A publication ofTHEGLEBESOCIETY Glebe Society Bulletin 9/2005 October/November meeting, onW Glebe hasalsopreservedmanyofits tion withitspast. sense ofbelonging,identityandconnec- Glebe -creatingacommunitywith much oftheuniqueformandcharacter This integratedapproachhaspreserved often piecemealoranafterthought. parts ofthecity hood anditsstreetscapes,unlikeother preserve wholesectionsoftheneighbour In Glebe,thecommunityfoughtto residential amenity high risebuildingsoverheritageand damaging expansionoffreewaysand stopped thewreckingballandslowed Thanks totheseef being listedasaconservationarea. prepared amasterplanthatledtoGlebe During the1970s,GlebeSociety checked developmentsinourcity among thefirstinNSWtoresistun- In the1960s,Glebe’ Glebe’s HeritageImportance Her Glebe Conser Residents ofGlebeandFor V consultancy Geof The kiteteam(lef The Lor Photo: JohnW erity Fir INCPOBox 100GLEBE2037 www Glebe ConservationAreaStudy e isthetextofherwelcomingspeech. frey Broughton,Peter d Mayor th, andabout45otherr Ar ade vation ednesday 26OctoberattheGlebeT , wherepreservationwas chitectural Pr t toright)-RoelofSmilde,Jenny Underwood,JanW , CloverMoor forts thecommunity . s residentswere Ar ea S T ravis andRobynKemmis.See storyonp tudy whichisbeingunder est Lodgewer ojects. e, welcomedCouncillorsRobynKemmisand . esidents whoattendedthemeeting. - e invitedtoattendaCommunity year is dueforcompletionattheendof tancy firm,toundertaketheS Architectural Projects,aheritageconsul- In Maythisyear geographical context. area’ and ForestLodge.Itwillinvestigatethe standing ofheritagevaluesintheGlebe grand buildings,like The S Conservation AreaStudy Purpose oftheGlebe Glebe Conservation heritage andtogetyourinputintothe continue topreserveGlebe’ W rich history preserve Glebe’ The Cityiscommittedtocontinuing character and ForestLodgetheirdistinctive and EdwardianterracesthatgiveGlebe T oxteth House e’re heretonighttoexploreways . s historical,archeologicaland tudy seekstoexpandourunder . own Hall,tointr Continued onnextp . taken forCouncilbythe , aswellthe s heritageandpromoteits , Councilcommissioned .glebesociety Area S ilson, SueIngram, L age 10. yndhurst tudy s living oduce the tudy V . and ictorian .org.au , which age ... - ... Continued from previous page Glebe Conservation Area study Architectural Projects will research and a presentation by Jennifer Hill and Elizabeth Gibson map the many potential items of signifi- cance in the area. of the consultancy Architectural Projects I welcome and would like to introduce 1. INTRODUCTION • a detailed building by building assessment of the whole Conser- Jennifer Hill, the director of Architectural The Glebe Conservation Area study will Projects and her associate, Elizabeth provide a detailed analysis of the Glebe vation Area and Gibson, to give some background to the Conservation Area, and a review of the • the identification of Public Do- study and to answer questions. Study, a report pre- main Items Jennifer is an award winning architec- pared for Leichhardt Council in 1991 by Consultation tural practitioner and heritage consultant. Berchevaise and Associates. We will be The knowledge and values of the commu- She’s also served on the Royal Australian reviewing the boundaries of the Conser- nity are important components of the Institute of Architects heritage Commit- vation Area, identifying threats and Heritage Assessment process. We have tee and co-authored the RAIA Heritage issues within the area and developing organised this public meeting to explain Policy. policy to protect the identified heritage character. the project and we are hoping to get some Her firm, Architectural Projects, has input from you tonight, particularly in While there are some 60 odd Heritage extensive experience in mapping conser- the identification of threats and issues in streetscapes identified within the City of vation sites within our local government the Conservation Area, to guide the , only one - Ferry Lane - occurs in area, including Chippendale and other development of policy. We have met with the suburb of Glebe. We will consider areas within the former South Sydney Council Staff to discuss issues and how significant streetscapes within Glebe for Council. existing policies accommodate those potential listing as a Heritage Streetscape Importance of the Glebe on the LEP. issues. The Glebe Society and Glebe Research Unit have been approached, Conservation Area Study The study will also look in detail at and we have met with Max Solling. Heritage Items in Glebe Point Road, the The Glebe Conservation Area Study is Assess Significance important on a number of fronts. It will Doctors’ Houses at 216-224 Glebe Point help Council understand what local items Road are among those to be reviewed. The NSW Heritage Office has prepared a have heritage significance and why. It For each Heritage Item, Conservation set of Heritage Criteria which provide for will help us to identify which parts of the Area and Streetscape, a detailed Heritage a consistent assessment of heritage built environment add to or detract from Inventory Sheet will be prepared. significance across the state. The criteria the area’s conservation and heritage 2. METHODOLOGY encompass the four values of the Burra values. Charter - historical, aesthetic, scientific Historical Context and social, and are based on the criteria This information feeds directly into: The relationship between an area and its used by the Australia Heritage Commis- ♦ The City Plan and Local Environ- historical context underlies the heritage sion. We apply these criteria in our mental Plan review process; assessment process. Much has been assessments. researched and written on Glebe since ♦ Manage Significance The Listing of Heritage Items; the 1970s. Our overview involved ♦ Statements of Significance for compiling key texts and manuscripts The identification of threats and issues in conservation areas; and including Max Solling’s many works, the Conservation Area, will allow for the Bernard and Kate Smith’s Architectural development of policies to protect the ♦ Any proposals to change conser- Character of Glebe, the Leichhardt heritage significance. These policies will vation area boundaries. Historical Journal essays, Craig Burton’s then be included in Councils controls for The Study will also inform our review of thesis Housing the Glebe, Freda the area. the City’s Heritage Development Control MacDonnell’s Portraits and Places, and Plan. Leichhardt Council’s Heritage Study. 3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND It will also enable Council to develop Less history was available for individual See the separate article on page 4. consistent standards in making decisions items, and specific research has been carried out for these including the Glebe 4 FIELDWORK to restore and revitalize, or redevelop local studies section, State Library, and heritage sites. The first component of our investigation Sydney City archives collections, as well into the physical fabric of Glebe was an It’s an important process, and you, the as Sands Directories and rate book overview of streets and lanes and a community, are central to getting the best searches where required. Our team preliminary assessment. Streets rated A out of the process. includes a consultant historian - Leonie (which includes most streets within the Mason, and Max Solling has agreed to Council looks forward to hearing your Conservation Area) are within the key review our draft histories. views on Glebe’s heritage and the future period of development and have a high directions you want your neighbourhood Fieldwork has included level of integrity. Intact streets that have and our city to take. development of another important layer • an overview of the area, which (eg Church housing from the 1930s) may - Clover Moore MLA was carried out early in the achieve an A rating. Lord Mayor, program,

