A publication of THE GLEBE SOCIETY INC POBox 100 GLEBE2037 www.glebesociety.org.au Glebe Society Bulletin ISSN 1836-599X 8/2011 September/October 2011 Anzac Bridgemaintenance cantly heavierandmorecluttered. effectbridge deckwilllooksignifi isthat the - ity, eleganceandbeautyofthebridge. The nett gantry willsignificantly detractfromthelinear- southern sideofthebridgeandpermanent sion protestingthatthenewfencingalong The GlebeSocietyhaspreparedasubmis- Anzac Centenarycelebrations. to complete,andwillbefinished intimeforthe ipates thattheworkwilltakearound26months when traffic volumesarelower. The RTA antic- be carriedoutatnightorofpeakhours lane closuresonthebridgeandthisworkwould 8am to1pmSaturday. Someworkwillinvolve would be7amto6pm,MondayFridayand The RTAproposes thatstandard work hours there isadoublerail). along thesouthernsideofbridge(currently * Installnewtwometrehighanti-climbfencing climb fence. on thenorthernsideofbridgewithananti- * Replacethefencealongsharedpathway which occursinlightrainorwindconditions). will helppreventvibratory‘strum’ * Improvethebridge’s staycables(this deck andbridgetowers. bridge, suchastheundersideof (gantries) tohard-to-reachpartsofthe * Installpermanentaccesssystems maintenance work. and workplatformstoundertakethe * Installtemporarylifts,scaffolding The RTAproposes to: its effective operationinthefuture. pared amaintenanceprogramtoensure opened totraffic andtheRTA pre- has It is15yearssincethe Anzac Bridge Art Gallery Walking Tour.page See 13. Saturday 19November, 1.30-4.30pm See page4. noon What’s comingsoon Wednesday 9November, 9.30am See thegoldflyer. Shovel Brewery, 99PyrmontBridgeRoad. Monday 31October, 5-7pm– Mitchell StreetFair. Saturday 29October, 11am -2pm– See thegreenflyer. edi Thursday 20October, 5.30-7pm– worth ParkCommunityGames. Sunday 16October, 11am -2pm– – Talk onthe Town HallRestoration. – Working Bee,PaddyGrayReserve. Malt - 12 Went- Benl- – Photo: RodHoltham Anzac BridgefromtheendofGlebePointRoad. the lightofthistime-frame. nity consultationoutcomeswillbeconsideredin question theseriousnesswithwhichcommu- is scheduledtocommenceinOctober2011. We The Societyalsonotesthattheproposedwork is exploringoptions. no simpleremediesbuttheRTA hasindicatedit measurements attheexpansionjoint. There are stands thattheRTA hasseparatelytakennoise ures intheRTAproposal, theSocietyunder- Despite thelackofanynoisemitigationmeas- they comeoff thebridge. by large vehicles usingcompressionbrakingas erect signagetohelpminimisethenoisecaused fences are). The SocietycallsfortheRTA to able forthebridge(althoughwenoteanti-climb not consideredaestheticallyorstructurallysuit- worsen astraffic increasesandsoundwallsare Glebe. The generaltraffic noiseisexpectedto This latternoisecanbeheardinmanypartsof expansion jointatthewesternendofbridge. (b) thenoisegeneratedastyreshitlarge classifibridgeed as(a)generaltraffi c noiseand across water. The ambientnoisecanbebroadly As Glebianswellknow, soundtravelsunabated Guidelines forCommunityNoise as specifibyed the World HealthOrganisation indicate isintheregionof‘seriousannoyance’, of thebridgewhichrecentnoisemeasurements mitigating theexistingambientnoiseimpact pointed thattheprojectdoesnotgoanywayto impacts oftheprojectandseriouslydisap- The Societyisalsoconcernedaboutthenoise friends Kateand BernardSmith.Seepage5. Max Sollinghas writtenabouthisgood years. died inMelbourneon2September, aged94 Historian EmeritusProfessor BernardSmith, The first President oftheGlebe Society, Art Vale BernardSmith 1916-2011 (1999). Exhibition of plans to rejuvenate Foley Park landscaping Paddy Gray reserve and the chil- The second stage of the landscaping a pergola. The 2006 Plan envisaged dren's playground in Jubilee Park of Foley Park has been approved by that these would be relocated. Locals These plans have been generally well Council. Tenders will be called for the supported the removal of these facilities received. The plans for Paddy Gray re- works involved, and Council intends on the understanding that they would serve include further planting to encour- that the work will commence early next be replaced in more attractive locations age small birds, as well as improved year. Council papers list the scope of and form. The lack of picnic settings the upgrade as: currently reduces the potential use of facilities for children, and a small area for a community garden. Perhaps the (a) A new public toilet comprising one the Park, with families in particular most contentious issue seemed to be female WC, one male WC, one accessi- needing this facility. the proposed elimination of some car ble WC with baby change facilities and * Decomposed granite area as fl exible parking spaces to expand the size of the a common hand-wash area. stage. This element was incorporated park. Although welcomed by most park (b) Planting and new terracing around as part of the Village Green concept, users, some local residents may by un- and to make the Park more usable for the War Memorial. happy. The Jubilee Park plans seemed public activities requiring a stage or to be generally welcomed. (c) Terracing, planting and sandstone service area. seating steps along the Glebe Point - Jan Macindoe Road frontage near the bus stop, to im- * Above ground water tanks – subject prove the available space on this very to adjacent land owner's approval narrow footpath. for connection to roof water. This proposal would be in keeping with Meeting with (d) A new curved sandstone retaining Council's sustainability priorities. wall to replace the failing wall at the Jamie Parker, MP Glebe Point Road entrance, adjacent Although these elements have not been to the mature fi g trees. included in the 2011-12 Council budget, for Balmain we would like to see a timetable to The Glebe Society has a tradition of (e) Interpretive signage and a timeline indicate when this further stage is to be working closely with local Members for the original Hereford House. completed. of Parliament. With the election of These enhancements to the Park are Jamie Parker of the Greens as the new welcome, but they are far from encom- Note: While the landscaping works are member of the lower house of the State passing the full range of landscaping Parliament we sought a meeting to that was covered in the original Land- due for completion in April 2012, con- struction on the new public toilet is not establish a working relationship with scape Plan for the Park, developed him. Subsequently, four members of in 2006. More seriously, there is no scheduled to begin until July 2012, with completion in December of that year. the Management Committee had a mention of a timetable for completion of very productive exchange of views and the other elements of the 2006 Plan. The - Jan Macindoe ideas with Jamie on Friday 23 Septem- reduction in the scope of the works has Environment Coordinator ber. not been subject to community consulta- tion, and the Glebe Society has written The discussion covered the full range to Council expressing its concern for of issues impacting on Glebe at the these changes and the lack of consulta- More Environment moment including the Glebe Afford- tion. able Housing project, Harold Park Matters (particularly traffi c implications) and The key aspects of the original Plan that planning for development of the Bays Bicentennial Park – palm trees and we are keen to see implemented are: area. saltmarsh * Interpretive overlay of Hereford We also received an update from Jamie The proposal to remove palm trees House. It was envisaged that the on the delays regarding the Light Rail along the canal in order to improve the footprint of the original Hereford House project including the GreenWay proj- would be outlined, along with inter- habitat for saltmarsh species created ect. Jamie mentioned that fi ve local pretive information. An archeological a small furore, but the outcome, as councils are organising a rally for 28 investigation has already been carried reported in the Bulletin, was positive. October. Details will be made avail- out to determine the location and layout Not only were the palm trees saved but able on the GreenWay website (www. of the house. This feature would add an we have become aware of the existence greenway.org.au), where there will also important historical depth to the Park of endangered saltmarsh species and the be opportunity to sign a petition. and ensure that archeological research plan to enhance their habitat. was put to good effect. The Committee members present Response to Draft Street Tree Master concluded that we can be confi dent our * Decorative concrete plinth in Plan new representative will be active at location of former Hereford House State level in prosecuting issues vital A submission in response to the Coun- verandah with tables and seats. Pic- to