Penrith Lakes Stage 1—Interpretation Strategy
Report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation November 2008
Report Register
The following report register documents the development and issue of the report entitled Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy, undertaken by Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd in accordance with its quality management system. Godden Mackay Logan operates under a quality management system which has been certified as complying with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for quality management systems AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000.
Job No. Issue No. Notes/Description Issue Date
07-0352 1 Draft Interpretation Strategy November 2008
Contents Page
Executive Summary...... i Occupation, Contact and Conflict ...... ii Living at Castlereagh...... ii Shaping the Land...... iii Representing and Remembering the Land ...... iii Endnotes...... iv
1.0 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Background...... 1 1.2 Study Area ...... 1 1.3 Statutory Listings ...... 2 1.3.1 Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 11 ...... 2 1.3.2 Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991...... 3 1.3.3 NSW State Heritage Register ...... 3 1.4 Non-statutory Listings...... 3 1.4.1 National Trust Register (NSW)...... 3 1.4.2 Register of the National Estate...... 4 1.4.3 Deed Agreement Conservation Areas...... 4 1.5 Previous Reports on the Study Area ...... 4 1.5.1 Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group ...... 5 1.6 Methodology and Terminology ...... 6 1.7 Limitations...... 6 1.8 Author Identification...... 7 1.9 Acknowledgements ...... 7
2.0 Application of Interpretation (Why Interpret?)...... 11 2.1 Interpretation as a Conservation Process ...... 11 2.1.1 Interpretation Engages Communities ...... 11 2.2 Principles ...... 12 2.3 Approach...... 13 2.4 Endnotes...... 16
3.0 History Overview and Significance (What’s the Story?) ...... 17 3.1 Introduction ...... 17 3.1.1 Occupation, Contact and Conflict...... 17 3.1.2 Living at Castlereagh...... 17 3.1.3 Shaping the Land...... 18 3.1.4 Representing and Remembering the Land ...... 18 3.2 Occupation, Contact and Conflict ...... 18 3.3 Living at Castlereagh...... 27 3.4 Shaping the Land ...... 30 3.5 Seeing and Representing the Land ...... 41 3.6 NSW Historic Themes...... 49 3.7 Endnotes...... 50
Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
4.0 Site Inventory (What Do We Know?)...... 53 4.1 Existing Situation ...... 53 4.1.1 Existing Interpretation of the Study Area ...... 53 4.2 Arrival, Circulation and Access ...... 55 4.3 Associated Places ...... 56 4.4 Associated People...... 59 4.4.1 Aboriginal People...... 59 4.4.2 Family Associations...... 59 4.4.3 Local Associations ...... 59 4.4.4 Interest Groups ...... 61 4.4.5 Public Agencies ...... 61 4.4.6 Penrith Valley Special Visits Network ...... 62 4.5 Known Existing Visitation ...... 62 4.6 Interpretive Resources ...... 63 4.7 Known Documentary Resources ...... 63 4.8 Endnotes...... 68
5.0 Interpretation Policy Development (Where Are We Headed?) ...... 69 5.1 Introduction ...... 69 5.1.2 Review of Existing Interpretation Policy and Recommendations for Penrith Lakes...... 69 5.1.3 The Heritage Strategy ...... 69 5.2 Opportunities and Constraints ...... 70 5.2.1 Existing Interpretation ...... 70 5.2.2 Promoting the Experience of Archaeology at Penrith Lakes ...... 70 5.2.4 Guided Walks and Tours...... 73 5.2.5 Marketing ...... 73 5.3 Cultural Landscape...... 74 5.4 Constraints...... 77 5.4.1 Residential Development and Flood Management ...... 77 5.5 Audiences ...... 77 5.5.1 Residents of Penrith ...... 77 5.5.2 Future Residents of the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area...... 78 5.5.3 Visitors to Penrith Lakes...... 78 5.5 Anticipated Audiences...... 79 5.6 Interpretation Policy...... 80 5.7 Interpretation Policy for Penrith Lakes...... 81 5.8 Endnotes...... 82
6.0 Draft Strategy Overview (What’s Proposed?)...... 85 6.1 Interpretive Aims or Objectives to Engage and Stimulate Audiences ...... 85 6.2 Interpretive Initiatives...... 86 6.2.1 Telling the Stories of Castlereagh Valley—Historic Themes and Stories...... 90 6.2.3 Interpretive Events...... 103 6.2.4 Interpretation with Electronic Media...... 104 6.2.5 Key Management Messages ...... 106 6.3 Development and Implementation Tasks and Responsibilities for the Interpretation Strategy....107 6.4 Endnotes...... 180
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7.0 Appendices...... 109 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E
Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
“Fair CASTLEREAGH!” she sings, or seems Executive Summary to sing, And woods, and lawns, and meads, the strain responsive ring.
This Interpretation Strategy has been prepared to guide Retrospecti; A review of my scholastic Days“O, festus dies hominis!” … O, the interpretation of heritage sites within and surrounding the Joyful Days of Man Charles Thompson Penrith Lakes Scheme area.
Extensive quarrying of the Nepean River floodplain at Castlereagh has dramatically transformed the historic landscape. Fragments and traces of the locality’s natural and cultural heritage endure today and are to be embodied as an integral part of the future redevelopment of the site for residential and community use.
Informed by the transformation of the landscape and the place- making envisioned by Penrith Lakes Development Corporation at Castlereagh, this Interpretation Strategy is directed towards Figure 1 Album drawings of Sydney and NSW, On the River Nepean, f.2, NSW ZDL PZ 53On, achieving imaginative and engaging initiatives that Robert Marsh Westacott. (Source: State Library communicate history, heritage and stories in ways both of NSW) compelling and innovative. It will help create a sense of place that is informed by the past and inspired by the future.
This Strategy seeks to explain and illuminate the historical and cultural significance of the site and its context. Once implemented, it will provoke thought, reflection and conversation as well as understanding and action.
In the future this Strategy will be developed through several Figure 2 The Upper Nepean 1888, WC stages. Following client endorsement it will be progressed to Piguenit. (Source: Art Gallery of NSW) Stage 2—Content Development that will integrate information and feedback gained through a series of stakeholder and community consultations. Stage 2 will be based on the interpretive concepts which are to be selected from this Strategy for development in detail. A subsequent stage will focus on implementation of the selected initiatives.
This Interpretation Strategy methodology has been developed with reference to the NSW Heritage Branch Heritage Figure 3 Album drawings of Sydney and NSW, Information Series Interpretation Policy. Critically, this Nepean River, f.14b, ZDL PZ 53, Robert Marsh Interpretation Strategy recognises and promotes the history Westacott. (Source: State Library of NSW) and heritage of Castlereagh as a fundamental component of the natural landscape—the river, lagoons, the identity, value and significance of the place and a key backswamps, woodlands and forests ingredient of its future strategic planning. A rich allivual plain characterised the landscape, riven with creeks, backswamps, Communicating the significance of heritage places in a lagoons and wetlands. Bounded to the landscape that has been as dramatically transformed as west and south by the sweeping, wide, and Penrith Lakes is a key challenge. The local community has sometimes woven channel of the Nepean River which in parts is deeply etched into strong memories and enduring attachments to the place which the river terrace.1 A landscape … need to be acknowledged and incorporated in the future distinguished by the densely vegetated, rugged and initially impenetrable backdrop of the Blue Mountains to the west.
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development of the site. As the Penrith Lakes Scheme Oral History Study poignantly noted:
Many interviewees acknowledge that places and things must change over time. Yet, listening to the taped interviews; tone of voice, patterns of speech, throw away lines and the clarity of particular recollections, reveals a sense of loss and regret for a past way of life and for places that no longer exist.2 Figure 4 Nouvelle-Hollande Port Jackson sauvages des environs de la Riviere Nepean, This Interpretation Strategy strives to present the significance 1822 nla.pic-an9032042. (Source: National of the landscape and its special places whilst recognising Library of Australia) transformation and loss. The approach taken in the development of interpretation initiatives in this Strategy is informed by best-practice standards and projects in interpretation nationally and internationally. The initiatives recommended are ideas and experiences that will genuinely integrate heritage interpretation in creative, surprising and stimulating ways across the new landscape of Penrith Lakes.
The themes and stories to be interpreted at Penrith Lakes are drawn from our reading of the historical record, the lost and Figure 5 View upon the Nepean River at the Cow Pastures NSW, 1825 nla.pic-an7690933, remaining evidence of the past still available at the site and, Joseph Lycett. (Source: National Library of Australia) importantly, from the attachments and meanings attributed to the place by the community.
The following key interpretive themes have been developed to present the layered history and many stories of Castlereagh. strangers arrive—seeds, hoes and hachets
Bearing west from Prospect Hill, the first Occupation, Contact and Conflict stranger to journey across the Dharug people’s country was Watkin Tench in June Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal life and inter-relations in the 1789. Tench and his party set off across country he commented Penrith Lakes area, including British exploration, settlement and townships to 1850. We continued to march all day through a country untrodden before by an European • Our Traditional Country—This is Dharug land and the foot. Save that a melancholy crow now and then flew croaking over head, or a Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal people belong to it. They kangaroo was seen to bound at a distance, have had a relationship with the land from ancient times the picture of solitude was complete and undisturbed … At daylight we renewed our which continues into the future. Aboriginal people peregrination; and in an hour after we continue to maintain their connection to country and found ourselves on the banks of a river, nearly as broad as the Thames at Putney, their culture. This interpretive theme will communicate and apparently of great depth, the current that despite dispossession and political intervention, running very slowly in a northerly direction. Vast flocks of wild ducks were swimming in Aboriginal people have been actively and continuously the stream; but after being once fired at, engaged in expressing their connection to land as they grew so shy that we could not get near them a second time. Nothing is more integral to culture and identity. certain than that the sound of a gun had never before been heard within many miles of this spot. Watkin Tench, Chapter V, A Living at Castlereagh Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. The development of the settlement of Castlereagh, the schools, churches and cemeteries and the interaction of the
community with each other and the surrounding district from
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the 1850s onwards, as well as the connection of the people to the place.
• The Family Tree—Tells stories of everyday life and entangled families and community relationships.
• Religion and Education—Schools, churches and cemeteries demonstrate the spiritual heart of the Castlereagh settlement.
Shaping the Land
The changing landuses in the area will be interpreted, from Aboriginal landuse to farming, mining and responses to flood as well as current mining and planning developments and the way in which these activities have changed the physical form as well as the understanding of the place.
• Transforming Place—From Indigenous landscape, to rural landscape, to gravel and sand quarry, to residential and community uses.
• Castlereagh Valley cultural landscape—This place is a rural vernacular landscape with significant heritage values.
• Farming—Europeans farmed this land despite the threat of flood from the mighty Nepean.
• Mining—Following the transformation from farmland to mining landscape, this rich source of sand and gravel has played an important part in building Sydney.
Representing and Remembering the Land
The response of artists and writers to the landscape of the Nepean River and the Castlereagh area and the interaction of the residents and workers with the landscape.
This interpretive theme addresses the relationship and interaction between people and the land from prior to British arrival through first contact, British exploration and exploitation and up to contemporary uses and continuing connections. The use of the Penrith Lakes/Castlereagh area has changed over time, from utilisation by local Aboriginal people—members of the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal people—as their home, through to the exploration parties of the first white visitors including the NSW Corps soldiers, timber cutters, farmers, quarry workers, mining workers, the artists, settlers and developers. The Castlereagh area has meant many and varied things to each of these diverse groups. Each interaction has layered the landscape and contributed to the way the area is understood and interpreted by others and the evidence of their occupation. Remembering the special places at Penrith Lakes is a strong aspect of the recent past that will be recognised as part of future interpretation.
This methodology embodies ‘best-practice ingredients’ in heritage interpretation including research, audience analysis, appreciation of the context, applying appropriate skills and knowledge and collaborating with community representatives and heritage professionals.
This Interpretation Strategy has been developed following the preparation in 2007 of the Penrith Lakes Heritage Strategy for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. The Strategy provides an integrated vision for heritage across the Scheme area. It includes clear direction for conservation, management and interpretation and future investment in the area’s unique heritage sites.
The preparation of this Interpretation Strategy has been closely associated with the Conservation Management Plan and an Archaeological Management Plan for the Scheme area, both of which are
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currently being prepared by Godden Mackay Logan. In November 2007 a Special Element Interpretation Plan for Landers Inn and Stables—Stage 1: Strategic Overview was also prepared by Godden Mackay Logan. The research and findings of the three reports have informed one another.
Endnotes
1 Geoffrey Britton and Colleen Morris, Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study Assessment and Recommendations, Final Report, for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Ltd, July 1999, p 62. 2 Penrith Lakes Scheme Oral History Study for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, compiled by OHM Consultants, Mary Ann Hamilton and Sue Andersen, December 1998, Volume 1, p 8.
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
This Interpretation Strategy has been prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation to provide a strategic overview for the interpretation of major heritage sites at Penrith Lakes. Heritage interpretation and its integration into planning, design, management and conservation of the site as a whole and within its broader setting is a key part of the future vitality and sustainability of Penrith Lakes. This Strategy draws from and considers the issues relating to the strategic development of Penrith Lakes in the context of its future transformation and remaking of the surrounding landscape—characterised by massive recreational lakes, conservation zones and residential development.
It is intended that this Interpretation Strategy be a vital document in the process of managing, conserving and communicating the heritage values of Penrith Lakes and to serve as a source of future inspiration for designers and others engaged in realising the site’s future. It is the first of three stages in the development of interpretation planning for the Penrith Lakes area and will provide guidance for all people with ongoing responsibilities for managing the site—particularly Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, planners, architects, landscape architects, cultural planners, public artists, film makers and other practitioners involved with site management and communication.
This Interpretation Strategy will inform and guide initial collaborative and iterative interpretive planning with owners, architects and landscape architects within the context of the PLDC development process. Following client review and community and stakeholder consultation of this Strategy, the content of selected interpretation initiatives proposed will be further developed and refined. 1.2 Study Area
The study area is the Penrith Lakes Scheme, located in Castlereagh at the northwestern edge of the Cumberland Plain, 54 kilometres west of Sydney (see Figure 1.1). It is located in the City of Penrith Local Government Area in the County of Cumberland.
The Scheme area comprises 1935 hectares (see Figure 1.2). It is bounded by the Nepean River to the south and west. Beyond the Nepean River to the west lies the Blue Mountains escarpment and to the south is the urban area of Penrith. To the northeast is the Castlereagh (or Cranebrook) Escarpment.
As a result of early European farming practices and more recent large-scale quarrying for sand and gravel, much of the rural agricultural character of the landform is no longer evident. The Scheme area remains an operational mining facility at this time.
Over many years and studies, heritage items have been identified and recorded. Today within the Scheme area some 20 sites of European heritage significance remain, as well as items of movable heritage. The following is a list of sites and items that have been retained within the Penrith Lakes Scheme and which are the subject of this Interpretation Strategy:
• mass concrete house, 43 Smith Road, Portion 42;
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• Landers Inn and stables, Portion 43;
• Puddledock (slab cottage), Portion 44;
• Hadley Park, Portion 47;
• Nepean Park, Portion 48;
• Upper Castlereagh schoolhouse and schoolmasters residence, Portion 54;
• Jackson’s Ford, Portion 54;
• gravel plant ruins, Portion 54;
• Methodist church and hall, Portion 71;
• Methodist cemetery, Portion 71;
• Lee’s house, Portion 71;
• The Poplars, Portion 80;
• McCarthy’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Portion 82;
• Long’s house, Portion 89;
• mass concrete house ruins, Portion 280; and
• movable heritage collection.
Further information on individual sites and items can be found in the Stedinger Associates European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme, A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), December 2006 and the Conservation Management Plan Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Draft Report, June 2008, prepared by Godden Mackay Logan, and individual CMPs for specific heritage sites within the Scheme area. 1.3 Statutory Listings
1.3.1 Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 11
The Penrith Lakes Scheme development is implemented under the provisions of the Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 11—Penrith Lakes Scheme (SREP 11). Please refer to Appendix A of the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Conservation Management Plan, Draft Report, June 2008, prepared by Godden Mackay Logan, for the approved structure plan contained in SREP 11— Penrith Lakes Scheme. The following eight heritage items within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area are protected under the SREP and included in Schedule 3:
• Hadley Park (Lots 1 and 2, MPOS (OS) 8807);
• Nepean Park (Portion 48);
• McCarthy’s Cemetery (part Portion 82);
• Upper Castlereagh Methodist church and hall (part Portion 71);
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• Upper Castlereagh School and residence (part Portion 54); and
• Methodist cemetery (part Portion 71).
1.3.2 Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991
The following sites within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area are listed as heritage items in the Penrith Local Environmental Plan (Environmental Heritage Conservation) 1991 (LEP):
• ruin of stone stables associated with Landers Inn, part Portion 43, Castlereagh Road (C6);
• slab cottage (also known as Puddledock), Lot 1, DP 120872, Castlereagh Road (C7);
• farmhouse, garden planting and natural vegetation, Lot 1, DP 574481, Church Lane (C10);
• ruins of pise house, Portion 280, Church Lane (C13);
• site of Fulton’s Church School, Church Street, Portions 287 and 288 (C15);
• McCarthy’s Farm, tree and archaeological remains, Portion 82, McCarthys Lane (CR9);
• The Poplars; old slab cottage, pise house and garden, Lot 2, DP 229462, Wrights Lane (CR 8); and
• Upper Castlereagh war memorial, Lot 1, DP 735602, Castlereagh Road (UC 4).
1.3.3 NSW State Heritage Register
The following site is listed as a heritage item on the NSW State Heritage Register:
• Upper Castlereagh School and residence (listing number 00339).
This Upper Castlereagh School and residence is also the subject of a Permanent Conservation Order under the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) (the Heritage Act) predating the site’s listing. The full citation of the SHR listing is contained in Appendix E. 1.4 Non-statutory Listings
1.4.1 National Trust Register (NSW)
The following sites are listed on the National Trust Register (NSW):
• Methodist church and cemetery and church hall;
• Nepean Park;
• Hadley Park; and
• McCarthy’s Roman Catholic Cemetery.
Full citations of each listing are contained in Appendix F.
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1.4.2 Register of the National Estate
The following sites are listed on the Register of the National Estate:
• The Scheme area lies within part of the Castlereagh area, Upper Castlereagh, NSW, Australia (place ID 101338)—comprising floodplain, Upper Castlereagh and the township of Castlereagh.
• Nepean Park (place ID 3118).
• Upper room chapel, hall and cemetery, 1727 Castlereagh Rd, Castlereagh, NSW, Australia (place ID 103815).
Full citations of each listing are contained in Appendix G of the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Conservation Management Plan, Draft Report, June 2008, by Godden Mackay Logan.
1.4.3 Deed Agreement Conservation Areas
The following conservation areas have been established within the Penrith Lakes Scheme as part of the Penrith Lakes Deed Agreement (see Figure 1.2):
• Smith Road Conservation Area (mass concrete house);
• Landers Inn Conservation Area;
• Angophora Stand Conservation Area;
• Nepean Park and Hadley Park Conservation Area;
• The Poplars Conservation Area;
• McCarthy’s Roman Catholic Cemetery Conservation Area;
• Upper Castlereagh Village Group Conservation Area; and
• Nepean River Conservation Area.
The curtilages of these conservation areas are shown in Figure 1.2. 1.5 Previous Reports on the Study Area
A number of relevant reports have been used in the preparation of this Interpretation Strategy, including:
• Penrith Lakes Scheme Regional Environmental Study: History of European Settlement, Ms Fran Bently and Dr Judy Birmingham, 1981.
• Regional Environmental Study (RES), Kinhill Stearns, for the Department of Environment and Planning, 1984.
• Heritage Study of the City of Penrith, Fox and Associates, 1987.
• Research Towards the History of Castlereagh to 1806, Carol Liston (no date).
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• Penrith Lakes Scheme Oral History Study for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, compiled by OHM Consultants, Mary Ann Hamilton and Sue Andersen, December 1998.
• Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study, Assessment and Recommendations, Geoffrey Britton and Colleen Morris for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, July 1999.
• European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme, A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan). Stedinger Associates, December 2006.
• Revised Concept Plan for the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Statement of Heritage Impact— European Heritage, Stedinger Associates, January 2007.
• McCarthy’s Cemetery, Draft Conservation Management Plan, Stedinger Associates, February 2008.
1.5.1 Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group
The Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group (NDHAG) has prepared a number of research reports for heritage sites within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. A list is provided below.
• A Report on Steadman’s Cottage—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, February 1984.
• A Report on Parker’s Slaughter Yard—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, March 1994.
• A Report on Purcell’s Cottage—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford & Maureen Turner, June 1994.
• A Report on Site No. 36 Barn and Dairy Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, 31 August 1994.
• A Report on Wright’s Farm Complex—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, July 1993.
• A Report on Vella’s Farm at Wright’s Farm Complex—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, August 1993.
• A Report on Site No. 26—Weatherboard Cottage William Wright’s Farm—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, November 1993.
• A Report on Strathcairns Cottage—Cranebrook, prepared by George FB Gyford, October 1994.
• A Report on McCarthy Farm—Cranebrook, prepared by George FB Gyford, 1995.
• A Report on Church Lane—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, June 1996.
• A Report on the Pise House—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, July 1996.
• A Report on Farrells Lane—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, April 1999.
• A Report on Site 28, Bungalow, Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, July 1999.
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• A Report on Site 14, Weatherboard Cottage, Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, June 2000.
• A Report on Site 7 Cottage and Outbuildings, Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, June 2000.
• A Report on Site 22 Federation Cottage, Castlereagh Road, prepared by George FB Gyford, June 2000.
• A Report on Site 25 Federation Cottage, Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, June 2000.
• A Report on Site 23, Parkers Homestead, Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, September 2002.
• In Search of the Early Nepean Pioneers, A Post Settlement History Celebrating the Bicentenary of the 1803 Land Grants, research compiled by the members of the Nepean District Archaeological Group, 2003.
• A Report on Site 15, ‘Minnaville’ Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, March 2004.
• A Report on Site 3, Vine Cottage Complex—Castlereagh, prepared by George FB Gyford, March 2004.
1.6 Methodology and Terminology
This Interpretation Strategy has been prepared with regard to the methodology outlined in the NSW Heritage Office Heritage Information Series Interpreting Heritage Places and Items: Guidelines, August 2005, and the guidelines of The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 1999.
The preparation of this Interpretation Strategy has included consultation with:
• members of the Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group (NDHAG);
• members of the Penrith District Historical Society;
• Dr Louise Steding;
• Associate Professor Carol Liston; and
• PLDC staff.
1.7 Limitations
As some heritage sites within the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area were tenanted during site visits by the project team, full access was not available. In such cases information has been drawn from the 2006 Stedinger CMP, community consultation and Dani Drewry, Natural and Cultural Heritage Officer, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation.
This Interpretation Strategy does not address natural heritage values or Aboriginal cultural heritage in detail. Whilst historic themes and interpretive initiatives developed and identified as part of the
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Strategy are inclusive of all heritage values and designed to provide an overarching structure within which both natural and Aboriginal stories may be incorporated, for specific direction regarding Aboriginal heritage values the reader should refer to the Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan and Interpretation Strategy (in preparation) by Comber Consultants Pty Ltd. For information regarding natural heritage management and conservation the reader should consult the Castlereagh Biodiversity and National Heritage Conservation Master Plan: Delivering key aspects of the Urban Ecology Vision, Draft Interim Report, July 2007, prepared by Total Catchment Management Consultants Pty Ltd for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. 1.8 Author Identification
This report has been prepared by Sharon Veale, Senior Heritage Consultant, with Felicity Watson, Consultant, of Godden Mackay Logan. Historical analysis was prepared by Mark Dunn, Historian and Senior Heritage Consultant. Strategic input and review has been provided by Sheridan Burke, Partner of Godden Mackay Logan. 1.9 Acknowledgements
An extensive body of research exists for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. Much of the research has been commissioned by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation over the last 20 or so years and covers many aspects of the Scheme area’s history and heritage.
One of the challenges of undertaking the preparation of a report for such a large and complex site is developing a thorough understanding of its evolution and change over time. The preparation of this Interpretation Strategy has benefited significantly from the existing body of high-quality research and through the gracious and generous assistance of the many individuals, listed below, who have been and continue to be involved in the Scheme area. Their contributions in the form of reports, research, references, input, expert advice and assistance is gratefully acknowledged by Godden Mackay Logan.
• John Bates, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation;
• Sandy Booth, Managing Director, Total Catchment Management Services Pty Ltd;
• Geoffrey Britton, Environmental Design and Heritage Consultant;
• Clouston Associates;
• Dani Drewry, Natural and Cultural Heritage, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation;
• Ken Heldon, descendant of the Landers family, for images and family history research;
• Dr Grace Karskens, Senior Lecturer, School of History and Philosophy, University of NSW;
• Dr Siobhan Lavelle, Senior Heritage Officer, Conservation Team, NSW Heritage Office;
• Carol Liston, Associate Professor of History, University of Western Sydney;
• members of Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group, in particular Ros Wright;
• members of Nepean District Historical Society;
• Dr Jocelyn Powell, Senior Research Scientist, Total Catchment Management Services; and
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• Dr Louise Steding, Stedinger Associates Pty Ltd.
This report does not necessarily represent the opinions of anyone whose assistance is acknowledged above.
To date the preparation of this report has not involved fulsome consultation with the community or key stakeholders. On Tuesday 23 October 2007 a community meeting was held at the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (PLDC) offices to discuss future ownership, management and conservation of McCarthy’s Cemetery. The community meeting was well attended and included several people from families descended from Castlereagh’s early settlers and representatives from the Nepean District Historical Society and the Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group. The meeting provided an opportunity to meet with many people who have a strong association with Penrith Lakes and canvass some of the issues related to future use and interpretation of heritage sites within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area.
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Figure 1.1 Area plan showing the location of the Penrith Lakes Scheme, highlighted. (Source: Penrith Lakes Development Corporation)
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Figure 1.2 Site plan showing the Penrith Lakes Scheme area and heritage sites. (Source: Penrith Lakes Development Corporation 2008)
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2.0 Application of Interpretation (Why Interpret?)
2.1 Interpretation as a Conservation Process
Interpretation is an essential part of the heritage conservation process. As important as authentic restoration and regular maintenance, the active interpretation of heritage places supports community recognition and understanding of a site’s values and significance.
In recent years, the importance of integrating interpretation in the conservation process has been highlighted. This trend is confirmed in the recent revisions to The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 1999, which states, ‘Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of the place. Interpretation may be a combination of the treatment of the fabric (eg maintenance, restoration, reconstruction), the use of and activities at the place, and the use of introduced explanatory material’ (Article 1.17).
Article 24.1 of the Burra Charter goes on to state, ‘Significant associations between people and a place should be respected, retained and not obscured. Opportunities for the interpretation, commemoration and celebration of these associations should be investigated and implemented.’ The charter notes that ‘for many places, associations will be linked to use’.
Article 25 continues ‘The cultural significance of many places is not readily apparent, and should be explained by interpretation. Interpretation should enhance understanding and enjoyment and be culturally appropriate’.
In 2004, the NSW Heritage Office prepared materials to encourage good practice in the interpretation of heritage items across New South Wales. This Interpretation Plan has been prepared in accordance with the standards set by the Heritage Interpretation Policy and Guidelines, as endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW, August 2005.
2.1.1 Interpretation Engages Communities
New residential development at Penrith Lakes will create a new community that may have little or no awareness of the history and heritage values of the place. The future promotion of Penrith Lakes as a residential development and destination for recreational purposes will appeal to a different audience. These segments of the audience will have different needs to those that lived and worked in the area previously and remember the history and heritage of the place. Heritage interpretation at Penrith Lakes will be required to appeal to the widest audience possible. It will need to provide opportunities for people to reconnect with and remember the places that are special to them and to communicate the heritage significance of the area to people that have no prior knowledge or connection to it.
The last several years have been characterised by transformation and dramatic change of the landscape including the loss of heritage places that the community valued. The Penrith Lakes area was characterised by a close-knit community within a landscape textured by generations of families working the land. Many people from the community of former residents feel a deep sadness and remember vividly what has gone. Interpretation is vital to the project as it will engage communities, including new residents, tenants and other stakeholders, in heritage management by their being informed, consulted and given the opportunity to participate.
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Effective interpretation will foster an understanding and awareness of heritage and will result in interest and support from the community. Community support will build interest and visitation that will, in turn, result in accessible interpretation for heritage places and a responsibility for the ongoing management of heritage.
Interpretation which engages communities and new audiences in heritage acts as a catalyst for the ‘virtuous cycle’ (see Figure 2.1), ultimately promoting a sustainable future for heritage and its enjoyment by present and future communities. The adaptation of the ‘virtuous circle’ concept from economic theory to heritage conservation is shown in the diagram below. It was developed by English Heritage in 2004.1
Figure 2.1 The ‘virtuous circle’ has been adapted from economic theory and applied to heritage conservation. 2.2 Principles
The approach taken in the development of the Penrith Lakes Interpretation Strategy encompasses the following key principles:
• involve people associated with the heritage of the study area as well as interested people from the wider community;
• involve people with skills and experience in heritage interpretation;
• ensure all research is thorough and that accumulated materials are publicly available at the completion of the project;
• focus interpretation on the sites’ significance and values and from these develop themes and stories;
• investigate current users and potential audiences;
• ensure that interpretation recommendations and devices have potential to engage and provoke public interest;
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• ensure that recommendations and devices are accessible, reversible and compatible with the character of the places in which they are sited;
• ensure that recommendations and devices are integrated with conservation and planning; and
• ensure that recommendations and devices are sustainable into the future by providing for maintenance, evaluation and review.
2.3 Approach
The preparation of this Interpretation Strategy followed the submission and endorsement of a number of other relevant heritage reports that were commissioned by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. A draft Heritage Strategy was submitted in December 2007 to provide an overarching vision for the management, conservation and interpretation of heritage for the Scheme. An exemplar case study, in the form of a Special Element Interpretation Plan Stage 1: Strategic Overview was also commissioned for Landers Inn and stables and the draft report was presented to Penrith Lakes Development Corporation in October 2007. An Archaeological Management Plan for Landers Inn and stables was also submitted in November 2007.
The preparation of this Interpretation Strategy has been informed by the reports mentioned above and has involved a number of steps. Initially GML engaged in a number of meetings with representatives from Penrith Lakes Development Corporation and other consultants engaged by them to gain an understanding of the site, the constraints and opportunities presented by the proposed redevelopment and the desired approach and vision for heritage interpretation in the context of a large-scale urban ecological design and development project following the cessation of mining activity in 2013.
This Interpretation Strategy accordingly addresses heritage interpretation across the site in its entirety. It presents the ‘big picture’. Given that only fragments of the significant cultural landscape remain, this Interpretation Strategy has sought to identify innovative and engaging opportunities across the landscape that communicate the heritage significance and values of the place. It connects the remnant landscapes, heritage places and features that remain in an inspiring and cohesive manner, threading the layers of history, stories and heritage through and across the development to communicate the important aspects of the past and to create a stimulating living environment and visitor experience.
The approach to interpretation for Penrith Lakes is represented in the flow chart below. The flow chart shows Stage 1 of the Exemplar Case Study for Landers Inn and stables and also the stages proposed in the future as part of this Interpretation Strategy for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area.
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Exemplar Case Study Special Element Interpretation Plan Landers Inn and Stables—Stage 1 Strategic Overview
Introduction
Context of Report, Location of Study Area, Relevant Heritage Listings, Project Limitations, Acknowledgements, Authors, Site Plans, Approach/Methodology
Application of Interpretation—Why interpret?
Interpretation as a Conservation Process Interpretation Principles: Place, Audience, Client, Community Collaboration
History Overview and Significance—What’s the story?
Research and Analysis of Place and its Context The Significance of the Place Identification of Commonwealth, State and Local Historic Themes for the Place
Site Inventory—What do we know?
Description: Buildings, Public Domain and Cultural Landscape etc Existing Interpretation and Pre-visit Information Arrival/Exit, Site Circulation, Existing Wayfinding Connections to Associated People Connections to Other Places, Events, Items Existing and Target/Potential Visitation Interpretive Resources
Interpretation Policy Development—Where are we headed?
Interpretation Opportunities to Sustain the Significance, Character and Authenticity of the Place Constraints arising from Significance of Place Identify the Audiences Interpretation Policy and Objectives: to provoke, stimulate and engage the audience
Draft Interpretation Strategy—What’s proposed?
Interpretation Aims Key Historic Messages and other Key Messages Interpretive Media and Locations Development and Implementation of Tasks and Responsibilities Client Review Stakeholder & Community Consultations
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Interpretation Strategy for Penrith Lakes Scheme Area Stage 1—Strategic Overview
Introduction
Context of Report, Location of Study Area, Relevant Heritage Listings, Project Limitations, Acknowledgements, Authors, Site Plans, Approach/Methodology
Application of Interpretation—Why interpret?
Interpretation as a Conservation Process Interpretation Principles: Place, Audience, Client, Community Collaboration
History Overview and Significance—What’s the story?
Research and Analysis of Place and its Context The Significance of the Place Identification of Commonwealth, State and Local Historic Themes for the Place
Site Inventory—What do we know?
Description: Buildings, Public Domain and Cultural Landscape etc Existing Interpretation and Pre-visit Information Arrival/Exit, Site Circulation, Existing Wayfinding Connections to Associated People Connections to Other Places, Events, Items Existing and Target/Potential Visitation Interpretive Resources
Interpretation Policy Development—Where are we headed?
Interpretation Opportunities to Sustain the Significance, Character and Authenticity of the Place Constraints arising from Significance of Place Identify the Audiences Interpretation Policy and Objectives: to provoke, stimulate and engage the audience
Draft Interpretation Strategy—What’s proposed?
Interpretation Aims Key Historic Messages and other Key Messages Interpretive Media and Locations Development and Implementation Tasks and Responsibilities Client Review Stakeholder & Community Consultations
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Interpretation Plan: Stage 2—Content Development
Development of Content, Materials and Media
Review Client/Stakeholder/Community Comments on Strategic Overview Integrate Interpretation into Ongoing Conservation Planning Process Integrate Interpretation into Masterplanning for Penrith Lakes Develop Interpretive Media Develop Interpretive Stories Key Texts and Illustrations (consider copyright and approvals) Liaise with Designers during production/fabrication/construction Recommendations for Maintenance Recommendations for Review
Interpretation Plan: Stage 3—Implementation
Implementation of Interpretation Plan
Review Client/Stakeholder/Community comments on Content Liaise with Designers for Detailed Design of Interpretive Media Evaluation of Interpretive Media Image Use or Copyright Clearances Liaise with Designers during Production of Interpretive Media Liaise during Installation of Interpretive Media Finalise Maintenance Plan Finalise Review Plan Figure 2.1 Interpretation methodology for Penrith Lakes.
2.4 Endnotes
1 English Heritage 2004.
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3.0 History Overview and Significance (What’s the Story?)
3.1 Introduction
In preparing to interpret places, it is important to present their past in an informative, interesting and easily accessible way for a range of audiences. This is achieved through communicating and delivering information about the key themes which have formed the site—which are derived from the Statement of Significance and other assessments—using a variety of media.
Over recent years, a national framework of historic themes has been developed by the Australian Heritage Commission, and it was published in 2001. The Australian Historic Themes Framework aims to ‘assist in structuring research and to emphasise the historical values of a place to reverse the prevalence of fabric-based assessment by identifying historical processes that might be used in assessing and interpreting heritage significance’.1 Nine national theme groups were identified with focused sub-themes based on activities. The NSW Heritage Branch (formerly the Heritage Office) has also developed state themes that, to a large degree, link with the national framework.2
The following historical analysis is presented in the form of a series of thematic essays. These essays are not intended to be a comprehensive account of the history of Penrith Lakes, but rather to provide a context for understanding and interpreting the many historic layers and stories of the place.
The following historic themes that embody storylines and key messages have been chosen for the site:
3.1.1 Occupation, Contact and Conflict
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal life and inter-relations in the Penrith Lakes area, including British exploration, settlement and townships to 1850.
• Our Traditional Country—This country belongs to the Dharug, the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal people. They have had a relationship with the land from ancient times which continues into the future. Aboriginal people continue to maintain their connection to country and their culture. This historic message will communicate that despite dispossession and political intervention, Aboriginal people have been actively and continuously engaged in expressing their connection to this land as integral to culture and identity.
3.1.2 Living at Castlereagh
The development of the settlement of Castlereagh, the schools, churches and cemeteries, and the interaction of the community with each other and the surrounding district from the 1850s onwards, as well as the connection of the people to the place.
• The Family Tree—Tells stories of entangled families and community relationships.
• Religion and Education—Schools, churches and cemeteries demonstrate the spiritual heart of the Castlereagh settlement.
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3.1.3 Shaping the Land
The changing landuses in the area, from Aboriginal landuse to farming, mining and responses to flood as well as current mining and planning developments and the way in which these activities have changed the physical form as well as the understanding of the place.
• Transforming Place—From Indigenous landscape, to rural landscape, to gravel and sand quarry, to urban ecology.
• Castlereagh Valley cultural landscape—This place is a rural vernacular landscape with significant heritage values.
• Mining—Following the transformation from farmland to mining landscape, this rich source of sand and gravel has played an important part in building Sydney.
• Farming—Europeans farmed this land despite the threat of flood from the mighty Nepean.
3.1.4 Representing and Remembering the Land
The response of artists and writers to the landscape of the Nepean River and the Castlereagh area and the interaction of the residents and workers with the landscape.
The themes address the relationship and interaction of people with the land from prior to the British arrival through first contact, British exploration and exploitation and up to contemporary use. The use of the Penrith Lakes/Castlereagh area has changed over time, from utilisation by Aboriginal people—members of the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal people—as their home, the exploration parties of the first white visitors and NSW Corps soldiers, timber cutters, farmers, quarry workers, mining companies, the artists, settlers and developers. The Castlereagh area has meant many and varied things to each of these diverse groups. Each interaction has layered the landscape and contributed to the way the area is understood and interpreted by others and the evidence of their occupation. Mourning the loss of special places at Penrith Lakes is a strong aspect of the recent past. 3.2 Occupation, Contact and Conflict
The state historical themes (as devised by the Heritage Office, Department of Planning) that are useful for understanding the Penrith Lakes/Castlereagh area as a place of occupation, contact and conflict include:
• Aboriginal cultures and interactions with others;
• Convicts;
• Exploration; and
• Land tenure.