2 Glebe Society Bulletin B streets may also represent the key period, or another important historical layer but possess a lower degree of integrity. Streets ranked C do not well represent the key period, are dominated by development from other periods, and have a low integrity, for example, streets dominated by post-war flats. Each property within the Conservation Area has been assessed for its contribution to the area. The contribu- tion of each property to the area is currently being mapped. Properties identified as contributory are from the key period and have a reasonable degree of integ- rity. Neutral properties are those which do not belong to the key period, but belong to another important historical layer and are sympathetic. Good contemporary infill A - Highly intact streetscape of key period. will fall into this category. Development from the key period which has been altered (and is unlikely to be reversed) is neutral. Detracting development are properties that do not represent the key period and are uncharacteristic in terms of their scale, material and detail. During the course of our fieldwork, the broad stylistic character and height of buildings (in terms of storeys) have been noted to assist in understanding the charac- ter of various precincts. Dates, building names and groupings of buildings have also been noted and while this was outside of our brief, this information should prove useful to Council Officers in the assessment of applications within the Area. Public Domain Items are also being mapped as part of B - Moderately intact streetscape of key period. this study. Public Domain Items include war memorials (as in Foley Park), drinking fountains, horse troughs, bus shelters, retaining walls and rock outcrops and so on. Please feel free to note any public domain features that you may be aware of on your questionnaire. An external inspection of the Heritage Items included in the Study, noting the setting, style, features, condi- tion and integrity is being undertaken. Updated descriptions are being prepared for the Heritage Inventory Sheets. Our preliminary investigations into the history and fabric of the Conservation Area have indicated a potential division of the area into 6-7 precincts. These precincts vary from the Leichhardt character areas in the DCP, and are more closely based upon the 1828 subdivision patterns which controlled the development history of Glebe. The boundaries of the Conservation Area will also be C - Low integrity and low significance. Photos courtesy Architectural considered and the potential inclusion of the Council Projects housing at Coneill Place will be reviewed. others in the local government area and in Glebe, and further Preliminary investigations have indicated that Glebe Point afield to determine what level of heritage listing is appropriate. Road may be a suitable candidate for a Heritage Streetscape The group at 288-312 Glebe Point Road, is listed as a Heritage listing. Item in the Leichhardt LEP. The history, fabric and integrity of The review of Heritage Items in Glebe Point Road will recon- this group must be considered to determine whether the group- sider the groupings of buildings, which sometimes include ing is appropriate. The significance of these items must be entire blocks, and their relative significance - taking into compared to other similar items both within the Toxteth Estate account their individual histories and physical attributes. and elsewhere in the City to establish whether they meet the Heritage Items on Glebe Point Road will be compared with threshold of significance. Continued on next page ...

October/November 2005 3 Historical Background to Glebe Conservation Area Study From the presentation by Jennifer Hill and Elizabeth Gibson, Architectural Projects Governor Phillip was instructed to allocate land in the new township of Sydney to support a Church of England minister. This was to ensure the future of the church in the colony. In 1790, 400 acres was measured out for the “Glebe”. A further 400 acres was reserved for the Crown and 200 acres for the schoolmas- ter. Reverend Richard Johnson, the colony’s first Chaplain, was unimpressed with his Glebe. He considered the land unsuitable for cultivation, and abandoned The Glebe for a new grant in Canterbury. The church reserve was subdivided into 27 allotments in 1828. The lots varied considerably in size. Small allotments of 3-4 acres at Blackwattle swamp were quick to sell. The larger elevated sites of up to 42 acres at Glebe Point appealed to the middle classes looking for villa sites on the outskirts of the city. Lots 7 and 8 St Philips Estate, Glebe. Photos courtesy Architectural Projects were reserved for the St Phillips glebe and lot 27 for the Archdeacon. included three of the original 1828 lots, two dwellings were permitted on each Blackwattle Swamp lots were quick to comprising around 120 acres. Verge also block; and blocks were to have a 40 foot sell because of their proximity to the city designed Lyndhurst which was built in frontage 1833-7 for John Macarthur’s son in law, and access to fresh water. These at- When the 28 year leases at St Phillips Dr James Bowman. tributes attracted industry, and the from the 1840s expired, much of the slaughter houses and boiling down works Lots 7 and 8 St Phillips were subdivided housing stock was in a dilapidated that were built along the swamp ensured into 32 lots in 1842 and 28 year leases condition. The Metropolitan Mutual that housing built in the precinct was were offered. These short leases, together Permanent Building and Investment working class in character. The first bus with the lack of minimum standards, Association embarked upon a redevelop- service to Glebe ran from Circular Quay encouraged cheap building in timber and ment program. George Allen was a to in 1846. This encour- overcrowded conditions. financial backer of much of this specula- aged development around the junction of tive building and David Elphinstone The Archdeaconry land, Lot 27, renamed Parramatta Road and Glebe Point Road. became the largest contractor in Glebe. Bishopthorpe, was divided into 238 The impact of the slaughter houses, On the larger lots at Glebe Point, sub- allotments and offered on 99 year leases tanneries and abattoirs at Blackwattle stantial elegant Regency houses began to by the Archbishop of Sydney from 1856. Swamp resulted in the continuing appear from 1829. Edward Hallen’s It was a more generous subdivision than working class occupation of St Phillips. Hereford House was the first to be St Phillips and building conditions completed. Toxteth Park, designed by applied, including that construction was The subdivision of the larger villa lots John Verge for George Allen, was also to be of brick or stone; that buildings occurred in a very much more piecemeal completed in 1829. The Toxteth Estate were to face the road; that no more than fashion. Among the earliest of these