the preservation and enhancement of cil's Draft Street Tree Master Plan has nic seating under arbour structure. our locality. Before the recent landscaping, the Park been sent to Council. A copy of this included picnic tables and chairs, and submission is on the Society’s Website. - Mairéad Browne 2 Glebe Society Bulletin Planning Matters Harold Park Masterplan not enough for the number of people in comments from other residents within likely to occupy the site. One option the City, and in some instances through- The City of Sydney Council recently open to Mirvac is to exceed the City's out the State. There is still uncertainty received a set of Development Applica- parking requirements. concerning the review of the Depart- tions (D/2011/1311-2 & 1298-9) from ment’s templates. This is one issue that Mirvac for the fi rst two precincts on the 3. The new intersection proposed as The has raised universal criticism. Harold Park site. Council subsequently major access route for the site, on the invited comment from the community Crescent opposite Minogue Crescent, is In addition to the CityPlan, there was at large with a deadline of 28 September not scheduled to be installed until after some discussion of the impending re- view of the Environmental Planning and for submissions. the completion of the fi rst two precincts. Because of the problems of access, Assessment Act, on which the City and To assist in forming its views, the especially the need to improve access for the Society will both be making submis- Society's Harold Park Working Party, Forest Lodge, this development should sions before February 2012. assembled from members living close to be brought forward to coincide with their Those who attended were generally well the site on all sides, met with Mirvac on construction. satisfi ed with the conduct of the meet- Wednesday 7 September, to hear about ing, though still concerned about the 4. As soon as the site is prepared the the Masterplan. For its part, Mirvac fi nal outcome. Depending on the extent City should proceed with the landscap- invited residents to an Information Night of changes to the Plan, it may be neces- and Exhibition, 5 - 8pm on Tuesday 13 ing of the 3.8 ha of Open Space and the sary to readvertise it. In any case, the September at the Forest Lodge Primary construction of the allotted affordable review of the 980 objections will not be School, Ross Street and this was well housing (which is closest to Ross Street). completed until the end of the year. attended by community and Society 5. The City should complete and imple- - Neil Macindoe members. ment the proposed management plan for Broadly, the proposals for precincts 1 the Hill (between Harold Park and Jubi- and 2 appear to conform to what has lee Park Station) and the proposed Open Two New Year already been approved, that is, there Space on The Crescent, north of the site. Concerts at Glebe is little change from the plans previ- 6. The Society supports the proposal Island? ously agreed by Council. There are that Mirvac formally accept the offer of some aspects of the current proposals $10 million from the Lifetime Care and Members will recall that we reported the Society supports. These include Support Authority toward the restora- last month on a development applica- the quantity of Public Open Space and tion of the Tramsheds and moves ahead tion by Sydney Resolutions Pty Ltd for Affordable Housing, and the inclusion with community consultations about this two concerts to take place on Glebe of terrace-style apartments at ground facility. Island on 31 December 2011 and 3 level with direct access to the street, so January 2012. Over 40,000 people The Society is in the process of develop- the apartment blocks are less alienat- were expected to attend each concert. ing and the likelihood of street life is ing its submission to the Council cover- increased. We encourage members to ing these and other points. The submis- Submissions in regard to DA 032-07- look at the plans for themselves (on the sion will be accessible on our website 2011 are now up on the website of the City of Sydney website) and also at the in early October. We urge members to NSW Department of Planning (follow scale model of the entire site on display acquaint themselves with the issues and the links to Major Projects Assessment/ at Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street make submissions to the Council to en- On exhibition). There are a signifi cant (Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm). sure the views of the Glebe community number of community submissions are well represented. (including the Glebe Society's) which These are some of the issues the Society are bundled, so you will need to scroll considers as areas of concern, but mem- Meeting with Planners re down to view them all. bers will have their own concerns based CityPlan on how much they expect to be affected. Resident opinion, almost universally, On Wednesday 7 September, members of ranges from opposed to vehemently op- 1. The Society continues to believe there posed. Leichhardt Council, the Police should be a maximum of six storeys the Society and other Glebe groups met with Planners from the City and also the and the Transport Department have over underground parking. Those build- NSW Department of Planning to hear an lodged submissions which demonstrate ings designed to be at the maximum update on the progress of the CityPlan. their signifi cant concerns at potential permitted eight storeys are still consid- impacts. ered too high as they will rise above the The City Planners were well prepared top of the cliff. and addressed all the issues we had It is not clear at this stage when a for- raised. While we are not able to say mal decision relating to the DA will be 2. The amount of parking, although at defi nitely that the Plan will be changed, announced. the maximum required by the City's there are promising indications, espe- - Liz Simpson-Booker parking code, in the Society’s view is cially where our concerns were refl ected

September/October 2011 3 Looking after A warm welcome to our new President the Blue Wrens Mairéad Browne, a long time Glebe Resident, was elected President of the Glebe Society at our recent Annual General Meeting. Mairéad’s gentle Irish brogue belies her organisational abilities and her attachment to her new Glebe environment. Her husband David served as Glebe Society President from 1994 to 1995.

Floodplain Risk Management Committee Planting - 4 September The City of Sydney invited several peo- best symbolic. The Glebe Society may ple to join its Floodplain Risk Manage- wish to consider whether it has views on On a sunny spring morning, Sunday 4 ment Committee and the fi rst meeting this and how far it would like to be kept September, a dozen ‘gardeners’, mostly thereafter was held on 7 September informed of developments. Glebe Society members, gathered in the Sydney Town Hall. Commu- at the Park in Minogue Crescent, nity representatives from Glebe were After the meeting I did look into some adjacent to the Police and Community Anton Crouch, Megan Petrass, Peter of the questions that concerned me. A Youth Club. The planting of Blue Geelan-Small and Sybil Jack-Ungar. search of the websites shows that the Wren-friendly natives was supervised The Committee is supposed not only Water Board, in getting its new licence by Katie Oxenham and Nick Criniti to have community representatives but last year, has entered into a MoU with from the City of Sydney. The site had representatives from the other bodies the Department of the Environment been prepared by Citiwide, the City’s with responsibility for aspects of the but this appears extremely vague and contractors, and was clear of weeds problem. It was disappointing there- meetings a vanishing rare event. This and had plenty of fresh mulch. There fore that the representatives of Sydney says that the Water Board has 'some' is a tap close by so hopefully the plants Water and the Department of Primary stormwater services. One might wonder will be well watered over the next Industries did not attend and that there who has responsibility for the rest? Are few weeks and will have no trouble does not seem to be a representative of there regulations that cover the intersec- surviving the summer, but maintenance the Harbour Foreshore Authority or the tion points where the 'smaller drains and of the new planting is something we Sydney Catchment Authority. conduits' which are Council's responsi- will need to keep an eye on. bility intersect with the larger drains that I had hoped to get a better idea of how the Water Board controls? Who checks - Andrew Wood the various bodies with responsibility that these are not blocked? Sydney for aspects of water management work. Water through