Prior to 1789, the land district around Castlereagh and the Nepean River was the territory of a number of neighboring Aboriginal groups: the Mulgoa, who lived on the Nepean River between present-day Mulgoa and Castlereagh, and the Boorooboorongal, who occupied the land north of Castlereagh to beyond Richmond. Castlereagh was a middle ground, the boundary line between the two groups, both of which belonged to the larger language group of the Dharug, which extended from the sea to the mountains, taking in much of the Sydney basin.3
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Both groups were hunter-gatherers, relying on the river and the forest land around it for food, shelter and other resources. Their diet included freshwater fish and shellfish, eels, possums (as their main source of protein) and kangaroo, which were hunted in organised drives, often involving a number of groups coming together. Edible yams, berries and fruits were also collected, mainly from the rainforest valleys to the west of the river in the mountain foothills.4 As food sources were seasonal, groups moved around their territory to access the resource. In autumn eels were plentiful in the swamps and eddies of the river, while in summer when food was plentiful a number of groups would come to the river to take advantage of it.
The river also provided other resources beside food. The gravel deposits that would later be exploited by miners and quarry workers were also important to the Aboriginal people of the area. The main source for stone material in the Sydney region was the Nepean-Hawkesbury system and the associated tributaries.5 Chert and silcret were used for small tool manufacture such as scrapers, while the profusion of basalt pebbles made the area ideal for making axe heads and chisels. The Mulgoa who made these tools traded them for goods with other Aboriginal people throughout New South Wales. Archaeological sites found throughout the Penrith Lakes area and the surrounding foothills of the Nepean Valley offer clear evidence of the Aboriginal occupation of the region.
Although the British had no direct contact with the Castlereagh until 1789, their influence preceded them. By the time Watkin Tench and others ‘discovered’ the area, the local Aboriginal population had been disrupted by smallpox, or similar disease, which had spread throughout the entire Sydney Aboriginal population from early 1789, decimating each group that it reached. In some cases it was reported that all members of a particular group had died from the disease. The marks of the pox were evident on the faces of the survivors that Tench and others encountered in the Castlereagh district.6
Initial contact on the Nepean was reported as being reasonably friendly. However, by 1794–1795 the relationship had soured, with open conflict between settlers and Aborigines around Richmond and Windsor. Colonel Paterson ordered a detachment of New South Wales Corps to the area in 1795 to subdue the Aboriginal population. The problems had arisen inevitably as the two cultures clashed over the same resources. As traditional Aboriginal foods became scarce, tensions grew, with settlers firing on and killing Aborigines who came into the new crop fields (often planted on land which previously yielded yams and other tubers that the Aboriginal people had traditionally relied on) to take food for themselves. Between 1800 and 1816 clashes between settlers and Aboriginal people along the Nepean, the Hawkesbury and surrounding districts grew in intensity, with both sides engaged in running battles and ambushes.7 One such encounter was documented in the Sydney Gazette in May 1805, in which settlers from Green Hills (Windsor) travelled south to the Nepean to pursue an Aboriginal group, of which seven or eight were subsequently shot. The pursuers had equipped themselves with a boat to enable them to follow and cross the river where necessary.8 Governor Macquarie eventually stationed a military detachment on the Nepean at Penrith in May 1816, after which the attacks diminished. By this time, however, the numbers of Aboriginal people in the region had been catastrophically diminished through the combination of disease, dislocation from their land and open conflict with settlers. As with other areas in Sydney, those who remained in the area were often a mix of local groups, such as survivors of the Mulgoa and other Dharug people who had left or been forced from their own country.
Despite the devastation of the pox and the dislocation that followed as settlers moved in and took the land, the Aboriginal people of the Castlereagh area, although weakened, did not disappear.
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Yarramundi (c1760–1818) was an important local Aboriginal man, a member of the Boorooboorongal. He and his father Gomeberri were Koradji, or medicine men. Yarramundi had provided medical assistance to one of Captain Watkin Tench’s party when they were exploring the Hawkesbury district in 1791 (in Tench spelt Yellomundee). He also met with Governor Phillip on 14 April 1791 and presented the governor with a gift of two stone axes. He was given the title of ‘Chief of the Richmond tribe’ by the British settlers. His daughter Maria Locke (1805–1878) was the first girl to be placed in the care of the Native Institution at Parramatta when it opened in 1815 and was the first Aboriginal woman to legally marry a European man. Her brother, Colebee, received the first land grant made to an Aboriginal man. Colebee assisted William Cox when he surveyed the route across the Blue Mountains.
The occupation of the area by Europeans from the early 1800s resulted in the serious disruption of the traditional lifestyles of the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal people, breaking the traditional territorial boundaries and isolating previous areas of food-gathering and shelter. The 1828 census recorded 156 Aboriginal people living in the Penrith area, consisting of 38 people from the Nepean, 15 from the Mulgoa, 73 from the Richmond and 30 from the Booroogorang.
By 1840 there were less than 300 Dharug recorded in the Sydney region.9 However, Aboriginal people were still in the area in the 1850s, fishing from the river and camping in the remnant forest areas.10 Their traditional life and camping areas had been largely swept away and Aboriginal camps were now located on the fringes of the white settlement, which had most often been built on the best land available and the sites of previous Aboriginal encampments.
Figure 3.1 An Aboriginal family around their bark hunt in NSW, from The Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay, John Stockdale, Piccadilly, 1789. (Source:
Figure 3.2 ‘Nellie’, last of the Nepean tribe of Aboriginal people, in 1890. (Source: GPO1-14135, State Library of NSW)
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Despite much historical writing suggesting that it was We proceeded upwards, by a slow pace, inevitable that Aboriginal people would soon die out, they through reeds, thickets, and a thousand other obstacles, which impeded our endured. In the Nepean, ‘Black Nellie’ (Nah Doongh) was progress, over coarse sandy ground, which referred to as the ‘last of the Nepean tribe’.11 In the 1880s had been recently inundated, though full forty feet above the present level of the Nah Doongh remembered her fear and the chaos and river. Traces of the natives appeared at ensuing action when white people arrived. every step, sometimes in their hunting‐ huts, which consist of nothing more than a No houses 'tall. I member first White come here—all Blacks den, no large piece of bark, bent in the middle, and open at both ends, exactly resembling two houses, all gunyahs—ev'ybody fight, black gins cry, black men shout cards, set up to form an acute angle; and get boomerangs an' tings like for big corroboree. Oh lor'—I sometimes in marks on trees which they had climbed; or in squirrel‐traps*; or, which frightened—get in bush next memurrer [next to my mother].—Nah surprised us more, from being new, in 12 Doongh ‘Black Nellie’ circa 1886. decoys for the purpose of ensnaring birds. These are formed of underwood and reeds, The evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the Castlereagh long and narrow, shaped like a mound raised over a grave; with a small aperture area before the arrival of Europeans has been studied since at one end for admission of the prey; and a the turn of the twentieth century. Recent archaeological grate made of sticks at the other: the bird enters at the aperture, seeing before him projects have recorded numerous occupation and tool- the light of the grate, between the bars of making sites along the banks of the Nepean and its which, he vainly endeavours to thrust himself, until taken. Most of these decoys tributaries. Many of the sites are located within 500 meters were full of feathers, chiefly those of quails, of the river bank, giving some insight into the importance of which shewed their utility. We also met with two old damaged canoes hauled up on the river in the lives of the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal the beach, which differed in no wise from people.13 Many of the camp sites that have been identified those found on the sea coast. Watkin Tench, A Complete Account of the in recent archaeological surveys have been on the terraces Setllment at Port Jackson. that run parallel to the river. The camp site locations indicate the detailed understanding of the river cycle that Aboriginal people held and their ability to utilise riverine and terrestrial resources opportunistically.
Although the first settlers had visited the area around what was to be Castlereagh as early as 1789 when Watkin Tench reached the shores of the Nepean River, first settlement did not begin officially until 1803–1804. There may have been earlier unofficial settlement or claims made on land around Castlereagh, although most settlers were then recorded to be concentrated north around Windsor and Richmond. In this year (1803), land grants were laid out between the bank of the Nepean River and a track heading north towards Green Hills (Windsor) and Richmond, later to be known as Castlereagh Road. The grants appeared to have been surveyed prior to their occupation, with blocks running in Figure 3.3 Aboriginal objects including a basket, stone axe and sword, from The parallel lines back from the river, apparently in response to Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay, the unruly and haphazard nature of land grants further north John Stockdale, Piccadilly, 1789. (Source: 14
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and free settlers (see Figure 3.6).15
When Tench and the first settlers traversed the area around Castlereagh the land was thickly forested. Large forest trees grew from the alluvial soils on the floodplain, with freshwater lagoons and wetlands edging the river. In terms of what the settlers wanted from the land, much of this natural landscape was deemed to be in the way and would need to be removed. The desired landscape began to formulate in the minds of the administrators before anyone had officially settled. The land was parceled up into grants, placed down in even spacing parallel to each other, fronting the new road and backing onto the mountains and the river. Future fencelines—drawn out on surveyed maps and still Figure 3.4 Viscount Castlereagh (1769– obvious in the landscape until recent years—took little 1822), politician and statesman, was the account of natural features or forest trees. The fences son of an Irish peer, the Marquess of announced the arrival of settlers, firmly marking the Londonerry. Governor Macquarie named Castlereagh in honour of him. (Source boundaries of the settlers’ land parcels and claiming National Portrait Gallery, London NPG 891 ownership over the traditional land of the Mulgoa and
Clearing the land was a condition of getting a grant, so within the first few years after 1804 each of the settlers began to strip away the trees and undergrowth. The trees were typically cut back to stumps—the timber used for the first huts and buildings, the remainder burnt. The denuding of the forest was so severe that Governor King forbade further clearing, enacting some of Australia’s first environmental laws.16 The settlers were largely inexperienced as farmers: they tilled the soil and hand- sowed the seeds (mainly wheat and maize), spreading them across the ground which resulted in smaller crops. They did, however, report two crops per year, unheard of for English farmers, although this was more a product of the
soil’s fertility than any advanced farm technique. Some Figure 3.5 Castlereagh committed planted crops such as potatoes; most had small herds of suicide, cutting his throat with a letter 17 opener, after stinging public criticism and cattle or flocks of sheep grazing in the cleared fields. By accusations of homosexuality. Hand- the 1820s many had diversified and had planted small coloured etching by unknown artist. orchards of oranges, lemons and peaches and were (Source: NPG D13761
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Castlereagh suggests a closer affiliation with the road than the river. Possible explanations for this pattern could be that the main river traffic did not reach as far, or that the memory and experience of earlier devastating floods on the Hawkesbury had made the Castlereagh settlers wary of being too close to the banks, although the sites chosen were still largely within the flood zone.
Before the official crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1814, the Nepean and the high escarpment and valleys of the mountains represented the edge of the settled districts. Over the river was the start of wilderness. With traffic and commerce on the roads, there may also have been a certain feeling of security and familiarity in an otherwise alien landscape beyond the banks of the Nepean River.
In 1811 Governor Macquarie sought to impose further order and civility on this wilderness. Macquarie had visited the Nepean district in November 1810 inspecting and staying at a number of the farms that had been established along the river. He observed the quality of soil and remarked on the mean and paltry manner of many of the houses. However, considering the visit was barely twelve months after a major flood, the houses may have been in the course of re-erection. Macquarie soon after ordered the survey of five towns in the district that he hoped would encourage settlement and civilisation in the area. His town for the District of Evan was to be named Castlereagh, sited on a ridge to the east of the river out of flood reach (see Figures 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6). The town was surveyed by James Meehan, who nailed a board with the name of Castlereagh on it to a post in the middle of the proposed town square.18
The lots in the town were soon granted or sold but, unlike the other Macquarie towns of Richmond and Windsor, Castlereagh did not develop much beyond an outpost of the settlement. Those residents already in the district chose to remain on their farms along the river and on the floodplain, while by the end of the 1820s the township of Penrith, to the south, had been established. Penrith soon outstripped Castlereagh—as it was through here that the road to the west and over the mountains passed and so it was a more profitable location for the establishment of inns, public houses, shops and government facilities. Castlereagh town on the other hand languished through a lack of water and a lack of interest. By 1840 the town had hardly developed at all, with many of the allotments not having been cleared or having been abandoned. In response, the government considered the town abandoned and began to resume the allotments and re-offered them as Crown land auctions in 1845.
Grain crops such as wheat, oats and barley were grown in Castlereagh and surrounding districts until the appearance of rust made the crops unviable. A number of water mills were built along the river to grind the grain from the 1820s, notably that of Alexander Kinghorne on the bend at Birds Eye Corner and later Allen’s Mill (1832) near Lambridge, John Colless’s mill at Castlereagh and Jackson’s Mill, also near Castlereagh town, were all landmarks along the riverfront. Most had stopped working by the 1870s and 1880s, falling into disrepair and being demolished.19
Prior to the mills being erected, a number of elegant country houses had been built closer to the river than many of the smaller settlers’ huts. Hadley Park, built in 1811 and thought to be the oldest building in the area (and one of the earliest datable two-storey houses remaining in Australia20), and Nepean Park built in 1822 are two remaining examples of large two-storey Georgian farmhouses (see Figure 3.7). The two houses stand on adjacent allotments, mid way between Castlereagh Road and the river. They represent two of the larger houses in the area, with many of their neighbours occupying more modest single-storey timber dwellings. They also represent a response by those who could afford it to the threat of flooding, with the second storey offering a refuge above
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the rising waters. In 1867 this proved very useful when Joseph Single (son of John Single) saved his stallion by lodging it upstairs in a bedroom in Nepean Park.21
At its peak Nepean Park, built using convict labour, stood on over 340 acres of land belonging to John Single and included a schoolhouse with a tutor for his 12 children.22 Hadley Park includes a small slab timber hut that is thought to predate the house, which would make it one of the oldest timber buildings in New South Wales. Most of the other houses at Castlereagh were smaller, more rudimentary dwellings. Within the Castlereagh district in 1848, 238 dwelling houses were recorded, of which 209 were built of weatherboard, timber slab or ‘inferior’ material.23 At least one roadside inn was located within the area fronting Castlereagh Road, servicing the locals and those who travelled between Penrith and Richmond. Known by a variety of names—originally as the Odd Fellows Inn (constructed c1841) and later as the Travellers Inn and Landers Inn (after its proprietor James Landers who purchased the site in 1843)—the inn operated on the site until the later 1800s (see Figures 3.8 and 3.9).
Figure 3.6 Parish map of Castlereagh showing the rectangular town reserve overlooking the floodplain grants of 1804 and later. Castlereagh Road runs in a straight line along the eastern boundary of the river frontage grants, heading north from Birds Eye Corner. This plan shows the different sizes of the various allotments but also their straight uniformity, laid down over the Dharug land. Many of these grant alignments were still visible in the landscape until recent years. (Source: NSW Department of Lands)
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Figure 3.7 Hadley Park at Castlereagh. Built in 1811, Hadley Park and its associated outbuildings is considered to be the oldest remaining building in the Castlereagh district, representing the first phase of European settlement at Castlereagh. It remains as one of the oldest domestic dwellings still standing in Australia. The land in the foreground represents some of the longest in continual (European) cultivation, having been regularly tilled since 1811. The house is positioned close to the river, with the foothills of the mountains behind. At the time of its construction these foothills represented the edge of the settled districts. (Source: Fox & Associates)
Figure 3.8 Landers Inn, Castlereagh Road c1880s–1900. The inn was built during the 1840s to serve the traffic heading between Penrith, Castlereagh and Richmond. The building was later damaged by fire (c1920s) and partly demolished, although the core structure survives on Castlereagh Road, having been converted into a domestic house. (Source: Penrith Local Studies Library)
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Figure 3.9 The stables at Landers Inn. Built of stone, this building allowed for weary travellers to stable their horses. Notice the stairs on the left to a hay loft above the stables proper. (Source: Penrith Local Studies Library)
Figure 3.10 Small slab huts on the site of Parkers Slaughter Yards at Castlereagh. These smaller, rudimentary huts are typical of the style of accommodation built in the first 50 years of settlement. Built of local timber often felled and hewn on site, examples of these structures survived at Castlereagh well into the twentieth century. (Source: Penrith Local Studies Library)
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3.3 Living at Castlereagh
The development of settlement at Castlereagh including the connection to the official town site and the rural community is evident in the development of schools and businesses, the building of churches and the gazettal of cemeteries as well as the ongoing connection to the land and the place by those who lived there. The State Historical Themes that may be useful in understanding the theme of ‘living at Castlereagh’ include:
• Towns, Villages and Settlements;
• Education and religion; and
• Birth and Death.
By the 1850s the Castlereagh district was well established as a rural farming community. Although the town of Castlereagh had largely been abandoned in favour of the township of Penrith, the farms along Castlereagh Road near to the river were flourishing under the cultivation of a variety of crops including orchards of citrus and stone fruits, wheat and oats, pumpkins, onions, potatoes and vineyards. On the river, grinding mills processed the grain while small boats plied the water, providing a means of transporting goods and people to and from the district. While the area never grew to the prominence of its neighbours Penrith and Richmond, it was nonetheless an established, stable community with a layered pattern of historical use and occupation.
The community of Castlereagh, outside of the official town site, was large enough to support its own churches, schools, roadside inns, a general store and a postal service. By 1817 a Wesleyan chapel had been established by John Lees, a former member of the New South Wales Corps, next to his house on Castlereagh Road. This is recognised as the first Wesleyan (Methodist) Church in Australia. Lees welcomed the Wesleyan minister Samuel Leigh who had been evicted from Sydney by Governor Macquarie, who considered the Wesleyan faith to be a sect. Leigh presided over the opening of the chapel in October 1817. By 1832 the chapel was reported to be in a dilapidated state and in 1840 it was reportedly gutted in a fire, although there is some dispute about the accuracy of this claim.24 The original chapel was replaced by a community-funded church in 1847 which remains standing, including its accompanying cemetery within the study site.
The cemetery site was laid out adjacent to the church. Although it is reported as having been opened in 1836, other reports suggest that the first burial was not until 1848, indicating a period of eight years in which the cemetery lay empty. This date (1848) also corresponds with the opening of the new church building and may represent a new dedication of the cemetery. The cemetery remains in place and in use at Castlereagh.
A Church of England chapel and parsonage were also in place by c1813–14. The Reverend Henry Fulton was appointed as chaplain in 1814 and continued to serve in the role until he died in November 1840. Fulton had been transported for his role in the Irish rebellion in 1798. His parsonage, schoolhouse and chapel were located on a glebe of 400 acres attached to the Castlereagh town site, close to Cranebrook Road on the eastern edge of the study area. The old church was destroyed by fire in the 1870s and a new church was built on the ridge in Castlereagh town, overlooking but not within the study area. The church is still in use in Church Lane, Castlereagh with clear views back to the houses and farms that make up the study area. As with the Wesleyan congregation, the Church of England dedicated a cemetery within the boundary of the Castlereagh town site (located on Church Street) with burials occurring from 1814. A number of
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prominent Wesleyan families, including John Lees himself (although he was later exhumed and re- interned with his wife in the Methodist/Wesleyan cemetery in 1921), were interned within this cemetery, which could explain the lack of burials between 1836 and 1848 in their own cemetery.25
Catholic worship was also being conducted in the study area from as early as 1806, with a Father James Dixon (also transported for his role in the Irish rebellion) serving as an independent Catholic priest in the district from this time. There was no Catholic church built in the area (the nearest being at Penrith), but a Catholic cemetery was established on the property of James McCarthy who buried his young daughter Elizabeth in 1806. Surviving headstones in the cemetery date from the 1830s onwards.26 Commonly known as McCarthy’s Cemetery, this cemetery still remains in use.
Along with the churches, early schools were established for the district children, including the private schoolhouse of John Single at Nepean Park, Reverend Henry Fulton’s school at his parsonage and John Pringle’s Wesleyan school in Lees’s chapel. Although there was a period in the 1850s when no school appears to have been in operation at Castlereagh, by the 1860s there was once again a Wesleyan school, a small Catholic school and a government school, all taking students.27 The government school was built in 1879 as the Upper Castlereagh Public School on Castlereagh Road, opposite the Methodist (former Wesleyan) church and cemetery. The school was designed for 67 students with a teacher’s residence built alongside. The school and residence were completed towards the end of 1879 and opened in 1880, with the first teacher Samuel Roseby living in the house from late 1879. By October 1880 Roseby had left and was replaced by Charles Paul who remained at the school until his death in 1895. The school continued to serve the community until its closure in 1975.28
The importance of the position of the school teacher in the community is illustrated by the fact that between 1857, when a postal service began to Castlereagh, and at least 1904, the postmaster in the district was the local school teacher, with mail being delivered to the teacher’s residence. The central location of the school on Castlereagh Road made it an ideal place for the mail delivery. In suggesting the school teacher as the first postmaster, a letter and accompanying petition sent to the postmaster general from George Bowman and the residents of the Castlereagh district in 1857 hinted at the practical reasons for such a choice, saying in part:
I now beg to point out, that the object of the application for this route of mail was to have a Post Office or receiving and delivery office at Castlereagh proper (not the town where there are only two houses) ….
There is a respectable person with a family, who keeps a School in or near the Presbyterian Church there who would be very eligible and fit person as Post Master and who from his occupation is always at home, his name is Webster. I do not know his Christian name, Mr Fingle who lives close to this spot could give every information.29
In 1904 when a local storekeeper applied to the postmaster general to take over the service, a petition was put together by the mayor, with 25 signatories to keep the post service with the school teacher.30 The list of signatories gives an insight into the community as well, with nine farmers, six labourers, an orchardist, a domestic servant and a gentleman listed.
The churches, cemeteries and schools serviced a small but complex community at Castlereagh. Each of the three main religions were strongly represented in the community with a number of prominent families, most of whom could be traced back to the first settlement period and who had remained in the district. Although all the religious congregations were tight-knit communities, there is clear evidence that they also married, traded and dealt with each other. Marriage records show inter-denominational marriages throughout the history of the community.31
28 Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
The community of Castlereagh never reached a population much above 1200. It meant that families were close to each other and that neighbours—whatever their religious background—lent a helping hand when required. The exhumation of John Lees and his wife from the Anglican cemetery in 1921 for reburial in the Methodist cemetery may suggest a certain level of sectarianism in the community.32 Church outings and social events were, however, attended by members of the different churches and were a regular feature of the community life at Castlereagh well into the twentieth century.33 Other social groups such as the Country Women’s Association (CWA) established in Castlereagh in 1934, just twelve years after its creation, also provided regular gatherings for the community such as dances and fundraisers, as well as a social network for women of the district.34 Still, the distance between houses and the demands of life on a working rural property meant that most social activities were often the result of other activity; for example, visiting a neighbour was usually associated with work or business, with socialising coming next. Dances and gatherings were held for fundraising purposes rather than merely as social events.35
During the nineteenth century and much of the twentieth century, employment for the population of Castlereagh was found locally. Through the nineteenth century, a large number of workers were employed in rural industries in agriculture or as labourers, with domestic servants also employed in some of the larger houses or in neighbouring Penrith. As well as working directly on the land there were a number of related businesses, such as blacksmithing, butchering and carting, all of which were represented at Castlereagh.36 A general store was also operating in Castlereagh from the turn of the twentieth century, with an agent for The Nepean Times, a shoemaker in the old Castlereagh town and a meat delivery by the butcher Henry Parker from the 1870s.37
The industrial advances of the later twentieth century weakened the traditional bonds to the land and between families for many. The modernisation of work practices—such as the introduction of milking machines—meant fewer workers were needed on properties but larger herds could be run. Following World War II, the sale of more farms to gravel companies, an aging local population and opportunities for work outside the district further weakened the family links and the social network of the community.38
Despite the apparent weakening of the bonds of community and family, many of the residents who remain at Castlereagh retain a strong connection to the place, forged through two hundred years of settlement in the area. The long-term families were saddened at the changing nature of the place, especially physically, as the gravel mines further encroached into the old farming landscape. Not only were their familiar surroundings rapidly being consumed by the excavations, but the work was being undertaken by large extraction companies, not locals. While the first gravel and sand mining had been undertaken in the 1880s by Castlereagh locals, by the 1940s and 1950s the larger companies such as Boral had entered the lucrative sand industry, although they still managed to employ a number of local workers. As the quarry operations expanded, tensions grew between some families who had members working in the quarries and those still on the land. As the river was altered through the extraction of material, the water supply to some farms began to be affected. At least one incident is recorded of a quarry worker who left his job after his father’s farm lost access to the water it had relied upon. The tension and discontentment of the impact of extraction on the local farmers grew.39 This suggests an awareness amongst some workers of the irreversible nature of their work and an emotional connection to the place that they were helping to redevelop. There was the reality, however, that the lure of a large payment for farmland by the gravel companies encouraged some to sell their family farms (in some cases leasing them back), which in turn led to the eventual destruction of the farming use through the mining activities.
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From the 1950s a growing prosperity was evident amongst those workers in the area who were employed by the quarries. Payments for farms that had outlived their productive life, especially the smaller allotments, helped these families financially. Evidence also remains in the landscape of the local use of the mined products. A number of houses at Castlereagh were constructed using locally mined gravel and sand. During construction, small and large river pebbles were mixed with the concrete as an aggregate.40 A number of these mass concrete houses, both intact and ruined, remain at Castlereagh—built using concrete formed in a similar manner to pise construction, with packed-down layers of concrete forming the walls.
The connection to ‘place’ for the residents of Castlereagh had grown over generations and through a process of working the land and families working with each other on the land. Throughout this period local Aboriginal people maintained their cultural connections to country, despite experiencing serious dislocation and being subjected to successive changes in government policy during the nineteenth century and twentieth centuries. The establishment of the Aborigines Protection Board in 1883 ushered in a period of authoritarianism and increasing government intervention into the lives of Aboriginal people. In the 1940s the Aborigines Welfare Board was established and Aboriginal people were expected to ‘assimilate’ into the white community. The board provided basic support including blankets, clothing and welfare to Aboriginal people. It also assumed responsibility for the custody of Aboriginal children and managed and regulated Aboriginal reserves and conducted regular inspections. Throughout the period of the Welfare Board’s operation, Aboriginal people were resilient and adapted to the vastly different and challenging circumstances of their lives.
Today the Aboriginal community in the Penrith area is represented by a number of groups including the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Dharug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation and the Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Organisation. The Aboriginal community in the area is actively engaged in promoting and building a growing awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage in western Sydney. The establishment of Muru Mittigar in 1998 in conjuction with the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation was an Aboriginal-led initiative. Muru Mittigar is an Aboriginal cultural heritage centre at Castlereagh, an initiative of the Aboriginal community of western Sydney which seeks to acknowledge the Dharug people and their traditional custodianship of the Sydney and Castlereagh district and recognises their ongoing connection to the land and their continuous cultural association with the area.41 3.4 Shaping the Land
This theme is concerned with the changing landuses in the area, from the natural environment and Aboriginal landuse to settlement and farming, including responses to flood, as well as historic and current mining and planning developments. The State Historical Themes that may be useful in understanding the shaping of the land include:
• Environment—naturally evolved;
• Aboriginal Cultures and interactions with others;
• Agriculture and Pastoralism;
• Environment—Cultural Landscape;
• Land Tenure; and
30 Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
• Mining and Industry.
The land and landscape around Castlereagh are dominated by the flow and position of the Nepean River. The river marks the western boundary of the study area where its otherwise meandering course straightens, flowing a relatively straight south-to-north path. To the east the ground rises up to the position of the Castlereagh town site, while across the river the area is overlooked by Emu Plains and the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains act as a visual barrier, giving the area a clear edge and an apparently impenetrable backdrop. The rising foothills reinforce the river as the edge of the Cumberland Plain and the settled districts which contributed to the first European settlers’ feelings of being on the frontier. The foothills of the Blue Mountains were also deeply coursed by a number of streams and small creeks that carved through the sandstone escarpment, creating a series of valleys that funnelled their waters into the Nepean. In times of heavy rain these streams and creeks swelled with water, with the Nepean River oftentimes being in flood. The flooding was part of the natural cycle of the river, replenishing the surrounding countryside as well as building up deposits of soil and gravel along its banks.
The land around the river was covered with large forest trees such as red gum, broad-leafed apple and ironbarks which grew from the alluvial soils on the floodplain. In the undergrowth and along the riverbank grew edible yams, berries and fruit. Freshwater lagoons and wetlands were home to an abundance of animals and birds. Small sandbars and river beaches slowed the river’s flow, allowing for deep pools to form. The river had also laid down deep reserves of sand and gravel, much of it hidden away under the topsoil that supported the forest.
Aboriginal people are thought to have begun living in the district around the Nepean River at least 14,000 years before the arrival of non-Aboriginal people.42 Their arrival heralded the first deliberate changes to the landscape of the study site. Aboriginal use of fire altered the flora and fauna of the area. It is likely that prior to their arrival the area was more densely wooded, with rainforest and casuarinas. However, the increased frequency of fires led to a rise in dominance of more fire- resistant eucalypts and the creation of more open grassland areas. The practice of lighting fires at the base of trees to smoke out possums and other animals likely contributed to the forest fires.43
The creation of open grasslands and forests encouraged a particular collection of animals. Kangaroos grazed on the grasses, possums and koalas occupied the trees, while a myriad of smaller mammals lived in the undergrowth and shrubbery. Emus were also abundant to the extent that the area across the river from the study area was to be called Emu Plains by the first settlers (a name it retains to the present day). Water birds were found along the river and the forests were home to a wide variety of parrots, birds of prey and other varieties of birds.
Aboriginal people in the area also exploited its natural resources, using the stones and gravels for making tools such as axes and scraper heads and using bark from the trees to make shelters, water holders and canoes to travel and fish on the river. The relatively small number of people in the area and the transient and seasonally based nature of their occupation meant that overall their impact on the land was comparatively minor despite the use of techniques such as firestick farming, which cleared the understorey to create open hunting grounds for game.
In 1789 the British first visited the area. Captain Watkin Tench, an officer of the Royal Marines who had arrived on the First Fleet, led a party through the area and across the river in June 1789. On his way towards the river, Tench climbed a hill some five miles from Parramatta (Prospect Hill) from which he surveyed what he called ‘the trackless, immeasurable desert’ that lay between them and the distant mountains. Tench recorded his first impressions of the river and the country surrounding
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it. He noted that the river was nearly as broad as the ‘Thames at Putney’, was apparently deep as the current moved in a slow northerly direction and that vast flocks of ducks swam on its surface. Tench noted also that his party shot at the ducks and said:
Nothing is more certain than that the sound of a gun had never before been heard within many miles of this spot.44
Guns were one of the changes that settlers introduced to the Castlereagh district. Tench also noted the presence of the local Aboriginal groups in the landscape. Along the river he saw the bark huts which he likened to card houses and the animal traps and canoes upturned on the riverbank. He also observed the innumerable marks and notches in the trees showing the footholds Aboriginal people had cut to hunt possums in the upper branches. He did not mention seeing any of the actual inhabitants, however, but it is almost certain that Aboriginal people would have observed him and his party.
Tench also mused on the quality of the soil, with the view that the land would shortly be rendered productive. He commented that:
if the qualities of it be such as to deserve future cultivation, no impediment of surface, but that of cutting down and burning the trees, exists to prevent its being tilled.45
Tench’s observations on the country illustrate an interesting aspect of the changing landuse of each phase of the Castlereagh area. As each new user group came to the area they looked on it with new eyes. The Dharug did not view the place as a ‘trackless immeasurable desert’ but as part of them. It defined their being and provided spiritual nourishment, shelter, food and community.
While the observations by Tench foreshadow some of the changes that were to come, the first lasting impact of the settlers on the area was the naming of the river the ‘Nepean’ and the district as ‘Evan’ by Governor Phillip. The names commemorated Evan Nepean, the undersecretary of state in the British Home Office who had played an integral part in the planning for the First Fleet.46
Despite the area’s apparent potential for cultivation, it was to be another 15 years before settlers began to make any permanent settlement in the area. Prior to 1804, the rural settlements away from Sydney and Parramatta had been located further north on the Hawkesbury River around present-day Windsor and Richmond. Here the river was easier to navigate—produce could be shipped and supplies returned by boat from Sydney town. The Castlereagh area by contrast was isolated, the river shallower and less navigable. In 1804, when the first grants were laid out, a single road was the only reliable access to the area, coming from the north out of the settlements at Richmond and Windsor. The settlement’s isolation during its formative years was illustrated in March 1806 following a flood on the Nepean and Hawkesbury. The Sydney Gazette wrote that:
Much apprehension was entertained for the fate of the settlers on the Nepean; from whence some satisfactory intelligence has been received, but no certain accounts of the losses at that place or the Hawkesbury can yet be depended on. Yet it is sufficiently obvious, that but little short of the present destruction of private property in that Settlement is the consequence of this uncommon deluge.47
Floods were a common feature of life on the banks of the Nepean. Tench commented on evidence of a flood of over 40 feet above the river level on his journey to the Nepean in 1789. The 1806 flood as reported in the Sydney Gazette swept away 200 wheat stacks and 4,000 head of stock from the Nepean and Hawkesbury farms. Another flood in 1811 gave a brief boost to the newly surveyed town of Castlereagh immediately to the east of the study area on a small ridge overlooking the floodplain.48 Indeed the site for the town had been partially chosen by Governor Macquarie as a
32 Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
response to the floods in the district. Ironically the site was also removed from any easily obtained fresh water, which led to its eventual failure as a viable town settlement (see Figure 3.6).
The enduring settlement in the region was on the floodplain between the town and the river. It was here that the first grants fronting the road to Richmond and the banks of the river had been made in 1804 to emancipists, free settlers and soldiers. The grants were laid out along the road or between the road and the river, the maps of the parish showing the parallel lines of the grant boundaries that stamped the arrival of a new bureaucracy on the landscape. The shape of the land is not considered in the initial land parcels. Only the position of the town of Castlereagh indicates the topography of the area, it being set on a diagonal to the majority of the parcels and so displaying the position of the ridgeline above flood reach.
Unlike the large sprawling estates of the inner Cumberland Plain area, almost all of the grant allotments were between 80 and 200 acres, the exception being 1300 acres granted to William Chapman in the south of the study area near Birds Eye Corner. Chapman was Governor King’s secretary and he named his grant Lambridge Farm.49 The size of the farms gives a clue to the status of the grantees: they were obviously important enough to the fledgling colony to deserve the land but not influential enough to gain large portions of it. The different farm sizes were also unusual in that they were a response to the needs and capabilities of the individual. The size also dictated what landuse was possible on the site. The farms were best suited to hand-sown crops, small herds of cattle or pigs, market gardening or orchards. By the 1820s these were the activities that were recorded as occurring in the area.50 Similarly, the small scale of the allotments and lack of any other larger grants in the area (Chapman’s farm was subdivided for tenant farmers as early as 1806) meant that many of the original land allotments survived through the nineteenth and twentieth century into the present, leaving a clear pattern of the first grants on the remaining sections of the landscape.
The first landholders were required to clear a certain portion of their lands as a condition of their grants. The land was quickly cleared, with timber used for building and fencing and the excess burnt or left to rot, just as Tench had prescribed 15 years earlier. The land was tilled and crops sown. Vineyards, wheat, maize and orchards of citrus and other fruits were soon features of the district. While some crops were more successful than others—for example maize survived while wheat was abandoned after rust entered the area from the 1860s—the farms along the riverfront displayed a working link to the colonial settlement, with the area being one of the oldest continually farmed portions in Australia.
The creation of the rural landscape by the settlers had inevitable consequences on the land and on the flora and fauna that had inhabited it. As discussed, the trees and undergrowth were quickly cleared for the majority of the area, to the extent that Governor King had to intervene to slow the process. With the removal of the bushland, the native animals also began to disappear. Mrs Charles Meredith, travelling through the area in the early 1840s, commented on this loss, already apparent after less than 40 years of settlement. In crossing the Nepean at Emu Plains she observed:
Ourselves, carriages, and horses were safely ferried over the Nepean in a large punt….when we drove merrily along the Emu Plains, so named no doubt from the flocks of emu formerly found there; but as civilized (sic), and therefore doubly destructive, man advances in a new country, he invariably exterminates or scares away the timid creatures that have for ages dwelt there undisturbed…51
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The change and decline in native animals is still occurring, with native fish stocks recorded as declining through the twentieth century and introduced species such as European carp becoming more prevalent.
The clearing carried out by the farmers also illustrates the different understandings of landuse by the different users. The settlers did not have a use for the natural bush that covered the land on their arrival—it was an unproductive space that needed ‘civilising’. Crops and grazing animals could not thrive in the Australian natural landscape. It was a decision based on the lack of understanding of the ecosystems as much as the economic return of the land. Initially paramount was the need for food for the fledgling colony to survive. From the 1850s and 1860s as disease began to inhibit the production of some crops (especially rust which impacted on wheat and other grains), new crops were tried. Orchards became common on a larger scale from the later nineteenth century. Properties such as Minnaville, located on 90 acres granted to John Harris (on Castlereagh Road next to Nepean House), had orchards of stone fruits early in its history (some claim that it was the first stone fruit orchard in Australia).52 Later, oranges were also planted at Minnaville and elsewhere across the study area, particularly around Birds Eye Corner (see Figure 2.7).