Conservation area study and inherent to the character of the Centre also zoned Commercial. Other ... Continued from previous page suburb. The high level of integrity of areas of Commercial zoning are the building stock, together with the around the Ross Street/St John’s Road Aspects contributing to the heritage landscape qualities of Glebe and an junction, and on Bridge Road around significance of Glebe include the varied important evolving relationship to the Glebe Light Rail stop. character of historic subdivisions, divided water create an area of high signifi- by the historic and aesthetically impor- The building envelope controls are cance which requires heritage protec- tant thoroughfare of Glebe Point Road. dependent upon the precinct but are tion. The predominant Victorian and Edward- generally 6.0m and 7.2m building wall ian character of Glebe, supported by The Residential FSR is currently 0.7:1. height with some areas of 3.6m build- several other important historic layers - Much of the area is zoned residential ing wall height, for example on including the public housing of the with Public Purpose uses. Glebe Point Minogue Crescent, and Purves Street, Interwar Period and the 1970s. The Road has areas zoned commercial, and 8.0m on Parramatta Road. history has created a diverse social mix particularly at the Broadway end, with - Jennifer Hill and Elizabeth Gibson which is reflected in the building stock the area around Broadway Shopping

4 Glebe Society Bulletin subdivisions was Eglinton, AB Spark’s Georgian cottages of Estate at Glebe Point. Spark fell victim to the mid 1800’s, the the economic down turn of 1840 and was rows of speculative forced to sell his Glebe Point holdings. terraces from the Allotments on the Hereford Estate were 1860s through to the also sold in 1841. Glebe became a 1880s in the Church municipality in 1859, and along with the Estates, at Lyndhurst development of the church estates, there and Forest Lodge; and was a gradual increase in the houses at the Italianate and Glebe Point spurred on by the improve- Edwardian develop- ments in transport and the establishment ment at Toxteth of the University at Grose Farm in 1855. Estate, this group Bidura, 1857, Strathmore, 1857, describes the social Rothwell Lodge, 1847 and Margaretta diversity of Glebe Cottage, 1845, were among the early which has existed houses at Glebe Point since the first subdivi- sion in 1828. James Bowman of Lyndhurst was also nearly bankrupted by the 1840 drought By 1914, Glebe was Inter-war public housing in Glebe and depression, but was bailed out by fully built out. The brothers in law, James and William area was hit hard during the Depression, inappropriate development. In 1970, the Macarthur. The Lyndhurst Estate was with an increase in social problems and Glebe Society submitted a plan to purchased by the Church of England for crime rates, although the population Leichhardt Council for controlled St James College in 1846. The college remained steady. By the mid 1930s, residential development at Glebe Point. was purchased by the Catholic St Mary’s Glebe was considered one of the worst The Society later put forward a case for College in 1852, and the Lyndhurst areas of Sydney. Villas, long deserted by the preservation of the Glebe Estate, and Estate was subdivided the following year. their original middle class occupants for an alternative to Inner Urban Express- Further subdivisions occurred in 1878 the new suburbs and converted to board- ways. When Lyndhurst was threatened and 1885. Lots were extremely small and ing houses, were now under increased with demolition in 1972, the community terrace housing prevailed. The Forest pressure. Forest Lodge was demolished took action, Green Bans were imposed Lodge Estate was subdivided in the in 1912 and Hereford House in the mid and the house was saved. This was to be period 1865-1871, encouraged by the 1930s. The church and Glebe Council a turning point for Glebe - the National extension of Pyrmont Bridge Road from also embarked upon redevelopment Trust classified the Glebe Urban Conser- Blackwattle Bay to Camperdown in proposals. Whole precincts of interwar vation Area in 1974. 1859. Like Lyndhurst, the subdivision public housing appeared in St Phillips in comprised high density terrace housing. the 1920s to 1940s. Glebe Council was In 1971, the Church decided to sell the In 1872 Bus services extended down responsible for a precinct of detached Glebe Estate. Amid criticisms of being a Glebe Point Road. dwellings on the Crescent. slum landlord, the church offered its residential estates in Sydney to the When George Allen died in 1877, his son By the 1940s, the inner city suburbs were Government so that they could continue George Wigram Allen took over Toxteth widely considered as slums - ripe for as areas of low cost housing. In 1973, the House, carrying out major extensions clearance. The Cumberland County Commonwealth Government entered into between 1877 and 1881. In 1884, 88 Council Plan of 1948 contained compre- negotiations with the Church for the building sites on the estate were offered hensive transport proposals including the acquisition of the Glebe Estate. for sale. Six more subdivisions occurred North Western Expressway and the between 1886 and 1907. The introduction Western Distributor, and the redevelop- In 1974 parliament assented to the Glebe of electric trams in Glebe in 1899 spurred ment of vast areas of Victorian housing. Lands Appropriation Act, and in Febru- development of Glebe Point and the The County of Cumberland Planning ary 1975, contracts for three pilot Toxteth estate. The subdivisions were scheme was gazetted in 1951. rehabilitation projects were let. generous and building was controlled by Leichhardt Council’s Planning Scheme John Byrne Court, a 12 storey low strict covenants which also precluded any was gazetted in 1979 and the provisions income housing block, was built by commercial development. Fine rows of of the County of Cumberland and City of Sydney City Council in 1960 in a densely late Victorian Terraces and single storey Sydney Planning Schemes were sus- populated terrace precinct of St Phillips. Italianate and Edwardian dwellings in pended. The Max Factor building was built on the garden settings predominated. In 1901 site of Guildford Lodge. Meanwhile, Leichhardt Town Plan was gazetted in Toxteth House was sold to the Good more villas succumbed to redevelopment; 2000. It included the Glebe Conservation Samaritans Order for the establishment Strathmore (demolished 1950’s), Avon Area and listed 228 heritage items in of St Scholastica’s Convent. (1966) and Maryville (demolished 1970) Glebe and Forest Lodge. There are 69 The building stock from the Victorian made way for post war flat development, heritage items listed on Glebe Point and Federation period forms the key dramatically altering the character of Road. These heritage items derive from character of Glebe. This group encom- Glebe Point. the 1991 Glebe Point Road Study. Many passes a wide range of building types that of these items include large groupings of The Glebe Society was formed in 1969 in reflect the history of Glebe. From the buildings. response to the increasing threat to the Regency villas of the 1830s, to the small Victorian character of Glebe from - Jennifer Hill and Elizabeth Gibson

