance of sus- ers second will go. Footpaths will be tainability there has been some im- dramatically expanded and filled with Continued on next page ... provement recently largely as a result street furniture and public art. of such factors as Al Gore’s An Incon- venient Truth, the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Stern review on The Economics of Climate Change. Colley is well aware of all the issues raised by these works and Clive Ham- ilton’s Growth Fetish but, just as Gore is primarily addressing Americans, Colley, as an Australian, sees the is- sue of sustainability in an Australian context. A shared traffic He is critical of our government’s zone in Europe. immigration policy and advocates Photo: Andrew zero net immigration, ie immigration Craig equal to emigration. His chapter headings are The Growth Obsession, If the book has a defect it is its failure mal and biofuel and the phasing out of Population, Soil, Trees, Water, Air, to deal adequately with the looming nonrenewable resources such as coal, Fish, Wildlife, Waste and Transport global crisis brought about by the con- oil and uranium. and a final chapter on The Future fluence of anthropogenic global The Colong Foundation for Wilder- which seems to me, in the tradition of warming and the depletion of the Carlyle’s description of Economics as ness (foundation@ colongwilder- world’s oil resources: but this defect the dismal science, to be unduly pessi- ness.org.au or 9261 2400) is selling is shared by all the major Australian mistic: although we should never un- this book for $20, including postage. political parties. It seems that the derestimate the strength of the fossil Alternatively it may be obtained only certain winner in the next Fed- fuel and mining industries to which through Envirobook (9787 1955). It eral election will be the coal mining our Prime Minister has been unduly is a small book but well worth the industry. There is an urgent need for attentive. On each of these topics he price. not only makes clear what the prob- investment in renewable sources of lems are but suggests solutions. energy such as solar, wind, geother- - Ian Edwards

6 Glebe Society Bulletin Glebe and Forest Lodge Local Area Traffic Management Plan (LATM) The Final Report of the Glebe and Submission by the Glebe Society to The intersection of Glebe Point Road Forest Lodge Traffic Study was re- Sydney City Council Planning De- (GPR) and Mitchell Street was high- leased by Council on 11 October, with velopment and Transport Commit- lighted in the traffic study as having had a note that it was to be discussed at tee Meeting of 15 October 2007 – 12 accidents over 5 years, including the Planning Development and Trans- Item 2 three involving pedestrians. As well as port Committee meeting on 15 Octo- raising the MFC, the construction of a The Glebe Society wishes to thank the ber. This did not give Society mem- Shared Zone on the eastern side, from Council for commissioning the Glebe bers much time to digest the report GPR to beyond the Old Fire Station, & Forest Lodge Local Area Traffic and its recommendations, and the rec- used for community activities, is recom- Management Study. The Study report ommendations Council staff made to mended, to reduce all traffic speeds on by Transport & Urban Planning dated the Committee. The report was this approach to GPR and improve pe- September 2007 provides very useful briefly discussed between some Soci- destrian amenity and safety. data for on-going review and develop- ety members, and I elected to attend ment of improvement options. Unfor- Francis Street: Our previous submis- the Committee meeting. Our submis- tunately the short period of time from sion recommended that Francis Street sion was well received, and as a re- the placement of the report on the be made one-way eastbound (away sult, Council staff were asked to meet Council website and the meeting of 15 from GPR), to reduce traffic conflicts at with representatives of the Society to October has not allowed Glebe Soci- the intersection and reduce total traffic discuss these recommendations. Our ety members to thoroughly analyse in GPR between Francis Street and submission to the Committee is set the study report and recommenda- Broadway, where there is a high level of out below. tions. Nevertheless, we do have gen- pedestrian activity. Any such restric- - Chris Hallam eral comments and recommendations tions have to be considered in the con- to make. text of traffic circulation in the area, in … continued from previous page the context of this LATM study. While We support the 23 works recom- the study report noted that Francis Street mended, with one adjustment: Work Car speeds will drop from 30kmh to less was not a residential street, that does not item 14 (i) suggests either traffic sig- than 20kmh, the council hopes. mean that the implications of traffic nals or an additional marked foot- flowing along Francis Street do not need "We've spent 60 years on car-based crossing (MFC). We recommend that to be considered. (We understand that development in Australia and separating the existing roundabout at Bay Street/ making Francis Street one-way east- walkers and cars to stop risk of injury. Kelly Street be retained, and that the bound was suggested in traffic studies This turns all that on its head," said Ian additional MFC be provided. Kett from the consultants Kinect which for the Broadway shopping centre.) Following the circulation of a Draft worked on the plan. The Society strongly supports the fur- LATM Plan, the Society made recom- Sydney's Lord Mayor, Clove Moore, ther action recommendation that investi- mendations for further works on hinted that her city could be the next to gations should be undertaken for addi- Glebe Point Road. The report ac- adopt such pedestrian-friendly policy. tional improvements to pedestrian paths knowledged these recommendations and routes in the Catherine Street-Lodge Bruce Davis writes: but stated that the study brief did not Street area, plus the recommendation for cover those sections of Glebe Point I suspect the decision by Bendigo City further investigations into additional Road that were part of the Stage 1 Council to support a “naked streets” Shared Zones within the overall Glebe Upgrade works. We disagree with traffic plan provoked a wry smile from and Forest Lodge area. members of the Coalition of Glebe this exclusion, firstly because there Groups (CoGG). needs to be consistency in the treat- The Society would welcome the chance ments to Glebe Point Road and sec- to discuss this submission with Council In mid-2006 CoGG made a submission ondly because the study highlighted staff, as we had requested in our earlier to the City Council concerning the issues that need works beyond the submission. Glebe Point Road upgrade that con- scope of the Upgrade works. tained features similar to those adopted Note: A meeting was held on Monday by Bendigo. In particular it included On the issue of consistency, the rec- 22 November to discuss the Glebe Soci- three shared zones where traffic and ommended raised platforms at MFCs ety’s submission. Those present were pedestrians use the same pavement at north of Hereford Street should be the Victor Franco, Graham McCabe, Rich- the same time. Similar schemes have same as those to the south, at the Val- ard Campbell representing he Sydney been successfully implemented in busi- halla, Mitchell Street and Francis City Council, and Chris Hallam, Jan ness districts in Europe. Street. Raised platforms act as a Macindoe, Neil Macindoe from the physical device to reduce traffic Glebe Society. City Council officials told us it could speeds and assist the enforcement of never work. Well, maybe we were a bit - Chris Hallam the 40 km/hr speed limit. too visionary, but it will be interesting to Transport & Traffic Convenor see how things work out in Bendigo.