From the late 1890s dairy farms also began to appear alongside the orchards. By 1900 there were more than 15 dairy farms at Castlereagh. Dairy farming grew to prominence as one of the major landuses of the area, alongside mixed farming and orchards.53 It remained a major rural industry in the Castlereagh area throughout the twentieth century. In the 1920s the Nepean Dairy Company was established and a milk factory was built close to the railway line in Penrith. At its peak the district (north of the railway including the study area) had 230 suppliers to the factory, with herd sizes being around 35–40 cattle each.54
Other important land users were Chinese market gardeners who had been present in the study area in the 1880s and 1890s, while in 1923 underwear manufacturers GA Bond & Co grew Australia’s first cotton crop on 70 acres on the corner of Castlereagh Road and Church Lane.55
The farms were inhabited by a mix of tenant farmers and owners. The prevalence of tenant farmers has been argued as a reason for the relative scarcity of substantial buildings in Castlereagh.56 The large two-storey houses at Nepean Park and Hadley Park overlooked the more common single- storey houses that most of the community lived in. Weatherboard cottages were the norm, with the house called Puddledock (which remains in the study area) being a typical (although now rare) example. A timber slab cottage in the grounds of Hadley Park has been tentatively identified as possibly the oldest timber slab building in Australia, dating from c1806.
In recent years, many of the farm sites have been excavated in the search for and extraction of gravel and sand. Sand and gravel mining along the Nepean River dates from the late nineteenth century—a response to the increasing use of reinforced concrete in building construction, the cessation of the use of sandstone and improving road construction techniques. The Nepean River at Castlereagh is the only source of river gravel within the Cumberland Plain, formed from deposits of Palaeozoic rocks, such as porphyry, granite, quartzite and slate found in the upper Warragamba catchments. These rocks have broken down over time and been washed downstream to the floodplain around Castlereagh. Further downstream gravel deposits are found at too great a depth to be extracted economically.
The first mining company of any size in the Castlereagh area was the Emu Gravel and Road Metal Company located in Emu Plains opposite Birds Eye Corner. The company operated from the 1880s
34 Penrith Lakes Development Corporation—Interpretation Strategy—Draft Report, November 2008
well into the second half of the twentieth century. Gravel and metal were vital raw materials used in housing construction, public and commercial buildings, roads, railways, airports and water and sewage systems. Finely crushed stone is also used in medicines and other products such as paint and cosmetics.
As well as supplying sand and gravel for the booming Sydney suburbs in the later nineteenth century and early twentieth century, the Emu Gravel and Road Metal Company also supplied the bulk of raw material (in the form of sand and gravel) for the construction of the Warragamba Dam in the 1950s. In a curious twist, the construction of the Warragamba Dam also meant that the natural flow of gravel from the catchment area to the Castlereagh was blocked, meaning there could be no renewal of the resource (although the extraction level was always higher than the renewal anyway).57
By the 1920s there were a number of quarries operating along the Nepean and a number of local families were part of the labour force for the industry. Oral history recordings undertaken by OHM Consultants in 1998 for PLDC provide an insight into the day-to-day working life of men who were employed in the industry in the district. Bill Pearson remembered his father and grandfather working for Emu Sand and Gravel. Bill’s grandfather told him that in the early 1900s the gravel was manually extracted from the riverbed and loaded onto a horse and cart. Bill’s father worked for the same company and remained there for nearly 30 years. His job involved washing and grading sand and running the rail steam engines that transported it.58 During the 1940s there were a number of smaller quarrying companies working at Castlereagh and there was plenty of work for local men shovelling rocks. The work was physically demanding and not without health risks, but the wages were ‘good’.59
Initially the sand and gravel was extracted directly from the river using steam shovels and later (from the 1940s and 1950s) larger diesel-powered draglines that could extend over the river and scoop higher quantities of material in each pass. The material was generally at a shallow level, having been deposited on top of an under-layer of Wiannamatta shale. Once the raw material was extracted it was sifted to separate the sand from the gravel. Sand was then transferred to stockpiles, gravel was separated from stone and sized and the remaining stone was crushed and graded. The material was then distributed directly to the site via road transport or taken to the railheads at Penrith or Richmond for transport to city markets.60
As demand for the resource grew, so too did the number of quarry operators in the district. By the early twentieth century quarries were extracting gravel along the river from Penrith to Richmond. The Blue Metal Industries (BMI) power gravel plant, which was constructed around 1946, was located on the southern side of Jacksons Lane in the Penrith Lakes area. The plant was a reminder of the smaller-scale quarries that provided gravel and other material prior to the arrival of larger- scale operators such as CSR, Yarramundi Properties (a subsidiary of Melocco Bros) and Boral.
The quarry companies, realising the potential of the resource at Castlereagh and also the limited timeframe on direct extraction from the river itself, undertook to purchase much of the land fronting the river from the 1950s onwards.61 Farms were gradually purchased for future mining options. Many of these farms were the remaining original grant areas from 1804, and the former owners were allowed to continue using the land (or new leaseholders were sought) until the gravel was needed. The 1950s and 1960s brought considerable changes to the mining industry. The introduction of new technologies triggered higher productivity and profitability. Operating hours were extended and the labour force expanded, working in shifts around the clock. The river gravel and
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sand resources were exhausted by the 1970s and many of the smaller companies closed down. The larger ones turned their attention to the farming land they had acquired and amalgamated their holdings, in some cases leasing the land back to the occupants for agisting stock, dairying or turf growing. The quarry companies paid handsomely for the land—in the words of one former owner ‘it was a fortune’.62
The nature of sand and gravel extraction meant that productive farmland would inevitably be lost in the process. The decision regarding landuse was controversial. To many that had farmed the land over generations, removing the highly fertile alluvial soil to extract gravel and sand was very difficult to accept. The minerals industry also realised that its activities—although supplying the raw materials to the postwar construction industry that was building Sydney’s booming suburbs and new high rises in the city—literally undermined the production of food which was also needed to feed Sydney’s growing suburbs. A 1962 report into the extractive industry in the County of Cumberland noted:
A major source of sand and river gravel is the Nepean River downstream from Penrith, where large scale dredging and screening are carried out…..In parts of the Penrith district near the river, sand and gravel underlie good agricultural alluvial soil. There has been some conflict of opinion as to whether extension of sand and gravel extraction on this land is in the public interest. 63
Still, the expansion of the open-cut quarries further into the former farmland was almost inevitable as Sydney’s suburbs began to expand through the 1960s and 1970s. Comparison of aerial photographs from 1947, 1961, 1971, 1978 and 1986 show the expansion of the quarries from Birds Eye Corner along the riverbank and then from 1971 further inland away from the river. The extraction of the gravel has resulted in the most dramatic reshaping of the landform and has radically altered the traditional rural landscape that previously characterised the Castlereagh area. The river geomorphology had also been altered significantly through the removal of gravel and sand from the river channel. During the 1960s a growing disquiet and concern was developing regarding the environmental degradation and loss of a visually appealing rural agricultural landscape at Castlereagh. Planning approvals for quarrying at Castlereagh had been piecemeal and there was the grim realisation that there was real risk of the government being left with a tract of wasteland when there was considerable pressure on the local government to provide land for a growing urban population.
In the mid 1960s Penrith City Council resolved that they would issue no further development consents for quarrying at Castlereagh until the resultant environmental impacts were addressed. A planned and co-ordinated response was required if mining was to continue and the land was to be remediated. The concept of creating a series of recreational lakes with residential development in a parkland setting first emerged as the vision for the site at this time.64 For the quarry companies it created an operational environment where they would no longer have to work inefficiently on a small scale but rather increase quarrying operations and create an open-cut mine over the 2000- hectare site designated as Penrith Lakes.
By 1979 the larger quarrying companies that were operating at Castlereagh had combined their interests and commenced operating as part of the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (PLDC). PLDC was a joint venture between Boral (40 per cent share), Hanson (20 per cent share) and CSR (40 per cent share). At that time there was an estimated ten years’ worth of supply remaining at the Penrith quarries. The site provided about 75 per cent of Sydney’s sand and crushed aggregate requirements, including about 85 per cent of the materials for ready-mixed concrete.65 The consortium continued to buy up farming land in the area during the period. Many owners sold their
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land but others refused. In 1977 a feasibility study was undertaken to determine whether the proposed redevelopment and remediation of the land was viable. The study expressed the farsighted vision and optimism of the period and even the National Trust thought the scheme had merit.66
By the 1980s sentiments had started to change. The local community galvanised and formed action groups such as the Friends of the Nepean led by Marilyn Jones. The local paper regularly featured articles (with attention-grabbing headlines) about the neglect of history and heritage at Castlereagh. ‘Save our History: Houses will be lost in the lake’.67 In 1982, historical archaeologist Fran Bently and Dr Judy Birmingham prepared a history of European settlement for PLDC. The report noted that the environmental heritage of European settlement at Castlereagh was some of the earliest in Australia and included an inventory of over 58 items of environmental heritage.68
The passage of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act in 1979 created a new statutory context for the assessment of environmental impacts. In 1981 a regional environmental plan (REP) was prepared to provide an overarching framework for implementation of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. Three years later a regional environmental study (RES) was undertaken. The study, one of the first of its kind under the new legislation, was underpinned by a range of consultant reports including for Aboriginal and European heritage. The RES served as a model for subsequent approvals for development at Penrith Lakes including Development Application 2, DA3 and DA4. The Regional Environmental Plan No. 11—Penrith Lakes Scheme (SREP 11) was made by the Minister for Planning and Environment in 1986. Since 1986 the SREP has been amended on a number of occasions to reflect changes in the development of the scheme. 69
In 1987 PLDC and the State Government of NSW signed a Deed of Agreement which covered the quarry operations and the completion of the scheme including the development of parklands and urban land and provisions for the creation of the Sydney International Regatta Centre. More heritage reports were commissioned by PLDC, including a history of European settlement by Carol Liston and a cultural landscape assessment study by Geoffrey Britton and Colleen Morris in 1999. In 1998 OHM Consultants were commissioned to undertake an oral history project which involved several descendants from families that had lived in the Castlereagh area from the late 1700s. Throughout this period the community continued their vocal protests against the scheme. Marilyn Jones, at a Penrith City Council meeting in May 1998, referred to a petition that was to be presented to the minister which included over 2,500 signatures.70
Through PLDC, the quarries have been and are continuing to be redeveloped into a lakes scheme and urban land development. The company’s role is to facilitate a co-ordinated and systematic approach to the extraction of sand and gravel deposits within the Scheme area. As extraction decreases, Penrith Lakes is rehabilitating the former mined areas and recreating a parkland setting for residential development and water-based recreation. As the quarry sites have been exhausted, the remaining excavations have been proposed to be filled with water, creating large artificial lakes for urban development.
While quarrying continues in the area, some lake sites have been completed, most notably the Sydney International Regatta Centre that was finished for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The Sydney International Regatta Centre was developed into a recreational public open space that was handed over to the state government upon completion. The regatta centre includes a two-kilometre course for rowing and was one of the sites of the 2000 Olympic Games. It hosted the rowing and whitewater rafting events. Today the centre is used for a range of different purposes including
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picnicking, dragon-boat festivals and wake boarding. There is a cycleway around the lakes that is used for walking and rollerblading.
The creation of Penrith Lakes has not been possible without having an impact on the past. The enduring rural colonial landscape of parcelled land was evident well into the twentieth century. The local community cherished its beguiling simplicity and longstanding familiarity. It was expected to be there always—to endure. It was known intimately, as were the families that belonged there. This is the pioneers’ country and their story. Castlereagh, or ‘the valley’ as it is referred to by many locals, is valued as ‘one of the most historic sites in Australia’s history’. Realising the vision for Penrith Lakes has not been without anxiety. The scheme has sharply etched the differences between the politics of power and the politics of place. Local people, politicians and developers eye each other with an uneasy suspicion and form a restless alliance at the best of times. In a paper reflecting on the interaction between people, place and government, historian Grace Karskens notes:
Cities are critically vulnerable when their people lose faith or interest in them and in their own ability to shape and improve them; when they feel their own stake in urban places are ignored or bulldozed; when they feel policies and laws are imposed upon them without consultation or consideration. These are conditions which foster withdrawal into private havens, little worlds.71
In February 2007 the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, announced that the Penrith Lakes Scheme would be considered a State-significant site under Part 3A of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act. The scheme included residential development with water views and access in a parkland setting that would augment the recreational opportunities in the area already offered by the International Regatta Centre. The government urged the community to get involved in the consultation process and to influence the ‘detailed planning for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave a beautiful legacy for ourselves and future generations’. There is little argument that the Penrith Lakes Scheme is a major landscape intervention. It combines impacts and dramatic aspirations for the future.
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Figure 3.11 Flood at Castlereagh. Floods were a common feature of the settlement at Castlereagh, with the first being recorded in the Sydney Gazette in 1806. Houses, livestock and people were all too often lost in the wild torrents. (Source: Penrith Local Studies Library)
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Figure 3.12 A view to the foothills of the mountains across the orchards at Minnaville, c1950. Orchards were one of the variety of agricultural uses to which the land of the study site was put, with reference to stone fruit orchards as early as the 1830s. (Source: Gray, JA 1988, Magnificent Minnaville, Nepean Historical Society)
Figure 3.13 A view across the horse paddocks at Minnaville, c1950. (Source: Gray, JA 1988, Magnificent Minnaville, Nepean Historical Society)
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Figure 3.14 A dragline extracting sand and gravel from the river at Castlereagh. The Nepean was the only source of river sand and gravel in Sydney that was usable in the construction industry. As Sydney began to expand and the use of concrete increased, the demand for the sand and gravel increased as well. From the 1890s, ever-larger extraction and quarrying operations were opened at Castlereagh to exploit the resource. (Source: Blue Metal Industries Activities Review 1963) 3.5 Seeing and Representing the Land
This theme addresses the response of artists and writers to the landscape of the Nepean River and the Castlereagh area from the colonial experience to the emerging Australian landscape scene of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The State Historical Themes that may be useful in understanding how the landscape was represented include:
• Creative Endeavour;
• Exploration;
• Environment—Cultural landscape: and
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• Persons.
Depictions of Castlereagh in the form of painting, verse and photography have been features of the interaction with the area over two centuries of European settlement and reflect the changing nature of not only the physical landscape but also of the artistic response to the landscape.
For those who settled at Castlereagh from 1804 onwards, the early years were defined more by a daily combat with the land, the treachery of the flooding river and the isolation of the place from the main settlements rather than anything other than a casual eye towards the artistic beauty inherent in the place. The first artists to approach the area were most often attached to the exploration parties, searching for routes over the seemingly impenetrable mountain barrier. The focus of these parties was not on the scenic nature of the region, but rather the viable expansion of the settlement and the search for a passage to the west. During Governor Macquarie’s tour of the settled districts in 1815, John William Lewin (1770–1819) travelled as the artist for the party, painting scenes that depicted the Australian landscape and its flora and fauna with a shrewd clarity. Lewin was the first major artist through the Castlereagh area, although most of his views depict sites further into the mountain crossing than at Castlereagh.72 The scarcity of surviving imagery from the earliest settlement period can also be, in part, ascribed to the early artists’ general distaste for the Australian landscape. The jarring difference of the Australian scene to the familiar European landscapes appears to have confounded many, who took the Australian bush to be uninspiring, unattractive or merely a melancholy scene.
The first images of the Nepean around the study area (c1820s) depict exploring parties camping on the banks or attempting to cross the river. The paintings depict the area in a romantic or picturesque manner familiar to artists and audiences of the period. The trees and vegetation are most often stylised to resemble European varieties, with large rock overhangs or distant mountains taking the place of the castles or ruins of European picturesque paintings (see Figure 3.15). These views virtually depicted the exploring parties in the wilderness with boats heading upriver or Aboriginal groups placed in a romantic landscape rather than any struggling farmers on the river flats or the developing townships. Other settlements such as Parramatta, Newcastle or Sydney itself provided more interesting urban subjects than Castlereagh could at this time.
Other than the farms along the riverfront, there was not much development at Castlereagh throughout the nineteenth century. In turn, there was little to attract the colonial artists who were predominately interested in either the wild exotic country or the growing progressive settlements, neither of which existed in any great form at Castlereagh. By the mid nineteenth century the bushland had been largely cleared except for areas in the rugged foothills of the mountains or further upstream from Castlereagh. An exception to this is a number of depictions of the river crossing to Emu Plains. Conrad Martens sketched a number of scenes on the Nepean River around the Castlereagh area.73 One shows the primitive hand-drawn cable ferry crossing the river with a number of passengers standing on its platform while others wait on the far western bank. This sketch also shows a small house and its fenced yards on the far bank. Martens visited the area in May 1835 at a time when he was making a living painting Australian scenes for local sale or through the patronage of the social elite. Although his views are still romantic in nature, they do depict a more realistic scene than some of the earlier works, maybe reflecting the emerging desire of locals to have a closer representation of their place than previously realised. Another of Martens’s Nepean scenes looks across the river and shows a windmill on the far bank as well as a homestead on the small ridge above the river—scenes typical of the study area in the 1840s (see Figure 3.16).
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Approximately ten years prior to Martens’s visit, local resident Charles Tompson (1807–1883) had published a series of poems which in part reflected on his life at Castlereagh. Tompson had been born in Sydney in 1807 and had moved to Castlereagh with his family as a child in c1814, where he attended the parsonage school of Reverend Henry Fulton. In 1826 he published a book of poetry, Wild Notes from the Lyre of a Native Minstrel, amongst which was the poem Retrospect: A Review of my Scholastic Days which covered his time with Reverend Fulton and his life at Castlereagh. The poems were the first published by an Australian-born European poet and the first known to consider the Castlereagh area. The poem deals with Castlereagh in a lyrical manner but hints also at the nature of cultivation and farming that are being carried out on the banks of the Nepean. For while Tompson reflects on ‘Fair Castlereagh’ the ‘Majestic daughter of th’ expansive plain/Where rural stillness holds her placid reign’ he also asks:
What luxuries within Nepean’s bankments dwell! Refresh’d thro’ Zean fields we heedless rove/To where Pomona revels in the grove/We feel the goddess’s ambrosial breath/Luxurious curling in the shade beneath/Her luscious peach diffuses fragrance around, From cluster’d branches bending to the ground.74
In his notes to the text Tompson explains that Zea mays is the botanical name for Indian corn which was abundantly cultivated along the banks of the Nepean, while peaches of excellent quality also grew in the area. His reference to Pomona, the Roman goddess of the harvest, adds to his allusions to the abundant fertility of the Castlereagh farms.
Despite these early artistic and poetic flourishes, the Castlereagh area begins to fade from the mind of the artist community through the middle and second half of the nineteenth century. The area was seemingly rediscovered by artists during the closing years of the nineteenth century, with Julian Ashton, Charles Condor, Henry Fullwood and Arthur Streeton all visiting the area between the 1880s and 1900. Ashton, Condor and Fullwood were working on the production of their Picturesque Atlas of Australia and, together with Streeton’s later works on the Nepean, their works represented a grand period of Australian landscape painting. Streeton and Condor are considered as two of the founders of the Heidelberg School of painting in Australia. Each of the artists was drawn to the Nepean by their belief that the area conveyed something about the Australian landscape character, with its sun-drenched fields, slow meandering river and the settled, rural nature of the scene. Streeton in particular produced a number of paintings of the area, with his work being identified as part of a growing sense of nationalism and national pride.75 His painting The Purple Noon’s Transparent Might, painted on a hill overlooking the river above Agnes Bank, is immediately to the north of the study area. The painting looks south along the river and the farming land that makes up part of the study site. The painting captures the light, heat and languid nature of the river and surroundings, with the foothills of the mountains in the distant haze. Cows stand on the sand shore drinking from the river, a windmill sits close by and farmhouses are visible, dotted through the landscape. On the western bank, the bush still crowds the sloping riverbank, suggesting the untamed nature of the surrounds. Streeton’s Hawkesbury River series has been considered to be representative of an important turning point in Australian landscape painting and an important period in Australian art (see Figure 3.17).76
Into the early years of the twentieth century the artists continued to journey to the area, attracted by the light and the rural scenery. Artists such as Elioth Gruner would camp near Emu Plains and paint early in the morning to capture the atmospheric effects of the morning sun. His works such as Haystacks at Hawkesbury, Spring Frost, Emu Plains and Morning Light Emu Plains all painted between 1916 and 1927, encapsulate the plein air style of the day for which Gruner was well known. Gruner had in fact been a student of Ashton when he was younger and his work, Morning
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Light, won the Wynne Prize for landscape painting in 1916 (see Figure 3.18).77 Later, the abstract artist Frank Hinder also took inspiration from the area, painting his River Bank, Emu Plains in 1947.
As well as painters, writers also came to the area looking for inspiration or solitude. Of these, the most distinguished and well known was Miles Franklin. Franklin was gaining some prominence with her first novel, My Brilliant Career, and lived at Castlereagh between c1904 and 1906. During this time she wrote her manuscript for the novel Some Everyday Folk and Dawn which was published in 1909. The novel is set around the Castlereagh area and deals with a small country town and the first opportunities for women to vote, a topic that Franklin was passionate about and one that had not been covered with any conviction in Australian literature to that time (see Figures 3.19 and 3.20).78
The visual representation of the Castlereagh and the Nepean has in many ways reflected the changing attitudes held towards the place since European settlement. The first views are of an untamed wilderness set upon by heroic adventurers striving to ‘civilise’ it. Romantic impressions of the landscape were produced most often for English audiences and tried to translate the unfamiliar bush according to recognisable European artistic styles and conventions. By the later nineteenth century, the growing awareness of the unique aspects in the Australian landscape—the quality of its light, colour and palette—were combining with an increased nationalism. Painting in particular began to express this combination, especially through the Heidelberg School which attempted to capture this style. Artists such as Streeton, Condor and Gruner were captivated by the area and through their work presented their ideal of the rural Australian scene, via Castlereagh, to a wider public.
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Figure 3.15 Joseph Lycett’s View upon the Nepean River at the Cow Pastures, NSW, 1825. This painting by colonial artist Joseph Lycett captures the picturesque approach to landscape painting that was common amongst colonial artists. The unfamiliar bush setting is stylised to represent a more familiar European landscape. However, the bush is still shown as an unknown wilderness with Europeans on the fringes ready to discover it. (Source: National Library of Australia)
Figure 3.16 Conrad Martens, 1835, View on the Nepean River. Martens here looks across the Nepean to show a faintly drawn house with yards and cultivation on the left and a windmill situated on the banks to the right of the tree in the foreground. Martens was being commissioned by local people at this point, which could account for the more realistic portrayal of the scene than that by some earlier artists. (Source: State Library of NSW)
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Figure 3.17 Arthur Streeton’s The Purple Noon’s Transparent Might, painted from the hills on the bank opposite to Agnes Bank in 1896. This painting captures the view back over the study area, with a glimpse of the river in the background and the mountains acting as a frame to the work. Streeton spent a number of years painting the Castlereagh area and his works are considered to be turning points in Australian landscape painting. (Source: National Gallery of Victoria)
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Figure 3.18 Elioth Gruner’s Morning Light Emu Plans painted in 1916 shows the rural idyll as imagined by Gruner. The farmer watches over his cattle as they make their way to be milked, a modest cottage nestled amongst trees and gardens in the background. In the distance the foothills of the mountains and the glimpse of the river at their base; a scene typical of the study area around Castlereagh in 1916. Gruner, one of Australia’s premier plein air artists, won the Wynne Prize for landscape painting with this work. (Source: Art Gallery of NSW)
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Figure 3.19 A letter written by Miles Franklin, dated 22 June 1905, when she is about to go to Penrith Valley and explaining she has been asked to write about life in a small country town. (Source State Library of NSW)
Figure 3.20 Portrait of Australian author Miles Franklin, c1940. (Source: National Library of Australia, nla.ms-ms681-0-2)
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3.6 NSW Historic Themes
The thematic essays set out above have been written using the NSW Historic Themes as set out by the Heritage Council of NSW. These themes are intended to act as guidelines or indicators of why a place is significant. Some of these themes are relevant to more than one aspect of the study area and so have been referred to twice with different emphases, such as Aboriginal cultures and the interaction with other cultures, land tenure, exploration and cultural landscape.
The state historical themes that were regarded as most useful for understanding the development of the Castlereagh and Penrith Lakes area were:
• Aboriginal cultures and interactions with others—as illustrated in the Aboriginal occupation of the land prior to European settlement, their use of the resources of the land for food, shelter and manufacture, their first contact with Europeans and reaction to it, and their continuing connection and custodianship of the area.
• Accommodation—as demonstrated by Landers Inn and the network of other inns during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in the district that provided liquor, victuals and accommodation to weary travellers and stabling for their horses.
• Convicts—as illustrated by the settlement of ex-convicts at Castlereagh and the use of convict labour in the area to clear land and build some of the houses, such as Nepean Park.
• Exploration—as illustrated in the colonial exploration of the area in the 1780s through to the early 1800s. The first Europeans reached the study area in 1789 and reported on the site to the government. Other parties came through the area searching for a route over the Blue Mountains, while later travellers still explored the region on their way west.
• Land tenure—as illustrated in the early series of land grants in the study area, many of which were still clearly visible in the agricultural landscape until recent years. This theme also explores later land ownership such as the consolidation of the smaller farms, long-term ownerships and the more recent acquisitions by mining and quarrying companies.
• Agriculture and pastoralism—as illustrated by the rural use and setting of the study area, which was and remains a feature of the landscape since the earliest days of European settlement. This also includes the process of creating this landscape through felling and clearance of the bushland and the ongoing tilling and cultivation of the land and its use for wheat growing, grazing, orcharding and market gardening.
• Environment—Cultural Landscape—as illustrated by the human-made landscape, including the effects of Aboriginal landuse, the European clearances and farming, the construction of houses and buildings, the building of roads, fencing and subdivision of land parcels and other human features and including the quarries and lakes that have contributed to the formation of the landscape.
• Towns Villages and Settlements—as illustrated by the growth of the settlement at Castlereagh, including the houses, inns, farm buildings, churches, schools and cemeteries.
• Birth and Death—as illustrated by McCarthy’s Cemetery which was first used as a family cemetery by the McCarthy family when their young daughter Elizabeth died in 1806 and also by the Castlereagh Anglican cemetery.
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• Mining and Industry—as illustrated by the gravel and river-sand extraction industry, including the early sand removal from the river, the larger-scale gravel quarries of more recent years and the remnant crushing plants and other infrastructure pieces that have contributed to the industry.
• Creative Endeavour—as illustrated by the artists and writers and their works inspired by and depicting the Castlereagh area.
• Persons—including Governor Macquarie, surveyor James Meehan, John Lees, Reverend Henry Fulton, poet Charles Thomson, Yarramundi, Nah Doongh, Archbishop Polding, artists such as Conrad Martens, Charles Condor, Elioth Gruner and writer Miles Franklin.
These historic themes capture the stories of Castlereagh that are embodied in the heritage sites, historic photographs, archaeology, movable collections and memories and experiences of those families and individuals who have lived and worked at Castlereagh over generations.
Historic photographs, artefacts and objects prompt questions about what happened in the past. Interpretation uses the narratives of the past and the evidence that remains, such as historic images and other physical traces, to develop initiatives which help communicate what happened at a particular place and what it was like to live through and experience different periods of the past.
As part of planning how to interpret and present the range of historic themes and stories at Castlereagh, an understanding of the opportunities and constraints provided by the site and specific places needs to be documented. This enables future interpretive initiatives to be matched to specific locations and then integrated into broader interpretation planning for the site.
The history and heritage of Castlereagh represents a rich resource for telling stories about the ways Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people have interacted with, responded to, created and changed the landscape over history. 3.7 Endnotes
1 Australian Historic Themes: A framework for use in heritage assessment and management, Australian Heritage Commission, Commonwealth of Australia, 2001. 2 New South Walkes Historical Themes, table showing correlation of national, state and local themes, with annotations and examples, 4 October 2001, Heritage Council of NSW. 3 Murray, R & K White 1988, Dharug & Dungaree: The History of Penrith and St Marys to 1860, Hargreen Publishing Company, Melbourne, p 22. 4 Comber Consulting, Statement of Heritage Impact, Aboriginal Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Castlereagh Concept prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, January 2007, p 9. 5 Attenbrow, V 2002, Sydney’s Aboriginal Past: Investigating the archaeological and historical record, UNSW Press, Sydney, p 43. 6 Murray op cit, p 30. 7 ibid, pp 124–127. 8 Sydney Gazette and NSW Advertiser, 12 May 1805, p 3. 9 Stacker, L 2002, Penrith and St Mary’s Pictorial History, Kingsclear Books, Sydney, p 3. 10 Britton, G and C Morris July 1999, Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study: Assessment and Recommendations Final Report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Ltd, p 27. 11 Nah Doongh ‘Black Nellie’, see
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16 ibid, p 123. 17 Britton, op cit, p 33. 18 Liston, C, Research towards a history of Castlereagh to 1906. 19 The Arms Chronicle, newsletter of the Nepean District Historical Society, December/January 1983, pp 1–3. 20 Jack, I, ‘Nepean Historical Society Watkin Tench Lecture’, 26 June 1998, in The Arms Chronicle, July 1998, p 3. 21 ibid, p 3. 22 Nepean House—now known as Nepean Park, Penrith City Library Local Studies collection Vertical File. 23 Liston, op cit, p 29. 24 Stedinger Associates, European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme, A Conservation Management Plan prepared for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, December 2006, p 50. 25 ibid, p 77. 26 Liston, op cit p 50. 27 ibid, p 52. 28 Stedinger, op cit, p 67. 29 National Archives of Australia, Castlereagh Post Office File SP 32/1;56/2154, Letter January 21 1857. 30 National Archives of Australia, Castlereagh Post Office File SP 32/1; Petition 1904. 31 Stedinger, op cit, p 41. 32 Stacker, op cit, p 24. 33 Hamilton, MA & S Andersen, Penrith Lakes Scheme Oral History Study prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, December 1998, p 20. 34 ibid, p 19. 35 ibid, p 20. 36 Liston, op cit, p 37. 37 ibid, p 38. 38 Hamilton & Andersen op cit, p 20. 39 Hamilton and Andersen op cit, interview with Bill Pearson, p 104. 40 Stedinger, op cit, p 80, p 226. 41
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62 Stedinger Associates, BMI Plant, Archival Recording, p 16 citing OHM Consultants, Penrith Lakes Scheme Oral History Study for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Vol 4, p 49, Mary Ann Hamilton interviewing Helen and Colin Dixon, 25 November 1997. 63 Cumberland County Council, April 1962, Extractive Industry in the County of Cumberland: A General Review, p 7. 64 Grace Karskens, Water Dreams, Earthern Histories: Exploring Urban Environmental History at Penrith Lakes Scheme and Castlereagh, Sydney, Environment and History 13, The White Horse Press, 2007, pp 115–154. 65 Penrith Lakes Scheme brochure, August 1996. 66 Grace Karskens, Water Dreams, Earthern Histories: Exploring Urban Environmental History at Penrith Lakes Scheme and Castlereagh, Sydney, Environment and History 13, The White Horse Press, 2007, pp 115–154. 67 Newspaper clippings held by PLDC, no date. 68 Fran Bently and Dr Judy Birmingham, Penrith Lakes Scheme, Regional Envionmental Study History of European Settlement, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, (no date) p 2. 69 NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, Penrith Lakes Scheme Have Your Say, A Vision for Penrith Lakes, February 2001. 70 Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting Monday 25 May 1998,
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4.0 Site Inventory (What Do We Know?)
4.1 Existing Situation
The Penrith Lakes Scheme area is situated on a broad alluvial floodplain extending north and east of the Nepean River. The Castlereagh Escarpment rises in the northeast while the Blue Mountains Escarpment (Lapstone Monocline) forms a dramatic backdrop beyond the Nepean River to the west.
At Penrith Lakes, sand and gravel mining has transformed the natural and cultural landscape, removing to a large extent the previous landforms, evidence of former landuses and natural vegetation. Few structures or plantings remain, with the exception of those that are located within the Penrith Lakes Deed Agreement Conservation Areas. There are some surviving fencelines reflecting original land grants and portions. The most enduring landscape elements within the Scheme area are its open character within a valley setting and the historic north–south alignment of Castlereagh Road which runs parallel to the Nepean River.
The Sydney International Regatta Centre is located in the south of the Scheme area on the northern side of Castlereagh Road, near Birds Eye Corner. It comprises two large lakes running parallel to Castlereagh Road, surrounded by a five-kilometre cycle path, and includes associated facilities such as grandstands and boatsheds. In the centre of the Scheme area, on either side of Castlereagh Road, several disused quarries have been filled in with water, creating two large ponds.
Situated on the Cranebrook Escarpment to the northeast, outside of but overlooking the Scheme area, are the remains of Macquarie’s Castlereagh Township. One of five rural towns in the region established by Governor Macquarie, Castlereagh developed into the respectable township that he envisaged. Its poor access to fresh water was a strong deterrent to early settlers and today only the grid pattern of the street layout, a church and cemetery remain amongst recent residential development. Christ Church, located on Church Lane, is a local landmark visible from various locations within the Scheme area. The surrounding areas to the south and southeast include Emu Plains, Penrith and Cranebrook. All have undergone large-scale urban development. Further north, the area of Agnes Banks is characterised by a mix of open pastoral landscape and large rural lots containing modern residential development and thick stands of remnant vegetation.
The majority of the Scheme area is comprised of the Cranebrook Terrace landscape. With the exception of the Castlereagh and Blue Mountains escarpments to the west, which are beyond the Scheme boundary, all of these landforms have been affected by extensive quarrying.
4.1.1 Existing Interpretation of the Study Area
Currently, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation provides access to groups that are interested in visiting heritage sites at Castlereagh Valley. Tours are run as required for special interest groups. Recently members of the Parramatta branch of the National Trust attended a tour of Hadley Park. The Historic Houses Trust of NSW also runs occasional tours of Hadley Park and other heritage sites managed by PLDC. In November 2007 the Society of Australian Genealogists visited Hadley Park.
Generally PLDC staff conduct the tours and guide visitors. Tours consist of a brief historic overview and visitors have an opportunity to ask questions about the site including details about future
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conservation and management. Life-long resident of Hadley Park, Jackie Flower, is frequently on hand to answer questions of visitors and this contributes to a very enjoyable first-hand experience of the house, its collections and garden. The tours are between 60 to 90 minutes in duration.
The Penrith City Council website contains ‘Penrith Local Suburb Profiles’ including one for the suburb of Castlereagh.1 This page includes information on the natural and cultural heritage of the Castlereagh Valley area such as a landscape profile and a historical profile including Aboriginal history, a historical timeline, an outline of historic buildings and places and a bibliography.
Penrith City Council has also developed a ‘Penrith Valley Heritage Drive’ which includes some of the heritage items located within or adjacent to the study area including the old Methodist church, Muru Mittigar, Upper Castlereagh School and Methodist Church.
Muru Mittigar
Muru Mittigar is the award-winning tourism and cultural facility run by the local Aboriginal community which is currently situated adjacent to the PLDC offices on Castlereagh Road, Cranebrook. In Dharug, the local Aboriginal language, Muru Mittigar means ‘pathway to friends’. Muru Mittigar in its promotional literature emphasises that it is a ‘meeting place for sharing cultures’ and focuses on providing opportunities for visitors to engage with local Aboriginal people and to learn about Aboriginal culture and heritage.
The current facility includes a café providing home-style light meals and refreshments, a gift shop that stocks Aboriginal and Australian-made products, a cultural centre and a plant nursery that specialises in growing drought-resistant native species from the Penrith district. The centre is opened six days a week and on Sundays by appointment. Muru Mittigar also provides employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people.
Activities run by Muru Mittigar include cultural experiences and tours. Visitors to the centre experience Aboriginal culture presented by local Aboriginal people who are experienced and professional. The range of activities offered includes boomerang throwing, didgeridoo performances, cultural talks focused on Aboriginal stories and beliefs, the Yarra walk that explains the use of native plants in traditional culture, painting workshops and a barbeque that integrates bush tucker including game meat such as emu and kangaroo. The activities at Muru Mittigar are available to individuals and groups of up to 80 people at one time.2
Muru Mittigar hosts a website at
Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre
Established in 1997 and operated by the NSW Department of Education and Training, the Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre is located on Castlereagh Road, Cranebrook. It provides a range of educational programs catering for students from kindergarten to tertiary level. Approximately 9,000 students visit the centre annually. The programs relate mainly to the sand and gravel mining operations, landscape rehabilitation and urban development at Penrith Lakes.
The centre produces a range of learning resources that are available via its website. These include student worksheets, teachers’ resources, pre-visit materials and podcasts. Visits can be arranged by telephone or fax for either a half or full day excursion for up to 55 students. The use of the centre is free to the Department of Education and Training, TAFE, UWS and Catholic systemic schools.3 The centre covers Aboriginal heritage (including identification of bush foods), mining,
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heritage, water management, the geography of the Blue Mountains and World Heritage. The centre includes a classroom and theatrette for up to 60 students, resource library, computers, field equipment, and minibuses for small group transport. Its website is located at
A primary school heritage-based education kit produced in 1999 by the NSW Heritage Office in conjunction with the Department of Education and Training, entitled ‘It didn’t always look like this’, focuses on Penrith Lakes and uses a range of materials and techniques to introduce students to history, heritage and change through time. 4.2 Arrival, Circulation and Access
Currently the main access to the site is off Castlereagh Road. Within the Scheme area itself circulation and access is only by four-wheel drive vehicles accompanied by PLDC staff. All roads are unsealed, except for surviving sections of pre-existing roads such as Castlereagh Road, Smith Road and McCarthys Lane. The perimeter of the Scheme area is fenced. Arrival, circulation and access will be designed as part of the future urban development of the area.
Castlereagh Road is the main road within the Penrith Lakes Scheme and is one of the earliest roads in the region, leading from Penrith to Richmond. It is a bitumen dual carriageway road which runs parallel to the Nepean River. It extends along the western side of the Scheme area from Smith Street in the north to Birds Eye Corner in the south. At Birds Eye Corner the road turns and runs east with the bend in the Nepean River, cutting across the southern portion of the Scheme area. Another major road, Cranebrook Road, extends along the eastern boundary of the Scheme area.
Historically the grants in this area were surveyed and formally planned in relation to the alignment of Castlereagh Road and many farmhouses and other buildings having frontage to Old Castlereagh Road were erected along this important route in the early–mid nineteenth century. Today various lanes, private access roads and driveways that once led to the farms and homesteads that came to be established here still exist, following the grid pattern established by the early grants. These roads were frequently named after the grantees who established them—for example, McCarthys Lane, Longs Lane and Jacksons Lane, all of which survive in part today. Private access roads such as those that would have led from Castlereagh Road to the homesteads of Nepean Park and Hadley Park would have been carefully conceived according to the aesthetic principles of the entry experience. Much of the original entry drive to Hadley Park no longer exists. Currently, a temporary road extending from the Nepean Park entry drive provides access from Castlereagh Road to Hadley Park. Reinterpreting the setting and approach to significant properties in the Scheme area would be an important element of the new landscape.