October/November 2005 5 Planning Matters

The World Beyond Glebe The main features are the mapping of the distributed at the meeting. The I have returned refreshed from six weeks whole of Glebe to identify things that consultants have already completed much overseas. I was particularly impressed by contribute to the heritage of Glebe, are of the mapping, but this should not deter the rigorous controls over development in neutral, or that detract. In this they are members from suggesting improvements the areas of outstanding natural beauty following closely the model of the Glebe up until the time when the process is we visited (The Cotswolds, Lake District Point Road Main Street Study of 1991, in complete, estimated to be Christmas. The and Yorkshire Moors) as well as the which the Society was closely involved. Society will push for periodic reports on World Heritage Items of Kyoto and Nara Indeed, the consultants acknowledged the the progress of the Study. in Japan and Paris. Members visiting the many contributions of the Society, both UK should note the reciprocal benefits past and current, to the conservation of Current DAs offered by the National Trust work the suburb. It would be good to be able to report that greatly in favour of Australia. Not only The Study will also identify heritage while I was away all the current issues are there a great number of National streetscapes, reassess the borders of the were resolved and nothing controversial Trust sites in the UK to which member- existing Conservation Area, identify the cropped up, but alas, neither of these ship gives free entry, but they are very particular characteristics of precincts things happened. varied, including about a quarter of the within the Conservation Area, and review Lake District. Many sites have tearooms the list of Heritage Items. The result 2a Hereford Street, ex-health centre, is or restaurants attached. should be a much more detailed and proposed for 18 dwellings, and this Glebe Conservation Area comprehensive set of controls than in appears to be acceptable. The proposal Study LEP 2000, which is notoriously deficient. for two extra dwellings at 4 Mary Street Forms for comment are available from may prove more controversial. The I was among the small but keen group Society has objected to the rendering of that attended the Community Meeting in Council, and input from the public is encouraged. the brick fence at 256 Glebe Point Road, Glebe Town Hall to hear Council’s the Backpackers. Consultants, Jennifer Hill and Elizabeth The Planning Subcommittee intends to Gibson of Architectural Projects, explain respond using the headings on the form - Neil Macindoe the Study.

Glebe Conservation Area Study - your chance to participate

At the meeting on 26 October, we Precincts: received a form asking for comments. • Toxteth Estate • Glebe Point Copies of this form are available from the • Hereford Glebe Town Hall. The deadline for • Forest Lodge comments is 18 November. • Bishopsthorpe To start you thinking, comments were • St Phillips (including sought under these topic and precinct Lyndhurst and Blackwattle) headings: Topics: • Glebe Point Road retail precincts • Residential development in intact streets • Rear development • Development in rear lanes • On-site car parking • Street parks • Views • Public housing - inter-war and post-war (Glebe Estate) • Inter-war apartments and ware- houses • Post-war units and warehouses • New development • Foreshore development