October/November 2007 7 planted trees for National Tree Day Launch of Glebe on Track and are now planting class gardens. The school toilets blocks, recently renovated by the Department of Edu- Some of the cation, now have half flush toilets and “wallpaper”. spring loaded taps and the P & C is applying to the Department for water Photo by tanks. Sue Ingram Recently the Environmental Educa- A generous grant tion Centre on Observatory Hill was from the Glebe approached by the crossover group Society formed an The Cat Empire, with a proposal to important part of offset the greenhouse emissions from the funding which their concert tour of Australia and made the project Europe, starting this October, by do- possible. It helped nating solar panels to a school. Forest Lodge School was nominated because with the many of its long term connection with the expenses leading Centre. A band of enthusiastic supporters at- up to the event including hanging fix- On Wednesday 17 October The Cat tended the launch of Glebe on Track, tures, production and promotion. Ep- Empire visited the school. Felix Art and About on Saturday 6 Octo- son supplied the inks and paper, while Riebl, the group’s percussionist and ber, generously hosted at Art Almanac the UNSW College of Fine Arts fa- vocalist, gave a talk about the envi- by Jan McCulloch. cilitated the printing. This event is the result of huge enthusiasm and support ronment and officially presented the The crowd met to celebrate the photo from all sections of the Glebe commu- solar panels, which will be installed as wallpaper rolls, each measuring about nity, and the dedication of the com- soon as Heritage Listing considera- one by three metres, hanging in the mittee members including organiser tions are met and the DA is approved. Gallery Window at Art Almanac and Nick Vickers who so generously gave The Glebe Society congratulates the the windows of the Glebe Youth Ser- his time and energy. school, Bill O’Connor, The Cat Em- vice, the Cherry Bean café, Mylos, pire and everyone else concerned with We especially thank Councillor Adagio (a new gallery), Contempo, this excellent initiative. the Macchiato Bar and Aviweb (near Robyn Kemmis for launching the the Post Office) . A CD of images is event and for her proposal for Council - Edwina Doe also playing continuously in Glebe to put in place a regular funding ar- Note: The Cat Empire is a six-piece Library. rangement for Art and About in the band, based in Melbourne. From Oc- city’s villages. tober 16-20, Felix Riebl ran Sustain- Photo workshops at Glebe Public We also thank committee members ability Sessions at The Metro Theatre, School, the Glebe Youth Service and Sydney for fans who wanted to learn the Mitchell Street/Hope Street centre Jan McCulloch, Roelof Smilde, An- drew Craig, Neil Macindoe and Colin about sustainable practice in everyday provided the photos featured in the life. wallpaper rolls, along with images Stokes, plus Julie Brackenres and from local photographers Alex Suzy Velkou, for their vital contribu- Kwang, Sally McInerney and Gavin tions. Roberts. They will remain in place - Sue Ingram until the end of October. Convenor Arts, Culture and Media The contributing organisations will subcommittee and the Art and About each be given a wallpaper roll. Mari- committee Luise Agius did a brilliant job of auc- tioning five other rolls at the launch The Cat Empire comes and the remaining rolls are for sale to Forest Lodge School now at $100 each to help cover the The sign outside Forest Lodge Pri- costs of the project. Potential buyers mary School - “Thank you Cat Em- should contact me on 9692 8534, or pire for donating solar panels to our Jan McCulloch at Art Almanac on school” intrigued me, so I phoned the 9660 6799. school and spoke to the Principal, Bill Some students from the primary O’Connor. school who came to the launch were Bill tells me that pupils have carried obviously thrilled at their new found out a number of activities this year as fame. A few were lucky enough to a part of the school’s Environmental take home their favourite wallpaper Education program. They have con- The children show off a solar panel. sections specially computer printed by ducted an energy audit of the school, Photo: Angela Kalliabetsou, Forest Jan. Lodge School.