Many of the lanes and access roads in the Scheme area are named after the early settlers and industrialists of the area, such as Longs Lane, located in the south of the Scheme area, across from the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Longs Lane extends south from Castlereagh Road towards the Nepean River. At Birds Eye Corner, Sheens Lane also extends south towards the river, and just beyond this is Jacksons Lane, running west towards the location of Jackson’s House and mill.
Approximately half way up Castlereagh Road, Farrells Lane extends to the east, towards Cranebrook Road. This lane, consisting of a winding dirt track, has been cut off by quarrying; however, it originally would have extended all the way to Cranebrook Road. Half way along Farrells Lane, Thomley Lane extends a short distance to the north, along Cranebrook Creek. The original
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road leading to The Poplars would have also extended from Farrells Lane; however, this has also been lost due to quarrying. Further north, also extending east, is Church Lane.
A small portion of McCarthys Lane survives in the southeastern part of the Scheme area leading to McCarthy’s Cemetery. Originally this laneway would have continued west to connect with Castlereagh Road, opposite Jacksons Lane. The original context and the extent of the laneway has been lost due to quarrying. Reinterpreting an appropriate setting is an important element of the site interpretation.
Smith Road represents the northern boundary of the Scheme area. It extends west from Castlereagh Road towards the Nepean River. Smith Road is a straight, flat bitumen road with two lanes, bordered by small grassy banks and lined with timber post fences and mature plantings and shrubs. Two thirds of the way to the river Smith Road turns north, where it extends beyond the Scheme area. A dirt track runs south from Smith Road.
A network of unnamed haul roads, minor access routes and private driveways are also found throughout the Scheme area. Many of these are associated with the quarry’s operation; however, some have been long established. Several roads and cycle paths associated with the Sydney International Regatta Centre are also located in the southern part of the Scheme area. 4.3 Associated Places
Muru Mittigar Aboriginal and Cultural Education Centre
Muru Mittigar is closely associated with Penrith Lakes Development Corporation and the Scheme area. There are a number of places of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance within the Castlereagh Valley. Although this Strategy does include themes and principles that are inclusive of Aboriginal history and heritage, the interpretation of Aboriginal cultural heritage is to be the subject of a separate, detailed study.
Macquarie Towns
Castlereagh Village has an important association with the other Macquarie-planned towns of Windsor, Richmond, Wilberforce and Pitt Town. The story of Macquarie’s ambitious vision for five formally-planned towns carefully sited out of reach of recurrent floodwaters along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers was an important step in the colony’s development and its story should be included in the interpretation of the Scheme area.
A large Party of Friends dined with us today, consisting in all of 21 Persons, including our own Family. ---After Dinner I christened the new Townships, drinking a Bumper to the success of each. ---I gave the name of Windsor to the Town intended to be erected in the District of the Green Hills, in continuation of the present Village, from the similarity of this situation to that of the same name in England; the Township in the Richmond District I have named Richmond , from its beautiful situation, and as corresponding with that of its District; the Township for the Evan or Nepean District I have named Castlereagh in honor of Lord Viscount Castlereagh; the Township of the Nelson District I have named Pitt-Town in honor of the immortal memory of the late great William Pitt, the Minister who originally planned this Colony; and the Township for the Phillip District; on the North or left Bank of the Hawkesbury, I have named Wilberforce -- in honor of and out of respect to the good and virtuous Wm. Wilberforce Esqr. M.P. -- a true Patriot and the real Friend of Mankind.
Having sufficiently celebrated this auspicious Day of christening the five Towns and Townships, intended to be erected and established for the security and accommodation of the Settlers and others inhabiting the Cultivated Country, on the Banks of the Rivers Hawkesbury and Nepean; I recommended to the Gentlemen present to exert
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their influence with the Settlers in stimulating them to lose no time in removing their Habitations, Flocks & Herds to these Places of safety and security, and thereby fulfil my intentions and plans in establishing them.4
Yellomundee Regional Park
Located on the western side of the Nepean River adjacent to the Scheme area, Yellomundee Regional Park extends from Yarramundi in the north to Mt Riverview and Emu Plains to the south. The park conserves a valuable tract of native bushland, wildlife habitats and places of cultural heritage significance. It affords residents of the Penrith area and visitors with open space and recreational opportunities such as cross country mountain biking, walking tracks with lookouts, picnic areas and bridle trails. The history of Yellowmundee shares many themes with Penrith Lakes. There are excellent opportunities to link trails on the eastern side of the river with those within the Regional Park and explore the potential of partnering with the National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW in interpretation initiatives.
University of Western Sydney
Over many years students from the University of Western Sydney have undertaken extensive historical research, working under the direction of Associate Professor Carol Liston. There is ongoing potential for environmental and cultural heritage research undertaken by the university to inform the interpretation of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. There is also potential for the university to be a project partner in the interpretation of the place.
Sydney International Regatta Centre
The Sydney International Regatta Centre represents the first completed stage of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. The story of its creation and role in the Sydney Olympics should be told as part of the interpretation of the Scheme.
Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
Combining eight reserves and over one million hectares the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area includes a network of trails for mountain biking and bushwalking, and adventure activities such as canyoning, rock climbing and abseiling. There are good opportunities to link the Penrith Lakes Scheme area with the World Heritage Area through cross promotion and activities.
Great River Walk
The Great River Walk is an ambitious project to be implemented over several years, section by section. The ultimate aim is for the Great River walk to follow the Hawkesbury Nepean River system from south of Goulburn to its mouth at Broken Bay, north of Sydney. The project was initiated by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Trust and the North West Sydney Regional Development Organisation. It is intended that the Great River Walk will provide access to a wide range of users including walkers, cyclists, canoeists, horse riders and the disabled. The first stage of the project focussed on the Penrith to Windsor section. A Masterplan has been developed for the Penrith section of the walk between the M4 and Penrith Lakes. It is proposed that as part of the Penrith Lakes Scheme an eleven kilometre section of riverbank will become publicly accessible and connect with adjoining sections of the Great River Walk.
Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest
Situated on the western bank of the Nepean River, Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest is located on River Road at Emu Plains. The Gallery was established in 1980 when the Lewers’ daughters bequeathed their parent’s home to Penrith City Council. The bequest included a
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significant collection of artworks and the former home and garden of leading Australian modernists, sculptor, Gerald Lewers and painter, Margo Lewers. The vision for the gallery ‘was to create a centre of excellence for the presentation and appreciation of art for the community’.5
The gallery was recognized in 1982 when it was awarded Museum of the Year. It makes a vital contribution to the cultural life of western Sydney through a vibrant mix of exhibitions and other programs, offering the community a significant centre for art and culture that reflects the local area. The gallery’s public program includes special events, lectures, tours, forums, artists' talks, curators' talks, professional development seminars, musical performances, workshops and children’s activities including art classes, educational activities and kits. It runs a volunteers’ program and provides opportunities for work experience students to gain experience in several areas such as conservation, exhibitions, research, administration and programs.
The grounds and some indoor spaces may be hired for functions such as wedding photographs and performances. Often the gallery works with other organisations, companies and government agencies across Western Sydney, on both exhibitions and special projects. The Gallery hosts a Friends of the Penrith Regional Gallery and Lewers Bequest. The Friends provide support and a range of services including guiding, front of house duties, fundraising, assisting with education and public program events, catering, exhibition changeover and much more. The Friends is essential part of the day to day operations of the Gallery.6
Associated with the Gallery is the Margaret Farm Residency Project which has been established with funding from the NSW Ministry for the Arts. The project has been initiated to develop new contemporary art projects across the performing, literary and visual arts. The Margaret Farm project is based in a mid-Victorian homestead located at St Marys. The project offers opportunities for collaborative, national and international artists, creative teams and/or arts organizations that are keen to research and or develop new works. Application guidelines and forms have been prepared and are available online http://www.penrithregionalgallery.org/MargaretFarmResidencyProgram.htm
Tourist Attractions in the Vicinity
There is potential to link the Penrith Lakes Scheme through cross promotion with other tourist attractions and facilities in the vicinity. These include places such as:
• Museum of Fire, Penrith;
• The Great River Walk, Penrith, with spectacular views of the Nepean River and Blue Mountains;
• Penrith Whitewater Stadium;
• Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest, Emu Plains;
• Aqua Golf, Penrith;
• Historic Mamre Homestead, restored as a tearoom and restaurant;
• Belgenny Farm, home of Elizabeth and John Macarthur;
• Rouse Hill House, Historic Houses Trust of NSW, house museum;
• Nepean Belle Paddle Wheeler; and
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• Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Emu Plains.
4.4 Associated People
There are several distinct groups of people with an interest in the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. The descriptions below outline the various groups, their activities and interests. Individually and collectively the associated people are a significant resource for future interpretation at Penrith Lakes. The resources, knowledge, expertise and skill, combined with their enthusiasm and interest in the land within the Scheme area is extraordinary.
4.4.1 Aboriginal People
The Aboriginal community associated with the Penrith area are the Dharug people.7 The Local Aboriginal Land Council for the area is Deerubbin. Other Aboriginal organisations with an interest in the Scheme area include the Dharug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation and the Dharug Custodians Aboriginal Corporation. There are also a number of local Aboriginal families that have connections to the Scheme area that are actively involved in the promotion of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Muru Mittigar is also a key stakeholder in the Scheme area.
4.4.2 Family Associations
There are a number of families with a deep attachment to the landscape and places located within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. Several families within the district today are descendants from the early settlers in the Castlereagh Valley. They are still actively interested in what is happening within the Scheme area and specifically the heritage sites.
One site of particular interest to many of the local families is McCarthy’s Cemetery because they have relatives buried there. Other families including the Broadbents, Dwyers, Willets, Elise Cuthbert and Gwen Herbert, Effie Smith, Colin and Helen Dixon and Bill Pearson have strong connections to the valley. Another important family connection to the site is the continuing residence of Jackie Flowers, a descendent of the Hadley Family, at Hadley Park. Similarly, The Poplars is occupied by long-term resident Bob Salmond, who has lived on the property and in the Castlereagh Valley all his life.
4.4.3 Local Associations
Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group
The Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group (NDHAG) was established in March 1978 and is an active and well-organised local heritage group. NDHAG meets once monthly on a Saturday morning at their office in North Street, Penrith. Presently NDHAG has around 15 active members.8
NDHAG has a long-standing association with PLDC. NDHAG have participated in many historical archaeology projects at Penrith Lakes, most notably at John Lees, Minnaville; Parkers Slaughter House and cottages; and McCarthy’s Farm. They have produced a number of research and excavation reports and have assembled a significant collection of artefacts, historical records and photographs related to the Penrith Lakes Scheme sites. All artefacts and objects are bagged, labeled, boxed and stored. The NDHAG office is also home to a small library. The library’s two strengths are archaeology and local history. NDHAG also have a map collection including aerial, road, parish and portion plans for the local area. Currently very little of the collection is digitized. PLDC provide some funding on a yearly basis to assist the group cover costs associated with the storage and conservation of the Penrith Lakes collections.
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The NDHAG office is a small but serviceable weatherboard cottage that is made available to the group by Penrith City Council. The group are uncertain about how long they will be allowed to remain at the current location, although they consider that their tenure is not under immediate threat.9
The NDHAG website at
NDHAG regularly attend local historical events and set up displays or small exhibits and posters for conferences, family reunions and other functions. At the time of writing a small showcase display prepared by NDHAG was on display.
With the recent death of NDHAG founding member and driving force, George Gyford, members of the group feel that it is time to reassess its current focus and direction. In the future NDHAG would like to have a permanent headquarters that included meeting and research rooms, secure safe storage for their collections and display areas that could regularly be open to the public. NDHAG would like to continue to be part of conserving the history and heritage of Penrith Lakes. Ideally the Group would like to be located at Castlereagh, close to the sites it has researched and excavated. Members would be keen to participate in delivering face-to-face interpretation and continue to be active in local community events.
Nepean District Historical Society
The Nepean District Historical Society (NDHS) is a large well-established organisation that operates from the historic Arms of Australia Inn at Emu Plains. The inn is one of the earliest buildings in the Penrith District and dates from 1826. NDHS meet on the fourth Saturday of each month. Members of the society regularly take part in a range of activities such as talks and several types of guided tours. The society distributes a monthly newsletter, organises social functions and prepares displays.
The Arms of Australia Inn also houses an impressive historic museum with a collection that boasts thousands of objects, artefacts and photographs from the district which date from the 1790s to the 1960s and include agricultural equipment, children’s toys and domestic appliances. The museum has glass display cases and interactive displays, and there is a $3 admission charge. The museum has a ‘hands on’ school program which focuses on a number of activities themed around aspects of daily life in the past such as dairying, washing, historic games and parlour life. Up to 100 students can be accommodated at one time.
NDHS maintains a website at
Nepean District Family History Society
The Nepean District Family History Society (NDFHS) operates from the Old School Residence on the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains. The society meets on the first Saturday of each month. The NDFHS was established in December 1980 to provide access to genealogical records and references. Since 1980 the society has built up an impressive library which is housed in five rooms at the school residence. The library collection includes books, maps, journals, microfilm, microfiche and photographs.
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The society has an impressive list of over 70 publications, many of which relate directly to Castlereagh. Two journals are published by NDFHS, Timespan and Bully Tin, which include details of recent library acquisitions, up coming events, meetings, talks and seminars.
NDFHS have a website at
Friends of Puddledock
The Friends of Puddledock are a small group of individuals that is committed to protecting the heritage of Penrith Lakes. The Friends generally meet on an annual at Puddledock to commemorate the heritage of the Castlereagh Valley area.
Penrith Uniting Church
The Penrith Uniting Church is the group currently associated with the Methodist church, hall and cemetery. The group have prepared an interpretive brochure which provides some historical background on the church and cemetery. The brochure is available from the Church at Castlereagh. The Uniting Church website at
4.4.4 Interest Groups
NSW Corps of Marines
The history of Castlereagh is strongly connected to the NSW Corps of Marines. Many of the first land grants at Castlereagh were to Rum Corps officers.
The NSW Corps of Marines are a group of individuals that engage in historical re-enactment and are committed to maintaining the memory and history of Australia’s first military. Members dress in costumes of the Marines, Royal Navy and the Corps as a form of public entertainment and education. They are frequently invited to participate in historical events, re-enactments and festivals throughout the Sydney area. Events include open days, fairs and appearances at historic houses. The Corps have also appeared on film and television. The group offer displays which include period drill, musket firing, honour guards and period encampment.
The NSW Corps of Marines have a website at
4.4.5 Public Agencies
Several public agencies have an interest in the study area and in this Interpretation Strategy, including the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, who manage the adjacent Yellomundee National Park; the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and The Arts, who are the agency responsible for overseeing the management of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area to the west of the site; and the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, which may have an interest in continuing to run tours to Hadley Park and other heritage places within the Scheme area.
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The Historic Houses Trust (HHT) has benchmark expertise in operating house museums and public programs. The HHT runs an Endangered Houses Fund (EHF). The fund is a program directed towards protecting historic houses that are under threat of demolition or unsympathetic development. The EHF does not create house museums but offers the endangered house back to the marketplace following conservation works. Funds generated from the sale of the property are then used to fund the purchase and restoration of other endangered houses. The EHF commenced in 1993 when the HHT acquired a house designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney in Castlecrag. The HHT restored the house and financed the construction of a new house adjacent. The two houses were then sold with statutory protection and private covenants ensuring their ongoing protection.
Glenfield (c1817–1822) at Casula was recently conserved as part of the EHF. Following the completion of conservation works a long-term private lease for the property was advertised for sale. The property will, however, continue to be open to the public on a regular basis.
PLDC could explore a project partnership with HHT for Hadley Park and/or The Poplars.
4.4.6 Penrith Valley Special Visits Network
The Penrith Valley Special Visits Network is a group of Penrith Valley operators who aim to service visitors who are keen to acquire new skills and qualifications while taking part in cultural and entertainment experiences. Using the range of education, cultural and sporting institutions in the Penrith Valley area courses can be specifically tailored to the individual needs of inbound study groups. Content of the courses can be tailored to suit varying timeframes from one hour to long term stays. Educational services are offered through:
• The University of Western Sydney
• TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute
• St Paul ’s Grammar School
• Nepean Community College
Tour options can also be arranged to a number local attractions including: Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Sydney International Regatta Centre, UWS Nepean Observatory, Penrith Regional Gallery and Lewers Bequest, and Penrith Whitewater Stadium. 4.5 Known Existing Visitation
As much of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area remains operational as a mining facility until 2013 public access to most of the site is restricted, and therefore existing visitation is limited, as described above.
Currently the publicly accessible areas are:
• Murra Mittigar (formerly Long’s house);
• Methodist church, hall and cemetery; and
• Upper Castlereagh School and residence (exteriors only).
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Heritage items and areas which are not currently accessible to the public, unless accompanied by PLDC staff, are listed below:
• Puddledock;
• Landers Inn and stables;
• The Poplars;
• Nepean Park;
• Hadley Park;
• McCarthy’s Cemetery;
• mass concrete house (Smith Road); and
• gravel plant ruins, Jacksons Ford
Potential audiences for the Penrith Lakes Scheme are discussed in Section 5.5. 4.6 Interpretive Resources
Interpretive resources are the materials, physical and documentary, that have the potential to inform one or all segments of an identified audience about the significant values of the Scheme area.
Available interpretive resources include:
• standing fabric of heritage items, their settings and curtilages;
• historic maps and plans;
• historic photographic images (subject to copyright of images and documentation);
• access to views;
• listed and potential Aboriginal heritage sites/objects; and
• potential archaeological remains of varying significance including wells, rubbish pits, general discard and, possibly, structural remnants of outbuildings.
4.7 Known Documentary Resources
A wide variety of documents were reviewed during the development of the Interpretation Strategy. An inventory of historic images for Penrith Lakes has also been compiled and is included in this report as Appendix B. Reports, documentary sources and collections reviewed for this project include:
• Archaeological Investigations in the DA4 Area, Penrith Lakes Scheme, James Kohen, April 1997;
• DA4 Management Study Heritage Assessment—Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, NSW, for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Siobhan Lavelle and Anne Bickford and Associates, August 1997;
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• Penrith Lakes Scheme, Regional Environmental Study, Department of Environment and Planning, Sydney, 1984;
• Penrith Lakes Scheme Regional Environmental Plan, History of European Settlement, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, Fran Bentley and Judy Birmingham;
• European Heritage with the Penrith Lakes Scheme: A Conservation Management Plan (Masterplan), for Penrith Lakes Development Scheme, Stedinger Associates, December 2006;
• Penrith Heritage Study, Volume 2, Thematic History, Paul Davies Pty Ltd, May 2006;
• Heritage Study of the City of Penrith, Volume 1, prepared on behalf of Penrith City Council, Fox & Associates, March 1987;
• In Search of the Early Nepean Pioneers, A Post Settlement History Celebrating the Bicentenary of the 1803 Land Grants, Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group, 2003;
• Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study, Assessment and Final Report, for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Ltd, Geoffrey Britton and Colleen Morris, July 1999;
• resources, materials and collections held by the Penrith City Library, the Nepean District Historical Society and the Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group;
• oral histories of former residents of Castlereagh such as Len Perkins, Daisy Masters, Eddie Smith, Bon Salmond and Billie Childs, recorded by Lorna Parr for the Penrith City Library (NSW) Oral History Project, 1996;
• Research Towards a History of Castlereagh to 1906, by Carol Liston for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation;
• Penrith Lakes Scheme, Oral History Study for Penrith Lakes Developmetn Corporation, compiled by OHM consultants, May Ann Hamiliton and Sue Andersen, December 1998;
• documents held in the State Archives, the manuscript and pictures collections of the Mitchell and Dixon Libraries;
• documents held in the collection of the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation;
• the archaeological and historical reference collections held by Penrith District Historical Archaeological Group;
• local newspaper articles, especially from the Nepean Times;
• oral histories of members of the Castlereagh community recorded by OHM Consultants for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation;
• former occupants of buildings within the Scheme area; and
• descendants of the Landers family, including Ken Heldon.
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Figure 4.1 View of the Nepean River. (Source: Figure 4.2 View of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area in 2005.
Figure 4.3 Foreground illustrating mining activity at Penrith Figure 4.4 Opening page of the Penrith Valley Heritage Drive Lakes with historic Nepean Park in the background. (Source: which features a number of heritage sites in the district. (Source:
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Figure 4.5 Aboriginal boys performing a Corroboree at Muru Figure 4.6 The Nepean Belle. (Source: Mittigar. (Source:
Figure 4.7 Convict built and established by John and Elizabeth Figure 4.8 Rouse Hill House founded by Richard and Elizabeth Macarthur, Belgenny farm is part of the historic Camden Park Rouse in 1813. The property was home to five generations of the Estate. Today, managed by the Department of Primary Industries Rouse family. It is managed by the NSW Historic Houses Trust and the Belgenny Farm Trust, it is a major educational centre and and entry is by guided tour. (Source: family attraction that provides opportunities to learn about
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Figure 4.9 The Museum of Fire, Castlereagh Road, Penrith. Figure 4.10 School students identifying plants used by Aboriginal (Source:
Figure 4.11 Students at the Penrith Lakes Environmental Figure 4.12 School children locating the headstones of early Education Centre listening to the Bugs and Puppets show as part settlers, part of the current educational experience at Penrith of a learning experience linked to NSW schools curriculum. Lakes Environmental Education Centre. (Source: (Source:
Figure 4.13 View from Hawkesbury Lookout which is located on Hawkesbury Rd, Hawkesbury Heights in the Lower Blue Mountains. The Nepean River at Castlereagh is visible to the right with the Penrith Lakes Scheme area immediately behind. (Source: http://www.deviantart.com/print/1494287/)
Figure 4.14 Members of the Nepean District Figure 4.15 Some of the transfer ware collection from Penrith Lakes held by Historical Archaeological Group undertaking an Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group. (Source: GML) archaeological excavation at Minnaville. (Source:
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Figure 4.16 Bottles, nails and flatware on display at the Nepean Figure 4.17 Various relics found during archaeological District Historical Archaeological Group headquarters in Penrith. excavations at McCarthy’s Well at Penrith Lakes by members of (Source: GML) the Penrith District Historical Archaeological Group. (Source: GML)
Figure 4.18 A display of artefacts from Penrith Lakes mounted Figure 4.19 The Nepean District Historical Society are located in by members of the Nepean District Historical Archaeological the Arms of Australia Inn, Emu Plains. (Source: Group in the local studies area of the Penrith Library. (Source:
4.8 Endnotes
1 Penrith City Council Local Suburb Profiles—Castlereagh,
8 Pers comm, Ross Wright, NDHAG. 9 Pers comm, Ross Wright, NDHAG.
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5.0 Interpretation Policy Development (Where Are We Headed?)
5.1 Introduction
This Interpretation Strategy aims to provide specific policy guidance for the ongoing integration and development of interpretation initiatives at Penrith Lakes, as well as scoping specific initiatives in Section 6.0 to be implemented.
In order to develop effective policy, the opportunities and constraints for interpretation activities at Penrith Lakes were identified. As part of this, some community consultation was undertaken. Further consultation, with members of the local community and Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, will be undertaken during 2008 to assist in the identification and refinement of interpretive initiatives.
Policy development has involved a review of previous reports, consideration of site users, owners’ future requirements, the available resources, appropriate devices and technology, issues related to providing full accessibility and the physical condition and fragility of specific places.
These very practical considerations, together with the historic thematic framework described in Section 3.0 of this report, began to focus the wide range of ideas and concepts into specific initiatives for further development, tested against the basic premise of good heritage interpretation:
• Will this device/activity/project authentically enable the audience/visitors to enjoy, understand, value and care about Penrith Lakes heritage?
5.1.2 Review of Existing Interpretation Policy and Recommendations for Penrith Lakes
Penrith Lakes has been the subject of research and study over many years. A large archive of reports prepared by heritage consultants and other professionals exists for the area. Several reports were reviewed for their relevance in the preparation of this Interpretation Strategy and to assist in policy development. The policies and recommendations from the reports reviewed are included in Appendix D.
5.1.3 The Heritage Strategy
The Heritage Strategy for Penrith Lakes establishes exciting possibilities for heritage interpretation, for example:
‘Interpretation’ is telling the story of a place’s heritage. Communicating these stories is an essential part of the development and conservation process.
Interpretation excites the imagination. It engages people. It will give the incoming community a feeling of belonging. It creates a sense of place. It makes places more desirable to live in and attracts tourists and visitors.
Interpretation is a place-making tool. At Penrith Lakes it will be essential to the creation of the development’s ‘ambience’. It will enhance and enrich the public domain, residential areas and commercial development.
Interpretation explains the layers of heritage at Penrith Lakes while building a new sustainable and living community.
The Heritage Strategy also recognises that interpretation intersects with broader issues of urban planning and design—street layouts and names, landscaping, adaptive re-use of heritage places
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and so on. Interpretation takes many forms including maintenance, restoration, reconstruction, creative urban planning, innovative building design, public art installations, statues, signs and plaques, heritage walks, museum displays, film and television, photography, public activities and events. 5.2 Opportunities and Constraints
5.2.1 Existing Interpretation
At present there is limited heritage interpretation at Penrith Lakes due to quarrying activities. While Aboriginal cultural heritage is well interpreted by a range of activities run by Murru Mittigar, the interpretation of non-Aboriginal history and heritage is only provided periodically by different organizations and groups. Some interpretation is offered by the Nepean District Archaeological Society, mainly in the form of displays at conferences and local heritage events (see Section 4.4). Displays are also mounted at the Penrith City Library from time to time during events such as History Week, an initiative of the History Council of NSW. The 2008 History Week program features an exhibition entitled, ‘At the Waters’ Edge: Reminiscences of Castlereagh’ which includes images, relics and memories of people and places that were part of the Castlereagh community. The Penrith Lakes Development Corporation also provides some interpretation and chaperons interested groups to heritage sites by request.
There is some wayfinding signage which has been erected to help guide visitors to various facilities and areas at Penrith Lakes Development Corporation.
The heritage sites and future development of Penrith Lakes provides a range of opportunities to interpret the more evocative human experience of the Castlereagh Valley over time. There are opportunities to present authentic first-person experiences of life in the Castlereagh Valley on a variety of appropriate historic themes and, in the process, to tell the stories of the people that made the valley such a special place.
There are wonderful opportunities to provide visitors and future residents with experiences that connect the heritage sites within and adjacent to the Scheme area as part of the future development of the site. This Interpretation Strategy includes initiatives such as a Scheme-wide heritage trail of shared pathways for pedestrians and cyclists which will enable people to visit one heritage site or several during their visit. The heritage trail will be supported a choice of thematically based itineraries, supported by downloadable audio guides and interpretive brochures which will foster an understanding and appreciation of the broader historical context and significance of the Scheme area, as well as the individual heritage sites it includes.
In the future it may be appropriate to develop and offer a small range of guided tours. The tours could focus on telling the story of an individual site, or on a historic theme, and include special features of one site or a group of sites. A special focus on ideas could include colonial architecture, a productive landscape, the valley’s cultural landscape, movable heritage collections, or the lives and experiences of people associated with Castlereagh Valley.
5.2.2 Promoting the Experience of Archaeology at Penrith Lakes
Many stories emerge from the archaeology of Penrith Lakes. Appropriate spaces to host artefact installations may be incorporated into the design of public and commercial spaces that will inevitably be part of the future development of the site. Cafes, shops, public buildings and parks, as well as the sites of past excavations such as Parker’s slaughterhouse and well, McCarthy’s Farm
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and Minnaville provide many opportunities to present and interpret archaeology to the public. Examples of some of the places within the Scheme area where archaeological evidence can contribute to telling the story of Castlereagh Valley include:
1. Smith Road and the mass concrete house, especially pre and post-contact Aboriginal occupation—continuing connections to country;
2. McCarthy’s Farm and Cemetery—what lies beneath;
3. Minnaville (former farm and homestead);
4. Parker’s well—well, well, well—water, the wellspring of life;
5. Domestic life through the collections held by NDHAG—no place like home.1
Research collections of archaeological artefacts must be kept secure and safe. Currently a large archaeological collection from a number of excavations at Penrith Lakes undertaken by Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group (NDHAG) is stored at their headquarters in Penrith—a small weatherboard cottage currently provided by the Penrith City Council. With the present accommodation there are risks with security, water penetration and storage space. As part of the development of Penrith Lakes a secure and safe storage facility needs to be provided to house the Castlereagh Valley archaeological collection and to provide a new operational headquarters for NDHAG members.
Ideally, NDHAG should be relocated to Penrith Lakes with provision of adequate facilities for their membership activities and the storage and display of the archaeological collections and research materials. The NDHAG membership includes several people who have had first-hand experience working on archaeological excavations at Penrith Lakes and many have lived in the district for many years. The group regularly mount small displays and host talks and tours and are a valuable resource for future interpretation at Penrith Lakes.
Archaeological collections can be used for interpretation in a variety of ways. It is not appropriate to use them in street level interpretation if it might impinge upon their security and integrity. However, the NDHAG collection includes an amount of unstratified archaeological material, and many bricks from different sites within the study area that are held by NDHAG could be used in some representational form of interpretive installation. Care must be taken to ensure the appropriate messages about the research potential and importance of historic archaeological material are clearly and convincingly conveyed when using material in this way.
There may also be potential to use artefacts displayed in secure ‘pods’ on a managed site— perhaps in future town development or if an interpretive centre is established at the Upper Castlereagh School and schoolmasters residence on Castlereagh Road.
The Castlereagh Valley could be promoted as a place where archaeological finds, together with historical research and the memories of people associated with the area, provide an insight into small-scale family farming and large-scale gravel and sand mining on the urban fringe. The opportunity to visit interpreted sites such as McCarthy’s Farm and Cemetery, Landers Inn, Hadley Park and Upper Castlereagh Church, School and Cemetery and the occasional chance to see an archaeological excavation in progress, could provide an extraordinary visitor experience.
There is considerable potential for archaeological evidence to remain at a number of heritage sites including McCarthy’s Cemetery, Landers Inn and stables, Methodist church and cemetery, Upper
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Castlereagh School, Nepean Park and Hadley Park. There may be evidence related to the historical activities that occurred at each of the sites which has the potential to inform future interpretation.
The Nepean River and floodplain has been the subject of Aboriginal archaeological research since the 1930s. The river, floodplain and creek lines include a rich density of archaeological evidence. Interpretation of the evidence and its significance to Aboriginal people today should be an important part of the story at Penrith Lakes. It is important to ensure that any archaeological evidence from the post-contact period is also interpreted. This ensures that Aboriginal cultural heritage is understood as a lived continuum and provides a wonderful opportunity to engage the public and to promote connections with the Aboriginal community today. Local Aboriginal people should interpret their own heritage to ensure an authentic experience.
Upper Castlereagh School and Schoolmasters Residence—Penrith Lakes Interpretation Centre
Ideally there will be strong links between the interpretive themes and stories presented in the Interpretation Centre and in the future public domain for Penrith Lakes. Conservation of heritage sites, heritage trails, public art and interpretive devices on the streets and footpaths will stimulate visitors to explore the Interpretation Centre, and a visit to the Centre will stimulate interest and desire to visit and discover more about the Castlereagh Valley.
The Interpretation Centre could house the NDHAG archaeological collection from excavations at Penrith Lakes and an operational space for the group’s ongoing research and membership activities. Many members of the group have considerable knowledge of Penrith Lakes and are an important resource for interpretation.
The Interpretation Centre would serve as the orientation point for visitors to choose from a combination of activities such as guided and self-guided activities within the Castleregh Valley. The experience of Aboriginal culture offered by Murra Mittigar could be promoted and the existing partnership enhanced through a display focused on the theme: Mulgoa Country—this Country belongs to the Mulgoa people whose relationship with the land endures from ancient times and still continues today.
The Interpretation Centre could act as a platform for ongoing research and an opportunity to interpret the Aboriginal history of the area. A partnership could be developed with NDHAG, Penrith City Council Library Local Studies Collection and Murra Mittigar to develop a more specific program on the Aboriginal history of the Castlereagh Valley and its environs.
The site also includes some land to that may have potential to be developed if space for interpretation or education is required on site.
Virtual Opportunities
There are broad opportunities for virtual site interpretation for the general public. These could be in the form of a web-based resource or CD-ROMs that could be sold. International examples of websites which offer a virtual experience in archaeology and/or history include:
1.
2.
3.
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4.
The Mandatory Site Study for New South Wales History syllabus St 4–5 specifies that, if necessary, a site study can be based on material on a website or CD-ROM. This approach can also be effectively combined with a visit to Penrith Lakes. The various archaeological sites and their associated artefacts located within Castlereagh Valley, particularly those no longer available or accessible to the public, could be interpreted by virtual means.
School Holiday Programs
There is an opportunity to develop family-focused holiday programs which involve both children and adults in the learning process about Castlereagh Valley and its history. Programs currently offered by Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre could be augmented to provide interactive learning experiences that include cultural heritage and archaeology. School holiday programs with activities and learning opportunities for children which are marketed as such, using a brochure format and advertisements in local media and specialist media such as ‘Sydney’s Child’.
5.2.4 Guided Walks and Tours
There will be opportunities to further develop face-to-face guided walks and tours of the Castlereagh Valley. In order to complement each other, yet not overlap, there are opportunities to work in partnership with Murra Mittigar, for example to develop tours collaboratively with distinct points of difference.
There are many ways to increase the number and range of tours and ideally these should relate to the history and significance of the Castlereagh Valley. NDHAG members are an important resource for walks and tours, especially for sites for which that they have had first-hand experience.
All tours need to be developed within the framework of Castlereagh Valley historic themes, to ensure integrity and authenticity. Tours need to be market tested during development and evaluated as they continue to evolve.
5.2.5 Marketing
Presently the marketing of Penrith Lakes focuses on the future development of the site. The heritage qualities of the site that make it special have not been widely promoted to date. There is an opportunity to develop engaging print material, visitor information and website material for Penrith Lakes that presents the heritage of Castlereagh Valley as an attribute that can attract visitors in its own right.
A focus on low-cost family entertainment such as heritage walks and cycleways, combined with some retail aspects, is important and a key driver in attracting main target groups into the area. This in turn provides the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation with an opportunity to exploit the heritage attributes so that they become an additional driver for bringing people, especially locals, to Penrith Lakes.
History in itself can be a drawcard if elements are properly exploited. It distinguishes Penrith Lakes as a truly special area and can significantly add to the appeal of spending time, repeatedly, in the area. Careful branding and marketing of the area can effectively shape, strengthen and broaden its appeal and attract a range of people to a place, especially if authentic heritage aspects continue to be reinforced.
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There are opportunities to develop niche interpretive initiatives within an existing program of tourism products and annual events in the Penrith District. The very successful Penrith Food and Wine Trail and Hawkesbury Harvest which features activities such as a Farm Gate Trail, Farmers and Fine Food Markets in Castle Hill and Rouse Hill, Open Farm Days, Community Gardens, and Special Events presents an opportunity for Castlereagh Valley to exploit its agricultural heritage as part of the future development of the area. Consideration could be given to incorporating allotments as part of future masterplanning for the site that provides opportunites for market gardens, community gardens, produce outlets or boutique or cottage industries that continue traditions and communicate a heritage-related message about the valley’s agricultural heritage and lifestyle. Graphics on produce bags could include quotes from the oral histories collected from people who grew up in farms in Castlereagh Valley. Historic images from archival sources or personal collections could also be used to brand and promote the valley.
Such ideas need to be developed and workshopped to practicability well before an event—perhaps through an ‘authenticity focus group workshop’ which uses the archaeology, history and buildings of Castlreagh Valley to develop the special relationship between the place and the event.
The key to commercial and heritage success is to make the experience of going to Castlereagh Valley interesting and relevant to Sydneysiders in general, not one just for tourists—make it a place they understand and value personally, so that they care about it and want to visit and show it off; a place which, most importantly, provides an enjoyable and authentic experience they want to repeat on a regular basis.
5.3 Cultural Landscape
5.3.1 Landscape Features—Historic Land Grant Boundaries, Fencelines, Places, Castlereagh Road, Historic Lanes and Fords
The historic pattern of allotments running east–west from Castlereagh Road to the Nepean River, the location of Castlereagh Road and the network of laneways and river fords named after families in the Valley are important aspects of the history and significance of the place.