a contractor is currently Working bee A map of the interlocking responsibili- working on a drain on the Annandale ties would be valuable for those who side abutting on Johnstons Creek and on 9 November want to report possible diffi culties. The next to the area where the 'natural' presentation describing the progress vegetation is being restored. Do all the Join the Glebe Society’s Blue Wrens of the fl ood study for Blackwattle Bay drains that run into Johnstons Creek fall group and members from the Glebe and Johnstons Creek project did not tell under the Water Board? Bushcare Group and Rozelle Bay Com- us which computer simulation pack- munity Native Nursery, for a work- age was being used although the WMA I feel that the reluctance to provide ing bee on Wednesday 9 November, team responsible answered questions detailed maps of what lies under our feet 9.30am to 12 noon (weather permit- quite willingly. They believe that it is makes it hard to assess what is being ting, otherwise 16 November). It is at suffi ciently fl exible to take in changes done. I know that the City of Sydney Paddy Gray Reserve, between Hereford as they occur and to run the simulation claims to have marked drains with a fi sh Street and Wigram Lane, beside 57 again to see what effects the changes and that there are 43 in Glebe. So far I Hereford Street, the local National might produce. They did not go into have found two. Can anyone point to Tree Day site in 2010 and 2008. If you details about the data they had used to more? don’t want to pull out weeds, spread feed into the package, although it was Looking for the authority that might be mulch and add a few infi ll plants, come clear that on the ground investigation responsible for the Cook Street side of anyway and have morning tea with the was not really part of it except where Blackwattle Bay, I discovered that the workers and inspect the success (or they had responses to the questionnaires Foreshore Authority seems to bypass otherwise) of past plantings. sent out and of course only a fraction of it. It covers the Pyrmont side but then You need to wear comfortable old those sent out were returned. crosses to the Balmain peninsula leaving clothes that protect you from sun and The Staff response to Peter Geelan- the western side of Blackwattle and Ro- scratches and bring your own fi lled Small's question about contacting the zelle Bays out. This is a pity as I wanted thermos and mug. If you can, bring communities of which we are repre- to raise issues of what appears to be the your garden gloves and trowel (some sentatives was that the City of Sydney undermining of the retaining walls at will be available) and morning tea to could do this better and we should not some points and the destruction of those share. bother. This seems to suggest that our facing onto the water. - Jan Craney role is wholly passive and its value at - Sybil Jack-Unger

4 Glebe Society Bulletin Bernard and Kate Smith Our Glebe historian, Max Solling, remembers his friends Bernard Smith, who died this month, and his late wife Kate.. Bernard’s early life enue Road, Glebe. A new energy and workplace the Society was delighted enthusiasm for inner city life pervaded to receive a letter in March 1970 from Bernard William Smith was born at Glebe in the early months of 1969, and P H Morton, Minister for Local Govern- Sydney on 3 October 1916 to a single the Smiths’ home became a meeting ment & Highways advising that the sec- mother, Rose Anne Tierney, an Irish- place for like-minded people intent on tion of the North Western Expressway born domestic servant unable to look forming a resident action group. Kate between Lombard Street and Maxwell after him. When four years old he fi rst Smith, an indefatigable pedestrian (the Street was to be a bored tunnel, not open met his father, Charles Smith. He was Smiths never owned a car) stopped and cut. The Society, with 250 members by brought up as a state ward by foster talked to everyone on her daily errands July 1970, now challenged the appropri- parents ‘Mum Keen’ and ‘Old Dad’ at and no-one recruited more members to ateness of the expressways. Braeside, Burwood. Bernard attended the Society than Kate in the formative Campaign for a Better Council Concord Primary, Petersham and period, using skills acquired as a school Enmore High where he was dux. He teacher, and later rallying troops for Anxious to infl uence planning policy, was awarded a two year scholarship demonstrations. the Society prepared a plan expressing a to Sydney Teachers College in 1933. need for conservation and preservation, He combined primary school teaching Birth of the Glebe Society and presented it to Leichhardt Council with painting between 1935 and 1944. The Glebe Society’s fi rst annual meet- in September 1970. Three months after Smith’s world was profoundly shaped ing was on 19 June 1969 at Glebe the plan had been returned to Council by the late 30s and in 1939 he joined Town Hall and Bernard Smith, as its from the State Planning Authority, the the teachers’ branch of the Communist fi rst President, found resident action Authority’s recommendations had not Party. For the rest of his life been considered by Council nor Marxist notions played a role released to the Society. Con- in his writings about art and fronted with an unsympathetic culture. Council that made decisions Marriage and further educa- behind closed doors, and at- tion tempts within ALP branches to proscribe Society members, Bernard met Kate Challis, an the Society was led to actively English-born Latin and French support candidates under the teacher in 1940 at a Teachers banner of Campaign for a Better Federation Art Society lecture Council (CBC) in September in Sydney. Married on 16 1971. Six CBC candidates were May 1941, the Smiths lived elected and, in coalition with in a two bedroom fl at at Ilan Balmain councillors Origlass Court, Wylde Street, Potts and Wyner, controlled the new Point at a fi xed weekly rent council (1971-1974) which of 38 shillings and sixpence adopted a conservation, anti- where their two children, The Glebe, Issue No. 13, Wednesday March 10 1971. expressway and open council Elizabeth and John (1943 The caption reads ’Professor Bernard Smith (with mega- platform. It implemented more and 1944), were brought up. phone) leading the more than 200-strong ratepayers and stringent zoning restrictions for Bernard was seconded to the citizens’ protest march against Leichhardt Council along Glebe, prohibiting uncontrolled NSW Art Gallery (1944 to Glebe Point Road’. fl at development and incursions 1954) where he organised of non-residential land uses. touring exhibitions to re- a new and exciting experience. To Glebe history and architecture gional NSW. They sailed for England celebrate what we were fi ghting for, in 1948 where Bernard was British a walk around Glebe was held in July Bernard, Kate and I enjoyed strolling Council scholar at the Warburg Insti- 1969. The Askin Liberal Government around Glebe on Saturday afternoons tute, University of London (1948-49) was committed to massive redevelop- soon after we met and we became good returning in 1951. He then obtained an ment of the inner city with eviction and friends; Bernard was full of ideas and Arts degree at Sydney University and demolition threatening the existence probing questions. It was nice to share as Research Scholar at ANU (1954-55) of traditional inner city neighbour- thoughts with kindred spirits who also completed his doctorate. Smith was hoods. Bernard, who was the Society’s found Glebe their sort of place at a time appointed a Lecturer (1955-1963) and President from 1969 to 1971 and 1974 when the offi cial view was that the Reader (1964-1966) in the Fine Arts to 1975, and Kate were closely involved suburb’s built environment had little to Department of Melbourne University in a series of defensive actions designed commend it. They supported the idea and for three years (1963-1966) was art to protect the physical fabric of Glebe at of a local history journal; the fi rst issue critic of the Melbourne Age. that time. These are worth recounting. of the Leichhardt Historical Journal Arrival in Glebe was published in 1971. Data was being Threats to Glebe welded in the crucible of Bernard’s fer- Bernard was appointed founding Two immediate threats to Glebe’s tile mind where the idea of an architec- Professor of Contemporary Art and townscape - urban radial expressways tural history was taking shape and I was Director of the Power Institute of Fine and the building of fl ats - preoccupied pleased they found my thesis on Glebe Arts, University of Sydney, in 1967 the new Society. After meeting Main of some value for their planned book. when the Smiths moved to 23 Av- Roads Department offi cials at my Continued on next page ...