8 Glebe Society Bulletin

Glebe News

A Touch of Zen Glebe Society $1000 Fog, rain, wind and cold - a great framework for a Blue Mountains win- Champagne community ter escape. Misty drives and slippery walking tracks forced us to rethink High Tea at The prizes in 2007 our outdoor adventures. The Glebe Society has again provided How lucky were we? This proved to Retreat donations and/or prize money for be the perfect weather to sample the We still have a couple of places left local schools and organisations culinary delights of the area. Vulcans, for the Glebe Society Champagne Darleys, Silks and The Hydro all of- supporting local youth. Cheques High Tea at The Retreat (next to fered unique opportunities for good totalling $1000 have been dispatched Bellevue on the Foreshore Walk). to: living. Anne and Simon Fraser welcomed us Date: Sunday 4 November • Glebe Public School into their charming mountain cottage Time: 4.30 – 6.30pm • Forest Lodge Primary (including at Gordon Falls. With a modern the Mawson Prize) Asian ambience, A Touch of Zen is a Occasion: Champagne and savoury • St James Primary truly wonderful, cosy and relaxing and sweet finger food – in the beauti- experience. The Japanese garden set • Blackwattle Bay Campus of ful setting of this 1850s heritage Sydney Secondary College within the old world cold climate gar- house and award-winning garden. (including the John Hoddinott den of Leura offered us peace, tran- Theme: “The Collectors” - get a fa- Prize for Creative Writing) quility and iced lemons ready for the afternoon G&T. vourite treasure “valued” by The Re- • St Scholastica's College Thank you so much Anne and Simon treat’s owner, John Williams! • Tranby College for a blissful holiday. We commend it We look forward to your support for to all. • Glebe Youth Service this Glebe Society fund-raising event. • Glebe PCYC - Cheryl and Bryan Herden Cost: $30 (in advance) + $10 optional • Centipede Note: Cheryl and Bryan won this two (at the door) for a special item to be The Society, through the support of day holiday at the Glebe Society’s assessed by a fine arts auctioneer. members, is pleased to be able to Garden event last year. continue this tradition of support for See www.touchofzen.com.au or A Phone Dorothy Davis straight away our local children. Touch of Zen on Fairfax Digital Stayz on 9660 7873 - Liz Simpson-Booker for more information. Twilight Christmas party at historic Community support for Glebe school Glebe Public School is a school with a great heart, supported by a committed Lyndhurst Principal and staff. The school is constantly struggling with the sustaining of Our end-of-year function will be a enrolments and already pays (from Glebe market rentals) for an additional Twilight Christmas Party at historic teacher to keep the student/teacher ratio low, in order to assist with learning. Lyndhurst, in Darghan Street, Glebe There are other initiatives such as Centipede which provides before and after on Friday 14 December from 5.30 to school care and meals. This year the Year 6 students are trying to go on a 7.30pm. camp. Kids at Glebe Public School are lucky if they go on one camp in the whole of their primary school years. Many come from very disadvantaged Join Glebe Society friends for this backgrounds and the P&C is not flush with funds. Their wonderful teacher festive occasion – wines and beer, Bryce is determined to try and get the kids sponsored. The whole five day oysters, salmon, mince pies and other camp to Dubbo and surrounds will cost $350 per child. delicious food - in the drawing room, Bryce is trying to get organisations and individuals to sponsor a child to attend. on the verandahs and in the garden of There are 17 children requiring sponsorship and he has nine sponsorships so this restored Regency villa overlook- far. The Glebe Society is sponsoring one child and we have also received an- ing the city skyline and lights. other sponsorship from an individual member from the Society. Would anyone You might also be a lucky winner of else like to contact the school and offer to help? The opportunity to attend this the raffles and auction! camp can do so much for enriching children’s lives. We wish them happy camping. See the enclosed booking form. - Jan Wilson - Dorothy Davis