6 Glebe Society Bulletin Our new convenor for Wentworth Park, Anne Fraser, has been looking into its history The changing fortunes of Wentworth Park A New Era? Because of this the Trust increasingly share the cost. The licensing agreement allowed in sectional interests. In 1939 runs for 20 years with a further 20 year At long last it seems everything is the Greyhound racing officially leased option in 2007. working in favour of possibly restoring the central section of the park and it The top floors of the grandstand were this fine old park to its former role as became synonymous with “The Wenty converted into offices and meeting rooms vital open space for the community that Dogs”. The Dogs were very popular and they were rented out to the Depart- surrounds it. There are two reasons for until the early 1980s when interest ment of Sport and Recreation. This earns this optimism: waned. During this time the Wentworth the current Trust $400,000 pa. 1. The park is now within the City of Trust became dominated by people Sydney Council boundaries instead of representing the racing industry. Shattered Hopes Leichhardt and South Sydney. The The Grandstand In 1989 Nick Greiner and Frank Sartor northern and southern sections are “… now we have a long term lease on expressed interest in developing the park directly managed by the City of Sydney. Wentworth Park, we don’t want to build and removing the Greyhounds. Commu- 2. The Wentworth Sporting Complex just an ordinary stand. We want some- nity groups were formed and landscape Trust that manages the central section, as thing along the lines of Hollywood Park plans drawn up. Then in 1991 the hope of this year includes representatives from and other great tracks in the U.S ...” - died. the community and government as well National Coursing Association member Bob Rowland Smith, Minister for as greyhound representatives. At their in the late 1970s Racing, said in January 1991: first meeting in May they voted to Despite opposition, Leichhardt Council “I can assure you we will do develop a management plan for the approved the grandstand and it was Complex area of the park. everything in our power to ensure opened in 1987. It had blown its build- Wentworth Park remains the way A new community group, The Blackwat- ing budget by about $10million and it it is at present. It seems quite tle Coalition, made up of representatives continued to blow its maintenance budget absurd that an area such as this, from the Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont each year. It put the Trust into severe which has been discarded for so communities, is being established to financial straits. The Racecourse Devel- long, should suddenly become a concentrate on Wentworth Park. 2005 opment Fund bailed them out but with notable feature so far as the and 2006 should herald a time of much conditions. The northern and southern council is concerned. Bearing in debate. Here is a very brief outline of the sections were to be managed by the City mind the Wentworth Park Com- saga of Wentworth Park to date to give of Sydney. The lease was converted into a plex has a magnificent grand- you some background. As community licencing agreement held by the Trust, stand, to suddenly say you cannot open space it has an intriguing history, not by the Greyhounds, and the Grey- park your car outside, well to me created with hope and nearly crushed hound Breeders Owners and Trainers that’s ridiculous.” with frustration. Association. Owners and Trainers were forced to relocate from Harold Park to He was most dismissive of all the draft The Original Vision plans for development of the park referring to them as ‘ridiculous’. The park was officially opened in 1885. It had been infilled, converting a badly For the next 15 years the Glebe Society polluted swamp into “Wentworth Park”. battled on but to little effect. No one was listening. A few new seats appeared, “… the land hereafter described, there was some returfing, but improve- which has been set apart and ments were piecemeal and without dedicated in perpetuity as a vision. The vexed question of cars park or place of public recrea- parking on the grass was not resolved. tion at the Glebe, Sydney ...” (Governor in Council 1885) 2005 – The Issues Initially it was just that, a sporting centre As of May the W.entworth Park Sporting for cricket, rugby union and then league, Complex Trust is keen to work with lacrosse and baseball. Adjacent to this it community groups to develop their boasted fine gardens reflecting classic section of the site so it better connects to th 19 century landscaping. the rest of the park. They are also keen A Loss of Direction to diversify the types of sports using the complex. The Glebe Society has submit- The major flaw in Wentworth Park’s The heritage-listed tower that will ted a proposal for the management plan history has been inadequate funding to be restored as part of the and Bruce Davis has attended their first maintain it. From about 1902 onwards improvements planned for community meeting. the park began to deteriorate badly. Wentworth Park. Photo: Bruce Davis Continued on next page ... October/November 2005 7 ... Continued from previous page The Department of Recreation suppos- A connection with the edly vacates the grandstand in 2007. The Trust will then look for new sporting Australian Flag organisations to rent the space. This Until recently I was unaware of any local should bring to a head the issue – does connections associated with our national this use of the space fulfill the promise flag, but Leichhardt Rotary Club has that ‘the land … has been set apart and drawn our attention to the fact that one of dedicated in perpetuity as a park or the winners in the competition to design place of public recreation, or is it just a an Australian flag in 1900-1901 was glorified office block? from the of Sydney. Other questions are: The competition, initiated by the Review • What is happening with the of Reviews for Australasia and subse- northern and southern sections of quently backed officially by government, the park that are under the man- attracted over 30,000 entries. While agement of City of Sydney? many were quite unsuitable there was a • What does the surrounding com- convergence in designs which included as elements the Union “Jack”, the munity want of Wentworth Park? Southern Cross, and a six pointed star. • Who is going to take financial In vexillological terms these represented responsibility for the park and to Britain (but now seen more as a symbol what extent is it expected to be of parliamentary democracy), the south- self funding? ern continent and the new union of the • Where can cars be parked other six individual states. The prize (£200) Mr L J Hawkins. than on the grass areas where they was eventually shared by five people. Photo from a facsimile of ‘Review of rapidly destroy the surface? Leslie John Hawkins was born in Peter- Reviews’ September 20, 1901 • Can the park be linked with the sham in 1883, and his family moved to other waterfront areas of Black- 58 Henry Street, Leichhardt in 1887. He wattle Bay? was only eighteen when he submitted his the Union Jack in the corner to remind us design, with little expectation of success. of our colonial origins, but he always said • Which buildings are heritage and However, he found himself the youngest ‘No’ very firmly! He acknowledged some which should be removed? When of the winners, and the only one from of the disgraceful episodes in our colonial can the architectural integrity of New South Wales. The other winning history, but felt that our connection with the arches be restored? designs came from New Zealand, Perth England in the twentieth century so • What is the condition of the and Melbourne (two). enhanced our development of the Aus- heritage listed trees? tralian consciousness of democracy and With his winnings, the princely sum of social justice, that we should keep the • How can we make the park more £40, young Leslie bought himself a easily accessible for users? flag just as it is. By the mid 1960s Les racing bicycle and a pewter model of a was the last of the Australian flag In the long term the Greyhound organisa- kangaroo, with enough left over to open a designers left alive.” tions have a legal right to remain in savings account. He went on to become Wentworth Park until 2027 but after that an optician, practising in Sydney and The Rotary Club is working to have a they do not. It is time we started to plan later Melbourne until the age of eighty. flagstaff installed in Henry Street (on the and prepare for the Park minus the dogs, He was a generous man, sympathetic to Lilyfield side of the City-West Link), but and possibly the grandstand, with an the financial problems of his clients in seized the opportunity of a visit to overall plan. the depression years. His daughter, Lois Australia from England of Leslie Wentworth Park is a ‘connecting park’. McColl describes him as: Hawkins’ son to arrange a small cer- emony on 26 October this year, attended It straddles three suburbs: Pyrmont, “…a gentle, charming, kindly, and Ultimo and Glebe. It also connects the also by Lois, his daughter, and several communicative nineteenth century grandchildren as well as representatives foreshore with its hinterland, inner city gentleman, who just happened to live in and an increasingly dense residential from Council, RailCorp, which is being the twentieth. He was very well known asked to support the memorial concept, precinct. It is adjacent to the Fish in Northcote during the years following Markets, the CBD and a working har- and people with interests in the area and World War 2, and counted John Cain its history. bour. Its very location, at the juxtaposi- senior among his special friends. He tion of so many dynamics, makes it a never personally made a lot of his part in The project is a centenary one for the vital open space area that requires our designing our flag, but he also didn’t Rotary Club, and we wish them success best efforts to develop it into a space that really think that we could improve on it in their aim to recognise this local enriches the lives and activities of all much. Sometimes the suggestion was connection with the broader history of those people and organisations that made to him, that we could do without Australia. surround it. - Anne Fraser - Jeanette Knox 8 Glebe Society Bulletin The Great Glebe Join us for Society Raffle Once again, the Glebe Society Raffle has The Glebe Society’s some great prizes, donated by business people in Glebe. They include: 2005 Christmas Drinks 1st Prize: Sony DVD-VCR player and Topfield digital set-top box, donated by the Broadway Centre and Harvey Friday 9 December 2005 Norman, Broadway (value exceeds $500). 2nd Prize: Gardens of China by Peter from 6 to 8pm Valder signed by the author, donated by Gil Teague of Florilegium, 145 St Johns at The Studio Room Road. 3rd Prize: $60 voucher for a dinner for St. Scholastica’s College two, donated by Stefano of Osteria dei Poeti, 73 Glebe Point Road. 4 Avenue Road Glebe 4th Prize: Dinner for two, with wine, [Enter by the big gates on the corner of Avenue and Arcadia Roads, take the path donated by Guiseppe at Rosso Nero that goes around the far side of the main building ... and follow the signs !] Restaurant, 407-409 Glebe Point Road. Enjoy the view across to Annandale, and the sun setting behind the witches’ 5th Prize: $50 voucher donated by Roger houses, as you celebrate with delicious finger food, liquid refreshments, and Mackell of Gleebooks. Christmas cake. The Great Glebe Society Raffle will be drawn at the close of the evening. The cost is $25 per head. For more information, ring Cynthia Jones 9660 2451 or Jeanette Knox 9660 7781. RSVP by Monday 28 November