September/October 2011 5 ... continued from previous page features of an urban social movement; it 1989 in Melbourne and in August that was sudden, unexpected and spontane- year her ashes were scattered on the Glebe rate books, crucial for dating ous, and relatively short-lived from 1972 local houses, had been earlier located top of Black Cap, South Downs, Sus- to 1974. But its impact was dramatic, sex, a place where she learnt to cherish unkempt in the bowels of Sydney Town shutting down a series of construction Hall, and transferred to the then Ar- nature. Tales from Sydney Cove , written projects. Glebe people turned up in by Kate in 1953 about early contact chives Offi ce of NSW, and the wherea- strength at the confrontation and vigil bouts of other source materials were between whites and Aboriginal people, at Fig Street, Ultimo in October 1974 and edited by Bernard, was published discussed. Kate spent weeks at Mitchell which received national coverage, halt- Library working through the Subdi- in 2000. Those privileged enough to ing further house demolition with the know Kate lost a friend, an eternal op- vision boxes and Sands Directories, street meeting there chaired by Bernard and deciphering the Glebe rate books, timist with a deep concern for the less Smith. The Glebe area was listed by the fortunate. something she loved doing. This pains- National Trust as a Conservation Area taking labour is meticulously recorded in 1974, receiving the highest category Literary output in the footnotes and printed sources of of listing. This added weight to the case The focus of Bernard Smith’s life has Kate and Bernard’s The Architectural against expressway construction and the Character of Glebe published in 1973, been developing interest in, and knowl- Federal Government withdrew fi nance edge of, Australia’s artistic tradition, a seminal book distinguishing domestic for the project. Vigorous campaigns architectural styles. and three of his outstanding and seminal conducted by inner city residents to pro- works - Place, Taste & Tradition The Glebe Estate tect their neighbourhoods occupy an im- (1945), European Vision & the South portant place in modern formative ideas Pacifi c (1960) and Australian Painting After the Anglican Synod announced of heritage and heritage conservation. plans to sell part of the Glebe Estate we 1788-1960 (1962) set the standard. All A conglomeration of circumstances had went to further editions or reprints. He prepared a pamphlet The Glebe Lands fortuitously come together to ensure that of Bishopthorpe and St Phillips: The was full of little jokes, one of which the existing physical fabric and character was he was ‘one of Oxford University Case for Preservation and Restoration, of Glebe remained intact. The Smiths 1972, arguing two things: that these cot- Press’s boys’. The literary output of retired to 168 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy Australia’s most venerated art histo- tages and terraces of the period 1860- in 1977 to be near their children. 1880 formed a continuous townscape, rian in retirement as author, co-author representing a valuable cross-section Kate Challis or editor continued to be prolifi c. He of Australian domestic architecture, set himself a rigorous daily schedule, Kate Smith was born on 3 March 1915 writing in the morning from about 8 and secondly that it would retain a at Streatham Hill, a suburb of London, tract of Glebe largely inhabited by low o’clock to lunchtime, and then doing where she was abandoned, aged one preparation for the next day’s work in income families. In 1974 the Federal month, and destined for the Foundling Government acquired the Glebe Estate the afternoon. He wrote notable works Hospital. Like Bernard, she too was fos- of memoir/autobiography, The Boy for $17.5 million. Bernard returned to tered, and brought up by Hilda Adeney Glebe to launch a reprint of their book Adeodatus: The Portrait of a Lucky whose husband Cuthbert was serving in Young Bastard (1984) and A pavane for at Lyndhurst in 1989 when he told the France as a medical offi cer. Her father Herald ‘public ownership of a large part another time (2002). And his elegantly Albert was killed in France in 1916. designed last book, The Formalesque, of Glebe had prevented working class Kate lived at Ditchling, East Sussex people from being moved out ... usually was published in 2007, when Bernard and attended school there and at Bur- was 91 years of age. The sheer quality the homes of the working class were gess Hill, and in 1934 enrolled as Kate not considered worthy of preservation. and weight of Bernard’s scholarship and Challis, her baptismal name, for an Arts scale of his achievements represents a That gives an inaccurate view of what degree at London University College the past was like’. extraordinary contribution to Austral- and an Education diploma, completed in ian intellectual and cultural life over Expressways 1937. She secured a two year contract to seventy years. teach in Australia, paid £10 for a cabin The Department of Main Roads in berth to Sydney in 1938, found a fl at at Finale planning expressways through Glebe 170 King Street in the city, and began assumed inner city housing would At a local level Bernard and Kate teaching in January 1939 at Fairfi eld, 92 wholeheartedly embraced resident continue to decay. The two express- Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, and then ways effectively sliced Glebe into three activism and conservation from the late at Meriden from 1942. The Adeneys, 1960s, confronting bulldozers, chains sections and would displace about drawn to Fabian values in the Depres- 2500 residents. Lyndhurst , threatened and the police at anti-expressway dem- sion and Spanish Civil War, had moved onstrations. Their Glebe book provided with demolition, became a symbol of Kate’s political sympathies towards the anti-expressway movement and in hard evidence to justify the whole sub- the left of politics, and from 1941 to urb being declared a Conservation Area February 1972 Bernard wrote about about 1944 she was a Communist Party this in the Herald ( A House with a his- (a Transportation Study, also in 1974, member. Kate wrote a succinct piece argued Glebe and other inner suburbs tory). The DMR was confronted by the in the Bulletin in 1975, When we were Builders Labourers Federation and a were ‘old and stingy and should be torn very young, detailing early highlights of down’), and Bernard enjoyed return- variety of people and bodies (including the Glebe Society. Kate loved children the Glebe Society) across the spectrum ing to Glebe to renew old friendships and conducted tea parties for children, and acquaintances. In 1995 he married united in their opposition to urban radial made Teddy Bears for them, and her expressways. Opposition took the form Margaret Forster who survives him. own bear, Bruno, was always present on Emeritus Professor Bernard Smith died of confrontation at demolition sites and these occasions. She knitted a yellow squatting in DMR-affected property. at Sumner House Fitzroy on 2 Septem- football for my eldest son who quivered ber 2011, aged 94. The Green Bans that Jack Mundey’s with delight when presented with it. BLF imposed took on the classic She died, aged 73 years, on 7 January - Max Solling

6 Glebe Society Bulletin 42nd Annual General Meeting

The meeting endorsed the admission Sub-committee of Jan Macindoe as an Honorary Life Convenors’ Member of the Glebe Society Commen- reports were dations of the Society were awarded printed in ear- to Anne Fraser, John Gerofi and Jan lier Bulletins, Wilson. Tony Strachan, who had been or appear in this recommended for admission as an Hon- issue. Bruce orary Life Member at the 2010 AGM, Davis presented joined the group receiving their awards the Treasurer’s at the meeting. See pages 10 - 11 for more details of these awards. Report. Mairéad Browne was Guest speaker confi rmed as the Our guest speaker was Dr Lisa Murray, incoming Presi- City of Sydney Historian and Chair of dent and John the Dictionary of Sydney, who spoke Jan Macindoe, new Life Member, and Mairéad Browne, new Gray as the Vice- about the increasing role of digitisation President. Photo: Phil Young President. Bruce in local history activities. Lisa spoke Over 50 people attended our 42nd Davis continues as Treasurer and Liz also about the way that local his- AGM at Benledi on Sunday 28 August, Simpson-Booker agreed to mentor tory itself is taking on a much greater another bumper turnout for an AGM. Vicky Marquis as the latter takes up signifi cance in historiography. She described how the Internet has provided the role of Secretary. The following The formal business of the meeting new ways to share history, fi nd out included the President’s Report which people were confi rmed as members new information and make connections was presented in two parts, refl ecting of the Management Committee: Dor- that would not otherwise be obvious. the splitting of the role of President othy Davis, Carole Herriman, Mur- The text of Lisa’s talk will be in next over the previous year. Lesley Lynch ray Jewell and Bill Simpson-Young. month’s Bulletin. John Gray moved a covered the period from after the 2010 Committee members and Convenors motion of thanks for the very profes- AGM to the end of the year with Liz of Sub-committees, who are ex of- sional and interesting presentation, Simpson-Booker’s report covering fi cio members of the Management which was followed by refreshments organised by Dorothy Davis and her 2011 up to the current AGM. See their Committee, are listed on page15 of team. reports below. this Bulletin. Presidents’ Reports Lesley Lynch tracked this through the Council plan- prohibitions on individual large scale ning committee and Central Sydney retail developments. We also got some This report covers the period from the Planning Committee meetings to ensure amelioration of the impact of build- 2010 AGM until the end of the year. our documented position was noted and ing heights, although we failed to have understood. the height of buildings reduced to a General Glebe Society business con- maximum of fi ve storeys, and we got a tinued as usual and several long term The resulting draft planning controls requirement for a heritage interpretation