October/November 2007 9 News and Notes

Thirsty Thursdays Samon rostyd in wine sause, dere Members and friends are invited to meet for dinner in Glebe of hye grece rostyd with frumentye on the first Thursday of each month, to eat and talk with These are two of the dishes that await you at the Medieval other people who live in Glebe. Christmas Banquet, a night of feasting, mirth, merriment, On Thursday 1 November we will return to Haiphong Har- music and Medieval delights, on Saturday 15 December bour, the Vietnamese restaurant at 28 Glebe Point Road. It 2007 at 6.30pm in the University of Sydney Main Quadran- is BYO (corkage $2 per person). gle and Great Hall. And for the last Thirsty Thursday of 2007, on 6 December, Tickets are $200. Contact Glebe Society member Lydia we will explore the City Quarter Village, on the site of the Bushell by phone (9571 7131) or by fax (9571 7141) for old Children’s Hospital, and eat at La Cucina Calabrese. more information. Music Festival assistant needs radio Welcome to New Members contacts The following people were accepted as members of the Glebe Society at recent Management Committee meetings. To assist with running this year's Glebe Music Festival, a We look forward to seeing them at future Glebe Society young intern from Germany by the name of Philipp Shulz is functions. being sponsored to come to Sydney. Philipp would also • Robert Dixon like to gain experience with radio broadcasting in the • Simon Garnett months of November and December. Would any members • John and Mary Holt with contacts in this area please email David McIntosh on [email protected] with their suggestions. An exhilarating experience Last week I had the opportunity to have a flight from Heli- Our Local Member of Parliament Tours over Sydney Harbour, including the beaches. We State Member for Balmain, Verity Firth MLA flew in a very compact four seater helicopter at 1400 metres Office address: 112a Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037. with a pilot who gave a commentary of the significant land- Senior Electorate Officer: Christina Harlamb, ph 9660 7586, marks. What a way to gain a different perspective of Syd- fax 9660 6112, email ney and its magnificence and size! I can truly recommend [email protected] the experience for locals and also for anyone entertaining overseas visitors. HeliTours operates out of Kingsford Smith Airport and parking is free. City of Sydney Councillors Check out the website and treat yourself by making a book- Lord Mayor: Clover Moore MLA ing. http://www.sydneyhelitours.com.au. Councillors: - Jan Wilson Phillip Black Verity Firth Sing the Messiah with 500 others Chris Harris Marcelle Hoff Singers are invited to join the Sydney University Graduate Robyn Kemmis Choir for this exciting event, part of Christmas in the City Michael Lee of Sydney. Taking place on Sunday 2 December in the Shayne Mallard magnificent Sydney Town Hall, the day will proceed with John McInerney rehearsals in the morning, culminating in a performance of Tony Pooley the Messiah by the massed choir, with professional soloists and orchestra, at 3pm. The wonderful Grand Organ at the For enquiries: Please contact the City of Sydney Sydney Town Hall will also be featured, marking the 25th on 9265 9333. anniversary of its restoration. Sydney University Graduate Choir regularly performs at the University of Sydney. Now with the support of the City of Forest Lodge Sydney they are able to extend this unique opportunity to all Public School singers and lovers of Handel to participate. Enrolment forms are available at the Glebe Library and Home of The Glebe Town Hall, or at sydneysingsmessiah.com. Society Archives - Jenny Pockley Phone 9660 3530 For your diary ...

Thursday 1 November, 7pm - Thirsty Thursday - Haiphong Harbour, 28 Glebe Point Road. BYO. Sunday 4 November, 4.30 - 6.30pm - Champagne “High Tea” - The Retreat, Leichhardt Street. Wednesday 14 November, 7.30pm - Glebe Society Management Committee Meeting - The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. 10 November to 2 December - The 18th Annual Glebe Music Festival. Thursday 15 November, 7pm – 9pm, Meet the Candidates, Forest Lodge Primary School, corner Bridge Road and Ross Street. All welcome. Thursday 15 November, 7pm - Glebe Society Concert in the Great Hall of Sydney University. Sunday 18 November – Glebe Street Fair. Saturday 24 November – ELECTION DAY – don’t forget to vote. Thursday 6 December, 7pm - Thirsty Thursday - La Cucina Calabrese, the City Quarter Village (old Children’s Hospital site). Wednesday 12 December, 7.30pm - Glebe Society Management Committee Meeting - The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. Friday 14 December, 5.30 - 7.30pm - Glebe Society Christmas Party Drinks - Lyndhurst, Darghan Street.