Raffle 1st prize: Have a Happy Topfield 4000T digital terrestrial television receiver and Sony New Year Party SLV-D985P DVD player/Video casette recorder. Robyn Kemmis has again arranged for The TV set is not included. Council to give us two tickets to the City That belongs to Bruce Davis, of Sydney New Year’s Eve party. who took the photo. These will be auctioned during our Christmas Drinks, so two lucky people How to buy Raffle Tickets: will go home with these tickets after our party. Thank you Robyn. * Tickets cost $5 each, or a sheet of five tickets for $20. For your con- Other exciting items will also be auc- venience, a sheet of five tickets is included with this Bulletin. tioned at the party. You will have to be * Include the payment for Raffle Tickets when you pay for the Christmas present to find out what they are. Party. Send in the stubs (the left hand side of the page) with your Party Booking form. * Buy more tickets from our Stall at the Glebe Street Fair on Sunday 20 November. Another sign of * Phone Cynthia Jones (9660 2451) or Jeanette Knox (9660 7781) for more tickets. If a message machine answers, please leave your name Christmas and phone number. There will be a Living Colour floral * Buy even more tickets at the party on 9 December. display in Glebe Point Road, with a Christmas theme and traditional festive Results will be published in the Sydney Morning Herald Public No- colours, from 14 to 28 November. tices on Wednesday 14 December.

October/November 2005 9 Kite Kaleidoscope in Glebe This October marked the 4th successive * nurturing and develop- Art and About staged by the City of ing artists and their Sydney Council. It featured a rich mix of innovative projects cultural events and exhibitions, including the Hyde Park photography exhibition, * providing workshops for the Open Gallery of banners throughout a wide range of activities, the CBD and a vast array of smaller including business exhibitions and opportunities for public development programs, involvement with art making. For the new media as an art form first time this year, Glebe was invited to and other cultural activi- take its place in the City’s cultural ties. landscape by developing its own program This is a complex and of events for Art and About. The agree- ambitious proposal and it ment was for The City of Sydney to does take some absorbing. provide all the promotion and for us to It would require focused Riding the escalator gave Broadway Centre shoppers a great make it happen. commitment to bring it to view of the kites. Photo: Bruce Davis This challenge came to us at the right fruition. The timing may moment. Jan Wilson, Andrew Craig and soon be right! around in the car generously loaned by myself, as the Glebe Point Road Revitali- The Kites sation Group, had been working intensely his daughter Anna, Rosie Aldinger with the community and business for The Glebe Point Road Revitalisation painted the footpath stencils, Jenny over two years in an effort to establish team was approached by Jenny Underwood provided enormous support projects designed to bring new energy to Underwood (Glebe Place Manager - City and assistance of all kinds - even bring- Glebe. Developing an appropriate art of Sydney) to develop a concept for ing her daughter and partner to assist project was high on our agenda. Glebe’s contribution to Art and About. I with the Broadway installation starting at contacted Peter Travis, resident and 10pm one night. Some history: international arts tour de force, with the Geoff Broughton, rector of St Johns We instigated the ‘Glebe in Action’ idea of bringing his kites to the large and Church, embraced the concept whole- workshop in November 2003 with Con small spaces of Glebe. He had broad heartedly and encouraged members of his Pappas. This brought together representa- experience and great notoriety first as a congregation to participate in the mind- tives of many community groups and ceramicist, then swimming costume ing roster for the church display. Conrad Lucy Turnbull, the incumbent Lord designer for Speedo, designer, teacher Keiron climbed high and helped attach Mayor, producing a vibrant working and kite/aerial installation maker. He is a the banner to the bell tower. The verger, analysis of all aspects of Glebe’s commu- man of volcanic energy. For every idea Bill Hemmens opened the church at nity structures, heritage and built envi- we had, he had six more. We were soon various odd hours and spent much time ronment, potential, and problems. planning: on roster duty. The Glebe Fire Brigade Further analysis and communication now • The Broadway Shopping Centre threw ropes over high beams and climbed takes place on an ongoing basis with the installation the ladder to assist with the kite installa- tions in the church. subsequent formation of COGG (Coali- • The St Johns Church installation tion of Glebe Groups) and FLAG (Forest The church minders from the congrega- Lodge and Glebe). • The Glebe Kite Kaleidoscope official launch party in St Johns tion and The Glebe Society contributed We developed analytical documents and Church enormously. Thankyou everyone. referred to existing documents such as • Folk kites in empty shop fronts Community The Glebe Society Strategic Plan, • Pictures in other shop fronts attempting to build on the acknowledged At the Launch, the value of the Glebe efforts of those before us, and incorporat- • A kite-making workshop Kite Kaleidoscope crystallised. All ing input from those around us. • A community kite-flying day sections of the community were repre- In September 2004 The Glebe Point Road • Stencils on footpaths sented and mingled on the church lawn in traditional fashion. Geoff spoke about Revitalisation Group worked with Play After organising and planning, the the rainbow colours of the kites providing Consulting to analyse Glebe’s potential complete program of events and installa- an opportunity for us to celebrate the based on its unique character as a place tions came to fruition within the nineteen diversity of the community of Glebe. and a people. The concept of an ‘arts days of Art and About, 4-23 October. based’ project had been considered as a Peter spoke of the significance of kites as significant component for the revitalisa- The People message bearers to the heavens and our Councillor Robyn Kemmis officially tion of Glebe. Play Consulting proposed a It required a prodigious amount of work. concept of the ‘Incubator’, a space for: launched the Glebe contribution to Art Jan Wilson worked ceaselessly as an and About. * providing contact and information organisational dynamo, Roelof Smilde - Susan Ingram about Glebe’s activities for residents and liaised with businesses and drove kites Glebe Kite Kaleidoscope curator visitors 10 Glebe Society Bulletin Le Petit Tarte? Glebe Music Hidden Gardens of How many people who visit Le Petit Festival Glebe Tarte, at 219 Glebe Point Road, find the French not quite right? Tarte is feminine This year’s Glebe Music Festival opens Spring tour - visit gardens, and takes la and petite to complement it. with a laid-back concert at Gleebooks, 49 courtyards and rooftops But here we have le, which is masculine, Glebe Point Road, at 7-30pm on Friday and petit which is masculine. 11 November by Sway and Dan McKay. The Glebe Society is planning a tour next Sway is one of Sydney’s finest and most spring of Glebe’s hidden gardens, So is this a deliberate mistake? stylish a cappella quartets, with a reper- courtyards and rooftops. The provisional Stand at the coffee bar and gaze at the toire containing jazz to pop and blues timing is the second weekend of Septem- photograph on the wall behind you. Now and everything in between. The four ber and we are looking for small gardens, do you understand why the gender is members of the group, Fiona Wilkinson, perhaps accessed through back lanes or equivocal? Tony Watson, Sara O’Connor and Adrian behind fences or up stairs; vegetable Mees, are all accomplished vocalists with gardens or shared nature strip plantings; See next month’s Bulletin for my expla- decades of professional and semi- courtyards or country cottage gardens - nation. professional vocal experience between gardens which are characteristic of - John Gray them. For further information see Glebe’s inner city village atmosphere. www.swaytime.com Please let us know if you would like your garden – or that of a neighbour or friend Dan McKay is considered one of Austral- – to be considered for inclusion in the ia’s finest guitarists of the younger tour. We are advising of this occasion generation. His solo CD featuring works now to give plenty of time for plantings of Dusan Bogdanovic, Leo Brouwer, for spring 2006! Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Alexandre Tansman and Astor Piazzolla has just Eight or 10 “hidden” gardens will be been released. A disc of works by Austral- selected and the tour will include morn- ian composers is in preparation, due for ing and afternoon teas at a central Glebe release in 2005. Dan will perform works venue. by Ross Edwards, Richard Charlton, Leo If you would like to suggest a garden to Brouwer and Hector Ayla. More details at be included, or you would like to be www.danmckay.net involved in the organisation of this event, please contact Dorothy Davis Tickets $20 (concessions $10) including [email protected] refreshments available at the door or at phone 9660 7873 www.glebemusicfestival.com or Lydia Bushell [email protected] Photo: Edwina Doe - David McIntosh phone 9571 7131