Much of this landscape has been significantly changed through mining activities; however, there may be opportunities as part of the future development of the area to reinstate and interpret the historic landscape. Retaining or reinstating former historic grant boundaries, using historic fence lines and the historic names for roads, lanes and fords is one way the significant family connections to heritage places and the landscape can be communicated. Examples include:
• Castlereagh Road—was established by surveyor James Meehan in 1803 and is an integral element of the early settlement pattern including the layout of land grants and laneways;
• Cranebrook Road—part of the early settlement pattern of Castlereagh;
• McCarthys Lane—an early and significant laneway which extended in an east–west direction from the Nepean River to Richmond Road;
• Smiths Lane—associated with Smith Road and the Smith family, situated in the northern section of the site;
• Farrells Lane—associated with early settlement and follows boundaries of early land grants, joins Cranebrook Road and Castlereagh Road north of McCarthys Lane;
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• Wrights Lane—links McCarthys Lane to Farrells Lane, helps tell the story of the connections between people and place in early period of settlement;
• Church Lane—runs in an east–west direction from Castlereagh Road to Cranebrook Road, part of the early phase of settlement;
• Jacksons Lane and Jacksons Lane Ford—associated with Jackson’s House and mill (originally Colless’ Mill) and provided access to the Nepean River, it extends west from Castlereagh Road to the Nepean River; Jackson’s Lane forms part of the original subdivision of the area.2 Given the early significance of the Jackson’s Lane/McCarthy’s Lane route, it is not surprising that a ford developed at the end of the lane. Jackson’s Lane was a gravel surfaced road that, at its western end, descends through a cutting in the High Bank to the river’s edge below.3 No construction date is known for the Jackson’s Lane Ford, but it is likely to have developed relatively early in the settlement of the area. The ford is really a continuation of Jackson’s Lane, and reflects early land use of the region, when the ford would have been important for the movement of stock to the western pastures.4 The ford is located in Portion 54, which is part of the original 100 acres granted in 1803 to Edward Field.5 The land was purchased in 1867 by John Jackson.6
• Carters Lane—aesthetically pleasing laneway with archaeological features that runs north–south from Castlereagh Road to McCarthys Lane;
• Longs Lane—line of earliest access to the Nepean River, which led to Mouquet Farm, is thought to have been constructed as early as 1795, and was bordered on both sides with ‘old-style post and fencing’ from the 1870’s and 1890’s.7
• Longs Lane Crossing—is situated at the south end of Longs Lane, on a bend in the Nepean River at ‘Bird’s Eye Corner’, where the river is narrow and relatively slow flowing. Bently and Birmingham and Fox and Associates state that Longs Lane Ford is the earliest known Nepean River crossing.8 According to Bently and Birmingham, the ford is located ‘where the old line of the Castlereagh Road turned south to the river down the east side of Thomas Appledore’s grant (Portion 74)’. In order to improve access to Emu Plains, the people of Castlereagh requested in 1814 that a bridge be erected across the swamp, thus Longs Lane Ford played an important role.9 The route that was selected ran ‘through the Reverend Fulton’s parsonage land to the Castlereagh plain, then probably via a choice of lanes between portions to McCarthys Lane and Castlereagh Road, and on to the land’s Lane ford and Emu Plains’ (sic).10 Longs Lane,
• Sheens Lane and Sheens Ford— Sheen’s Lane is one of the early lanes within the Castlereagh district, and provided an access route to the south. The construction date of Sheen’s Lane Ford is unknown, but it is one of several fords built during earlier periods to provide access for the properties and roads adjoining the Nepean River. Being situated to the south, Sheen’s Lane Ford gave the people of Castlereagh and its surrounds access to Emu Plains.11
• Purcells Lane—integral elements of early settlement pattern providing access to the river.
• Singles Ford— The ford is located in what was the most westerly portion of Mince’s Grant, property which was later owner by John Single of Nepean Park.12 Single used this ford to move stock between Nepean Park, where he lived, and his inland properties (located over the Blue Mountains), driving stock ‘directly across the river and up the mountains via Single’s Ridge Road’.13 Single held stock on his Cumberland Plain property before transferring it to Sydney’s markets.14
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Other site or place names can also be retained, such as:
• High Bank—section of the riverbank along Castlereagh that forms a natural route along the river;
• Cranebrook Creek—observed and recorded by James Meehan in 1803;
• Yarramundi (now Agnes Banks);
• Jackson’s Mill (site);
• Kinghorn’s Mill (site);
• Allen’s Mill (site); and
• Minnaville (property).
Interpretation of these landscape features through naming and other initiatives will ensure that the history, important associations and significance of the site will be integrated as part of future development.
5.3.2 Cultural Plantings
The plantings associated with individual heritage sites within the Castlereagh Valley are an important part of the story of the place and reflect cultural traditions, family interests, evolving tastes, fashions and needs. Examples include:
• Hunters Plantings—row of pines along southern side of Castlereagh Road, eastern side of the road to the ford and all along the high bank further south, reputedly planted by the Hunter family just after World War I;
• Plane Trees—plantings of deciduous exotics (plane trees) planted on either side of Castlereagh Road from the gates of Minnaville to Church Lanes are part of the social history of the valley;
• Olives—near Cranebrook Road, Rosetta Marsh grant dating from 1820 (which have been removed); and
• Orchards—Birds Eye Corner.
Consideration should be given as part of the future masterplanning of the Scheme area to reinstating and interpreting significant historic plantings.
5.3.3 Family Associations
The strong family connections to the site, both historical and contemporary, create opportunities for events and activities to continue to engage with and acknowledge the community and tell important stories about the people and characters that were part of the site’s history.
The oral history project compiled by OHM Consultants commissioned by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation in 1998 is a rich source of personal memories collected from people that have been associated with the Castlereagh Valley, for generations in many instances. People interviewed include:
• Effie Smith;
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• James Broadbent;
• Mrs Betty Broadbent (now deceased);
• Kevin Dwyer;
• Jackie Flower;
• Albie Willet;
• Bob Salmond;
• Billie Child; and
• Bill Pearson.
The eleven interviewees recount their connections, memories and experiences of life in Castlereagh and the material provides a wonderful source for remembering and commemorating a way of life and places that have since been lost. Audio grabs and quotations from the recordings are a wonderful source for future interpretation and can be incorporated into signage, brochures, audio tours and website resources. 5.4 Constraints
5.4.1 Residential Development and Flood Management
Urban development is proposed as part of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. At the time of writing the feasibility of the site was under investigation. Therefore, the location, density, scale and form of future residential development is still to be finalised and the Scheme implementation is expected to take more than 15 years.
Flood management is an essential consideration as part of future development at Penrith Lakes. Bunds will be created in many areas to manage water in the event of flood. This will change visual relationships between heritage places and present a challenge to interpretation of the former connections. 5.5 Audiences
The following groups are potential audiences for Penrith Lakes. Interpretation will be able to be targeted more specifically as further details regarding the surrounding development are decided.
5.5.1 Residents of Penrith
Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2006 census paints a picture of the ‘typical’ Penrith resident. Over 51 per cent comprise ‘families with children’, with 76 per cent of respondents classified as living in a ‘family household’. The majority of Penrith residents live in separate houses, with 41 per cent of houses being purchased under a mortgage agreement, well above the national average of 32 per cent. While the median weekly household income in Penrith is $1,147 compared with $1,027 in Australia, the nature of the ‘mortgage belt’ is such that disposable incomes are lower. Therefore, while families are seeking leisure activities, they are likely to be attracted by low-cost activities and ‘lifestyle’ activities such as cycling and walking in designated leisure areas.
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5.5.2 Future Residents of the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area
Future residents of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area will be potential consumers of interpretation. Reflecting the existing demographic of the Penrith area, it is likely that residents will be families with young children and mortgages. Therefore, interpretation activities will need to be low cost and family friendly. 5.5.3 Visitors to Penrith Lakes Figure 5.1 Fresh produce that can be locally grown and sold at Castlereagh The Penrith Lakes Scheme includes provision for a landmark Valley farmers markets. (Source:
Other projected audience segments include, but should not be limited to:
• current and future residents of the Penrith Lakes Scheme Figure 5.2 Situated on Castlereagh Road, area; Penrith Valley Oranges sells direct to the public during the orange season. Visitors can also pick their own fruit from the • residents of the local area including Penrith and the Blue orchard. Mountains; (Source:http://www.penrithvalleyoranges.c om.au/) • heritage enthusiasts such as Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group and the Nepean District Historical Society;
• users of the Penrith Whitewater Stadium;
• learning audiences (primary, secondary, tertiary, and lifelong learners); and
• current and former employees of the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation.
Figure 5.3 Promotional flyer for the Penrith Valley food and wine trail that already includes businesses in the area such as Penrith Valley Oranges. There are opportunities to expand and grow this concept by planning and developing the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area in way that incorporates initiatives that exploit the agricultural heritage of the area. (Source:
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5.5 Anticipated Audiences
The following list identifies potential audiences:
• residents;
• visitors to residents;
• residents of surrounding areas—Blue Mountains; Western Suburbs;
Figure 5.4 The very popular Hawkesbury • past residents; Harvest which provides a regional agricultural and agribusiness development model that is relevant to future • visitors from further afield; development and heritage interpretation at Penrith Lakes. (Source: • school groups;
• heritage enthusiasts .
Figure 5.6 The popular Penrith Valley The following destinations are identified: Heritage Drive presents an opportunity for heritage sites within the Penrith Lakes • pleasure grounds; Scheme area. (Source: http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.as • river; p?id=193)
• constructed lakes;
• wetlands;
• community parkland;
• sports facilities;
• extreme and adventure sports;
Figure 5.7 Lynwood café, Collector. A • commercial water fun parks; café which specializes in regional produce and sells a range of seasonally produced jams. (Source: GML) • marinas and boating;
• horse riding/equestrian trails;
• camping;
• bird watching;
• hiking;
• wildlife and fauna habitat;
• regional walking trails;
• cycleways;
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• town centre;
• leisure and aquatic centre; and
• multi-use sports stadium.
5.6 Interpretation Policy
The opportunities and constraints of the Penrith Lakes Scheme, combined with its heritage significance, its available resources and the expected visitation have informed the development of Interpretation Policy for the site.
Interpretation at Penrith Lakes site should:
• communicate the site’s significance and values, including Figure 5.8 Raised in the area, master jam Aboriginal history and heritage; maker Robbie Howard, who produces a range of preserves for sale under the • use specific themes and storylines that communicate the Lynwood Café brand. Fruit is sourced from established orchards and handmade in significance of the place accurately and concisely; batches according to seasonal availability. Jam is sold online, at the café and • be connected to the wider history and significance of the site distributed to retail outlets. (Source: including other heritage places;
• engage and stimulate public interest and allow for a diverse range of connections and perspectives to be made;
• involve the families and broader community that have an attachment to the place and enable them to leave traces evidencing their links;
• ensure historic names associated with the site are retained and interpreted;
• engage with the Aboriginal community and ensure that Aboriginal history and heritage reflects the Aboriginal
community’s values; Figure 5.9 Exterior view of Lynwood Café, a historic house opened as a café in 1999. The café business ethos is underpinned by a ‘respect for authenticity, community, the land and quality—and a strong sense of family’. (Source:
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• be integrated into the design concept for the Scheme overall but have a unique identity;
• be developed in parallel with design concepts for the adaptive re-use;
• be open ended to allow for fresh knowledge to inform and update future interpretation;
• be resilient and robust to withstand visitation and everyday Figure 5.10 Exterior view of Lynwood use; Café in spring when the Iris flower. (Source:
• express the heritage character of the place but be contemporary and underpinned by best practice; and
• be sustainable into the future by providing an opportunity for Figure 5.11 One of the preserves from the the implementation of future initiatives as well as for seasonally produced range, the beautifully maintenance, evaluation and review. packaged and delicious Lynwood blood orange marmalade. (Source:
From analysis of such opportunities and constraints policy guidelines can be drawn to apply when developing new interpretation initiatives and when reviewing existing activities and programs. Firstly, the basic question is:
Will this device/activity/project authentically enable Penrith Lakes’ audience/visitors to enjoy, understand, value and care about Penrith Lakes’ heritage?
Good interpretation initiatives will achieve this objective, because Figure 5.12 The philosophy at Lynwood Café is to serve traditional food using they will: quality regional produced that is cooked with care. Baked apples are shown here. 1. use site-specific and authentic themes and stories that are (Source:
2. respond to current and potential audiences;
3. engage and stimulate public interest and allow for alternative audiences by providing a variety of experiences;
4. involve people and groups associated with the Castlereagh Valley, including tenants;
5. be integral to conservation and planning initiatives, works projects and programs;
6. interpret the site’s significance and values, including Aboriginal values and broader, global themes;
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7. be flexible;
8. be as accessible as possible given the terrain and heritage values;
9. be resilient to vandals;
10. allow for secure conservation of in situ fabric and archaeological remains at the site;
11. ensure against any compromise to the research potential of the fabric or in situ archaeological remains;
12. be compatible with the character of the places in which they are sited but distinguishable as new works;
13. be sustainable into the future by providing for maintenance, evaluation and review; and
14. provide ‘value for money’.
Using this policy framework and assessment criteria, the Godden Mackay Logan study team presented the initiatives contained in Section 6.0 of this report to the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation for consideration.
Figure 5.5 Markets selling quality fresh produce will attract repeat visitation and communicate the agricultural history and significance of Penrith Lakes. (Source:
1 Lydon, Jane 1999, Many Inventions The Chinese in the Rocks 1890–1930, Monash Publications in History. 2 ibid, p221 3 ibid, p221 4 ibid, p221 5 Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p219. 6 Lavelle, Siobhan, Anne Bickford & Associates and The Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group. 1997. DA4 Management Study Heritage Assessment. Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, NSW. Report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation – NSW Heritage Database Form, cited in Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p219. 7 Bently, Fran & Birmingham, Judy. 1981 Penrith Lakes Scheme Regional Environmental Study History of European Settlement, report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p93, cited in Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p244 8 Bently, Fran & Birmingham, Judy. 1981 Penrith Lakes Scheme Regional Environmental Study History of European Settlement, report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p82 and Fox & Associates. 1987 (Revised 1991). Heritage Study of the City of Penrith. Volume 3: Item Identification Sheets. Prepared for Penrith City Council, cited in Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p244 9 Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p244 10 Bently, Fran & Birmingham, Judy. 1981 Penrith Lakes Scheme Regional Environmental Study History of European Settlement, report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p14 11 Ibid, p245
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12 Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p83 13 Britton, Geoffrey and Morris, Colleen. 1999 Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study: Assessment and Recommendations Final Report, report prepared for the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, pp 48, 65, cited in Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p83. 14 Stedinger Associates. 2006 European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan), report prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited, p83. 15 HASSELL 2007, Castlereagh, Penrith Lakes Concept Plan, 8 February 2007, p 9.
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6.0 Draft Strategy Overview (What’s Proposed?)
6.1 Interpretive Aims or Objectives to Engage and Stimulate Audiences
Penrith Lakes area is historically significant and is rich in social value and meaning yet it is a landscape that has been subjected to dramatic change. During recent decades gravel and sand mining have altered the land’s colonial rural character that endured well into the twentieth century. Vestiges of this landscape remain and provide opportunities to tell the story of the Castlereagh Valley through heritage places and the many layers of history, social attachments and memories.
The aim of the heritage interpretation for Penrith is to integrate the past as part of the future of the Scheme area. A range of stimulating initiatives that provide people with enriching and enlivening opportunities to connect with the past have been identified for the public domain and for specific heritage sites. Interpretation will enable people to enjoy, appreciate, remember and celebrate the unique and ‘forgotten’ or lost history and heritage of Penrith Lakes.
Strengthening the sense of place is one of the key aims of this strategy. The use of surfaces, details, textures and materials is informed by the natural environment and existing character of the site, its historical traces and memories. Interpretive installations and devices have been selected to present the significant aspects of Penrith Lakes’ history and heritage and provide authentic and enriching experiences.
Some of the initiatives that have been identified for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area include:
• interpretation of Aboriginal history and heritage;
• an interpretive centre;
• interpretive signage;
• cultural landscape features;
• a heritage trail that connects heritage sites across the Scheme;
• interpretive public art;
• events;
• face-to-face activities;
• brochures; and
• a range of electronic media.
Together the interpretive devices aim to communicate the significant heritage values of the Castlereagh Valley. They are designed to create opportunities for people to actively engage with the many stories and values that are an intrinsic part of the cultural landscape. Each of the initiatives provides a medium through which different aspects of the past may be accessed and will enable people to engage with a significant landscape that has changed considerably through time. This Interpretation Strategy identifies opportunities for people to remember, reminisce and celebrate the past.
The initiatives are intended to be enjoyable and educational and to provide people with inexpensive activities that can become integrated into weekend and holiday leisure time. Examples may include a
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family cycling around the heritage loop trail and stopping to have a picnic in the historic garden of Hadley Park, or visiting the local produce market to buy fresh seasonal produce from local growers and finding out about the agricultural history and heritage of Castlereagh Valley.
Historic documentation including photographs, maps, oral histories, archaeological evidence, the remnant landscapes and built heritage combined with events and activities are important resources for telling the story of Castlereagh and provide direct links to the history of the area. These links can help sustain community social values and foster the understanding and appreciation of the history and heritage of the place.
6.2 Interpretive Initiatives
The initiatives have been developed with reference to the GML Best Practice Interpretation Precedents for Penrith Lakes 2008. The GML best practice study of interpretation precedents features a range of media and provides illustrative examples of interpretation in Australia and overseas. Underpinning the precedents is a commitment to authenticity, high quality design and creativity. Alongside this, any interpretation must be site-specific and rigorously evaluated during development. It is also recommended that provision be made for ongoing maintenance and evaluation post installation.
Some of the following initiatives have been identified to tell the story of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area within the broader historic context. At this stage the interpretive initiatives have yet to be mapped because the Penrith Lakes Scheme area structure plan is still in development.
The location and content of the initiatives will be further developed as part of Stage 2, following client review and community consultation.
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Selected Interpretive Initiatives Description Proposed Locations Aboriginal initiatives Aboriginal people are the rightful interpreters of Mura Mittigar their history and heritage. Major entry points Collaborate with the community to enable Heritage trails Aboriginal people to tell their own stories. Aboriginal sites such Complement the existing visitor experience as Smith Road (in provided by Muru Mittigar and develop initiatives consultation with to interpret the post-contact experience and Aboriginal contemporary cultural life. community)
A unique entry experience, such as ‘A Welcome New urban areas Uncle Des Dyer and Uncle Gordon Workman on the to Country’, use of Aboriginal names, banks of the Nepean River. (Source: commissioning Aboriginal people to design public Dual naming (see
vegetable patches through the establishment of Left: An interpretive inlay adds texture and interest to a community vegetable gardens, kitchen garden as carpark. Re-use of salvaged building materials at suggested at Landers Inn and stables and Warracowie Wells, Marion, South Australia. (Source: farm/rural allotments within the Scheme area. GML and
visitors (see opposite). the Scheme area. Interpretive trail, Brooklyn, Hawkesbury River. (Source: GML) Ground inlays should may be incorporated to express the geometry of the historic grant boundaries across the Scheme area Visitors could choose from a number of routes/options depending on time available and interests. A range of itineraries could be developed with supporting documentation to focus on specific themes. Some examples could include: Mulgoa Country; What happened here?; Threatened and
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Selected Interpretive Initiatives Description Proposed Locations Endangered; Forgotten floods, fords, farms and foodstuffs; Country; Castlereagh, Corps and Convicts; Preaching and Teaching; Mills, Markets, and Mining; History, Houses and Heritage; The Bush and Belonging; and Plantings, Poetry and Pictures.
Interpretive Visitor Centre Adaptive re-use of Castlereagh School and Castlereagh School schoolmasters residence as an interpretive visitor and schoolmasters centre for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. residence Include a small permanent exhibition focussed on the history of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area and also provide space for temporary thematic displays/exhibitions of archaeological collections, historic images, Penrith Lakes film archives, artworks or community based interpretive initaitives. Provide site maps, interpretive brochures and Interpretation at The Beginning Place, Bonegilla Migrant information about what’s on at Penrith Lakes. Experience Heritage Park, Wodonga, Victoria. (Source: Provide information about other
Events Heritage festivals, regular farmers markets, and Town centre, civic or seasonal festivals, farmgate trails, links to square and individual regional food and wine trails, themed family day properties such as picnics with children’s activities. Minnaville, the Upper Incorporate art, music and literature and other Castlereagh Church recreational activities into interpretive events. and School, Nepean Park and The An Develop events that use water based Poplars. recreational activities on the proposed lakes such as a shore to shore swim or regatta along the former alignment of Castlereagh Road.
Shearing demonstration at Belgenny Farm at Camden Park Open days of heritage sites with tours. Estate, NSW. (Source:
Consider hosting a public art competition annually Designed to represent European settlement in the area, that awards a commission to a practising artist to
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Selected Interpretive Initiatives Description Proposed Locations Glebe Park, Canberra. (Source:
Mural based on a historic photograph in The Rocks, Explore the use of historic images to create Sydney. This mural provides a glimpse back in time. engaging spaces. The figure opposite shows an (Source: GML) enlarged historic image painted as a mural on a
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Selected Interpretive Initiatives Description Proposed Locations wall in the same location. The signs may be a combination of stone, concrete, recycled timber, galvanised rolled steel, stainless steel, transparent, core ten steel or etched glass. Suite of Brochures A series of pocket size double-sided interpretive Heritage Sites brochures/booklets/postcards should be including Nepean developed for the heritage sites at Penrith Lakes. Park, Hadley Park, Visitors can pick up one or collect the entire set. The Poplars, Upper They are designed to fit easily into a shirt or jeans Castlereagh church pocket. They are made of durable card and and school, Landers provide orientation, interpretive text and imagery. Inn and stables. A children’s activity brochure could be developed. The brochures should also be made available for free download via the internet.
PLDC Website—virtual visits Provide opportunities for virtual visits to heritage sites within the Scheme area. Ensure the PLDC website has historically accurate and interesting interpretive text and imagery that tells the story of Penrith Lakes and its special places through time. Create image-rich web pages for heritage sites and include a short engaging history. Where possible, include grabs from oral history recordings. Central to interpreting the heritage of Penrith Port Arthur Historic Site website. (Source: Lakes would be to engage people in submitting
6.2.1 Telling the Stories of Castlereagh Valley—Historic Themes and Stories
Encompassing the national and state historic themes, four overarching themes for interpreting the Penrith Lakes Scheme area have been identified, which are listed below. The interpretive themes that have been selected are broad enough to encompass many aspects of the significance of Penrith Lakes and to help communicate key stories that may be selected for interpretation through a range of initiatives identified.
Accompanying each interpretive theme is a brief description of the key stories that relate to it for interpretation at Penrith Lakes. The four interpretive themes for Penrith have also been correlated with the NSW historical themes developed by the Heritage Council of NSW. A table showing the relationship between the interpretive themes, the NSW historical themes and the range of suggested storylines for Penrith Lakes is also included below. Select storylines will be refined and developed as part of the preparation of Interpretation Plan Stage 2—Content Development and community consultation and client feedback.
Given the complexity and scale of development at Penrith Lakes the implementation of interpretation is likely to be staged over several years. In the future, other opportunities will emerge
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through ongoing historic research and investigation. Also, different aspects of significance may also be revealed though changing social values and current issues and events. Long-term planning and adequate resourcing will be necessary so as to take advantage of the opportunities for developing interpretation that can respond to and explore the different aspects of significance.
Occupation, Contact and Conflict
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal life and inter-relations in the Figure 6.1 Another feature of the Muru Mittigar experience displays of traditional Penrith Lakes area, including British exploration, contact, Aboriginal dance. (Source: settlement and townships to 1850. Our Traditional
Living at Castlereagh
Including the development of the settlement of Castlereagh, Figure 6.2 The Aboriginal community the schools, churches and cemeteries and the interaction of associated with Muru Mittigar includes the community with each other and the surrounding district several talented artists and there is potential to work in creative partnerships from the 1850s onwards, as well as the connection of the collaborations to develop Aboriginal people to the place. The Family Tree—this place tells stories heritage interpretation for Penrith Lakes. of entangled families and community relationships. Religion (Source:
Shaping the Land
A consideration of the changing landuses in the area, from
Aboriginal landuse to farming, mining and responses to flood as well as current mining and planning developments and the Figure 6.3 Muru Mittigar translates as ‘pathway to friends’ in Dharug language. way in which these activities have changed the physical form The centre offers a host of engaging as well as the understanding of the place. Transforming educational and cultural experiences and activities. (Source: Place—from Indigenous landscape, to rural landscape, to
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Representing and Remembering the Land
The response of artists and writers to the landscape of the Nepean River and the Castlereagh area and the interaction of the residents and workers with the landscape.
The themes address the interaction of people and the land from prior to the British arrival, through first contact, British exploration and exploitation and up to contemporary use. The use of the Penrith Lakes/Castlereagh area has changed over time, from utilisation by the Aboriginal people— members of the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal clans—as their home, the exploration parties of the first white visitors, including the emancipists and soldiers, pioneers, timber cutters, farmers, quarrymen, mining workers, artists, settlers and developers. The Castlereagh area has meant many and varied things to each of these diverse groups. Each interaction has layered the landscape and contributed to the way the area is understood and interpreted by others and the evidence of their occupation.
Interpretive Shaping the Land Theme
NSW Historic Theme—Environment—naturally evolved The evolution of the Penrith Lakes environment: Weathering and extensive human activity have shaped this spectacular landscape over millions of years.
Storylines: The river, the floodplain and its rich soils and vegetation communities (at least two perspectives); from dramatic geological processes. Castlereagh Valley sustains a wide variety of life forms and provides a variety of habitats for plants and animals, some of which are rare and endangered. Storylines: The river estuaries and lagoons filter water, collect pollutants, provide Aboriginal resources, and provide habitat and resources for fish, crustaceans, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Floodplain provides Aboriginal resources; provides habitat and resources for insects, reptiles, birds and mammals; reputedly has rich soils. Bushlands cycle nutrients/energy in soil, plants and animals, provide Aboriginal resources and provide habitat and resources for insects, reptiles, birds and mammals.
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Interpretive Shaping the Land Theme
Interpretive Shaping the Land and Occupation, Contact and Conflict Theme
NSW Historic Themes—Aboriginal cultures and interaction with other cultures. Environment—Cultural Landscape
Mulgoa Country—This country belongs to the Mulgoa people. They have had a relationship with the land from ancient times which will continue into the future.
Storylines: Creation or Dreaming Places at Castlereagh Valley [to be developed in collaboration with Dharug and other appropriate Aboriginal communities]. Archaeology and artefacts—rich resources for telling the story of the Castlereagh Valley. Caring for Country [to be developed in collaboration with Dharug and other appropriate Aboriginal communities]. Spiritual links to Castlereagh Valley [to be developed in collaboration with Dharug and other appropriate Aboriginal communities]. Conflict over Country [to be developed in collaboration with Dharug and other appropriate Aboriginal communities]. Aboriginal stories [to be developed in collaboration with Dharug, but may include stories of Maria Yarramundi, Colebee and Maria Locke] Recognising Aboriginal Rights and Responsibilities in Castlereagh Valley [to be developed in collaboration with Dharug and other appropriate Aboriginal communities]. Interpretive Living at Castlereagh and Shaping the Land Theme
NSW Historic Themes—Migration—Domestic Life—Persons—Convict—Events—Environment Cultural Landscape
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Interpretive Shaping the Land Theme
Land and Life—Over generations this landscape has been shaped and worked by a close-knit community.
Storylines: From the beginning and always, Dharug people have cared for and been part of this country. [To be developed in collaboration with Dharug people and other appropriate Aboriginal communities]. People—Convicts, NSW Corps soldiers and free settlers were granted and worked this land. Successive generations of the same families have lived here and worked this land. Who lived here?—Domestic life, what was it like to live here then? Shaping the land—This is a cultural landscape that has been shaped by human labour over generations. NSW Historic Themes—Exploration—Towns, Suburbs and Villages—Transport—Education—Religion A place takes shape—Castlereagh has a rich history and heritage and a vibrant future.
Storylines: Exploration—Discovering and recording a ‘foreign landscape’. Macquarie’s vision—Castlereagh was one of five formally planned towns in Western Sydney named and planned by Governor Macquarie in 1811.
Settling down—The settlers create their own communities and special places.
Religion and Education—Schools, churches and cemeteries demonstrate the spiritual heart of the Castlereagh settlement.
Castlereagh Valley cultural landscape—This place was a rural vernacular landscape and significant heritage places remain to tell that story.
Getting around—Castlereagh Road and a network of family lanes.
Grand Plans—Penrith Lakes and the future. Interpretive Shaping the Land—Occupation, Contact and Conflict Theme
NSW Historic Themes—Utilising Natural Resources—Agriculture—Industry—Mining—Labour—Agriculture—Land Tenure
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Interpretive Shaping the Land Theme
Rich soils and water were important to the establishment and early settlement of the Castlereagh Valley, whilst gravel and sand mining played a role in the development of the region.
Storylines: Farming—Europeans farmed this fertile land despite the threat of flood from the mighty Nepean. Dairy Farming—The rich green valley produced rich creamy milk. Orcharding—The peaches were delicious. Mining—Following the transformation from farmland to mining landscape, this rich source of sand and gravel has played an important part in building Sydney. Interpretive Representing and Remembering the Land Theme
NSW Historic Themes—Creative Endeavour—Leisure—Social Institutions—Persons Imagining the Landscape—This valley has long been a source of creative inspiration.
Storylines: There are many paintings and writings that have been inspired by the beauty and serenity of the Castlereagh Valley and the Nepean River.
Remembering lost places—Change and development has meant the loss of some special places.
Artists and writers—Conrad Martens, Arthur Streeton, Charles Condor, Elioth Gruner, poet Charles Thomson and writer Miles Franklin.
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Aboriginal Interpretation Initiatives community consultation.1
There are many important and meaningful stories to be communicated about the Aboriginal history and heritage of the Castlereagh Valley. An Interpretation Strategy for Aboriginal Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation is the subject of a separate commission. Below are some broad principles and suggested initiatives for Aboriginal heritage interpretation.
Future Aboriginal interpretive initiatives will be developed based Figure 6.4 Located along the Gungahlin on the understanding that Aboriginal people are the rightful Drive extension in the ACT, this sculpture interpreters of their heritage. was designed by a team of Ngunnawal people, including an artist. It Consultation needs to be undertaken with representatives from acknowledges the Ngunnawal as the Traditional Owners of the land. (Source: Murra Mitigar and other members of the Aboriginal community to
Aboriginal history and heritage may be integrated into all the following initiatives to help increase awareness, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal people’s experience across the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area. One initiative that is well accepted and appropriate is a ‘Welcome to Country’ located at the main visitor arrival point to the site. This may consist of a large entry sign or other sculptural landscape feature to mark the point of Figure 6.5 Didgeridoo playing is part of the arrival at the Scheme area that has local Aboriginal artwork or Aboriginal cultural experience at Muru language integrated into the design. Mittigar. (Source:
• archaeology and artefacts of the Mulgoa People—with stone tool workshops.
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Murra Mitigar provides an Aboriginal cultural experience for visitors to Penrith Lakes. It also offers educational activities for school groups and a host of other enjoyable experiences and opportunities. Possible themes for interpretation across the Castlereagh Valley might include: Mulgoa Country—country belonging to the Mulgoa people—a continuing relationship. From the past into the present Aboriginal people continue to maintain
their connection to country and culture. This message will Figure 6.7 A group at the Museum of communicate that despite dispossession and political intervention, Sydney. (Source: GML) Aboriginal people have been actively and continuously engaged in expressing their connection and rights to land as integral to culture and identity. Aboriginal interpretation at Penrith Lakes is an opportunity for Aboriginal people to tell their own stories and to promote positive images of identity and culture. There are also opportunities to link interpretation thematically with important Indigenous events such as Sorry Day or NAIDOC week which includes a range of events designed to celebrate the history, Figure 6.8 Warracowie Wells, Marion, South Australia. In this ground inlay, artist culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Martin Corbin used historic materials peoples. Some positive ways to celebrate Aboriginal Heritage at salvaged from Warracowie Homestead. Materials used include bricks and Penrith Lakes include: bluestone. (Source:
• inviting Aboriginal musicians or dancers to perform;
• having Dreamtime story readings; and
• profiling the lives of local Aboriginal people featuring role
models and achievers. Figure 6.9 Footpath and paving inserts Living at Castlereagh used in Pyrmont Sydney to indicate former local businesses and activities. (Source: Interpretation for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area will provide GML) opportunities for people’s stories to be told. The stories would be connected to historic themes. The historic record including personal papers, oral histories, newspaper articles, photographs and published works provides the material from which stories about the lives and experiences of people in the past can be interpreted. It can include people from all different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The places and events that were important to them can be communicated using creative graphic design and imagery from the period alongside text in contemporary but accessible language. All audiences would be targeted. This kind of initiative is suited to, for example, Castlereagh School and schoolmasters residence, Landers Inn and stables, Methodist church and cemetery, McCarthy’s Cemetery, Hadley Park and The Poplars.
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Interpretive installations at places such as those mentioned above will represent the lives and experiences of real people from the past with an authenticity that avoids stereotyping individuals as ‘characters’. These sorts of installations work well to ‘welcome’ people to a place because the human experience is emphasised. This helps create ‘rapport’ with audiences and creates a learning environment that is experience-based. It is an approach underpinned by sound empirical research that is not presented in a dry factual way.
The contemporary community associated with the Castlereagh Valley has stories and experiences that can be part of the on-site interpretation at Penrith Lakes. There are those people that grew up and lived in the valley and those who have been involved in oral history interviews, historical research and archaeology within Figure 6.10 Outline of building footprint of Australia’s First Government House, the Scheme area that have a vast knowledge archive. Some of interpreted in paving at the Museum of these people including local Aboriginal people and members of Sydney forecourt. NDHAG have expressed interest in maintaining their connection to the valley through the delivery of face-to-face interpretation such as tours. Jackie Flower is a wonderful interpretive resource. She has lived at Hadley Park all her life and is a descendant of the Hadley family. She knows the property intimately and visitors to the site would be delighted to hear her stories of growing up at Hadley Park in the Castlereagh Valley if tours were hosted by her.
Shaping the Land—Footpath Inlays/Groundworks— Cultural Landscape
Footpath inlays can provide interpretive layering. They can stimulate interest, highlight the location of places, commemorate Figure 6.11 Where historic routes will be or celebrate particular aspects of the past and lead visitors to covered by proposed lakes, consideration specific destinations through a specially designed system of could be given to interpreting the former routes through the use of a line of bouys markers. Cast metal or laser-cut stone/masonry inlays could be that float on the surface of the water. used at Penrith Lakes along roadside footpaths, the proposed Consideration could also be given to running a competition to design. town centre, residential streets, urban parks, in visitor carparks and along heritage or walking trails. Salvaged historic material could also be inset into urban parks, walking tracks, heritage trails and cycleways. Materials may include bricks, stone and archaeological evidence such as crockery and glass.
Figure 6.12 This treatment using timber poles and sculptures is an evocative and engaging interpretive device that could be used to communicate the natural history of the Castlereagh Valley. (Source: GML)
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The mining heritage of the Castlereagh Valley can be interpreted through inlays that use a selection of local gravels. Concrete for footpaths can be mixed with local sand. Some interpretive text explaining the significance of the inlays may be necessary.
Routes to places of interest may be highlighted with inlays. This would include historic places within the Scheme area such as Hadley Park, Smith Road, Landers Inn and stables, Puddledock
and McCarthy’s Cemetery. Inlays or surface treatments could Figure 6.13 Part of the movable heritage also be used to mark the location of former historic features, for collection on display at Dundullimal Homestead. (Source: example important roads and lanes such as Castlereagh Road,
In areas where the proposed recreational lakes will cover the former historic routes, those routes can be interpreted with a line of coloured bouys or coloured poles incorporating sculptural elements in the water. An alternative could include retaining sections of ‘road’ along the original road alignment as a series of pontoons that people can row or paddle to.
Interpretive inlays need not be permanent and can be a great medium to engage people from the local community. People can be encouraged to participate in the creation and application of temporary footpath stencils designed to communicate the historical significance and the important meanings and memories held by the community.
Areas especially suited to interpretive groundworks and inlays include:
• Castlereagh Road;
• Smith Road;
• McCarthys Lane;
• Jacksons Lane;
• Farrells Lane;
• the locations of former properties such as Minnaville,
McCarthy’s Farm and Vine Cottage; Figure 6.14 Penrith District Historical Archaeological Group (PDHAG) has an • Heritage Trails; and extensive collection of bricks salvaged from buildings at Castlereagh Valley. They could be re-used for interpretation in • the river fords and walk. footpath inlays, wall reconstructions in new buildings and in street furniture such as seating.
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Footpath inlays are generally low maintenance and only require regular cleaning as part of normal street cleaning.
Representing and Remembering the Land—a Creative Landscape
Music, art, poetry and writing contribute to the creation of ‘a sense of place’. They are evocative and often compelling ways of ‘seeing’ and representing the landscape. Words and pictures help visitors to imagine the landscape and its special places in different ways. Imagery, music and poetry provide a medium through which audiences can see what it was like in the past through the eyes of others. Figure 6.15 Much of the original hardware and joinery were intact. Some features, The creative expressions such as the paintings of Elioth Gruner, however, had been lost or stolen. (Source: Conrad Martens, WC Piguenit, Arthur Streeton, Joseph Lycett, Homes & Gardens by Leo Schofield) Frank Hinder and RM Westmacott with the poetry and writings of Charles Thompson and Miles Franklin are important interpretive devices for the Castlereagh Valley.
Artworks, historic photographs depicting the landscape of the valley and quotations from poets of the area can be reproduced and mounted on walls and hoardings and cleverly placed in the town centre to give visitors and residents a glimpse into the past. They can make people stop and reflect. Depending on the design and layout of the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, panoramas or large scale reproductions of images as wall murals could be installed to show views as they once were. There are a number of locations where historic views could be reproduced on building walls within the Scheme area. Such installations are self explanatory and require little in the way of text-based interpretation.
Evocative quotations from poetry and literature can be reproduced. They can be etched, painted or applied by other means to windows, walls or building hoardings as a temporary or permanent interpretive device.
In the town centre there are opportunities to interpret the history of Castlereagh Valley. Transparent film with images from the past superimposed can be applied to store windows. Such techniques contribute to the texture of places and provide a subtle but effective layering of interpretation. The collections of historic imagery associated with the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area mean it will be possible for this type of initiative to deliver interpretation on a variety of historic themes that will appeal to a diverse audience.
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Genealogies of Castlereagh Valley—the Places and their Histories
Many of the heritage sites within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area have written histories. In most instances the site histories are included in individual Conservation Management Plans (CMPs). A broader historical context for Castlereagh Valley has been prepared as part of the overarching CMP for the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. There are also several other reports commissioned Figure 6.16 Showing a range of different by Penrith Lakes Development Corporation that focus on the paving treatments that may be used in the history of the valley such as Carol Liston’s ‘Research Towards a public domain to interpret heritage. (Source: History of Castlereagh 1906’ and Geoffrey Britton and Colleen
Each significant heritage site would have its own history written for interpretation. This would include information about changes to
the site, its landscape, buildings and features. It would also Figure 6. 17 Brown Bear Lane, The document change in uses over time, as well as information about Rocks, Sydney, where an historic image of the same location has been painted as a the former residents. This information could be presented in hard mural. (Source: GML) copy in the form of site brochures and also in electronic format as a PDF on the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation website.