major issues re-emerged. and the draft planning agreement for strategy to be developed. Harold Park went on exhibition on 17 Harold Park. The fi rst City of Sydney November with opportunity to respond In summary, I think we did well in public consultation on Harold Park had by 15 December. This was our last this campaign. We did not achieve the been held in December 2009. As there intervention point to achieve movement outcome we regarded as best for the were many aspects of the initial Gov- on the proposal. community – most signifi cantly the ernment Architect’s Offi ce proposal height of the buildings and the residen- that greatly concerned the community, The Harold Park working group of tial density are too high and the traffi c we initiated, and sustained throughout the Glebe Society again analysed the implications are pretty horrifi c – but I 2010, a well organised and strongly voluminous planning and background have no doubt the outcome would have supported public campaign to achieve technical documentation, met with been much worse (and much closer to changes to that proposal. This cam- Council planning staff and called our the original proposal of the Harness paign entered a new stage in the last third Harold Park public meeting on 7 Racing Club) without our efforts. We quarter of the year drawing us into a December 2010. That meeting endorsed have achieved another large addition renewed fl urry of activity. a detailed public resolution which we to our community’s open space and submitted to Council on 15 December. The Council and the NSW Harness this will include an all-weather sports Racing Club reached agreement about This achieved movement on a few criti- fi eld; we have blocked the possibility of major contended elements of the cal points. Most importantly it persuad- inappropriate, large scale retail activity; proposal. This allowed the formal ed Council to reduce the space for retail process to proceed another step. We activity by 50% and incorporate specifi c Continued on next page ... September/October 2011 7 10 December at Fishermans Wharf was Liz Simpson-Booker 42nd AGM another great success); the documenta- tion of existing (and potential) plaques I would like to thank Lesley for her ...continued from previous page initiated in partnership with Council and great stewardship of the Society over we do have land allocated for afford- with Erica and Peter Robinson taking a her term and pay tribute to the work she able rental housing and we have secured leading role; ongoing activity in the bio- did on two mammoth issues, Harold 500 square metres of the Tramsheds for diversity area; successful Glebe walks Park and the Bays Precinct. and a harbour cruise on the Waratah . community activities. But it was also Lesley who backed me While rightly congratulating ourselves, State of the Glebe Society. In January into a corner and begged me to help fi ll it must be acknowledged that the I handed over the President’s role to Liz a presidential hiatus. So I am some- determination of the Lord Mayor and Simpson-Booker, who was willing to thing of a Claytons’ President. Yes, the Council to protect the 35% public step up, yet again, for the Society and I have been around the Society for a space and the affordable housing and take on the role until a President was while but I see myself as a background the heritage status of the Tramsheds was appointed at this AGM. facilitator, not front of house. critical to this positive outcome. The Glebe Society remains a healthy Helping me through this year were The City Plan emerged in draft form and active community body. Its range Bruce Davis and Jan Macindoe and I after a long period of silence. This of activities is broad and growing. The am profoundly grateful for their help is not an easily accessible document, compulsory replacement of the Presi- and wise counsel. And if thanks are to but it is a critical long term planning dent every two years is a wise renewal be put in their rightful place – at the top document for the Sydney LGA. It will strategy for the Society – and, with a of the agenda, rather than at the end - be the major planning legacy of this few delays here and there, continues to let me also pay tribute to the members Council. Its development has been a work well. It is, however, balanced by of the Management Committee for major enterprise and the Glebe Society a continuity strategy through other posi- their extraordinary expertise, generous worked closely with Council during tions, and particularly the Secretary’s support and their willingness to jump in the early phases. While there is much position which Liz Simpson-Booker and help in a crisis. While it is unfair to that is excellent in the Plan, at the end held for 10 years. The Secretary is the single out individuals, I would never- of 2010 the Glebe Society had major Public Offi cer for the Society and has an theless like to mention: important role in its activities. Since Liz concerns about some aspects of the * Neil Macindoe’s work in planning stepped down from the role we have not draft. While some of these related and in the ongoing task of ensuring the found anyone willing to take it on as an to errors and problems that had been new CityPlan is geared to Glebe’s 19th previously identifi ed, the biggest issues ongoing activity. This is not an optimal century heritage streetscapes and also resulted from State Government inter- position for the Society. keeping a watching brief on Harold vention and overlays. These concerns Finally, I had a fantastic two years. Park are shared by other community groups It was an eye opener to experience * Also the two people who so ably across the LGA. fi rst-hand the ded ication, energy and manage the ‘public face’ of the Society, Affordable Housing Project in professionalism of the Glebe Society our Bulletin editor, Edwina Doe, and Cowper Street. The Glebe Society Management Committee. As a bonus, I our Website Coordinator, Phil Young got the fi rst intimations that a renewal have a transformed relationship with my locality and quite a few more friends. * Dorothy Davis and her team who project which we strongly supported in have offered us such an interesting mix principle might be about to go seriously Two necessary tributes: I think we are of events and who carried them off with awry under the auspices of the Housing very fortunate in our Council - though it such style Department surfaced. is not yet perfect. I also found our MP * And lastly, I want to pay tribute to the The Bays Precinct. The Government Verity Firth to be an exemplary local late David Mander Jones who was a continued its silence on its reaction to member, sadly more than I could say for valued and much-loved member of the the input of the community through the our then State Government. Management Committee. Report of the Bays Precinct Community I now hand over to Liz to give the main I want to touch on some issues con- Consultative Group in March 2010. report for 2011. We had to wait until February 2011 fronting us this year, which fell outside for their very disappointing response. - Lesley Lynch the specifi c agendas of our Sub-com- The only positive was that it was too mittees. Sub-committee issues have late for them to act on their response. been covered in the various reports During this period of silence we had which have appeared in the Bulletin and to live with more one-off development I see no advantage in going over the decisions in the Bays Precinct which same ground. However, I will talk later ignored the community planning princi- in general terms about the remarkable ples, eg design of the Cruise Passenger contribution of our Sub-committees. Terminal in White Bay and the now 2011 began with the closure of the aborted decision to move the heritage Glebe Post Offi ce. This outraged fl eet to Blackwattle Bay. Glebians and galvanised them into Non Planning Matters. The Glebe So- waging what was a model campaign ciety was very active on other fronts – of protest against the Australia Post decision. It was heart-warming to see particularly with the ever vibrant social Lesley Lynch and Liz Simpson-Booker. Glebe people rallying in an attempt to events program (our Christmas Party on Photo: Phil Young protect the amenity of our suburb. 8 Glebe Society Bulletin Sadly, the campaign led by Jan Wilson to members, but also to the wider public and her team was in vain – we lost our and tourists. 42nd AGM purpose-built post offi ce. And when Of course, the advent of the Glebe the police eventually move to their new and respect at Council and govern- Walks section of our website has led us headquarters in Leichhardt (although ment level. The same can be said for to look with a more critical eye at other there will still be a small shop-front po- the project teams which periodically parts of the site. A small group has been lice presence in Glebe), this may mean coalesce to deal with an issue of the wrestling with how best to manage and that none of this trio of civic buildings, moment and disperse quietly. So our present the history and heritage resourc- the Post Offi ce, the Court House and fl exible structure allows for continu- es of the Society. In this context we the Police Station, will be serving their ity on on-going issues and an ability have had discussions with Lyn Milton original purpose. to deal with short term projects. This not only about the extent of our archival mechanism allows for stability but also These three purpose-built civic struc- holdings but also about more support for offers the opportunity for time-pressed tures carry evidence of James Barnet’s our Archives. We have also consulted members to get a taste of the Society love of classical architecture but they widely on the project, including with at work and contribute to our efforts in also have a directness and lack of the Dictionary of Sydney, but are yet different ways. pretension which sits well with Glebe. to get to grips with how best to present On the other hand, Ambrose Thornley’s this wealth of material in a way which is And spreading the load is hugely Italianate Town Hall in St Johns Road, economical, both in terms of workload important. Yes, we deal with a broad currently undergoing restoration by and cost. range of issues but to do