!!! Special Notice !!! Environmentally The US Marine Forces Pacific Band will friendly hessian bags be performing free concerts in Glebe on Saturday 26 November commencing at Andrew Wood has sent us a a photograph 12.30pm outside the Glebe Library of Marianne von Knobelsdorff in Bonn, Germany, carrying a Glebe Society Hes- (corner Wigram Road and Glebe Point sian Bag. Road). Buy your bag at the Glebe Point Road The Band will then parade to Foley Park Street Fair on Sunday 20 November and (corner Bridge Road and Glebe Point see how far it will take you. Road) for another performance at around 1pm and then to Minogue Reserve (near Bags cost $8.50 each if you buy one or two, the Glebe Markets) for a final perform- and $8 each if you buy three or more (so ance at around 2pm. your friends can travel with you). Let’s make sure there is a big crowd to Ring Fay Mander Jones on 9552 4172 for welcome the Marines. more information.

October/November 2005 11 Dictionary of Sydney News and Notes • What is the Aboriginal name for Cockatoo Island? • Who designed the Female Factory at Parramatta? And Thirsty Thursdays what was it anyway? All members are invited to meet for dinner in Glebe on the first • How did the Sydney Harbour ferry Greycliff sink? Thursday of each month, to eat and talk with other people who • Who spent the early morning hours for many years live in Glebe. writing ‘eternity’ repeatedly on the city’s pavements? The last Thirsty Thursday for 2005 is on 1 December, at La Tavolaccia Garden Restaurant, 355 Glebe Point Road (near the From art and architecture, to people and politics, to waterways and wildlife, the Dictionary of Sydney is becoming the place Toxteth Hotel). for telling the story of Sydney, from its prehistory to the present. There is no need to book, so just turn up. And BYO wine. If it happened in Sydney then it belongs on this site. The first Thirsty Thursday for 2006 will also be at La Cultural institutions and individual scholars are invited to Tavolaccia on 2 February. contribute to the dictionary. It will incorporate new scholarship as well as be a focus for known information about the history of Sydney. There is also an opportunity for members of the public Welcome to New Members to submit suggestions for entries. The following people were accepted as members at the October See [email protected] for more Management Committee meeting. We look forward to seeing information. them at future Glebe Society functions. ♦ Elizabeth Clarke Heritage Study Questionnaire ♦ Leslie & Rod Holtham The questionnaire that was handed out at the meeting is now ♦ Martine Maters available on Council’s website at the following link: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Development/ Manly Mates HeritageInformation/GlebeConservationAreaStudy.asp Frank Hatherley’s comedy about Bob Askin, directed by Glebe Please could all completed questionnaires be returned by Friday Society member and Bulletin contributor Lyn Collingwood, is at 18 November 2005. the New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown, from 10 Novem- ber to 17 December. Bookings: 9519 8958. If you have any questions please contact me by email - [email protected] - or on 9246 7764. See www.newtheatre.org.au. Nicola Atherfold (Strategic Planner, City Of Sydney) Footbridge Theatre to Close The Footbridge Theatre on Parramatta Road will close down City of Sydney Councillors this month, at the end of its last production. Lord Mayor The Footbridge under John Frost, a noted Australian producer, Clover Moore MLA seems to have succumbed to the strong competition from other Councillors theatre groups in the city and to diminishing support. Another Philip Black Valhalla? Verity Firth A further factor is the University’s extensive building program Chris Harris that necessitates decanting of lecture/staff accommodation from Marcelle Hoff buildings that will be demolished or renovated. The Footbridge Robyn Kemmis is to be converted into a lecture theatre. Michael Lee Shayne Mallard There will be a sale of memorabilia from previous Frost produc- John McInerney tions on 11 November. Tony Pooley Phone the Town Hall, 1300 651 301, for contact details. Early Literacy Program Suzy Velkou is looking for people who would be prepared to Forest Lodge Public read to primary age school children once a week for the Early Literacy Program. If you know of anyone who may be inter- School ested, such as actors or students, please ask them to contact Suzy. There is payment for this work. Contact: Home of The Glebe Suzy Velkou, Facilitator, Glebe Schools Community Centre Society Archives [email protected] Phone 9660 3530 Phone: 9566 1285, Fax: 9552 1703