DisPlay and Discover—Treasured Collections
There are important movable heritage collections associated with Penrith Lakes. Farm machinery, artefacts and other salvaged materials from demolition and archaeological excavations are a rich interpretive resource. These resources, combined with the extensive historic visual archive of the Castlereagh Valley, offer an Figure 6.18 Footpath inlay in King Cross, exciting opportunity to tell the history of the valley from Aboriginal Sydney. (Source: GML) occupation to the present using imagery and a unique collection of objects.
Figure 6.19 Footpath inlay in Redfern. (Source: GML)
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Excavations at places such as Parker’s Slaughterhouse, Parker’s Wells, Minnaville and McCarthy’s Farm have yielded a number of objects and visual documentation that could be publicly displayed and interpreted. Items in the collection of the Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group (NDHAG) include ceramic pipes, buttons, fabric, china, coins, bowls, cups and many other artefacts associated with domestic life. Building materials have also been salvaged from farming properties at Penrith Lakes. The artefacts Figure 6.20 Extracts from the catalogue accompanying the exhibition and sale of and other materials not only communicate important aspects colonial furnishings at Glenfield. about life in the past but they can also help advance public Furnishing the Colonial Bungalow was understanding of archaeology and its practice and processes. published to celebrate the completion of conservation works and was a great The discipline of archaeology is presently enjoying widespread intiative for attracting visitors to the house. popularity. Programs such as Time Team and Two Men in a Similar initiatives could be trialled at heritage sites at Penrith Lakes. The Trench have captured the imagination of children and adults alike. exhibition was curated by Dr James Interpretation could offer opportunities to engage people in Broadbent and presented by Tasmanian learning more about archaeology in a local context. This can antiques dealer Warwick Oakman Antiques and Christopher Clarke Antiques apply to both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal archaeological (England). (Source: record.
There is an opportunity as part of the future development of Penrith Lakes to adaptively re-use specific buildings for heritage displays. The school at Upper Castlereagh may be an appropriate venue to install a small permanent exhibition which interprets a range of significant objects to help tell the story of the Castlereagh Valley. Alternatively, small displays could be incorporated into the development of a future town centre in locations such as building foyers. Figure 6.21 Throsby Park, 1834, was the home to six generations of the Throsby The display should be arranged according to the historic themes family. Delicia Throsby lived at Throsby Park until her death in 2006. The home is identified, such as: open to the public several times each year. Del was always on hand to share family • Occupation, Contact and Conflict; stories and memories with visitors on open days. A similar concept may be • Shaping the Land—families and farms; appropriate for Hadley Park. (Source:
• Seeing and Representing the Land.
These kinds of displays would bring the history of the Castlereagh Valley to life through real objects connected to real people in the past. The displays would engage visitors and residents alike, regardless of age and background.
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Packed with the Past—Hadley Park and The Poplars— Family Farms
Hadley Park and The Poplars are extremely sensitive and vulnerable sites. They are the cumulative record of Castlereagh families and their descendants over successive generations. The homes, the gardens and their plantings, the outbuildings and Figure 6.22 Built in the early 1840s, sheds and the layering of artefacts and belongings over time are Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo, is set on the tangible genealogy of the individual families connected to four hectares of farmland. The property is staffed by volunteer guides. Tours and each place. A key part of their significance is the cumulative light refreshments are available. Children layering of evidence associated with the lives and circumstances can play old fashioned games and visit of different family members. farm animals. The grounds is a delightful location for a picnic or stroll, or the venue can be hired for weddings or other special The rich diversity of heritage places at Penrith Lakes provides a events. (Source: fascinating glimpse into the varying lives and circumstances of a
Hadley Park is one of the most significant homes still remaining in Castlereagh Valley and the Penrith Lakes Development
Corporation is committed to its conservation and interpretation, Figure 6.23 Glenfield c1817, Casula, a yet it is fragile and incapable of receiving high visitation. colonial Georgian home comprehensively restored under the direction of the Historic Opportunities for public engagement in the project through Houses Trust. The property consists of a interpretation and future use need to be carefully considered. 14-room home, stables, privy and dairy within a 1.3 hectare garden setting. It is for The NSW Historic Houses Trust has considerable expertise in sale under long-term leasehold title which could be a model for Hadley Park or conserving and interpreting historic houses and would be an Nepean Park should it be acquired by important future partner (see Section 4.45). PLDC in the future. (Source: forthcoming article in Homes & Gardens by Leo Ideally Jackie Flower should remain in residence at Hadley Park. Schofield) Given her longstanding connection to the property, she would be a wonderful interpreter of the house and garden.
Landers Inn and Stables—Victuals and Liquor
Returning Landers Inn to a community use facility which allows access by the public—such as a bed and breakfast, restaurant, cafe or store for wine or local produce—will interpret the building’s former use as an inn and as a place for meeting and exchanging
stories. Figure 6.24 Glenfield is set in a 1.3 hectare garden which has been 6.2.3 Interpretive Events authentically redesigned by Dr James Broadbent, who has close connections to Telling the Stories of the Castlereagh Valley through the Castlereagh Valley. The new garden Events design includes reinstatement of a lawn tennis court, an orchard, kitchen garden, formal lawn, new fencing, gravel paths and Remembering Castlereagh drives. This image shows the house prior to conservation works and remediation of The Penrith District Historical Archaeology Group has been major structural problems and termite engaged in many heritage projects at Penrith Lakes. Many of its damage. (Source: forthcoming article in Homes & Gardens by Leo Schofield)
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members have had first-hand experience of on-site digs at places such as McCarthy’s Farm and Parker’s Slaughterhouse. They understand the genealogy of these places and would make an important contribution to on-site interpretation through tours, talks and displays of artefacts from the sites mentioned.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets have become increasingly popular in recent Figure 6.25 ‘Slab huts, servants and times. Many people have become more discerning about quality shenanigans’—a children’s activity where children find out what it was like to be a and are seeking to buy farm-fresh produce as an alternative to the child during the Victorian period through often tasteless and overpriced eggs, fruit, vegetables, cheeses the childhood experiences of Lizzie, Joe, and meats offered by supermarket chains. Arthur and Clara, who lived in the slab cottage at Rouse Hill Farm. This kind of interpretive activity would be well suited to The overuse of chemicals to enhance the life, size and colour of Nepean Park or Hadley Park. Other group fruit and vegetables is also of concern to consumers. Today many activities or tailored programs for children people choose to buy organic produce because it tastes better are also offered by the Historic Houses Trust at Rouse Hill House. Catering for up and is a healthier alternative. to 30 children at a time, the house—filled with generations of family occupation—the Buying produce at a farmers’ market is a great alternative to animals and the garden provide a great supermarket shopping. Markets provide an opportunity to meet experience of colonial life for children. (Source:
Presently in Penrith an original farmers market is held at the Penrith Showground, Station Street (opposite the Centro Nepean Shopping Centre) on the first and third Friday of every month.
6.2.4 Interpretation with Electronic Media Figure 6.26 ‘Earn your tucker—farmyard The unique characteristics of the internet and the breadth of helpers at Rouse Hill Farm’—a fun storytelling opportunities available with electronic media make it a interpretive activity for children at Rouse tool well suited to communicating with an extensive audience. By Hill Farm. Children get to work around the farm, collecting eggs, feeding the stock, using the heritage and history of Castlereagh Valley as a grinding the corn and pumping water cornerstone of both the design elements and the content of the before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of their labour—some homemade bread, jam website, there is scope to create a contemporary, engaging with creamy butter with billy tea or milk. interpretive device which will reach a vast range of audiences. If (Source:
Transforming the current website is best approached in stages. Figure 6.27 Port Arthur Historic Site The first stage should focus on increasing the heritage interactive website. (Source:
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Penrith Lakes Website
‘Remembering Castlereagh’ Navigation Device: The navigation device of any web page is the means by which a user accesses the site. It is the design of the homepage and the means by which menus are accessed. In some cases, the user clicks on icons to proceed to the elements in which they are Figure 6.28 Owned by the National Trust, interested. Other sites utilise ‘dropdown’ menus or static menu Miss Traill’s House and Garden at Bathurst, bars. It is essential that the navigation device be immediately a colonial Georgian bungalow, is operated as a house museum which retains engaging, fun and easy to use to encourage browsers to explore significant collections accumulated over the site and get as much out of the experience as possible. more than a century. There is a garden in a horse paddock, a herb garden and well Central to making this site interpretive of the heritage of established plantings. Activities at the house include guided tours, special events Castlereagh Valley would be to engage people in submitting and children’s education programs. memories of the valley throughout time including writings and (Source:
‘Understanding Castlereagh Valley’ Portal: Targeted at schools, potential visitors and those who cannot visit in person, this dedicated area of the site would be designed to stimulate interest and present the history of Castlereagh Valley in an innovative and engaging way. Designed to complement the programs NDHAG and Murra Mittigar run and future displays, programs and events, a series of e-learning modules could be developed, exploring themes such as archaeology, artefacts,
archives, buildings and photography. This e-learning content Figure 6.29 Teachers kit prepared by the could also be adapted for delivery on CD-ROM and touchscreen National Trust for Miss Traill’s House and kiosks. Upon entering the site, users under 16 years old may Garden in Bathurst. Family Treasures is linked to years 3–6 HSIE. The kit is linked enter a specially tailored kid-friendly section of the site. This to a website where children can ‘visit’ Ida section is a 3D representation of the precinct, with four to six sub- Traill and her family and discover her special belongings that are part of her section rooms leading further into the portal. Inside the virtual family’s heritage. (Source: precinct, users would be provided with a series of historical paths
Artists/Writers Profiles and Interviews: Regularly updated profiles of artists and writers who may be exhibiting their works at Castlereagh or who may have worked in the area in the past. Examples may include Elioth Gruner, Arthur Streeton, Conrad Martens and poet Charles Thomson.
The Castlereagh Valley Virtual Building and Place Genealogy: An online journey where users can explore the Figure 6.30 Silhouettes at Hyde Park ‘family trees’ of heritage buildings and the stories of the families Barracks. This technique is an effective who lived in these buildings over time. way of creating a sense of people in the past, or ‘peopling the landscape’. It would be an appropriate initiative for Penrith Lakes. (Source: GML)
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Itinerary Planner: The itinerary planner would enable visitors to plan their visits. A map will be generated highlighting selected places of interest. The user would choose to have the itinerary sent to them via email, printed directly from the site or sent to a compatible mobile device.
Comprehensive Event Calendar: An interactive calendar tool would allow visitors to explore the event calendar using a series of filters to display events of interest. Once the calendar has generated their results, the user can select to print the calendar, send event reminders via SMS/email or to notify a friend of an event that may interest them.
Mobile Phone/Podcast Tours: A Java-based mobile phone application, or an alternative digital delivery such as a podcast, that visitors can download via the website. These electronic tours are designed to enhance visitor experiences. Visitors will require a compatible mobile handset or iPod or MP3 player. Visitors can select a variety of language options. At key sites, visitors have the option to explore information modules related to that heritage site. Depending on the capability of the device, narration would accompany the information modules.
As an extension of the tour information, visitors would toggle between different views of the area— they could view all trails in the area, toilets, cafes and restaurants etc.
6.2.5 Key Management Messages
The interpretation of built and landscape heritage at Penrith Lakes provides an opportunity to promote natural and cultural heritage conservation and to communicate important management messages as part of the future development of the Scheme.
As well as conveying important historic themes and telling a range of stories that communicate the natural and cultural heritage significance of the site, interpretation can also carry important management messages. The interpretive initiatives that have been identified in this Interpretation Strategy can be related to management messages that convey important information about a range of subjects to future residents and visitors.
Some of the potential management messages that can be linked to interpretive initiatives at the Penrith Lakes Scheme include:
• protecting natural and cultural heritage;
• regulations; and
• public safety.
Consultation with the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation and other key stakeholders as part of the future development and refinement of this Interpretation Strategy will also help identify other messages that need to be communicated to future visitors and residents.
The table below indicates some key management messages that may be carried by the interpretive initiatives outlined in this strategy.
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Orientation You are entering or are on land conserved and rehabilitated by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. Orientation should be integrated into a comprehensive signage strategy for the Scheme area. The signage strategy should use a consistent and harmonious palette of materials; include a clear and easily distinguishable hierarchy of signage including entry, directional, orientation, information, interpretive and regulatory. A distinctive identity or ‘brand’ should be developed for heritage sites within the Scheme area. Orientation incorporating the above message will feature as part of interpretive signage, events, tour and other initiatives at the heritage site. Safety Keep yourself safe when visiting this place. Issues: Fire; do not enter construction sites; observe speed limits; watch out for pedestrians and cycles (shared zones). This management message can be effectively incorporated into heritage interpretation and carried via on- site signage, tours, brochures and electronic media. Heritage Conservation Help conserve our natural and cultural heritage. Issues: Do not harm heritage items; fire; protect plants and animals (especially along Nepean River and in conservation areas/zones). Help conserve our natural and cultural heritage. Issues: Do not harm heritage items (please do not disturb/remove any items such as stonework, timber, glass or other potential relics or objects); fire; litter and waste; protect plants and animals (do not remove or pick plants) (especially along Nepean River and in conservation areas/zones). An ongoing appreciation for heritage conservation may be nurtured via management messages. Such messages may state that each individual has a role and responsibility in caring for and conserving heritage. Conservation messages can be communicated through most interpretive initiatives, for example signage, brochures, tours, website etc. Regulations Please observe the following. Issues: Place litter and waste in bins provided; keep companion animals on a leash at all times; motorbikes and horses are not permitted on trail network; camping is not permitted within this area. Regulations are most frequently communicated through signage. They can also be reinforced at the interpretive centre via brochures, during face-to-face tours or by heritage rangers or other staff involved in the day-to-day operations of heritage places at Penrith Lakes.
6.3 Development and Implementation Tasks and Responsibilities for the Interpretation Strategy
Following the submission of this draft Interpretation Strategy to PLDC, a series of consultations will be undertaken with PLDC staff, heritage professionals and other key stakeholders. The purpose of the consultations will be to identify gaps in the current knowledge base, obtain community input on the proposed themes and concepts for interpretation and, finally, to elicit responses to the draft and the proposed initiatives identified for interpretation.
Two consultations with staff at the NSW Heritage Branch will also be carried out to ensure alignment with the Heritage Information Series Heritage Interpretation Policy. GML will also meet on two occasions with planners at Penrith City Council to discuss proposed heritage interpretation for Penrith Lakes.
Following client endorsement, a separate Implementation Plan for the Interpretation Strategy will be prepared for the key interpretation initiatives in the public domain that will creatively communicate the
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heritage significance of Penrith Lakes. Outlined below are the various tasks and the responsibilities for Stage 2—Interpretation Strategy Implementation Plan.
Stage 2—Interpretation Strategy Implementation Plan
An Implementation Plan will be developed for select initiatives following review and input from PLDC on the Interpretation Strategy. The Implementation Plan will concentrate on preferred site- wide public domain initiatives such as signage, plantings, commissioned artworks, pavement inlays and walking trails which will effectively communicate the heritage significance and unique character of Penrith Lakes.
Some of the specified tasks will vary and are dependent on the types of interpretive media selected for the site and the timing of installation across the site. i. Evaluation and technical review of each of the delivery concepts will be undertaken to determine viability. This will be undertaken with PLDC and others as determined. ii. Content development will involve the identification of appropriate interpretation stories and media, specifying key texts and imagery and scoping clearances and copyright. It will also include an overview detailing the design, production, fabrication and installation of relevant media for selected initiatives. iii. Design development will involve working with technical and media specialists to develop and detail designs for selected interpretive media. iv. Production of media will entail working with technical and media specialists to ensure media is produced as per specifications. v. Installation and timing schedule will be prepared based on PLDC advice. Development timeframes will be identified for the selected initiatives with input from PLDC. vi. The installation of interpretive media will be supervised and checked on site as required. Installation will be evaluated and assessed. vii. Maintenance and review plans will be prepared for interpretive media.
6.4 Endnotes
1 The management themes presented have been drawn from a brochure entitled Developing a unique sense of place Penrith Lakes, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Ltd.
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7.0 Appendices
Appendix A
Site Based Interpretive Initiatives Appendix B Interpretive Image Database Appendix C
Press cuttings reflecting contemporary community values Appendix D
Geographical Names Board Brochures Appendix E
Review of Previous Interpretation Policy for Penrith Lakes
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Appendix A Site Based Interpretive Initiatives
Hadley Park—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Hadley Park is an extremely fragile and delicate site. The physical fabric is in a deteriorated state, the gardens and extensive movable collections require a sensitive and careful approach to conservation. The house itself is not suited to contemporary living. If long term private leasehold is to be pursued an architectural competition for a new sensitively designed contemporary living pavilion could be considered. Options Jackie Flower to remain in residence. As part of this, PLDC should explore whether it would be possible for the house to be open on four occasions each year for small group tours of the house and garden. The tours could be led by Jackie (with appropriate support) and or trained/volunteer guides. Alternatively, explore long term private leasehold with provision for public open days. Bronte House, Sydney, is an example of this form of conservation management and interpretation. Alternatively, conserve as house museum with movable collections. Or partner with Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest and NSW Arts to explore opportunities for establishing an artists in residence program. Interpretive Themes Living at Castlereagh Shaping the Land Description Hadley Park is a highly intact Georgian homestead with associated outbuildings and gardens. It is a prominent local landmark and retains links to a number of local and historical families, including the Hadley family. Hadley Park was built in the early 1800s. It occupies the original land grant to Martin Mince by Governor King in 1803. Charles Hadley is associated with the property from 1806. It has remained in the Hadley family for many generations and is currently occupied by Jackie Flower. The house is largely unaltered and reflects a family’s evolution and everyday rural life.
The Hadley Park complex consists of ‘Hadley Park’ (a two storey Georgian homestead) and a possibly earlier two-room slab cottage to its immediate north. Ancillary structures of largely utilitarian function are located around the main building, including a former washroom, stables, milking shed, hay sheds, WC, workshop, a tank stand, an area once occupied by a c1920 tennis court, and gardensOne family’s home for generations this is a very special and rare place.
Significant nineteenth century plantings at Hadley Park include Peppercorn Trees, native Kurrajong’s, mature fruit trees, Chinese Windmill Palms, a cactus and a small-leaf privet hedge. Twentieth century plantings include an Oak Tree, a Wisteria, a Mulberry Tree, a Flame Tree, a Jacaranda, an Oleander, Cypresses and a Fig Tree. The immediate surroundings of the homestead contain an ornamental garden
Interpretive Initiatives Brochure with imagery and text, incorporating Aboriginal peoples continuing cultural and spiritual connection to the land Discrete signage incorporating text and imagery at entry to site and outside individual buildings and within the garden. Signage should convey the cultural significance of the property and the connection with generations of the Hadley family. Mirroring the concept of ‘family’ small group guided tours Interpretation of the public conservation program during works via electronic media and onsite guided tours Extension of the grounds for Hadley Park to include areas of open parkland, vegetable gardens, farm animals/livestock, orchard etc that provides places for family picnics and special events such as food markets or festivals to celebrate local produce that incorporates signage or other interpretive initiatives Incorporated into scheme wide heritage trail Website—Virtual visits which incorporate historical information, historic and contemporary imagery, oral histories and site orientation Source Material Penrith Lakes Oral History Penrith Council Local Studies Collection Jackie Flower Carol Liston Research Towards A History of Castlereagh to 1906 Hadley family research by Mrs M B Maloney, Cranebrook Edds, Graham, & Associates "Hadley Park": RMB 113 Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh NSW: Conservation Management Plan, 1996 Imagery Penrith Council Local Studies Collection Flower family collection Penrith Lakes Development Corporation archives including photographic recordings
Landers Inn and Stables—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Decision by PLDC about future use. Conservation of the stables and adaptive reuse of Lander’s Inn.
Options Café and or local food and wine provedore
Interpretive Themes Living at Castlereagh
Shaping the Land
Description The site has strong associations with the original grantee, Robert Smith, early farmer, Henry Stockfish, and the locally prominent Landers family. It is able to demonstrate its development from the early nineteenth century to the present; as a possible convict stockade, stables then storage area and as an inn with its conversion to a Californian Bungalow residence in the 1930s and later phases of development and alteration. Landers Inna is important to the community’s ‘sense of place’ the sandstone stables are particularly visually prominent and aesthetically distinctive.
Interpretive Initiatives Landers Inn should be returned to a community use such as a bed and breakfast, cafe, restaurant or store for wine and local produce. It can become a place for meeting and exchanging stories.
Establish a kitchen garden to interpret history of growing food for subsistence
Signage at entry and outside individual buildings with orientation map, text and images
Brochure with text and imagery
Website—virtual visit Cutaways to expose layering of historic fabric Incorporated into scheme wide heritage trail
Source Material Landers Inn and Stables Special Element Interpretation Plan, Godden Mackay Logon, Draft Report October 2007
Publican’s Licences
Measured drawings
Newspaper articles
Mr Ken Heldon, descendant of Landers Imagery Historic photographs
Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Archives
Mr Ken Heldon
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
NDHAG collection
Upper Castlereagh School and School Master’s Residence—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations PLDC to make decision about future use. Property is currently owned by Department of Commerce. Engagement with NDHAG to identify needs and incorporate into design of adaptive reuse. Interpretive opportunities should be developed as part of concept design. Consider relocation of Muru Mittigar to new purpose built building on site. Consider running a design competition for a new Aboriginal Cultural Centre on site. Establish School and School Master’s Residence as cultural heritage hub for Penrith Lakes. Options Interpretive and visitor centre with small permanent/temporary displays/exhibitions. Consider including a café function and shop facility with site mechandising.
Interpretive Themes Occupation, Contact and Conflict Living at Castlereagh Shaping the Land Representing and Remembering the Land Description The School and teacher’s residence were designed by architect to the Council of Education: George Allen Mansfield (son of Reverend Ralph Mansfield) and constructed in 1878. Mansfield designed many schools in NSW. James Evans was the builder. The Evans family was well-known in Castlereagh. The School was originally designed for 67 students and the Residence was designed with 3 rooms. An extension was constructed c1900.The first teacher at the School was Samuel Roseby. The longest serving teacher was Charles Paul. Although the school closed in 1975, the residence reportedly continued to provide teacher accommodation until the early 1980s. Subsequently the School and residence were offered for lease, and in 1989 opened as the Castlereagh Learning Centre. Interpretive Initiatives Interpretive centre with small public exhibition and display area. Could support interpretive panels with site panorama, or map identifying key features lost and remaining. Publicly exhibit and interpet archaeological collections that have been excavated by NDHAG. Establish as a Centre for learning about the history and heritage of Castlereagh and distribution point for visitor information about heritage programs including brochures, walks, talks, tours, events and demonstrations. Consider provision of a research/resource room. The Centre could also serve as a functional centre to accommodate workshops, library resources, archives and archaeological collections and new NDHAG headquarters. Include memory wall/walk or civic quilt where people are encouraged to leave their name and place based memory of Castlereagh that is incorporated onto etched glass or stainless steel panels. Ideally the starting point for self guided walks along the heritage trail, or guided tours. Website—virtual visit Source Material NSW State Records Department of Education 1875 Schools Files Series NRS 3829 5/15336.2 Records of the Government Architects Office NDHAG archaeological and research collections Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection Penrith Lakes Oral history Imagery Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Archives NSW State Records Photographic collection NRS 15051 National Library of Australia Mitchell Library Art Gallery of NSW
43 Smith Road—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Completion of works. Conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Resolution of relocation of Muru Mitigar to Smith Road or Upper Castlereagh School House.
Options Aboriginal cultural centre or other Aboriginal community use such as studio space for artists, writers.
Interpretive Theme Occupation, Contact and Conflict
Living at Castlereagh
Description This land is Dharug country. There is extensive evidence of the presence of the Aboriginal people. This country and its resources have special significance to Aboriginal people.
Located on part of the original 160 acre grant to Donald Kennedy in 1803. The Kennedy farm was visited by Governor Macquarie and his wife in 1810. Following Donald Kennedy’s death, 40 acres was passed on to each of the three surviving Kennedy sons, but by 1835 all 160 acres was owned by two of the sons, Duncan and Daniel. The land was gradually mortgaged and subdivided but in 1843 Robert Ritchie (husband of the Kennedy’s daughter, Ann) purchased the whole160 acres. The land remained in the family until 1884 when the property was subdivided into four smaller farms (of 40 acres each).The portion of the grant on which the Mass Concrete House (at 43 Smith Road) now stands was that passed to George Howell III. c1900 George Howell III began constructing a mass concrete house, identical to that constructed by his son, William (since demolished). In 1902, before the house was completed, both George and his wife died. Athol Colless Howell established a successful citrus orchard on the property, grew vegetables and began dairy farming. He died in 1952 and bequeathed the 40 acre property to his wife Minnie. Upon her death in 1956, the property passed to son Athol Robert Howell. In 1965, Athol Robert Howell sold the land out of the family to Alan and Evelyn Petherbridge. The couple sold the property on to Leslie George Schaefer shortly after, who sold to Mary Halleen. In June 1975 the property was sold to Quarries Pty Ltd.
Interpretive Initiatives Onsite interpretive panels
Included in interpretive brochure
Part of heritage walk
Interpretation of conservation works in progress eg leave exposed sections of the building showing construction techniques and interpret
Virtual visit Source Material Smith Road Conservation Management Plan
Penrith Lakes Oral History
Penrith Lakes Archives
Local Aboriginal people
Daruganora: Darug Country, the Place and the People by James Kohen
Imagery Mitchell Library
Art Galley of NSW
Australian Museum
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
PLDC Archives
Castlereagh Road—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Much of the road has been quarried and in the future the former route will be submerged by planned recreational lakes. Interpretive Theme Shaping the Land Transport Description A very early north south line of road established by Surveyor James Meehan in 1803 from Birds Eye Corner to Yarramundi Lagoon (now Agnes Banks). Formed when the first land grants were made along the Nepean River. Connected to a network of historic laneways that were named after grantees. Grassy verges and historic avenue plantings (including Hunter’s Plantings of Pines after WW1 along south side of Castlereagh Road and east side of the road to the Ford and fencelines. Interpretive Initiatives Line of buoys or series of timber pontoons constructed to original road dimensions and aligned along former route within recreational lake. Road inlays incorporating work by local artists and community members Commemorative roadside plantings Intepretive signage Brochure with history and images Where possible sections incorporated into scheme wide heritage trail Website—virtual visit Exhibition—At the Water’s Edge: Reminiscences of Castlereagh. Memories of Life along Castlereagh Road, 6-14 September 2008 part of History Week 2008 Source Material Parish Plans NSW State Records Surveyor J Meehan’s Fieldbooks Item 16/1802 Reel no 2622 Imagery Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Archives
Laneways—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Most of the historic laneways dating from the early 1800s have been quarried. A road network will be required as part of future development of the area. The proposed road network should respect the significance, layout, alignments and names of the original. Interpretive opportunities to be developed during design for urban development. Naming will need to satisfy criteria established by Geographical Names Board. Interpretive Theme Shaping the Land
Description A network of early historic laneways that provided access and connected places and people between land grants and across the river. Interpretive Initiatives Groundworks and inlays showing former laneways as part of urban development Naming retained and interpreted in urban development Sections incorporated into scheme wide heritage trail Brochure on with images and text Signage/markers/rest areas and seating include interpretation about the fords as part of Great River Walk Website—Virtual visits Source Material Parish Plans NDHAG Archives and Reports Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection Imagery PLDC Archives Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection NDHAG Collections
McCarthy’s Cemetery—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Resolution of ownership and future urban context of cemetery. Resolution of policy on ongoing internments. Landscape management of native grasses, trees, cultural plantings, weed management, grave plots including conservation and/or restoration, community involvement and training, security and access Interpretive Theme Living at Castlereagh
Description Part of the original land grant made to ex-convict James McCarthy in 1804. The cemetery is associated with the historic McCarthy Farm complex (no longer extant) and McCarthy lane. A small rural Catholic cemetery located on McCarthy’s Lane. It is among the earliest cemeteries in the Penrith district, and contains the oldest known European grave in the area. The cemetery was established near the McCarthy homestead in 1806, following the death of one of James McCarthy’s children. Its consecration in 1838 by Bishop John Bebe Polding 1838 represents a deliberate denominational separation contemporary with the earliest official recognition of the Catholic faith by the Colonial Government.
It is a landscape feature of high aesthetic value defined by split timber post and rail fence and enclosed by Kurrajong and Elms. It includes important remnant cultural plantings including Oxtails, Vica, Roses and frescias. The cemetery has been in continuous service for 200 years as the resting place of many families from the Penrith district, first as the private family graveyard, and later dedicated for general use.
Interpretive Initiatives Retain and interpret historic naming and relationship to McCarthy’s Lane Signage including orientation, text and imagery Tours Brochure Website—virtual visit Weathered hardwood bench seating with interpretation stainless steel insert commemorating local people in engraved naming Part of scheme wide heritage trail Source Material McCarthy’s Cemetery Conservation Management Plan February 2008
Imagery PLDC Archives
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
NDHAG Collections
Lost Places—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Consultation with local community. As design is developed for residential and community uses opportunities for interpretation should be incorporated. Interpretive Themes Occupation, Contact and Conflict Living at Castlereagh Shaping the Land Representing and Remembering the Land Description This land has changed dramatically as the result of natural evolution and human interaction.
Interpretive Initiatives Ground works/footpath inlays to incorporate quotations, historic building footprints and other heritage features such as wells, laneways, Retaining historic naming as part of urban development Public art program to remember and reflect on the history and lost heritage of the area Commemorative events to celebrate the historic themes such as landscape, farming and life at Castlereagh Signage using text and imagery Interpretive plantings—for example citrus, pine and olives Reuse of salvaged historic materials such as bricks, timber slabs in new urban residential context Historic landscape installations with reproductions of artworks or other historic imagery on hoardings, to hide unslightly construction or as murals on new buildings Application of historic imagery to digital film and applied to windows. Website—virtual visit Source Material Personal collections Penrith Lakes Oral History Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection NDHAG Collections PLDC Collections Imagery Personal collections Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection NDHAG Collections Art Gallery of NSW State Library of NSW National Library of Australia
The Poplars—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Landscape and buildings managed and conserved. Future use determined by PLDC.
Options Private leasehold with public open days. Alternatively, retain for community uses such as artists or writers in residence and or explore partnership with Botanic Gardens Trust or Garden History Society and consider establishing a Museum of Garden History. Interpretive Themes Living at Castlereagh
Description Located on part of the 150 acres originally granted to Rosetta Marsh in 1809, who later married and became Rosetta Terry. The property (then known as ‘Islington’) was inherited by daughter Maria Foxglove Hosking in 1845. The first slab structure is thought to have been built around this time (pre 1850). In 1875 the western portion of ‘Islington’ comprising 100 acres was purchased by Richard Cosgrove. The property was later sold to Edward Cass in 1905, who is likely to have constructed the second slab cottage.The 100 acre property was purchased by Andrew Salmond in 1921. He is thought to have constructed the Pise house in 1922.Much of the garden was planted in the 1930s from cuttings that were collected from the local area and seeds that were obtained from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. It was not formally planned. Following WW1, Poplars were commonly planted in commemoration of battles fought in France, reaching their peak between the 1920s and 1940s. Property remained in Salmond family ownership until 1962 when the land, except for the house allotment, was sold to Rio Pioneer Gravel. The house was sold at this time to DUAP (NSW Dept of Planning) but is still occupied by the Salmond family.
Interpretive Initiatives Brochure including history and imagery, including a focus on the garden’s history
Interpretation of conservation works in progress
Guided Tours
Incorporated into scheme wide heritage trail
Website—virtual visit Source Material Penrith Lakes Corporation Archives Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection Oral history recordings with Bob Salmond Imagery Penrith Lakes Archives Salmond family collection NDHAG Collections Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
Nepean Park—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Nepean Park is located within the Scheme area. It is privately owned so it is not open to public access.
Interpretive Theme Occupation, contact and conflict
Living at Castlereagh
Shaping the Land
Description John Single was a free settler, he acquired Nepean Park in 1819 and this early Georgian farmhouse of rendered brick was built in 1822. The land had originally been granted to NSW Corps Private, William Tonks in 1803.
John Single was well known in the Nepean district. The Single family were associated with the property until 1911. He established a school on his property and supported the building of the Castlereagh Anglican Church.
Two Kurrajong trees mark the entrance to the property. The trees were locally known as John and Sarah.
There was an Aboriginal campsite located near Nepean Park. Interpretive Initiatives Brochure with history and imagery
Interpretive signage located outside property boundary
Part of scheme wide heritage trail
Website—virtual visit
Source Material Heritage Study of Penrith (1987) R. Pollett, John & Sarah Single: A Genealogical History of the Single Family (1991).
Imagery Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
Single family descendants
Heritage Study of Penrith
NDHAG Collections
Methodist Church, Cemetery and Hall—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Ongoing use by church
Interpretive Theme Living at Castlereagh
Description The first chapel on the site was destroyed by fire. White stuccoed Gothic Church is associated with one of the earliest Methodist parishes in NSW. Built on land originally granted to John Lees, a private in the NSW Corps. Lees converted to Christianity and donated land to the Wesleyan Church following an epithany one drunken evening. Quaint Georgian style weatherboard church hall, used initially as a school house and more recently a Sunday School.
Interpretive Initiatives Brochure with text and history
Events
Guided Tours
Part of scheme wide heritage trail
Website—virtual visit
Source Material Methodist Church and School records
Local Newspaper articles
John Lees e-history Penrith City Council
PLDC Archives
Penrith City Council Archives
Imagery
Puddledock—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Stabilise and conserve
Concept Conserve and interpret as standing ruin
Interpretive Theme Living at Castlereagh
Description A rare twentieth century slab and weatherboard cottage comprised of second hand building materials. It is likely that this building was relocated to its present site as the result of flooding of the Nepean River. Puddledock is a prominent local landmark. Located on part of 80 acre land grant from Governor King to Gilbert Goodlet in 1803, subsequently leased to John Herbert in 1806 (ownership later transferred to Herbert in 1811). In 1825 the property was divided into 16 acre shares for John Herberts 5 sons. Extant structure reportedly constructed by James Herbert in 1870s, however a conflicting story from Perkins descendents (occupiers of site since 1943) suggests the structure was moved to its present location, on high ground away from flood waters, in the late nineteenth century (approx 70 years ago).
Interpretive Initiatives Brochure including text and images
Part of scheme wide heritage trail
Onsite interprettve signage include text and images
Website—virtual visit
Source Material Parish plans
PLDC Archives
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
Imagery NDHAG Collections
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
PLDC multimedia
Long’s House—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Ongoing use and maintenance. Authentic presentation of heritage significance. A landscape plan should be prepared to define curtilage and to enhance setting.
Interpretive Theme Living at Castlereagh
Description Situated on part of 1300 acres granted to William Chapman in 1804. Chapman never occupied the property and by 1820 only 32 acres had been cleared. The property was reportedly occupied by squatters, who may have been responsible for the clearing. Squatter, John McHenry, purchased the property in 1828.
In 1827 McHenry built a house on the northern edge of the property, named ‘Lemongrove’. Following his death in 1831 the property was tenanted until his sons were old enough to farm the property in the 1850s.
Subdivided 1860, by 1873 owned by 5 different families. Many of the subsequent owners are buried in McCarthy’s cemetery. Land title info for the property incomplete. By 1947 majority of the property had been cleared and was being farmed.
Allen Long’s house and outbuildings apparently date from C20th. Allen Long was the son of former Mayor of Penrith Michael Long. Long’s house was used as the Gravel Company’s office in the 1980s.
Most of the original grant is now occupied by the Olympic rowing and canoeing course, and the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation complex.
Interpretive Initiatives Brochure with text and imagery
Included as part of heritage trail
Onsite interpretive signage
Website—virtual visit
Source Material Penrith Imagery Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
PLDC Archives
NDHAG Collection
Long family collection
Nepean River & Fords—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Landscape management of native grasses, trees, cultural plantings, weed management, including conservation and/or restoration, community involvement and training, safety security and access, working closely with Penrith City Council, careful and sensitive siting of interpretive nodes and materials to ensure no adverse impact on significant values. Interpretive Theme Shaping the Land Occupation, Contact and Conflict Living at Castlereagh Representing and Remembering the Land Description The natural evolution of the river and surrounding landscape. The role of water and the river in everyday life. The use of the river and its rich resources by the Mulgoa and Boorooboorongal and their continuing connection. The changes wrought to the riverine environment due to settlement, agriculture, mining, the continuing urban expansion. The construction of Warragamba dam. The early settlers make their home on the floodplain despite the constant threat of flood. The dramatic stories of early floods, with the loss of life and property and the strong sense of attachment and community that developed. During the early years of settlement wheat was the main crop and flour mills were established along the river including Allen’s Mill (1834), Jackson’s Mill (c1826) south of Bird’s Eye Corner, John Colless’ Mill with its giant waterwheel and Howell’s Ford at the end of Smith Street, The river, though sallow and gravelly, was forded in several locations, at the end of Long’s Lane, Sheens Lane, Jacksons Lane and Smith Street. The fords are important as part of the early settlement history of the area. The River was also a source of recreation. The aesthetic qualities of the Nepean river were captured by artists and writers recounted their experiences of the river and its setting. Representations of the Nepean changed through time from romantic and mysterious to resplendent and light filled.