so in an Council, is a far grander affair. Nev- organised, thoughtful and professional The Society has, through Bruce’s dili- ertheless it will be a welcome addition manner does require a little effort. The gent efforts, accumulated comfortable in 2012 to the few usable community Management Committee and Conven- reserves against a rainy day. The Post spaces currently available in Glebe. ors can and do draw on a signifi cant Offi ce campaign and our Website Walks pool of members. However, one such space, in the Walter project (which was part-funded by the Burley Griffi n Incinerator, took up a Royal Australian Historical Society) Overall the Society’s membership signifi cant amount of time and effort have fallen into the rainy day category remains fairly steady although there is this year to try to achieve some sensible and as a consequence have made a small a certain level of churn as people move modifi cation of the conditions of use inroad into our reserves. in and out of the suburb - and we can which Council was threatening to im- even boast of longstanding outposts It was in the course of the history/herit- pose. The outcome was less generous in Germany, the UK and New York. age project consultations that Dr Lisa than we hoped but we achieved some And this year, Glebe Society member- Murray made the comment that the amelioration. Special thanks are due to ship has achieved a ‘valued gift’ status Glebe Society is a standout because of Bruce Davis for carriage of this issue. with parents bestowing it on offspring the number of issues we cover. As I and sellers gifting new membership to Jan Macindoe kindly coordinated our mentioned at our New Members’ night incoming owners. At the recent New pre-election meeting with candidates. (and I hope those who were there will Members Night, we had a great turnout The early signs from the O’Farrell gov- bear with the repetition), we are an of people who had joined the Society ernment are encouraging in relation to amalgam of an historical society, a fam- over the last two years. On the other issues such as land-based planning and ily history resource, a resident action hand, some of our members can – at their approach to the master planning group, an environmental group, a social least in theory – tick off attendance at of the bays as well as the importance club, and an active participant with other 42 Glebe Society AGMs. But I think of community consultation in such local groups. We have been involved they would agree that although the processes. But their eventual actions with the Coalition of Glebe Groups Society has changed along with chang- will speak louder than their verbal and the Blackwattle Bay Coalition. We ing conditions, it has stayed true to its assurances. The election also brought have valuable links to local schools, the early ideals of maintaining our heritage about a change in the electorate’s Royal Australian Historical Society, the values and history and improving the representation at State level. We look National Trust NSW and the Walter Bur- amenity of Glebe. forward to the opportunity of working ley Griffi n Society as well as a range of constructively with the new member resident action groups within the LGA. And fi nally, I note that while continu- for Balmain, Jamie Parker. In addition to our many interactions with ity is good, the need for organisational the City of Sydney, we are undertaking renewal must be balanced against it. Jan Macindoe was also instrumental the Glebe and Forest Lodge component These days, voluntary organisations in bringing to fruition the Glebe Walks of their wider and fascinating project of need to be ‘professional’ not only about project. It was a huge step for the Soci- recording local plaques in the LGA. their strategic objectives and dealing ety to turn its old paper-based walking with day-to-day issues which arise but guide into something more tech-savvy. That we can operate across such a broad also about succession planning, about We have had very positive feedback range is in large part due to the strength valuing volunteers and about fulfi ll- from those who have undertaken the of our Sub-committees who do so much ing membership programs. We have walks (both physical and virtual). to spread the load. Convenors and Sub- gone some way but I am sure the next The websites of the City of Sydney committee members have an extraordi- President of the Society will be ably and Tourism NSW now carry links to nary range of expertise, are thoughtful, qualifi ed to sharpen the focus. Glebe Walks. With this project, we wise and have valuable contacts. They have expanded our offerings not only have helped the Society win credibility - Liz Simpson-Booker

September/October 2011 9 Awards for service to the Society 42nd AGM Four awards honouring service to the Society were presented at the AGM. Jan Macindoe editor of Art Almanac, Jan McCulloch. in March this year, and further walks Jan was also determined that the Soci- have since been added or are being Life Membership ety keep up with sustainability issues, prepared. and reported on the City's initiatives as Jan moved to Glebe permanently in Jan’s wisdom, capacity and commit- well as the global situation. 1978, having lived for some years in ment, combined with her energy and Balmain and Leichhardt, and for a year During her second year, two of the sense of humour shaped her presidency in Europe. She had lived in a share most successful events took place: the which was notably proactive. Those house in Hereford Street while an un- Wentworth Park Games Day, attended same skills remain in play as she pur- dergraduate at the University of Sydney by 2000 people from both Glebe and sues other Society projects. before winning a scholarship to com- Pyrmont/Ultimo, and the Wrens Plant- plete her MA at the University of Mel- ing Day at Paddy Gray Reserve, which bourne, where she lived for three years also attracted a large and enthusiastic Jan Wilson and met her partner Neil. She has lived crowd. Keen to encourage coopera- Commendation in Wigram Road ever since moving to tion both within and outside Glebe, she Jan has been a member of the Glebe So- Glebe, and joined the Society in 1979, supported both the celebration of Glebe ciety since 1995, serving on its Manage- as a result of the doorknock campaign Public School's 150th Anniversary and a ment Committee in a number of capaci- to rally resident opposition to the 1978 fundraising Trivia Night for the School, ties including Revitalisation of Glebe planning scheme, in which campaign, as well as the ongoing Blackwattle Point Road and Transport & Traffi c. and many others, she participated. Cove Coalition with Pyrmont/Ultimo Her work as the Society’s liaison person and the Coalition of Glebe Groups. She became Bulletin Editor in 1993 and with FLAG (Forest Lodge & Glebe She also joined, and wrote the winning stayed at that post until the end of 1997, Groups) has particular importance for grant application for, City University of a period of rapid technological change. the Glebe Society and the Glebe/For- the Third Age, a largely Society initia- Always a passionate advocate of saving est Lodge community as a whole. The tive. John Poulton, the City's Heritage the planet, Jan joined Prof Bill Mc- contribution she has made in bringing Consultant, gave the Society a briefi ng Carthy's Glebe Against Global Warm- the issues of the southern area of Glebe at the Walter Burley Griffi n Incinerator ing group in 2005 where she played a into stronger focus has been signifi cant. and a newly expanded working party prominent role in organising activities. Jan’s role as a member of the Coalition produced the new-look Glebe Society of Glebe Groups (CoGG), representing She became President in January 2007, website. and was immediately confronted by the the Glebe Community Residents Group, Many people would fi nd such a sched- proposal for a large dry boat storage has brought to it an informed under- ule exhausting, but Jan realised there facility in Rozelle Bay, which was fi - standing of the needs and concerns of must be a suitable publication ready for nally approved with some restrictions in the broader community. the Society's 40th Birthday in 2009. She June, followed by the State Government Jan made a major contribution to the convened a small group of long-time elections in March. She has organised celebration of 150 years of Glebe’s members, and initiated and chaired the and chaired every Glebe Society 'Meet history when, in 2009, she organised Conservation and Change: The His- the Candidates' since. A high point of the gathering of items for inclusion tory of The Glebe Society project. The her fi rst year was the completion and in a time capsule. These came from Royal Australian Historical Society was opening of the renovated Bellevue, a a myriad of contributors – residents, so impressed by her application and very well attended and happy event, schools, community groups, businesses the sample chapter she sent they drew although it took a further three years and Government agencies, and now lie on special funds to ensure its publica- before it became the popular café of safely at the base of the fountain in Ju- tion, which took place in time for the today. She was often heard to wish she bilee Place waiting until 2109 to reveal Birthday Party. might enjoy a cup of coffee in Bel- something of the rich history of Glebe. levue before she died! Glebe Library After her time as President she settled When, on 19 December 2010, news also celebrated its fi rst ten years at the into the role of Environment Convenor, broke of the planned closure of Glebe Homoeopathic Hospital site. where she continues to lobby for a new Post Offi ce it was with Jan’s encour- community garden and secure new An important part of the President's agement that a small group, including plantings for the Blue Wrens. Realising role is to ensure the Society's structure members of the Glebe Society, other the Society's walking guide was seri- can cope with its increasingly wide and residents and business owners, met to ously outdated and defi cient, she con- complex range of activities. To this end initiate the distribution of some 3,500 vened a group to consider alternatives. Jan organised a Workshop on Strategic fl yers and