Contacting The Glebe Society Inc The Glebe Society Established 1969 Mail Management Committee: President Jan Macindoe 9660 0208 All correspondence should be ad- Vice-president Bruce Davis 9660 7873 dressed to: Immediate Past President Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 Secretary Liz Simpson-Booker 9518 6186 The Glebe Society Inc Treasurer Bruce Davis 9660 7873 PO Box 100, Glebe NSW 2037 Committee Members: Dorothy Davis 9660 7873 Simon Fraser 9660 7560 Website Jan Wilson 9660 2698 Sub-committee Convenors: The Society has a growing website All sub-committee convenors are ex officio members of the Management (www.glebesociety.org.au) for the Committee information of members and anyone Arts, Culture and Media Sue Ingram 9692 8534 with an interest in Glebe. Bays and Foreshores Tony Larkum 9660 7030 The website will only flourish if Wentworth Park Anne Fraser 9660 7560 members use the site. Send contribu- Blue Wrens David Mander Jones 9552 4172 tions or comments to webmas- Environment and Open Spaces Andrew Craig 9566 1746 [email protected] Glebe against Global Warming Bill McCarthy 9660 5119 Heritage Dianne Gray 0417 434 814 The Bulletin Infrastructure Defect Reporting Margaret Sheppard 9660 4121 Membership Cheryl & Bryan Herden 9660 7371 We are glad to publish letters or arti- Planning Neil Macindoe 9660 0208 cles on any matters of interest to Transport and Traffic Chris Hallam 9660 3670 Glebe, any topic raised in the Bulletin, Adopt-a-Park Contacts: or any issues relating to the Glebe Foley Park: Bobbie Burke (9692 0343) Kirsova: Fay & David Mander Jones Society. Write to the address above Paddy Gray Park: John Gray or email [email protected] Other Contacts: Disclaimer Archivist Lyn Milton 9660 7930 Blackwattle Cove Coalition (BCC) Anne Fraser 9660 7560 Views expressed in this Bulletin are Bulletin Editor Edwina Doe 9660 7066 not necessarily those of the Glebe Event Coordination Dorothy Davis 9660 7873 Society Inc. History of Glebe Max Solling 9660 1160 Bulletin deadline History of the Glebe Society Jeanette Knox 9660 7781 Liaison with CityRags Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 The next edition of the Bulletin will Liaison with CoGG Bruce Davis 9660 7873 be published at the end of November. Liaison with FLAG Jan Wilson 9660 2698 The deadline for contributions is Publicity Sue Ingram 9692 8534 21 November. Website Cynthia Jones 9660 2451

October/November 2007 11 In this issue

Launch of Max Solling’s history of Glebe – pages 1- 3 Get hooked on heritage – page 3 Planning matters – page 5 Traffic – pages 6 - 7 Glebe News – page 9

The GLEBE SOCIETY Inc POSTAGE PO Box 100 Glebe 2037 PAID

Membership of the Glebe Society Community Contacts Individual member $45 Manager-Neighbourhood Services Centre: Glebe, Forest Joint (2 people, one address) $55 Lodge, Camperdown, Ultimo & Pyrmont: Nick Hespe. Household (more than 2 adults and/or Email: [email protected] children, one address) $60 Glebe Town Hall Office: 9298 3190 8.30am-5.30pm Mon- Fri Concession (student or pensioner) $20 Sydney City Council Customer Service Institution or corporate $110 Telephone (24 hours): 9265 9333 Download a Membership Form from our website email: council@cityof sydney.nsw.gov.au (www.glebesociety.org.au/AboutTGSI/Membership/ website: www.cityof sydney.nsw.gov.au Membership_application.pdf). Glebe Point Road upgrade contact (24 hrs): Grant Or write to PO Box 100, Glebe, 2037 or phone the Donohue 0414 687 101, [email protected] Secretary, Liz Simpson-Booker, on 9518 6186. Dumped Shopping trolleys: Trolley Tracker 1800 641 497 If you have a matter that you would like to discuss with the Waterway Garbage: NSW Maritime response - 9563 8592 Management Committee, please phone the Secretary.

12 Glebe Society Bulletin