Interpretive Initiatives Part of scheme wide heritage trail and the Great River Walk provision for bushwalking and cycling Retain and interpret historic fords and mill sites including naming and relationship to former properties and laneway network Ground Inlays to mark locations of mills, fords and other historic features Signage including orientation, text and imagery Self guided walks Interpretive brochure with brief history and imagery Website—virtual visits—podcast tours/walks Weathered hardwood bench seating with interpretation stainless steel insert commemorating history and heritage associated with the River Picnic areas with low key interpretation Explore establishing a riverside public art program to interpret historic themes and former sites along the river
Source Material PLDC Archives
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
NDHAG Collections
Mrs Charles Meredith, Notes and Sketches of New South Wales: during a residence in that colony from 1839 to 1844
Imagery PLDC Archives
Penrith City Council Local Studies Collection
NDHAG Collections
Art Gallery NSW
National Art Gallery
Mitchell Library
National Library of Australia
Cultural Landscape—Interpretation Initiatives
Key Considerations Much of the former cultural landscape has been significantly altered due to mining activity. Future residential planning and development should respect the former rural character of the landscape and seek opportunities to enhance the cultural and natural landscape. Concept Former cultural landscape original east west grant and portion boundaries reinstated with fencelines, where practical. Areas of historic plantings reinstated including orchard areas, vegetables, crops and grazing paddocks. Interpretive Themes Living at Castlereagh Shaping the Land Interpretive Initiatives Brochure with imagery and text Discrete signage incorporating text and imagery at entry to site and outside individual buildings Ground inlays to interpret original grant and portion alignments Select historic plantings reinstated such as orchard areas, vegetable crops and grazing paddocks Incorporated into scheme wide heritage trail, ground inlays along heritage trial indicate the location of grant boundaries and properties with text and surface treatments Website—Virtual visit Source Material Penrith Lakes Oral History Penrith Council Local Studies Collection Carol Liston Research Towards A History of Castlereagh to 1906
Imagery Penrith Council Local Studies Collection Penrith Lakes Development Corporation archives including photographic recordings
Appendix B Interpretive Image Database
Penrith Lakes Interpretation Strategy—Interpretive Resources
Subject/Image Reference Source Sighted Comments Thumbnail
Gruner E, Morning Light Emu Plains Art Gallery of NSW No 1916
Gruner E, Spring Frost Emu Plains Art Gallery of NSW No 1919
Gruner E, Private Haystacks Private Collection No Hawkesbury Landscape 1927
Hinder F, River Bank 2, Emu Plains Art Gallery of NSW No 1947
Piguenit WC, The Upper Nepean Art Gallery of NSW No 1888
Streeton A, Carisbrooke c1910 Art Gallery of NSW No
Bichebois LPA, Confluent de la National Library of Australia No Nepean et du Waragamba Nouvelle Galles meridionale 1837 nla.pic- an13174220
Lycett J, View upon the Nepean River National Library of Australia No at the Cow Pastures NSW 1825 nla.pic-an7690933
Nouvelle Galles vue du Bassin North National Library of Australia No sur le cours de la riviere Nepean 1828
Nouvelle-Hollande Port Jackson National Library of Australia No saquvages des environs de la Riviere Nepean 1822 nla.pic-an9032042
Sabatier LJB, Cours de la Nepean au National Library of Australia No dessous de l'habitation M Mac-Arthur Camden Shire Nouvelle Galles meridionale 1837 nla.pic-an13174502
Saunders E, Portrait of Dame Mary National Library of Australia No Gilmore 1931 nla.pic-an6054503
Stanley CE, Ferry on the Nepean National Library of Australia No Near Penrith August 8 1847 nla.pic- an2082534
Sydney Bushwalker Reunion Camp National Library of Australia No Nepean River 1940 nla.pic- an98885825-3
A Flood at early Penrith sketched from Penrith City Library Local Studies No the Western Road Collection
Bell Tower Castlereagh Uniting Penrith City Library Local Studies No Church Upper Castlereagh 2001 02- Collection 002800
Castlereagh Methodist Church & Hall Penrith City Library Local Studies No Castlereagh 1936 02-002754 Collection
Christ Church Anglican Church Penrith City Library Local Studies No Castlereagh HS1986-C012 Collection
Church Hall Upper Castlereagh 1986 Penrith City Library Local Studies No HS1986-UC002 Collection
Exhumation of John Lees 1921 002- Penrith City Library Local Studies No 002622 Collection
Farm buildings on the Minnaville Penrith City Library Local Studies No property 1990s 002-002601 Collection
Former Upper Castlereagh School Penrith City Library Local Studies No and Residence Castlereagh Road Collection 1986 HS1986-UC003
McCarthys Cemetery Cranebrook Penrith City Library Local Studies No 1986 HS1986-CR010A Collection
McCarthys Cemetery Cranebrook Penrith City Library Local Studies No HS1986-CR10 Collection
Memorial to John Lees at the Penrith City Library Local Studies No Castlereagh Uniting Church Collection
Methodist Church Castlereagh 1980s Penrith City Library Local Studies No 002-002650 Collection
Minnaville Homestead 1990s 002- Penrith City Library Local Studies No 002600 Collection
Parkers Slaughter Yard Castlereagh Penrith City Library Local Studies No Rd Castlereagh 1986 HS1986-UC006 Collection
Queen Nellie Penrith City Library Local Studies No Collection
River plains of Castlereagh 1986 Penrith City Library Local Studies No HS1986-C017 Collection
Ruins of the Pise House Church Lane Penrith City Library Local Studies No Castlereagh 1986 HS1986-C013 Collection
Uniting Church and Cemetery Upper Penrith City Library Local Studies No Castlereagh HS1986-UCC001 Collection
Victorian farmhouse Castlreagh Rd Penrith City Library Local Studies No Castlereagh HS1986-C005 Collection
Castlereagh Road Culvert at 5.6 GPO State Library of NSW No 1-03517
Dame Mary Gilmore portraits 1865– State Library of NSW No 1961 PXD 905-1-130 Box 1
Dame Mary Gilmore portraits 1865– State Library of NSW No 1961 No. 2 PX 905-1-130 Box 1
Emu Ferry Great Western Road PL State Library of NSW No PX 24
Five Men in a Boat Nepean River State Library of NSW No GPO 1-05508
Gill ST, Falls on South Creek near State Library of NSW No Penrith NSW in JT Doyle's Sketches in Australia
GPS Regatta at Penrith Nepean River State Library of NSW No Home and Away—30450
Great Public Schools Head of the State Library of NSW No River races on the Nepean River GPO 1-47939
Head of the River on the Nepean at State Library of NSW No Penrith Home and Away—1665
Interstate Boat Race on the Nepean State Library of NSW No River Home and Away—12222
Interstate Boat Race on the Nepean State Library of NSW No River Home and Away—12223
Interstate Boat Race on the Nepean State Library of NSW No River Home and Away—12224
Looking west over Nepean River Gt State Library of NSW No Western Highway GPO 1-07242
Martens C, View on the Nepean State Library of NSW No above Mulgoa c1850 DL PXX 30
Martens C, View on the Nepean River State Library of NSW No PL PX 24
'Nellie' last of Nepean tribe of State Library of NSW No Aborigines 1890 GPO 1—14135
Nepean River Below the Weir GPO-1 State Library of NSW No 18250
Nepean River from Bridge at Penrith State Library of NSW No GPO 1-02498
Nepean River from Bridge at Penrith State Library of NSW No GPO 1-02498
Pellion Alphonse, Drawings of State Library of NSW No Australian Aborigines a346007
Pellion Alphonse, Drawings of State Library of NSW No Australian Aborigines Tara and Perva PXD 323-1
Pellion Alphonse, Sauvages de la State Library of NSW No Nouvelle Galles du Sud d'apres nature dans leur Camp pres de Sidney 20 Dec 1819 SV-118
Tent Nepean River GPO 1-05506 State Library of NSW No
Training Camp Castlereagh GPO 1- State Library of NSW No 04197
Training Camp Castlereagh GPO 1- State Library of NSW No 04202
Training Camp Castlereagh GPO 1- State Library of NSW No 04208
Two Boats Nepean River GPO 1- State Library of NSW No 05504
View upon the Nepean River at the State Library of NSW No Cow Pastures GPO-08895
Westmacott RM, Album Drawings of State Library of NSW No Sydney and NSW f.2. On the River Nepean NSW ZDL PZ 53
Westmacott RM, Album Drawings of State Library of NSW No Sydney and NSW f.14b Nepean River ZDL PZ 53
Westmacott RM, Album Drawings of State Library of NSW No Sydney and NSW f.15 River Nepean ZDL PZ 53
Charles Troedel & Co. The Black Hole State Library of Victoria No Nepean River 1878 pb000795
Crossing Nepean River near Nepean State Library of Victoria No Towers 1878 pb000786
The Nepean River 1889 mp000316 State Library of Victoria No
The Nepean River 1889 mp000319 State Library of Victoria No
Martens C, Bents Basin Nepean River Historic Houses Trust of NSW No 1835
Aborigines, Australia Nepean Area Illawarra Images Collection No Aboriginal Shelder P13-P13917
Aborigines, Australia Nepean River Illawarra Images Collection No area Charcoal outline of a tortoise P13-P13921
Martens C, Scene on the Nepean State Library of Tasmania No River n.d. AUTAS001124067430
No
No
No
No
No
No
Robert Stewart, 2nd Marquess of National Portrait Gallery, London No Londonderry (Lord Castlereagh) by Sir Thomas Lawrence NPG 891 oil on canvas, 1809-1810 www.npg.org.uk/live/search.portrait 29 1/4 in. x 24 1/4 in. (743 mm x 616 mm) Purchased, 1892 On display in Room 20 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 1141 Robert Stewart, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry (Lord Castlereagh) National Portrait Gallery, London by George Dance www.npg.org.uk/live/search pencil, 1794 10 in. x 7 1/4 in. (254 mm x 184 mm) Purchased, 1898 Primary Collection
CASTLEREAGH] ANON. Portrait of Hordern House Viscount Castlereagh K.G. Engraving, 120 x 90 mm.; fine. N.p., www.hordern.com/webcatalogue circa, 1815. Ref (908/537)
No
Appendix C Press cuttings reflecting contemporary community values
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Secretary:Marilyn Jones(02) 4733 1349 (Phone/Fax) PO Box 239 PenrithNSW 2751
A 4th
A Time 10 Mourn is the title give.n to a weekend to be held at Castlereagh Hall, Castlereagh Road, Castlerer.gh on the 4 I h and Slh of July, 1998. We will be losing historic farmhouses, prime agricultural land and further degradation of the Nepean River will occur. Castlerea.gn is one of the original five Macquarie towns. Its. fertile floodplain farmlands which have been worked for productive agriculture since first European settlement of Australia will disappear forever. Historic farmhouses and outbuildings will be demolished so that sand and gravel can be mined for the short term building development of Sydney.
Descendants of colonial families of the Casttereagh district near Penrith and the Austrati&n people COl::-:: ;<.3(; cn~ v-: :t~ richest historical areas of early European settlement dating b a c k t 0 1 8 0 3 i f Pen r i t h L a k e ~ D eve lop men t Cor p 0 rat i '0 n ' s fourth Development Ap."licatlon is approved by Hon. Craig Knowles, Minister for Urban Aff~irs and PJanning. The N e pea n D i sir i c I Hi.f lor i c a! So c i e / y, N ep e an Fa mil y Hi.ftory Soci~,y Inc.. Friends of Nepean IHc.. descendan.+:s of
~~~ ~i
SATURDAY 4th & SUNDAY 5th July 1998 , 1,astlereagh, the birthplace of many Australian families is about to be mined! ~omealong to CastlereaghHall, CastlereaghRoad, Castlereagh (betweenPenrith & Richmond)Saturday 10 am - 9pm & Sunday 10.00 am- 5 pm. Be infonned of the history, culture and issuesof this unique area. Organizedby the NepeanDistrict Historical Society - NepeanFamily History Society Inc. - FriendsofNepean Inc. - Descendantsof early settlersand the local DharugAboriginal people.
. Displays,Activities, stalls . SausageSizzle . DevonshireTeas . Art Display & Sales . Information Videos . Guestspeakers . PonyRides (Saturdayonly) . Free Concert(Saturday 6PM) . Tracing and recordingof family histories . Storytelling,Aboriginal ceremoniesand dance3PM Saturday . Tours of Castlereagh(Sunday) Bus Shuttle to and from Penrith Station on the hour (from 10.00am ) Late bus at 9pm at closure of Concert Membersof the generalpublic are invited to brmg alongphotos, paintings, family historiesor items of interestrelevant to Castlereaghfor display.Any donatedhistorical itemsor family historieswill contributeto the preservationof Castlereagh history. Oral history recordingavailable. TeD your Castlereagh story
Contacts Marilyn Jones (02) 4733 1349 JohnPhillips 0411 826055(mobile) Pam Moore (02) 47393078
" " "-." -""-.""'-' "...".-. ,....". .."... MONDAY. ~H 16. 1998 With 13 propertiesnow under its wing, has the Historic Houses Trust bitten off more than" it can" chew?"-" No, says" director"-." " " known. We had to respect their views but do what we thought right with boldness and the confidence appro- PeterWatts, although,as he tells GERALDINEO'BRIEN, he priate to the place. I think we did it does haveto stop himself referring, " to "the,.,.,., halcyon,., days". wcll bccausc wc had thc maturity and " confidence ..." One original critic of the decision to hand Government House to the P ETER Watts, dircctor of determined lobbying by the ".:;ricnds trust admitted this week that "it's just the NSW Historic Houses of First Government House", The site Trust, draws a deep was decreed to be historically signifi- a joy since they took it over. Before it breath. MSince 1988," he cant, and although its archaeological was dreary, Beard Watson-ed to says, Mwe've had the remains (all that had survived) had to death, and all the good things were in Museum of Sydncy, Hydc bc covered over and there was the garagc. Now it's a fascinating Park Barracks, thc Justicc and Policc precious little else to stock a museum plilcc to visit." Muscum, Govcrnmcnt Housc, thc with, and the trust in 1985 recom- Watts admits, though, that thc tru~t Rosc Scidlcr house, thc Walter Ilurlcy mended to the then government that i!; !;till trying to find a "ncw model" Griffin housc project and the Mint there shouldn't be a museum on the added to our portfolio... " for this special place which nceds to site, "govcrnments on both sides include vicc-regal functions, an edu. Then there were the exhibitions wanted it", Watts says. "They cation program, community visits and running concurrently - Flower Fair- functions, and exhibitions and - ies at Elizabeth Bay House, Convjct since the Governor has to approve Love Tokens at the Mint, Ferdinand every function held there and most Raucr at thc Muscum of Sydney and nccd to bc catercd for - it is Tattoos at thc Justice and Policc definitcly not, he says, "a normal ~uscum Mas wcll as Festival of 'Critics, bothoutside and museum". Still, last Friday, as the !dney activities at Govcrnmcnt Premicr welcomed the 250,OOOth .louse and [the American glass artist] insidethe trust, still visitor to Government House, hc Dale Chihuly at Government House". refer to the Museumof doubtless thought it was worth wear- A hefty program, by any standards, ing the initial outcry about "chucking and it raises the question of whether the Governor out". the trust has bitten off more than it Sydneyas "the Bridge can gracefully chew - a Q.uestion Askcd to list some of its achicve- StreetTitanic" or the mcnts, Watts says "the trust has been asked both insidc and outsldc thc very good at pushing boundarics . . . organisation. No, says Watts. MWc've "Museumof Stairs".~J the Walter Burlcy Griffin housc [at finally got our act togcthcr in terms of Castlecrag, where the trust restored long-term planning. Virtually [from its foundatIon in 1980]until last year, the house and commissioned a new house on the sub-divided block to pay we were always chasing our tail and moving on to the next new project, wanted it but couldn't articulate what for it] was a terrific experiment I'd there was no time to get the system they wanted, and we had to, though love to repeat it. Long term I'd love to working wcll." there was no collection. We created a havc a scparatc division doing those on a commercial basis for some of The trust began with an Act of museum to explore the symbolic values of the site and that's a very those difficult, problem places gov- Parliamcnt appointing it caretaker of crnmcnts have in their property Elizabcth Bay Housc (until thcn difficult thing to do; we're still struggling, but now we're developing portfolio. earmarked for a lord mayoral resi- '" think we'realso good at looking dence), rapidly had Vaucluse House a constituency interested in what (then run by a community trust) we're trying to do, it's settling down at different ways of dealing with added, with Watts as fIrst director and has the chance to be successful. properties - for example at Hyde running MI5 or 20" staff from Ma "The way we're dealing with Park Barracks where we separated the ~oom cupboard in the Premier's Aboriginal issues is respected in the museum infrastructure from the his- torical building - that's followed in ~partment". Aboriginal community. And wc'rc Life is considcrably enlargcd now, dealing with the history of Sydney, other historic buildings now. with thc trust headquarters at Linde- Sydney as a place, including contem- "ThC!) at Elil.ahcth Fann wc'vc used say about to be exchanged for the porary issueswhich other institutions fake (rurniture] while at Meroogal or Macquarie Street Mint - taken from aren't dealing with." Rouse Hill HoU-.-;ewe've adopted the the Powerhouseto the intensechagrin Critics, both outside and inside the othe~ extreme of pure preservation, of its director, Terence Measham - a trust, however, still refer to it as "the pu!il1lngpreservation to its absolutelimit staff of 150, and a busy exhibitions Bridge Street litanic", or - in . . . what we'vc done best is to deal with and publications schcdule. reference to its architectural short- coming.'ias a museum - "the Muscum dirrercnt propcrtics in different ways. But Watts - intensc and prorcs- ~'Causeof what each placc saysto us." sional, but not a natural bureaucrat or of Stairs". Il'i very role as a "museum of idc.ts" is hotly debated in a clash of Watts puts in long days, at least8 am political player - isn't cnamourcd of to 7 pm, then most nights at homc the way things are. Mlt used to be so cultures which,' in one reportcdly spectacular eruption, had the MoS "some sort of reading" and on easyto get things done becausewe were wcekends at least one property open a tiny organisation.But inevjtably as we curator, Dr Peter Emmett, yelling at the devoutly traditionalist Dr Ja mes day or event With three children he get bigger, it has becomc more "trics" to keep time for family, but it's complicated. .. with 13 remote sites, Broadbent: "But I don't give a f --- about your bloody governors!" not always possiblc. So, what drives you've got to have formal meetingsand him so hard? Are there rewards? proccdures. Therc's no lon~er thc It is a tribute to Watts's tact, luxury of going to propertIes and generosity and the respect hc engcn- "Oh, huge reward!;, huge rewards," working out on an informal basiswhat ders that hc is able to hold two such he replies instantly. "A lot of thc stuff I the directions should be. It irritatcs mc wildly opposite personalities .tnd dcal with is absolutely fascinating... cvery day, and I have to stop mysclf programs within the trust. hcautiful objects,or wonderful places.I referring to 'the halcyon days'." With Government House dropped work in the most beautiful environ- Recent days have been less hal- into the trust's lap with minimal ment I've never lost the sense of cyon, in part due to ~Iitical decisions notice, the problem lay not in the privilege I've had... to walk into a which foisted two difficult properties museological approach - "the con- property after hours, whether it's on the trust: Government House and servation was easy, could do it on our Vaucluse House or Government MoS - or to give it its full, unusable heads by that time"; the problem was l:iousc, yo~ might get there at 8 pm and title, the Museum of Sydney on the that "we were dealing with a political SItdown wIth the staff and have a drink Site of First Government House. issue: every constituency within the . . . it's a wonderful feeling. There's a The latter site, long buried under a heritage community had forceful hugc senseof achicvement,and I've got car park, had been saved following views about it, and they made them a fabulous team." ~ With 13 ~ properties.-.~." ~ now under..."... its ~~...~ wing,'.-'.~ has the Historic~ Houses~..~ ...~ MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1998 .:
"~ Trust " bitten off more than~...~ it can~..~ chew? No, says director.~. ". known, We had to respect their views but do what we thought right with Peter".".." Watts," although,~ as he tells" GERALDINEO'BRIEN, ".. he boldness and the confidence appro- " " , , priate to the place, I think we did it well becausewc had the maturity and confidence"," One original critic of the decision to hand Government House to the P ETER Watts, director of determined lobbying by the "Pricnds trust admitted this week that "it's just the NSW Historic Houses of First Government House", The site Trust, draws a deep was decreed to be historically signifi- a joy since they took it over. Before it breath. "Since 1988," he cant, and although its archaeological was dreary, Beard Watson-ed to says, "we've had the remains (all that had survived) had to death, and all the good things were in Museum of Sydney, Hyde be covered over and there was the garage, Now it's a fascinating Park Barracks, the Justice and Police precious little else to stock a museum place to visit," Museum, Government House. the with, and the trust in 1985 recom- Wiltls admits, though, that the trU!it RoseSeidler house, thc Walter nurlcy mended to the then government that is still trying to find a "new model" Griffin house projcct and the Mint thcre shouldn't bc a museum on the added to our portfolio... " for this special place which needs lo site, "govcrnmcnts on both sides include vice-regal functions, an edu- Then there were the exhibitions wanted it", Watts says, "They cation program, community visits and running concurrently- Flower Fair- functions, and exhibitions and - ies at Elizabeth Bay House, Convict since the Governor has to approve Love Tokens at the Mint, Ferdinand every function held there and most Bauer at the Muscum of Sydney and need to bc catered for - it is Tattoos ,it thc Justicc and I'olicc definitely not, he says, "a norm..1 ~useum ''as wcll as Festival of 'Critics, both outsideand museum", Still, last I'riday, a!i the (dney activities at Government Premier welcomed the 250,OOOth . louse and [the American glass artist) insidethe trust, still visitor to Government House, he Dale Chihuly at Government House". refer to the Museumof doubtless thought it was worth wear- A hefty program, by any standards, ing the initial outcry about "chucking and it raises the question of whether the Governor out". the trust has bitten off more than it Sydneyas "the Bridge can gracefully chew - a question Asked to list some of its achieve- StreetTitanic" or the ments, Watts says "the trust has been asked both inside and outside the very good at pushing boundaries. . . organisation. No, says Watts. "We've "Museumof Stairs".~ finally got our act togethcr in terms of the Walter Burley Griffin house (at Castlecrag, where the trust restored long-term planning. Virtually [from its foundation in 1980]until last year, the house and commissioned a new we were always chasing our tail and house on the sub-divided block to pay moving on to the next new project, wanted it but couldn't articulate what for it) was a terrific experiment rd there was no time to get the system they wanted, and we had to, though love to repeat it Long term rd love to working well." there was no collection, We created a have a separate division doing those on a commercial basis for some of The trust began with an Act of museum to explore the symbolic values of the site and that's a very those difficult, problem places gov- Parliamcnt appointing it caretaker of ernmcnts have in their property Elizabeth Bay House (until then difficult thing to do; we're still struggling, but now wc'rc developing portfolio, earmarked for a lord mayoral resi- ..I think we're also good at looking dence), rapidly had Vaucluse House a constituency interested in what (then run by a community trust) we're trying to do, it's settling down at different ways of dealing with added, with Watts as first director and has the chance to be successful, properties - for example at Hyde running "15 or 20" staff from "a "The way we're dealing with Park Barracks where we separatedthe ~oom cupboard in the Premier's Aboriginal issues is respected in the museum infrastructure from the his- ~partmcnt". Aboriginal community, And wc'rc torical building - that's followed in Lirc is considerably enlargcd now, dealing with the history of Sydney, other historic buildings now. with the trust headquarters at Lindc- Sydney as a place, including contem- "ThC!) at 1~lizahcthFann wc'vc used say about to be exchanged for the porary issueswhich other institutions f,lkc (furniture) while at Mcroogal or Macquarie Street Mint - taken from aren't dealing with," Rouse Hill House we've adopted the the Powerhouseto the intense chagrin Critics, both outside and inside the other extreme of pure preservation of its director, Terence Measham - a trust, however, still refer to it as "the Bridge Street 1itanic", or - in pushingpreservation to its absolutelimit staff of 150, and a busy exhibitions ... what we've done best is to deal with and publications schedule. reference to its architectural short- different properties in difTercnt ways, nut Watts - intense and prorcs- coming.'ias a muscum - "thc Museum becauseof whilt cacll place saysto us." sional,but not a naturalbureaucrdt or of Stairs". Its very role as a "muscum of political player isn' enamoured of idcas" is hotly debated in a clash of Watts puts in long days,at least8 am - to 7 pm, thcn most nights at home the way things are. "It used to be so cultures which,' in one reportedly spectacular eruption, had the MoS "some sort of reading" and on easyto get thin~ done becausewe were weekends at least one property open a tiny organisation,But inevitably as we curator, Dr PeterEmmett, yelling at the devoutly traditionalist Dr James day or event With three children he get bigger, it has become more "tries" to keep time for family, but it's complicated. .. with 13 rcmote sites, Broadbent: "But I don't give a f --- about your bloody governors!" not always possible. So, what drives you've got to have formal meetingsand him so hard? Are there rewards? procedures. There's no lon~er the It is a tribute to Watts's tact. luxury or going to pro~rtlCS and generosity and the respect hc cngcn- "Oh, huge rcward~, huge rewards," working out on an informal basis what ders that hc is able to hold two such hc replies in!ilantly, "A lot of the stuff I the directions should be. It irritates me wildly opposite personalities and de.11with is absolutely fascinating.., every day, and 1 have to stop myself programs within the trust, beautiful objects,or wondcrful places.I referring to 'the halcyon days'," With Government House dropped work in the most beautiful environ- Recent days have been less hal- into the trust's lap with minimal ment. I've never lost the sense of cyon, in part due to ~litical decisions notice, the problem lay not in the privilege rve had,., to walk into a which foisted two difficult properties museological approach - "the con- property after hours, whether it's on the trust: Government House and servation was easy, could do it on our Vaucluse House or Government MoS - or to give it its full, unusable heads by that time"; the problem was ~ouse, yo~ might get there at 8 pm and title, the Museum of Sydney on the that "we were dealing with a political SItdown WIththe staff and have a drink Site of First Government House, issue: every constituency within the , ,. it's a wonderful feeling,There's a The latter site, long buried under a heritage community had forceful huge senseof achievement,and rve got car park, had iJeen saved following views about it, and they made them a fabulous team."
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by ElLEN MciNTOSH I WESTERN Sydney was one of the first areasof \vhite settlementin Aust- ralia, but in a country so young there is little left of the past. Saving it is the mission or a group of amateur historians from Blacktown to Springwood. I
The Western Sydney I Heritage Commiltee will ~ hold a day convention on
Salurday to introduce the organisation 10 the public ~; ':,.~~ ii;~ and discuss the old - and ,~~~
very old - in the west. I
Historic Mamre Home- I '(I ste;d :aillw~.t~e v~nu~ Giving the past a future Barbara Higginson (Nepean and Sprin;;Wood t r:e ' I d lt a lf!! ea s ar Historical Societies), Betty McGrath (Windsor Family History Group), Norma ,';,6-~",,' I, ~t. (~p.::lkers IS mguis Ie Ine-llp 0 ..t-InO rburn (St Marys an d D.ISlricts . H.Istonca - I Soc.lety, ) D ..Imlty M ac k -Ie ( Prospect
Inspe~tions of the his- Trust), Hazel Magann (Black town and Districts Historical Society) and Rosemary
toric homestead will be Anderson (Mamre Homestead) rh O ' bId I h' ,..- {$t available and there will be a . 8 ' ,.,.~ site inspectionin the after- ~estoratlon,oIStOriC III - ~ In loca IstO~ count,ry with I, ..Jston
noon which includes Abor- mgs and sites. Many young people are's stretch.
" l iginal sites. Australian history is no unaware of historic build- 0 t..1amre Homestead is on
Blacktown and Districts longer incl~ded in primary ings, even in their own Mamre Rd, St Marys. The ~ HistoricalIlazel MagannSociety saidmember the school And currIculum.by the time yollng ( neighbourhOOdS.stance, Ca~llere:lgh ror, Rd in-at includinglOam convention morning costs $20.and
community needed to sup- people reach high ~chlK)I. l'l:nrith I.akl:~ Schl:me is afiemOl'" tea; phOl\e Ilazel
port the hc:ritage listing and historians lear they lu!iC .he third oldesl ro:ld in the Magann (02) 9628 1598.
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3 p"",. Ji'"Jq9..~ ~e6,.,,°':9" f ..9,97 fT0- a .K~ J~~~1f9 ~ J~ ~ CJ,.6~II:tiq¥: lIle- I-e&l;o.,cah6n- rf t/re 1 tV4 7 vKret/,o~"-f; &Iu~ fn,;/t; on l/~ sil,.e- r/ t/1e- JIiw-f; l6nd and &~apJ c9'"0~ 1.0-t-k J~ iff Je&'Iw~ .../~~ion4-u:¥' Ify
& UlILm' &olJu,.. -:t:eeB on 7t/i, 19cL;o~ 1917.
Gloster Ud~ -The Upper Room, PO Box 6952 Parramatta Business Centre 2150 or Phone (02) 96300688; Fax (02) 9630 0815 Friday 31st January, 1997 by , LOCA nON: CastlereaghChapel is on the CastlereaghRoad approximately6 kms North West of Penrith.
************-**************************************.-.*...******...**.-.**************** ***...*.-.**************** HISTORIC DATES OF PERSONS INVOLVED
. Ma~ Stevens transported for 7 years, arrived in Colony on 17th June, 1801 on "Earl Cornwallis" .
arrived in the Colony on 10th June, 1815 on "Hebe"
*********************************** LEASE FOR 99 YEARS The historicproperty has been leased by the Uniting Church for 99 years to the Australian Upper Room on condition that the 3rd Chapef (1847), Church Hall (1863) and cemetery (1821) are restored - and that an Academy or Retreat Centre is built on adjoining land.
*********************************** Personal gifts to the Upper Room are receipted by the: ~ational Trust of Australia (NSW) Castlereagh Wesle~an Church and Cemetery Restoration Fund. '6'61 47 321598 1.J/OI ~7 13:25
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Phone: (047) 32 2600 Editorial Fax No: (047) 32 1598 Advertising Fax No: (047 31 21 53
1"h. in/~'iO'\ ~~in~~ in ,t Gocs',,:,il~.(lnclu'!"'K ""~c;,menl$) ~y t., p""I~~d and con/iJ,,",'iIIl.';;'., \n\R'Kh<1ri>4:JLI~ .,( ,h~ C(j(II~"r. II. ex"rco...IV 1'f,..III"'I"d
lUre in coTitrol'tng Dluc green aI~~ """\1\1"11. -- '--.I r;~;-" .&..- nr'2ntc m~'IP. 10\"Ctnvt-.mnr Kint! in June 1803 to soldiers in J-.. 1'/0.1 'g7 1':28 eel 47 "215~8
PUBLIC MEETlN G AT CASTLEREAGH HALL, CASTLEREAGH ON WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY AT 7.30 PM INFORMATION(047) 33 1349
. With se...erebudget coJ)Suaints it is imperative that potential onerous obligations should be avoided particularly at the cost of the loss of heritage buildings and original farmstea~; A public Jl meetin. On held at aU est1 nesda 29 anua at 7.30 om.to - ~i~~~ues. There will be speakerson the dangersof blue green algae..the environ- ment and heritagematters" The Meetjng is being held wilh"the supportand encouragementof the Penrith City Council and witl be~a~~Y~~~~~~~~ ri-
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~ . rlc by GAR. KAVANAGH PENRITH residents have little idea of the historical significance of the area, a meeting P~ Council was told. .enev~r I take people round the -- Nepean
~ ~ -~ Societymembers met for afternoontea on Monday with Mayor RossFowler. deputy mayor Kevin Dwyer and other
Mrs Parr said the historical society was initiating stronger moves to reach people through education and eventsplanned for
teachersand students to local history and a major drive will go aheadto raisefunds for a new shingleroof for the Anns of Australia Inn.
Penrith," schools - - --- Sydney,The societyrather than is also take them for .a walk: people around to Penrith."pass on
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by SUE OSBORNE ! CASTLEREAGH Rd and its houses should be saved as a historic tourism drive, and not immersed in water by Penrith Lakes Scheme, president of Nepean District His- i torical Society Lorna Parr said. When the Lakes Scheme is finished. Cistlem8l\ Rd, one of the oldcsltholOuah- fares in the am. will disappear under a huJO lake. ~Thereare a 101of old housesalons lbere wonh preservins."Mn Parr said. ~II -~uld be lIice to be able 10 lake our children 10... real old houses,nol just look at phOIOaraphl.~ She also wants10 preserveMinnaville. one of the - historicpropenies in Ihe ara. "CastJerea8l\is the old... settlemelltin Lorna Porr outside Pudclonook. one of IfIo historic properties she wants pres.rved on tho Penrith lokes Schemesite A : Pellrilband of its hislory alld eharao- -.. "It would be nice to be oble 10 toke our children 10 see fOol old houses" ' tor hasalJady - been lost. - . . I . - - -,~ II au..,=nousc, _L.-~ , rt h y . S PENRffH C-eillor ICe"lI Cnmerl has fOIuliaJ," MI c.._n . said. ~We sll.ad wallt opportunIties Minllaville to ma e reserved su mISSIOns. tben /f Ib .L- U'Cy k b " houoeandDameMaryO~mOQrSlrceshave ---Isedasite I.s-:"- forCOU8ci11.-sto alsoi..lle tile Mi8lS1erto -- aUlla.. a _L , lOnealready. We are Iosilll so much:' -.- ro.- "...ou Id d0 th II.. P '" , ey I M Parr 'd $be beI'ved the I k IHwllatlsleflofllistorylnthelak look at wllat-. lIa.., ~Atlhe moment Mlnnaville IS to be ~e -":menl wasleno( --:..: He also waals the DeWS- PluaiDC SItes that orin be retain" wllea tile deslroyed some time in the next five years." with tbe lIistOry of !be area. MiDlsl# to ~ wut re8a/ns ef lIistOft- P..rltIlLak.. Scheme i. 6111 laelude !n ~ subm~ to coulleil, the sci?""'e "Of 6511istoricsit.. foulld ina study only eaI .Ianifi In the Hadley Part, NepeaD Put, MtCutlly's said It would hIre COJ\sultantsto .-nte a six are 10 be preserved, and sOmeofillose "We sho8ld be rosterinC ... """ ~,IM Methodist eli_cia, lIail and report for lbe Minister on MinoaviD.. or are church.. Ind cemeteri.., which they lbJ.p fa - _Ibatmlcht lIaoe t-a eemetery aDd the old scllootaDd resldeSIce. Han:is CO\!a&e'as the am is":,so known. haveDO choice over." . . MlnnaVJnehas beea cl~fied by Ibe ~, Oeorae (;)'ford from Nepean "Some of the pllCC$ a~very coIilpsed ~ewhalever history it could iD lhe ,:,au.ooal Trusl, althouall IbIS has no Iesal District HiSIoricaI A~ Group said an.d ~ and can't be saved aDyway," he area. - SlanulCa,!ce.. . " some'of lbO.c65 sites"re nothilll more SlId.. '. "A process has already talcen place Mr 5tallltOll said he believed I~ were a than fouDdatjoM, tracts, I8ndSCl'pesand "Many of tbem have already diSlppesred 'whereby peoplecould Put in submiSsioasto ranse of vjews on whal properties were t'-.- The IfouP has been ~ bytbe laic.. TheresiDccthe historicaln't 65sit.. surveyleft" was do,," i,! J981. the"We Department- whateverof PlaDDiDI.- "are heinstructed Slid. nolosianirlCant and worth savinc and what was schemeto recordin wordsand PhOlOlraphs Pearilh Lakes chief executi.e Ian to by Ibe depertmenl. ~ ~NoIbina of historical silnirlCancc has tbe hiSloryof!be area. 51liDIon said Ibe scbeme was keen to .-The historical society have had aone.~ Manager, ., Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, 565Penrith. High2750. Street, . .
Dear Sir, . Re: "Minnaville", Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh. ~'!:-_-~- ---~ . . As you are possibly aware, this property has been classified by the National Trust. The Histori- cal Society is very pleased with this move by the Trust to acknowledge the historical signifi- cance of Minnaville. .
The grant as you know was made to John Harris' and there is record of him being there in 1806 and again record of his being there in 1810. It is possible that this house or part of it, is the oldest building at Castlereagh.
andAlthough the early the housesettlement has beenof Castlereagh, altered quite an extensively important district it is still last a remindercentury. of the Harris. family
We do hopethat you see fit to preserve this property as an historical monument to early Cas- tlereagh.
Yours sincerely,
.~~ NQtv--- 40 -,.s~ ~ Lorna Parr ~ c:l,-~fw-:6 .~ tOu I~.,., IU~ . ~f~ . Archives Officer. ~ et p .~ ~ 1.J..t..,.R.J..:f..-t to i ~
<~~~t;~" J . . . -~~~'f .