posters to inform the com- The group decided to go electronic, and Goals to update the Society's objectives. munity of Australia Post’s intent. Thus Jan wrote and secured a further grant She also secured a new Heritage Con- POGA (Post Offi ce Glebe Action) was from RAHS to produce two online, venor and joined the Arts and Media formed. The media were alerted; the downloadable, thematic walks to be Sub-committee, which participated in State, Federal, and City of Sydney written by a variety of members and the City's Art and About program and representatives and local police were published by the Glebe-based fi rm, Red involved a wide range of community brought into consultation and action. Ant Media. These walks were launched talent, including the much-lamented 10 Glebe Society Bulletin Jan's leadership and coordination of written by John and outlining in detail the large team of helpers was outstand- a proposal to use the freight line for a 42nd AGM ing. It resulted in a sustained campaign light rail service from the central busi- of what Anne set out to do then has since over many weeks against the closure ness district to our suburb. Major parts been achieved. of the Glebe Post Offi ce. Nearly fi ve of John’s proposal were adopted by the thousand signatures of protest were Federal and State Governments and the Her workload expanded in the following collected. Discussions were held with light rail service to Glebe from Central January with the creation of the Black- senior Australia Post management. Railway Station commenced 11 years wattle Cove Coalition (BCC), a group ago (opened by Hon Bob Carr, Premier, comprising community and business The campaign culminated in a rally on and Hon Carl Scully, Minister for Trans- organisations from Glebe, Pyrmont and 20 January 2010 attended by some 600 port and Minister for Roads, on 13 Au- Ultimo which was established to bring residents and addressed by local busi- gust 2000) and is soon to be extended a spotlight to bear on the long-neglected ness, City of Sydney, State, and Federal from Lilyfi eld to Dulwich Hill. Blackwattle Bay foreshore and its hin- representatives, and residents. The terland including Wentworth Park. Anne strength of the protest surprised many As a result of Dr Gerofi ’s expertise and became BCC’s fi rst convenor. and drew extensive media coverage. foresight in recognising the future role But, as we now know, the management of light rail as a mass public transport BCC achieved much under Anne’s lead- of Australia Post was fully intent on system for the inner city suburbs of ership. Even though she hated meet- closure as part of their long-term plan. Sydney, the Glebe Society proposes that ings she led many deputations to City There is now a ‘frock shop’ in the old Dr Gerofi be awarded its Commenda- Council and State Government offi ces to Glebe Post Offi ce building where once tion in recognition of his meritorious lobby for change, and the constant chip- the community used to do business, service to Glebe. chip-chipping succeeded in raising the and communicate with each other and profi le of the Blackwattle Bay precinct. the world. Money was spent on improvements to Wentworth Park, most notably by a Although the outcome was so disap- sympathetic Trust, and plans evolved for pointing, there were many important the extension of the foreshore walk, the principles addressed in the campaign. development of a park and water sports These were embraced across the Glebe/ Anne Fraser centre under the city approaches to the Forest Lodge community in a display Commendation Anzac Bridge, and the redevelopment of of solidarity that has not been seen for the Fish Market. many years – it could be said for some Anne joined the Society in 2005 – a 40 years. It was the Glebe Village at refugee from Turramurra on the up- Her most public achievement was the its fi nest. per North Shore. She quickly became fi rst Wentworth Park Community Games involved in the affairs of her new com- in 2008 with its star attraction, the munity, joining the Management Com- Wenty Park Mongrel Cup. Her most mittee at the Annual General Meeting in daring enterprise was Project Jericho, 2005. a plan to bring down the concrete and John Gerofi Soon afterwards she took up the cause barbed wire walls of Wentworth Park by marching naked around the perimeter on Commendation of Wentworth Park which had been without a convenor for some time. a full moon blowing a ram’s horn trum- The Glebe Society wishes to recognise As a newcomer to the Inner West she pet. Fortunately this objective and the the outstanding contributions made by admitted she was on a steep learning opening up of the arches in the railway Dr John Gerofi to the establishment curve, but her timing was impeccable as viaduct were achieved by more conven- of the light rail service to our suburb. much was changing with regard to the tional means. In 1974, John with Jim Coombs (an Park. The Government had appointed a Much of what Anne started has now Honorary Life Member of the Society) new Trust to administer the Park which been subsumed into the greater project wrote an initial document for the So- included community representation of persuading the State government to ciety on the possible use of the freight in addition to representatives of the develop a cohesive plan for the whole railway line through Glebe as a light greyhound racing industry, and the City Bays Precinct. Her leadership of BCC rail corridor. They proposed that it be Council was willing to listen to ideas until she stood aside at the end of 2008 coupled to the Eastern Suburbs railway for improving the areas for which it is provided a strong foundation for much line so providing an east-west light rail responsible. of the current community activity. link between Haberfi eld and the city’s Towards the end of 2005 Anne and her Anne also contributed to the Society eastern suburbs. Subsequently John sub-committee published the Glebe in other ways, particularly through observed many of the light rail systems Society’s policy for the Park. Central organising social events including a very in Europe and concluded that such sys- to this was returning the park to its different Christmas Party at a venue no tems would provide an excellent public ‘original beauty ... as a recreation space one had heard of in Jarocin Avenue, and transport system for the inner suburbs for use by the increasing number of a new members’ night featuring speed of Sydney. In 1980 the Society pub- residents in the adjacent suburbs’. The dating. She also helped to organise lished its Occasional Monograph No.3 policy also foresaw the eventual end of events for Glebe’s sesquicentenary year (Better Public Transport in Sydney's In- greyhound racing in the park and the and led the outreach committee during ner Western & South-Eastern Suburbs) reunifi cation of its three sections. Much the Society’s 40th birthday celebrations.

September/October 2011 11 42nd AGM Computing – Players in the Pub Problem Solving 101 Here are the next plays in the series of Tony Strachan - Life popular moved readings at the Toxteth The U3A is running a computer course Hotel. Member at the Toxteth Hotel, Thursdays 20 October until 24 November, 2-4pm. Presented by members and friends of Tony Strachan was unable to attend Presenters are Bruce Davis, Cam Sec- Sydney’s New Theatre, these are not last year’s AGM, but he came this year combe and Phil Young. static readings but theatrical presenta- to accept his award. Here is his ac- tions using minimal props and furniture. ceptance speech. My computer doesn’t understand me. I pound the keyboard, click the mouse 11 October - The Drunkard or The I see that by not being able to be here furiously and still no result. I’ve even Fallen Saved by ‘W H Smith and A last year, I am here on the 40th anniver- yelled at it. And it’s no good telling me Gentleman’, a lesson in temperance sary of my joining the Glebe Society. to read the instructions because they’re co-written by a reformed alcoholic and Just thinking back over all this, of written in nerd language! And all I staged by showman (and ex-drinker) course, in the early ’70s the threats to wanted to do was … P J Barnum. Directed by Lyn Colling- communities were the way communi- wood. ties got galvanised into action. If this describes your relationship with your PC, you should enrol for this 15 November - A Weekend in Manhat- Looking at the evolution of the Glebe course. Many PC users have problems tan, a romantic comedy directed by Society over all the years it’s been with their computers and software Nicholas Papademetriou (Players in the very interesting to see how they keep which can be sorted by someone more Pub director of Lady Windermere’s Fan responding to threats and I sometimes familiar with computers. We will focus and Tears in Tinseltown ). wonder whether you need a new big initially on Microsoft Windows issues threat in a few years’ time to keep you 20 December - A Christmas Carol, but, depending on the level of interest, all up to the mark! Charles Dickens’ original story adapted we will also cover other subjects such and directed by Lyn Collingwood. The But looking at that evolution, I see with as email, web browsing, Skype, how to return of Players in the Pub’s most great pride the way the Society has organise one’s fi les, backing up data, popular show. responded to what I would call oppor- and security and viruses. tunities. Listening to the President’s Tuesdays at 7pm in the upstairs Media When registering for the course, you report just recently I think that is what Room (enter via Ferry Road stairs) Tox- will be asked to nominate issues or you are doing so admirably. teth Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Road. Free problems you would like to see dis- admission. $10 main meal ‘specials’ on I would like to wish you all the best for cussed. These responses will be used Tuesdays - orders from 5.30pm. the future and keep up the good work. to structure the sessions. Preference Thank you. will be given to issues likely to be of - Lyn Collingwood relevance to the whole group rather than Glebe Public School Arts Culture and Media tackling problems unique to one course Report to the AGM member. While the course might not Year 6 Annual provide a satisfactory