12 Glebe Society Bulletin For your diary ... Wednesday 9 November, 7.30pm - Glebe Society Management Committee Meeting - The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. All members welcome. 11 November to 4 December - 16th Annual Glebe Music Festival. Sunday 20 November - Glebe Point Road Street Fair. Saturday 26 November - The US Marine Forces Pacific Band. Parade commences at 12.30pm outside the Glebe Library. Sunday 27 November, 3pm. - Concert at Hunter Baillie Church, Annandale. Thursday 1 December, 7pm - ‘Thirsty Thursday’ - Dinner at La Tavolaccia, 355 Glebe Point Road. Friday 9 December, 6-8pm - Glebe Society Christmas Drinks, the Studio Room, St Scholastica’s College. See Booking Form. Wednesday 14 December, 7.30pm - Glebe Society Management Committee Meeting - The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. All members welcome. Thursday 2 February 2006, 7pm - ‘Thirsty Thursday’ - Dinner at La Tavolaccia, 355 Glebe Point Road.

The Glebe Society Inc Contacting Established 1969 Management Committee: The Glebe Society President Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 Mail Vice-president Bruce Davis 9660 7873 Immediate Past President Andrew Craig 9566 1746 All correspondence should be addressed Secretary Liz Simpson-Booker 9518 6186 to: Treasurer Bruce Davis 9660 7873 Committee Members: The Glebe Society Inc Anne Fraser 9660 7560 John Gray 9518 7253 PO Box 100, Glebe NSW 2037 Jan Wilson 9660 2698 Website Sub-committee Convenors: All sub-committee convenors are ex officio members of the Management Commit- The Society has a growing website tee (www.glebesociety.org.au) for the infor- Arts, Culture and Media Sue Ingram 9692 8534 mation of members and anyone with an Bays and Foreshores Tony Larkum 9660 7030 interest in Glebe. Environment and Open Spaces Andrew Wood 9660 1040 Environment (Acting) Asa Wahlquist 9660 8261 The website will only flourish if members Heritage David Mander Jones 9552 4172 use the site. Send contributions or Infrastructure Defect Reporting Margaret Sheppard 9660 4121 comments to Membership Cheryl Herden 9660 7371 [email protected] Parks & Open Spaces The Bulletin Planning Neil Macindoe 9660 0208 Transport and Traffic Chris Hallam 9660 3670 We are glad to publish letters or articles Strategic Planning Bruce Davis 9660 7873 on any matters of interest to Glebe, any Wentworth Park Anne Fraser 9660 7560 topic raised in the Bulletin, or any issues Adopt-a-Park Contacts: relating to the Glebe Society. Write to Foley Park: Bobbie Burke (9692 0343) Kirsova: Fay & David Mander Jones the address above or send an email to Paddy Gray Park: John Gray [email protected] Other Contacts: Archivist Lyn Milton 9660 7930 Disclaimer Bulletin Editor Edwina Doe 9660 7066 History of Glebe Max Solling 9660 1160 Views expressed in this Bulletin are not History of the Glebe Society Jeanette Knox 9660 7781 necessarily those of The Glebe Society Liaison with CityRags Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 Inc. Liaison with COGG Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 Bulletin Deadline Liaison with FLAG Jan Wilson 9660 2698 Liaison with GPRd Revitalisation Jan Wilson 9660 2698 The next edition of the Bulletin will be Publicity Sue Ingram 9692 8534 published in December. The deadline for Social events Jeanette Knox 9660 7781 contributions is Saturday 17 December. Website Cynthia Jones 9660 2451 October/November 2005 13 In this issue lll Glebe Conservation Study - p1-4 l Historical Background to Study - p4 lll Planning Matters - p6 lll Wentworth Park - p7 lll Glebe Society Christmas Drinks - p9 and Booking Form lll Great Glebe Society Raffle - p9 (tickets enclosed) lll Kite Kaleidoscope - report - p11 lll Glebe Matters - p11

The GLEBE SOCIETY Inc POSTAGE PAID PO Box 100 Glebe 2037

MEMBERSHIP OF THE GLEBE SOCIETY COMMUNITY CONTACTS Individual member $45 Place Manager, Glebe, Forest Lodge & Camperdown: Joint (2 people, one address) $55 Jenny Underwood, 9298 3191 (direct), or 0414 617 048. Household (more than 2 adults and/or email: [email protected] children, one address) $60 Glebe Town Hall Office: 9298 3190, 8am-6pm Mon -Fri Concession (student or pensioner) $20 Sydney City Council Customer Service Business or institution $110 Telephone (24 hours): 1300 651 301 email: [email protected] Write to PO Box 100, Glebe, 2037 or phone the website: www.cityof sydney.nsw.gov.au Secretary, Liz Simpson-Booker, on 9518 6186. Dumped Shopping trolleys: Bi-Lo - 9281 4511. Most other major stores - 1800 641 497. Pacific Services If you have a matter that you would like to discuss with - 0500 847 000 or [email protected]. the Management Committee, please phone the Aircraft noise: 1800 802 584 Secretary.

14 Glebe Society Bulletin