Appendix D Geographical Names Board Brochures
Commemorative naming Many councils and local communities seek to recognise the work and activities of community volunteers through commemorative naming of a geographical place or feature. Although the use of names of living persons is not encouraged, we give due consideration to all proposals put forward by councils and community leaders to recognise the Geographical work of valued community members. Names Board Get involved Preserving the history, culture We welcome suggestions for new place names and we have produced a naming proposal form to and identity of New South Wales assist you in collecting the necessary information for a proposal. For a copy of this form, look on our website, contact the address on the back of this brochure, or visit our Bathurst office. Please note that all proposals need to have the support of your local council. Preserving our heritage For nearly 40 years, the Geographical Names Board has maintained the integrity of records relating to place and geographical names in New South Wales. We are proud to administer an information system up the ground from Reliable that, in years to come, will continue to form an important part of the historic fabric of our State. The Secretary Want more information? Geographical Names Board Our staff are pleased to assist with any inquiry about Department of Lands current or historical place names. If you would like 346 Panorama Avenue (PO Box 143) further information, please contact us via the details BATHURST NSW 2795 on the back of this brochure. T 02 6332 8214 F 02 6332 8217 E [email protected] www.gnb.nsw.gov.au © 2004 NSW Department of Lands Our role Geographical Names Register. All of our records are It allows for signposts, maps and directories to The Geographical Names Board of New South carefully maintained and are readily accessible to the feature both names. Wales was established in 1966 as the official body public via our website on www.gnb.nsw.gov.au The policy does not apply to suburbs, towns or streets. for naming and recording details of places and Recognising our cultural heritage geographical names in New South Wales (NSW). Determining suburbs and localities The New South Wales Government is committed An address locality is a division of the landscape Under the Geographical Names Act 1966, we to recognising the Indigenous and European that has defined limits - a suburb in urban areas, have the power to assign names to places; to cultural heritage of our State. Our community- or a locality in rural areas. It is the legal name that investigate and determine the form, spelling, driven dual naming program enables the attribution is used as the last line of a street address with a meaning, pronunciation, origin and history of of Indigenous place names to physical and corresponding postcode. any geographical name; and to determine the environmental features which already have an One of our statutory responsibilities is to determine application of each name with regard to position, official name. extent or other reference. definitive boundaries and localities throughout The use of Indigenous Australian place names in NSW. Given that local residents are one of the most What is a “place”? NSW has been favoured since colonial times. significant users of suburb and locality names, we Within the Act, a place is described as “any In 1828, the Surveyor General, Thomas Mitchell, work closely with local councils when defining geographical or topographical feature or any established guiding principles which recognised boundaries to ensure that names are appropriate district, division, locality, region, city, town, village, the preference for the adoption of Indigenous place for the given area. settlement, railway station or any other place within names. This principle was later acknowledged, the territories and waters of the State of New South following Federation, by the Australasian Surveyors Naming of roads Wales but does not include any road, any local General, and forms part of today’s geographical Road names are an important navigation and reference government area, county district under the Local naming guidelines. tool across a variety of professional and recreational Government Act, electoral district or subdivision.” groups. Due to the importance of accurate road naming Dual Naming records, we are involved in the road naming process Keeping a record The NSW Government announced in June 2001 to ensure that duplication is avoided and approved We maintain a record of all New South Wales a Dual Naming policy for geographical features proposals are accurately recorded. and cultural sites. geographical names in a Geographical Names In NSW, the naming of roads is standardised to Register. Since 1966, we have officially named and The policy allows Indigenous Australian place names ensure that the process is transparent and easy- collected location data for approximately 80,000 to appear alongside European names in an effort to to-understand for both regulatory bodies and places across the State. We also record the origin, advance the reconciliation process. members of the community. A consistent approach history, meaning and pronunciation of each name It recognises that Aboriginal place names should benefits emergency services, transport and goods (if this information is available) as well as be preserved because they are part of Australia’s delivery, and provides opportunities for community information relating to discontinued place names. cultural heritage. consultation when naming roads. The Register is an important reference tool for The policy aims to be community-driven and has cartographers, researchers, publishers, government worked well in areas such as Uluru/Ayers Rock authorities and the community. We update the and Kata Tjuta/The Olgas. Register on an ongoing basis, and people are The Dual Naming policy applies to features such as invited to offer information for addition to the mountains, rivers, landscapes and harbour locations. Dual naming – Supporting cultural recognition
All Australians share a relationship to the land and language name shall be in standard font and the the names we give to places convey their significance, Aboriginal name shall be in italic font except where sense of history and identity. only an Aboriginal name is used; in which case it shall be in standard font. All names should be represented The NSW Government is committed to recognising by English characters. our Aboriginal cultural heritage by registering original place names given by Aboriginal people so that they The location and spelling of a name resides in the sit side by side with existing European names. Since hands of the traditional owner or the organisation June 2001 the government has supported a dual naming that represents them. If there are none, the proposal policy for geographical features and cultural sites. should be referred to linguistic experts.
This community-driven system acknowledges the significance of Aboriginal culture and, in doing so, How it works represents a meaningful contribution to the process Under the Geographical Names Act 1966, the of reconciliation in NSW. Geographical Names Board (GNB) has the power to assign names to places, to investigate and determine Policy overview the form, spelling, meaning, pronunciation, origin, history of any geographical name and to determine the The dual naming system applies to already named application of each name. geographical features such as rivers, creeks, waterfalls, beaches, harbours, islands, mountains and caves– Anyone can submit a dual naming proposal to the specifically those cultural and environmental features GNB. All submissions should: of significance to the local Indigenous community. • follow the guidelines outlined in this document • have the support of the local council, the local Relying on community involvement, a dual name can aboriginal land council and the tribal elders be assigned where there is strong evidence, in the group of the area (if there is one). form of written or oral tradition, of a pre-existing Indigenous place name. It should be noted that the dual naming policy applies to geographical and Aboriginal community consultation environmental features; it does not apply to suburbs, All dual naming proposals require the support of the towns or streets. local aboriginal land council and, where relevant, tribal elders of the area. In some (rare) circumstances, Dual naming guidelines a proposal may also need approval from a regional or state aboriginal land council. If the geographical A dual name must be indigenous to the local area feature covers more than one aboriginal land council within New South Wales. It can only be assigned area (e.g. a river), approval is to be sought from each where there is definite evidence preferably historic in relevant council. A written proposal should be sent the form of written or oral tradition that the feature to the local aboriginal land council with details of the has two names. geographical or cultural site for which a dual name is Once a dual name proposal is assigned, signposts, being proposed. Proponents should specify the exact maps and directories relating to the area will feature location, proposed name and spelling of the site both names. For presentation purposes, the English within the proposal. Proponents should ask the local aboriginal land council to Submissions approved by the GNB are then advertised help establish a meeting to discuss the proposal with in local media outlets for public comment. If there are local elders and representatives from established Aboriginal objections to a submission, the GNB will seek further families. A copy of the proposal should also be sent to the advice from the relevant local council, tribal elders group regional aboriginal land council for comment. and the local aboriginal land council.
Proponents should allow ample time for reply because the If no objections are received after one month has elapsed, local aboriginal land council may need an unanticipated the nominated name and the existing name are notified meeting to consider the proposal. If there is no response as a dual name in the NSW Government Gazette. Local from the local or regional aboriginal land council within councils are then free to communicate the dual names three months, the GNB can submit the proposal to the on signposts, locality guides and maps. NSW Aboriginal Land Council for approval. All geographical names are recorded in the Geographical Names Register which is maintained by the GNB. The Local government consultation register includes location details of more than 80,000 names A dual naming proposal also needs to have the written and includes their origin, history and meaning if available. support of the relevant local council. It is strongly advised Discontinued names are also retained in the register which that proponents should seek comment from appropriate is an important reference for cartographers, researchers, local residents and community groups which can be used publishers, government authorities and the public. as supporting information for council’s consideration. For further advice or assistance Geographical Names Board procedure Contact the Geographical Names Board for advice Proponents should submit the dual name proposal, with and assistance in preparing a dual name submission. written confirmation of support from the relevant local The Secretary aboriginal land council, local council and community Geographical Names Board bodies, to the Geographical Names Board. The GNB will Department of Lands forward a courtesy copy of the proposal to the NSW Panorama Avenue (PO Box 143) Aboriginal Land Council if this has not already occurred. BATHURST NSW 2795 The GNB will consider the proposal and ensure that it T 02 6332 8214 has local approval and meets the dual naming guidelines. F 02 6332 8217 The GNB will then advise all parties of its decision. E [email protected] www.gnb.nsw.gov.au
Department of Lands Head Office 1 Prince Albert Road Queens Square SYDNEY NSW 2000
T 13000 LANDS 61 2 9228 6666 F 61 2 9233 4357 www.lands.nsw.gov.au
© August 2006 NSW Department of Lands (B) P06/18/0009e Commemorative naming
The Geographical Names Board of NSW (GNB) has the circumstances”. These guidelines were born from long role of assigning names to places and natural features. experience. The GNB’s guidelines and procedures are aimed at Therefore, the GNB strongly recommends that local ensuring community input, giving all interested parties councils do not prepare proposals to name features a say in a naming decision and minimising duplication to honour living persons. Alternatives are to use of names. commemorative plaques or naming a particular The end result is a clear community identification of community facility such as a building or oval after the what name applies to which place or feature and to person to be commemorated. enable clear communication in times of emergency, The GNB’s primary directive is to give precedence in for delivery of services and, in many cases, as a using names of Aboriginal origin associated with the reminder of our history. feature or a name with an historical background in the The GNB seeks to recognise outstanding area of the feature. Local councils are encouraged to use achievement in the community by commemoratively these long standing practices wherever possible. naming relevant geographical features. Acts In all naming proposals, local councils are encouraged of bravery, community service and exceptional to undertake consultation with the community prior to accomplishment by both individuals and groups are submitting a proposal to the GNB. This is no different to grounds for this recognition. existing participative procedures adopted by councils on The GNB has bestowed honours of this nature on a wide range of issues aimed at achieving an equitable many individuals and groups. Returned service solution brokered by the local council for the benefit of men and women, famous sporting identities, the community. educators, industry leaders, former elected civic officials, famous Aboriginals, community leaders and everyday Australians have all been commemorated in this fashion.
The most vexing naming decisions arise when features are named after people, especially those still living. The GNB’s experience is that proposals of this kind invariably lead to division in the NSW Department of Lands community. Head Office Most jurisdictions around the world prohibit 1 Prince Albert Road the use of names of living persons and apply Queens Square severe restrictions to the use of the name of any SYDNEY NSW 2000 deceased person. For example, the United States T 13000 LANDS Board on Geographic Names “will not consider 61 2 9228 6666 names that commemorate or may be construed to F 61 2 9233 4357 commemorate living persons”. www.lands.nsw.gov.au The Australian guidelines talk of ascribing names of living persons “only in very exceptional © August 2006 NSW Department of Lands (B) P06/18/0009h Geographical Names Board of New South Wales background information- Proposed geographical name commemorating a person
If any details are unavailable, please explain.
Proposed geographical name: ......
Full name of person the name commemorates: ......
Who suggested this name: ......
Date of birth: ...... Date of death: ......
Occupation: ......
Last residence: ......
Association of person with the feature to be named: ......
...... ………………………………………………..……………………………………………..
......
......
Person’s association with and main contribution(s) to local community: ......
...... ………………………………………………..……………………………………………..
......
......
Other reasons for choice of name:......
......
......
......
Source of above information:......
......
Supporting documentation should be attached if possible.
Please return completed form to:
The Secretary Geographical Names Board PO Box 143 Bathurst NSW 2795 Ph: (02) 6332 8214 Fax: (02) 6332 8217 Guidelines for the determination of placenames
These guidelines were endorsed by the community. Ownership of the land is not Geographical Names Board of New South Wales sufficient reason for the application of the (GNB) on 17 October 1996. owner’s name to a geographical feature. The GNB will not approve the naming of a feature 1. A name suggested for any place that owes its after a person still holding public office. origin to the peculiarity of the topographic feature designated such as shape, vegetation, 8. The GNB may approve a first or given name as part animal life etc., may be accepted but, in doing of a geographical name only where it is necessary to so, care should be exercised in avoiding appropriately honour the person referred to or where duplication of names already used for other it is necessary to avoid ambiguity. features. 9. Long and clumsily constructed names and named The GNB prefers to avoid the repetition of composed of two or more words should be avoided. commonly used names. Sugar Loaf, Sandy, 10. The multiplication of names for different parts of Back, Bald, Deep, Long, Kangaroo, Reedy, the same topographical feature such as a stream or Rocky, Spring and Stony are examples of mountain range will be avoided whenever possible such names. and the one name applied to a stream or mountain 2. Easily pronounced names should, as far as range throughout its entire length. possible, be used. 11. The naming of forks, arms and branches of a river 3. Names of Aboriginal origin or with a historical as North Branch and South Branch is not favoured. background are preferred. Generally, it is preferable to assign independent names to river branches. 4. Names acknowledging the multicultural nature of our society are encouraged. 12. The use of cardinal points of the compass as a prefix or suffix to an existing name is not favoured. 5. The changing of long established placenames However, well-established names which carry such a is generally not preferred, except where prefix or suffix may be approved. necessary to avoid ambiguity or duplication. 13. Where names have been changed or corrupted by 6. If considered appropriate, placenames may long established local usage, it is not usually perpetuate the names of eminent persons, advisable to attempt to restore the original form; particularly those of early explorers, settlers and that spelling which is sanctioned by general usage naturalists. should be adopted. 7. Names of persons should normally only be 14. When a choice is offered between two or more given posthumously but the GNB, at its names for the same place, locality or feature, all discretion, may approve a feature name sanctioned by local usage, the GNB may adopt one which honours a living person. Such a person’s of such names as is considered appropriate in contribution to the local community should accordance with the rules outlined above. have been of outstanding benefit to the 15. The possessive form should be avoided whenever possible without destroying the sound of the name or changing its descriptive application e.g. Howes Valley should be written without the apostrophe.
16. The use of hyphens in connecting parts of names should, as far as possible be avoided.
17. Names considered offensive or likely to give offence will not be approved.
NSW Department of Lands Head Office 1 Prince Albert Road Queens Square SYDNEY NSW 2000
T 13000 LANDS 61 2 9228 6666 F 61 2 9233 4357
www.lands.nsw.gov.au
© August 2006 NSW Department of Lands (B) P06/18/0009i Guidelines for the naming of roads
4.2 Unduly long names and names composed of three or more Road names words, including the road type, should be avoided. Roads When naming and renaming of roads and streets the following names should be limited to less than 40 characters which guidelines should be observed. include any spaces and the road type. 4.3 A given name should only be included with a family name Uniqueness where it is essential to identify an individual or where it is necessary to avoid ambiguity. The use of given names 1.1 Name duplication within a local government area should be should generally be avoided. avoided. If possible duplication of names in proximity to adjacent local government areas should also be avoided. 4.4 Roads with double destination names should be Similarity in road names within these areas is also progressively renamed. discouraged (eg. White Street and Whyte Street). 1.2 However, roads crossing council boundaries should have a Spelling single and unique name. 5.1 Where it is intended that a road have the same name as a place or feature with an approved geographical name, then Sources particular care should be taken to ensure that the correct spelling is adopted. 2.1 Preferred sources for road names include: – Aboriginal names 5.2 Where names have been changed or corrupted by long – local history established local usage, it is not usually advisable to – early explorers, pioneers, settlers and other eminent persons attempt to restore the original form. – war/casualty lists 5.3 Spelling which is sanctioned by general usage should be – thematic names such as flora, fauna or ships. adopted. 2.2 Names should be appropriate to the physical, historical or 5.4 Generally road names proposed or approved should not cultural character of the area concerned. contain abbreviations e.g. the Creek in Wallaby Creek Road 2.3 The origin of each name should be clearly stated and must not be abbreviated. There is, however, one exception. subsequently recorded. ST should always be used in place of Saint. 2.4 The Local Aboriginal Land Council should be consulted when choosing Aboriginal names unless the road naming Form authority already has an agreed list of appropriate names. 6.1 The apostrophe mark ‘ must be omitted in the possessive Propriety case e.g. Smith’s Road should be Smiths Road. 6.2 It is further preferable to deter a possessive S unless the 3.1 Names of living persons should not be used. euphony becomes harsh e.g. Smith Road. 3.2 Names which are characterised as follows are to be 6.3 The use of hyphens, slashes and other diacritical marks avoided. should be avoided if possible. – Offensive or likely to give offence. – Incongruous – out of place. 6.4 The use of numbers and roman numerals in a road name – Commercial or company. should be discouraged, when numbers are applied to a name it should be in alpha rather than numeric form. Communication 6.5 No spaces should be embedded in words within the road name, single spaces only are allowed between words and 4.1 Names should be reasonably easy to read, spell and no spaces are allowed to surround hyphens. pronounce in order to assist both service providers and the travelling public. www.lands.nsw.gov.au Road type Open ended streets Proposals for road names should include an appropriate road The type of open ended street and a description are as follows. type suffix. Road type Code Description Road type suffixes are grouped into three categories, APPROACH APP A roadway leading to an area of Culs-de-sac, Open ended and Either. The use of appropriate community interest i.e. public open types is strongly encouraged to assist the travelling public, space, commercial area, beach etc. delivery companies and emergency services. Existing exceptions ARCADE ARC A passage having an arched roof, or to these rules are often the result of particular circumstances, any covered passageway, especially and similar use is not encouraged. one with shops along the sides. Road types in the singular or plural form (e.g. GARDEN or ARTERIAL ARTL A major roadway within a city, generally VIEWS etc) to those included in these lists are strongly of high capacity and providing discouraged except in presently existing cases. connectivity between collector roads and limited access freeways. Road types should not be abbreviated when being proposed, ARTERY ARTY A major roadway within a city, advertised and gazetted. It is acceptable to use Road Type generally of high capacity and Codes on mail, road signs and maps. providing connectivity between collector roads and limited access Culs-de-sac freeways. AVENUE AV A broad roadway, usually planted on The types of cul-de-sac and a description are as follows. each side with trees. Road type Code Description BANAN BA Aboriginal word meaning ‘Street’ or BRAE BRAE A roadway running along a hill area. ‘Path’. CLOSE CL A short enclosed roadway. BEND BEND A roadway containing a bend. COURT CT A short enclosed roadway. BOULEVARD BVD A wide roadway, well paved, COURTYARD CTYD An enclosed area usually ornamented with trees COVE COVE A short enclosed roadway and grass plots. CUL-DE-SAC CSAC A street or road with only one BRACE BR A small roadway, which connects entrance and exit. other roads or a major road to another feature. END END A roadway that has a definite finishing point. BREAK BRK Vehicular access on a formed or unformed surface, which was GREEN GRN A roadway often leading to a grassed originally prepared as a firebreak. public recreation area. BYPASS BYPA An alternative roadway constructed GROVE GR A roadway which features a group of to enable through traffic to avoid trees standing together. congested areas or other obstructions LOOKOUT LKT A roadway leading to or having a view to movement. of fine natural scenery. CENTRE CTR A roadway, which runs into or around MEWS MEWS A roadway having houses grouped a group of buildings forming the around the end. central point of an area of activity i.e. NOOK NOOK A short, secluded roadway with commercial, community, public open limited frontage indicating privacy. space, etc. PLACE PL A short sometimes narrow CIRCLE CIR A roadway, which forms a circle or enclosed roadway. part of a circle. PLAZA PLZA A roadway enclosing the four sides CIRCUIT CCT A roadway enclosing an area. of an area forming a market place CIRCUS CRCS A circular open place where many or open space. roadways come together. POCKET PKT A short roadway leading to an CONCOURSE CON A roadway which runs around a intimate village environment. central area, e.g. public open space or POINT PNT A roadway leading to a focal point or a commercial area. river frontage. CRESCENT CR A crescent thoroughfare allowing PORT PORT A small roadway abutting a harbour, traffic without many cross streets. inlet, marina etc. in a coastal DRIVE DR A wide thoroughfare allowing a development. steady flow of traffic without many REST REST A short roadway with limited cross streets. residential frontage creating a quiet EDGE EDGE A roadway constructed along the secluded environment. edge of a cliff or ridge. RETREAT RTT A roadway forming a place ENTRANCE ENT A roadway connecting other roads. of seclusion. ESPLANADE ESP A level roadway, often along the SHUNT SHUN A short, dead-end track used in seaside or a river. State Forests only. EXPRESSWAY EXP An express, multi-lane highway, with TARN TARN A roadway surrounding or leading to limited or controlled access. a lake or some other water feature. FAIRWAY FAWY A short open roadway between TOP TOP A roadway constructed at the highest other roadways. part of an area. FOLLOW FOLW A roadway meandering through TOR TOR A roadway along a rocky height wooded or undulating country. or hillside. FORMATION FORM A formed surface, once a timber ROTARY RTY An intersection of two or more railway which now provides carriageways at a common level vehicular access. where all traffic travels around a FREEWAY FWY An express, multi-lane highway, with central island. limited or controlled access. ROUTE RTE A roadway allowing steady traffic flow GATE GTE A roadway leading into an estate, with limited cross streets. main entrance to a focal point, ROW ROW A roadway with a line of professional public open space. buildings on either side. GRANGE GRA A roadway leading to a country estate, RUE RUE French for street or road or focal point, public open space, STREET ST A public roadway in a town, city or shopping area, etc. urban area, especially a paved HIGHROAD HIRD A main road; a highway. thoroughfare with footpaths and HIGHWAY HWY A main road or thoroughfare, a buildings along one or both sides. main route. SUBWAY SBWY An underground passage or tunnel INTERCHANGE INTG A highway or freeway junction that pedestrians or vehicles can use designed so that traffic streams for crossing under a road, railway, do not intersect. river, etc. JUNCTION JNC A roadway making a transition from a TERRACE TCE A roadway usually with houses on major to a minor road in an estate, either side raised above the road level. etc. A through road leading from one THOROUGHFARE THFR A main road or public highway. minor road to another as a link. TOLLWAY TLWY A road on which a toll authority LINE LINE A generally long and straight road. collects a fee for use. LINK LINK A roadway which links similar land TRACK TRK A roadway with a single carriageway. A uses i.e. pockets of residential, other roadway through a natural bushland roadway, etc. region. The interpretation for both Track LOOP LOOP A roadway that diverges from and and Trail is limited to roadways, whereas rejoins the main thoroughfare. in many areas (eg Tasmania) these are MALL MALL A sheltered walk, promenade or more often associated with walking shopping precinct. rather than vehicular movement. MEANDER MNDR A sinuous winding roadway, TRAIL TRL See TRACK wandering at random through an TURN TURN A roadway containing a sharp bend area or subdivision. or turn. MOTORWAY MTWY A highway, usually between cities, UNDERPASS UPAS A passage having an arched roof, or designed to carry large traffic volumes. any covered passageway, especially Predominantly dual-carriageway, with one with shops along the sides. three or more lanes in each direction VIADUCT VIAD A roadway which crosses a bridge and grade-separated access. consisting of several small spans. PARADE PDE A public promenade or roadway WALK WALK A thoroughfare with restricted vehicle which has good pedestrian facilities access used manly by pedestrians. along the side. WALKWAY WKWY A roadway on which traffic travels at a PARKWAY PWY A roadway through parklands or an slow pace. open grassland area. WAY WAY An accessway between two streets. PASS PASS A roadway connecting major WYND WYND A short narrow roadway or alley. thoroughfares or running through hills. Either culs-de-sac or PATH PATH A roadway usually used for pedestrian traffic. open ended streets PATHWAY PWAY A narrow roadway of any length When these types are used for a cul-de-sac it is essential that a meandering through an estate. ‘No Through Road’ sign also be erected. PROMENADE PROM A roadway like an avenue with plenty of facilities for the public to The types and descriptions are as follows. take a leisurely walk, a public place Road type Code Description for walking. ACCESS ACCS A minor road built specially to give QUADRANT QDRT A loop road forming a circular path or access to a house, motorway, etc. a curved deviation from another road. ALLEY ALLY A usually narrow roadway for people QUAYS QYS A roadway leading to a landing place or vehicles in cities and towns. A alongside or projecting into water. minor roadway through the centre of RAMBLE RMBL A roadway that meanders from place city blocks or squares. to place. ALLEYWAY ALWY A narrow street or passageway RIDGE RDGE A roadway along the top of a hill. between or behind city buildings. ROAD RD A place where one may ride, an open AMBLE AMBL A public road with pavements and way or public passage for vehicles, buildings at the side or sides, persons and animals, a roadway especially in a town. forming a means of communication BOARDWALK BWLK A promenade or path, especially of between one place and another. wooden planks, for pedestrians and sometimes vehicles, along or overlooking a beach or waterfront. BROW BROW A roadway that runs along or over the VALE VALE A roadway along low ground top of a hill. between hills. BYWAY BYWY A little travelled side road, usually in VIEW VIEW A roadway commanding a wide the country, not regularly used by panoramic view across people or traffic. surrounding areas. CAUSEWAY CSWY A road raised above water, marshland VISTA VSTA A road with a view or outlook. or sand. WHARF WHRF A roadway running alongside a CHASE CH A roadway leading down to a valley. water feature creating a COPSE CPS A roadway running through or to a wharf-like impression. public open space or woodland area. CORNER CNR A roadway containing a sharp bend Prefixes or corner. Road name prefixes should not be used. A notional prefix that CREST CRST A roadway running along the top or relates directly to a locality name may be included as part of a summit of a hill. road name (e.g. Lower Plenty Road, where Lower Plenty is a CROSS CRSS A roadway forming a ‘T’ or cross. gazetted locality). However, where a directional or similar device CUTTING CUTT A road through a narrow excavation is used to uniquely define road extremities, it should be used as made through high ground. a road suffix (e.g. Palmerston Road West). DALE DALE A roadway situated between hills. DIP DIP Short roadway through a steep valley or gully. Segments DRIVEWAY DVWY A private road that connects a While directionals (e.g. Smith Road East and Smith Road West) house/s, or garage/s, or other used to achieve uniqueness for segments of the same road name buildings with the street. are acceptable, where such segments are unconnected, such as ELBOW ELB A roadway containing a sharp bend where an intervening segment of road is unconstructed or where or turn. they are separated by a barrier and are likely to remain FOOTWAY FTWY A walkway or path for pedestrians. unconnected for the foreseeable future, consideration should be given to renaming one or each of the unconnected segments. FRONTAGE FRTG A roadway passage a point of interest or significance with lots fronting only one side e.g. public open space, References coastline, etc. GAP GAP A roadway that traverses a passage or Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, 26 October 2006, a pass through a ridge or hill. Amendment No. 1 to AS/NZS 4819:2003 Geographic information – Rural and urban addressing. GARDENS GDNS A roadway with special plantings of trees, flowers etc. and often leading to a place for public enjoyment. Legislation GLADE GLDE A roadway usually in a valley of trees. The Roads Act 1993 - Section 162 provides the authority for the GLEN GLEN A roadway usually in a valley of trees. naming of roads. HEIGHTS HTS A roadway traversing high ground. HILL HILL A roadway going up a natural rise. The Roads (General) Regulation 2000 (Government Gazette No 112) Part 2; Division 2 sets out the procedures to be observed KEY KEY A roadway serving when naming roads. LANE LANE A narrow way between walls, buildings etc. a narrow country or city roadway. For further advice or assistance LANEWAY LNWY A narrow street or alley running For further advice or assistance on the naming of roads in NSW between or behind urban buildings, contact the GNB. especially houses or stores. OUTLOOK OTLK A roadway leading to an area Geographical Names Board which affords a view across Panorama Avenue surrounding areas. Bathurst NSW 2795 PASSAGE PSGE A narrow street. T 1800 025 700 F 02 6332 8217 PIAZZA PIAZ A public square or paved open space, E [email protected] without grass or planting, often in www.gnb.nsw.gov.au front of shops or significant buildings. RISE RISE A roadway going to a higher place or position. Department of Lands SERVICEWAY SVWY A narrow lane or access way to Head office provide services or access to 1 Prince Albert Road adjacent properties. Queens Square SPUR SPUR A minor roadway running off at less SYDNEY NSW 2000 than 45 degrees. SQUARE SQ A roadway bounding the four sides of T 13000 LANDS an area to be used as open space or a 61 2 9228 6666 group of buildings. F 61 2 9233 4357 © December 2007 NSW Department of Lands (B) P07/21/003
www.lands.nsw.gov.au
Appendix E
Review of Previous Interpretation Policy for Penrith Lakes
European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme: A Conservation Management Plan (Master Plan)
Stedinger Associates, December 2006
Key Recommendations
• The Penrith Lakes Scheme area should be promoted as an historic focal point for passive recreation
• Its heritage assets are generally of high heritage value and are attractive and interesting in their own right and should become part of a ring of historic sites around the lakes, which are presented to the community as one of the area’s key attractions. In particular, the Poplars, the Methodist Church, Hall and Cemetery, Upper Castlereagh School and Residence, Hadley Park, Nepean Park, Lander’s Inn, Puddledock, Long’s House and McCarthy’s Cemetery
• Use names associated with historic precincts, persons or other themes as street and place names. Large open spaces may be characterized with signature rural indicators, such as open grassed public spaces with sporadic endemic and introduced tree species.
• Farmhouse allotment elements may also be included into the urban design, such as generous set-backs and mixed species gardens.
• The colonial, rural and quarrying past of the area should be celebrated to define the place, promote its assets and project a lifestyle vision and potential community identity. Heritage could be one of the primary factors that positively distinguish Penrith Lakes.
• The landscape in the vicinity of European heritage items, setting should, to some extent, be re-instated as part of the interpretation of heritage sites. Curtilage or buffer zone should remain intact for at least 15m beyond each site boundary. Major tree plantings and gen. topographical character of existing landscape should be reinstated.
• Although outside Scheme area, Olive tree windbreak surviving from Samuel Terry and Christ Church should be incorporated into interpretation of the Scheme Area. This may include reinstatement of Hoop Pines referred to in oral history sources about Samuel Terry’s grant. Olive Trees and Peppercorn trees should be included in PCC’s Three Preservation Schedule.
• Visual relationship between Samuel Terry’s grant, Christ Church and other items such as The Poplars and Hadley Park should be included. in promotional and educational material. Views to and from heritage items important for maintaining cultural landscapes.
• Interpretive signage should be erected onsite at each of heritage items to promote history and heritage value of each item and wider cultural landscape of Penrith Lakes Scheme area.
• Signage shouldn’t be obtrusive in landscape and should be consistent in style throughout Scheme Area.
Heritage trails and brochures
General Actions
• Walking trails should extend both in open space and urban areas and should lead to vantage points from which significant heritage views and heritage items may be appreciated by visitors.
• Heritage tours should be organised within the Scheme area and may be linked with other attractions.
• European heritage should be integrated into town tourism planning to increase public awareness
Specific Actions
• A promotional brochure should be published on social history and European heritage within the PL Scheme area and made available in visitors centre. Should examine existing and former heritage sites and should contain photos and a map showing locations.
• Brochure or guide presenting heritage trails or walks should be made available in visitors centre, containing a map showing heritage walks together with location of heritage sites and brief histories on each site. Map should indicate length of each trail, degree of difficulty, availability of car parking, disabled access and public amenities and facilities.
Multimedia and Education
General Action
• European heritage should be promoted on PL Scheme Website.
• Educational programs have been developed through PL Environmental Education Centre—should be further developed to include existing and former European heritage items.
• PLDC should continue to work in close association with OL Environmental Education Centre, the University of Western Sydney and other educational institutions to facilitate education process.
Specific Actions
• All European heritage items should be incorporated into multi-media presentation package.
• The multi-media package may be enhanced to include referencing to land title, birth, deaths, marriages and baptism databases.
Availability of Information
Specific Actions • Heritage reports, research findings and other documentation on heritage matters should be housed in a public archive within the PL area. Sources for use by the public include reports, letters, oral histories, photographs, maps and plans, videos and audio tapes.
• Heritage brochures, guides and tourist maps should be available in Penrith Lakes Visitor’s Centre. Part of Long’s Cottage has been recommended for this purpose.
• Copies of this report should be held at : the archives of PLDC; Penrith Public Library Local Studies Section; and NSW Heritage Office Library.
• Artefacts should be stored and displayed within a museum located in PL. Suggested location is part of the Hadley Park and Nepean Park complex. Policies relating to surplus artefacts should be discussed in the Movable Heritage and Collections Policy.
Interpretation, Presentation and Tourism–Historical
Opportunities
• Interpretation of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area and European heritage sites is an opportunity to present part of the history of Castlereagh and the Scheme to the local community—both residents and visitors who will be using community facilities. This is likely to inspire community interest in Castlereagh’s historic past.
Presentation
• The Scheme Area presents the opportunity for the introduction of brochures, signage and heritage trails to part of Castlereagh’s heritage landscape.
• During the planning stage there is an opportunity to integrate heritage elements into the urban development plan. Early laneways and roads could be re-instated, and signage erected in parkland noting the location of former heritage items. Use of former road alignments as a basis for the urban design plan would provide a sense of history and may be named after the original roads to add a further dimension to the sense of place.
• The Nepean riverbed and alluvial floodplains have long been quarried by Aboriginal people and early settlers—opportunity to promote PL Scheme and the value of raw material resources as part of this ongoing historical process.
Heritage Trails
• European heritage trails may be established to link European heritage sites with recreational resources, public facilities as well as conservation areas and trails presenting Aboriginal and natural heritage.
• Heritage trails should not necessarily be limited in perception and subject to Penrith Lakes Scheme area but may link or be co-ordinated with heritage of the City of Penrith.
• Historic features such as river fords, old lanes and ruins suggest the concept of the historic walks along existing or former lanes and the high bank along the Nepean River.
• In 1996 the PLDC completed construction of a walking trail from Castlereagh Village to the Sydney International Regatta Centre, parallel to Cranebrook Road. Heritage trails should be linked to and/or co-ordinated with this and other walks, such as the River Walk.
• Heritage trails in the PLS area may be promoted through signage, brochures, public talks and tours.
Plantings
• The interpretation and presentation of selected plantings of exotic species will reflect choice and use of vegetation during the early settler periods. The presentation of exotic plants and gardens should be supported by other interpretive measures such as walking trails with signage, display areas and educational tools relating to the history and conservation of the plants and gardens and their presentation to the community.
Tourism
• The Penrith Lakes Scheme is recognised as becoming a major constructed human-made attraction. Tourism facilities in the Penrith Lakes Scheme area would be in important component—within which heritage can play a prominent visual, functional, interactive and interpretive role.
• Yellomundee National Park—located on western side of Nepean River adjacent to Penrith Lakes Scheme—will provide significant visual amenity benefits to urban development on the Penrith Lakes Scheme. Also provides opportunity to link recreational and ‘nature theme’ activities on Penrith Lakes Scheme to a significant area of natural environment.
• Superb scenery exists within and/or close to the Penrith Lakes Scheme area. The cultural landscape includes lowlands and open space with natural bushland on an escarpment to the east, a hilltop to the north and mountainous area west of the Nepean. Where affected by quarrying activities within the Scheme area, natural heritage, open landscapes and heritage vistas are to be rehabilitated. These landscape features compliment the interpretation of European, Aboriginal and natural heritage.
Education and Research
• Research and educational potential of sites related to earliest period of European settlement in NSW and Australia. Together with Nepean Park the Hadley Park homestead and its two-roomed outbuilding, for example, would be a highly significant presentation to the public spanning 200 years of Australian history. The Scheme also contains Australia’s first Roman Catholic cemetery and the site of the first Methodist Chapel in Australia. Among other sites, the Upper Castlereagh school and residence and the Lander’s Inn complex also remain from early-mid 19th century—remarkable and varied cultural landscape.
• PL Scheme area and heritage within it is of considerable interest to local historical societies and community groups. Their commitment throughout the development of the Scheme has demonstrated this. Letters and reports, photographs, oral histories, maps and plans and other sources that have been written or collected over the 25–30 year course of the development may be archived for public use.
• Cultural facility to interpret the indigenous aspects of the PL Scheme has been developed into an Aboriginal Research and Education Centre. At this Centre, Aboriginal culture is interpreted and promoted through arts, crafts, and technical and historical research. There is an opportunity for a unified or wholistic approach to heritage by including European and natural heritage within a single research and education centre.
• Comprehensive database of native vegetation has been compiled in recent years by PLDC. As part of natural heritage of areas, collection of plants contains indicative eg of the vegetation that has existed in the local area over time. An opportunity exists for a similar approach to exotic or heritage plants introduced by European settlers—this work has already begun—in 1997 PLDC established and arboretum near Long’s House in which to house both native and exotic flora.
• Large collection of farming machinery survives from late-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century—opportunity to display collection of farm machinery, which could also serve as a reference collection for future research.
• Creation of wildlife lake in northern part of PL Scheme area allows promotion of natural heritage within the area—eg native grasses and shrubs characteristic of former landscape may be planted as well as traditional Aboriginal plant foods and resources suggested by ERM. This area would ideally become a part of a heritage trail and educational program.
Schedule of Recommended Projects
• Collections policy for European Movable Heritage (Interpretation)—should consider house furnishings, farm machinery, artefacts excavated from European sites and any other items of European heritage. Should consider appropriate collection, retention, cataloguing, preservation, storage and display of items.
• Heritage Trails, Signage and Brochures (Interpretation)—report indicating specific heritage trails, brochure design and content, and on-site signage specifications.
Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study Assessment and Recommendations: Final Report, Geoffrey Britton and Colleen Morris, July 1999
• The place should be interpreted in such a way that its historic importance as a cultural landscape in a national context can be appreciated. This should include the relationship of Castlereagh to the other contemporary Macquarie-planned towns of Windsor, Richmond, Wilberforce, Pitt Town and, additionally, New Norfolk in Tasmania.
• Interpretation should include the agricultural role of the area in the early 19th century and the impact of religious affinities on the landscape.
• Liaise with Penrith Council over the interpretation and management of the reserve between Soling Crescent and Cranebrook Road. The former Terry site at Cranebrook on the remnants of the Mount Peasant Estate, the most prominent feature of which is the remaining Olive windbreak should be linked to the interpretation of Castlereagh. Currently, the olives, remnants of a drive and some peppercorn trees are on the reserve. Past significant plantings (from oral evidence) included a Hoop Pine(s). Reinstate the Hoop Pine and interpret the visual relationship between the Terry site and the valley especially The Poplars, on the Rosetta Marsh (Terry) grant and former Terry-owned grants. Encourage the undertaking of an archaeological investigation of the Terry site.
Penrith Lakes Scheme Oral History Study for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Compiled by OHM Consultants Mary Ann Hamilton and Sue Andersen, December 1998
• Material from the oral history should be included in the production of information displays, historical booklets, audio visual products that celebrate the history of Castlereagh.
Penrith lakes Scheme Regional Environmental Study: History of European Settlement,
Fran Bently and Dr Judy Birmingham,
• A planned programme for increased public, especially local, enjoyment and understanding of the locality in ways compatible with its historic and landscape identity.
• A planned approach to the interpretation of the locality to the local community and wider public.
• That interpretation of the locality to the public should have respect for historical accuracy and actual locality identity, and should totally eschew Disneyland re-created precincts and anything resembling them. • That emphasis be given as far as possible in such a ‘public use-and interpretations’ programme to the revival of historic aspects of the locality itself rather than the introduction of alien pastimes and environments.
• Such features as old lanes and fords suggest the concept of the historic walks along lanes and the High Bank, perhaps to include Singles Ridge road across the river.
• The operating dairies, orchards and market gardens are already a rarity, and an increasingly valuable potential educational resource for local schools. A field study centre for bird watching, historic landscape studies, painting and sketching.
Research Towards A History of Castlereagh to 1906, Carol Liston This report provides a series of recommendations that relate chiefly to further research. Historical research undertaken in the future has the potential to inform interpretation at Penrith Lakes. Listed below are the research recommendations that have potential to inform to interpretation:
Bankruptcy and deceased estate files are a valuable resource about the household and effects of people. Researching such files would assist in museum interpretations in the future
An analysis of the census returns for 1806 and 1828 would yield information about families associated with the Castlereagh area and web based listings of families associated with Penrith Lakes.