solution to your The focus for the Arts group this year specifi c problem, we hope it will give Camp has been community based activity, you a greater understanding of the is- Every year Glebe Public School with local galleries and artists. A gal- sues involved and thus help you to solve subsidises the Year 6 Camp at a cost lery walking tour, similar to the artisans’ the problem yourself. of about $350 per student. The P&C tour organised by Dorothy Davis earlier Cost is $40 if you’re not a member supports the school by raising money in the year, is planned for Saturday of the City U3A, and that’ll give you to offset costs through a raffl e, with afternoon 19 November. membership and entitlement to attend prizes donated by the Glebe Chamber The public art work Earth versus Sky any other U3A course for the next 12 of Commerce and parents. Members has been delayed by the need to fi nd months. There is no charge if you’re are urged to dig into their pockets if another turbine supplier. The good a member of City U3A. You can book they see a Glebe Public School P&C news though is that this extra time has with the Course Coordinator, Carole raffl e ticket seller! allowed the development of a new and O’Brien, on 9665 6639. Alternatively, The Glebe Society Management Com- more sustainable LED lighting system. you can email [email protected]. mittee will also be looking at ways in This will mean more power can be fed Numbers in each course are limited, and which it can offer support to the school into the grid. The coloured lights have places will be allocated on a ‘fi rst come for this project which has the potential been well tested and fi nely tuned and fi rst served’ basis. to change lives. those lucky enough to have been around - Phil Young the fi gs during practice sessions will - Robyn Kemmis have seen something of the beauty of this art work. The completion date is Come to two Community events yet to be determined. Sunday 16 October, 11am - 2pm – Wentworth Park Community Games. - Susan Ingram Convener, Arts Culture and Media Saturday 29 October, 11am - 2pm – Mitchell Street Fair. 12 Glebe Society Bulletin 22nd Annual Art Galleries Tour Restoration of Glebe Music Saturday 19 November, 1.30 - Glebe Town Hall 4.30pm Festival Come to Benledi (note the change of The Glebe walking gallery tour will venue) on Thursday 20 October, We owe a debt of gratitude to a number start at the Inner City Clayworkers 5.30 – 7pm, for a free update on the of individuals and organisations who Gallery in St Johns Road, then take in current restoration of Glebe Town Hall. make buildings available for concerts. Art Almanac, Gallery Red, the Glass Artists Gallery, Salerno and Yuga Café The speakers are architect Julie McKen- The Attorney General’s offi ce has gone and Gallery It will conclude with cof- zie, City of Sydney Project Manager to great lengths to open the Old Court fee and cake at Yuga . Kevin Chahoud and Beth Jewell, City House for the RAPT concert at 7.30pm of Sydney Community Facility Devel- on Friday 11 November. Gleebooks Cost: $15 opment. Wine and cheese will follow proprietors David Gaunt and Roger Enquiries: Dorothy Davis – 9660 7873 the presentation. Mackell have, for many years, opened (leave a message) or Susan Ingram – their shop at 49 Glebe Point Road for Booking is essential. RSVP by Thurs- 9692 8534 an annual concert, and this year is no day 13 October. See the enclosed green exception. Stars of Opera Australia, There will be a booking fl yer in the fl yer for more details. David Corcoran and Margaret Plummer, October Bulletin, or book on line. will perform there at 7pm on Friday 4 - Susan Ingram November. The City of Sydney Library Our own is making Benledi at 186 Glebe Point Road available for the free violin and Glebe Voices Octoberfest guitar concert at 3pm on Saturday 5 November. (Also note the free In-Con- Inaugural Speaker Come and join an exclusive tour and versation with Carl Vine and Ian Munro tasting at the Malt Shovel Brewery on Over the next six months the Society at Benledi onTuesday 8 November. at Monday 31 October, 5 – 7pm. Our host will invite distinguished and interest- 3pm). will be Dr Chuck Hahn, Brewmaster. ing speakers to give Glebe Voices talks. St John’s Anglican church is opening The speakers will be our members, or The brewery, at 99 Pyrmont Road Record Reign Hall on the corner of St people who live in Glebe or have had Camperdown, is named after the origi- Johns Road and Derwent Street at 3pm a special affi liation with Glebe. Our nal brewery tavern of Australia’s fi rst on Sunday 13 November for a free con- fi rst speaker will be Dr David McIntosh brewer, ex-convict James Squire. You cert by Accordions Alfresco. The Sisters AM who introduced and maintains one can fi nd out more about James Squire if of the Good Samaritan of the Order of of Glebe’s Cultural Assets, the Glebe you go to www/malt-shovel.com.au and St Benedict are hosting two afternoon Music Festival. David no longer lives say that you are aged over 18. concerts at St Scholastica’s; Saturday 26 in Glebe but will be in Australia during See the enclosed gold fl yer for more November (Josie and the Emerald City the festival and will talk with members details. Booking is essential, as is the Viols) and Sunday 27 November (Coro of the Society at Blackwattle Café dur- wearing of covered shoes. Innominata in Magnifi cat!), both at ing a lunch on Thursday 10 November, 3pm. After an absence of one year, we 12 noon to 1pm. are back at the Great Hall of the Uni- His topic will be the Origins of the th versity of Sydney, and are very grate- 14 Annual Glebe Glebe Festival, which will lead to ful to the University for the free organ discussion on origins of community Art Show recital by Douglas Hollick on Sunday events, enhancing communities, other 6 November at 3.30pm, preceded by music festivals, and of course music. Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore afternoon tea. There is no charge for the lunch but opened the Glebe Art Show on Friday Tickets are available at the door for all people pay for their own lunch. Places 23 September. concerts or book in advance. See the are limited to 16 people so that we can There were 202 paintings, photographs enclosed leafl et or go to ‘Events’ at engage in discussion. Book by phoning and other works of art, and about the www.glebemusicfestival.com for further Carole Herriman on 9571 9092 or John same number of visitors to the offi cial details. Gray on 0420 303 847. opening. - David McIntosh - John Gray Prizewinners were Roger Berry (Open Art Prize), Paul Procee (Painting Prize), Christmas Cocktail Party Justin Scivetti (Works on Paper Prize), Brenton Alexander Smith (Photography Friday 2 December, 6 – 8pm Prize) and Neil Ernest Tomkins (Youth Prize). This year, Christmas drinks will be served on the elegant verandah and (weather permitting) lawns of Toxteth House , in Avenue Road. The artworks will be on display in Benl- edi and the Glebe Library until Monday See the booking form in next month’s Bulletin. 3 October.

September/October 2011 13 News and Notes Thirsty Thursdays SITCO – Sydney Independent Theatre Members and friends are invited to meet in restaurants in and Company around Glebe, on the fi rst Thursday of each month at 7pm, to World premiere of sharp new Australian play The Complete eat and talk with other people who live in Glebe. We visit a Package by Robert Allan. 8pm Thurs, Fri, 2pm and 8pm Sat different restaurant each month, varying cuisines. Put these 13-22 Oct 2011. 8a, 32-60 Alice Street, Newtown (enter via dates in your diary now. Walenore Avenue). Book or fi nd out more about SITCO on www.sitco.net.au On Thursday 6 October we will go to a new restaurant with ‘modern Italian cuisine’ at 34 Glebe Point Road - Sage on Transformation in the City, Sydney's Glebe. 19th century suburban expansion On Thursday 3 November we will go to Sushi-Ya Glebe, the new Japanese restaurant at 166 Glebe Point Road (The Lesley Muir will take you from the 1870s, when Sydney's Valhalla ). colonial past was still very much in evidence, through the transformation of the 1880s, when a speculative real estate And on Thursday 1 December we will visit Spanish Tapas, boom changed the city's appearance forever. The Garden 26 Glebe Point Road. Palace exhibition of 1879 was the catalyst for improvements Please email me or ring me on 9660 7066 by the Wednesday in public transport which allowed workers to move out of the before the dinner to let me know if you are coming, or if you overcrowded Darling Harbour alleyways into new tramway are likely to be late. suburbs, Paddington, Glebe, Newtown and beyond. But why did the politicians favour trams over railways? And why did - Edwina Doe it take so long to build a railway line into the city? Welcome to new members Lesley Muir has a PhD in Historical Geography from the University of Sydney. She has an interest in the development The following people were accepted as members of the of Sydney, particularly in the late Victorian era, and has writ- Glebe Society at the September Management Committee ten on politics, architecture, transport and local history. meeting: Convenors: WEA/RAHS * Ivan Barko Venue: History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney * Kerrin and Martin Glover Date: Wednesday 23 November 2011, 10.30 am We look forward to seeing them at future Glebe Society Cost: $29 functions. Bookings through WEA on 9264 2781.

Sydney Shakespeare Festival City of Sydney Councillors Lord Mayor: Clover Moore MP On the Bicentennial Park, Glebe Foreshore, 8pm Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, 5 Jan - 12 Feb 2012. Councillors: Phillip Black On alternate evenings, Hamlet & The Taming of the Shrew. Meredith Burgmann Free for children 12 years and under, people with disabilities Irene Doutney and people aged 65 years and over. Chris Harris For the performance dates for each play, how to get there and Marcelle Hoff what to bring, visit www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au Robert Kok Shayne Mallard Gallery Red Shop 11, 131-145 Glebe John McInerney Point Road. Di Tornai For enquiries: Please contact the City of Sydney on Gallery Red presents ARTBOUND: Bound Art, an exhibition of over 60 Artists' Books featuring both national and interna- 9265 9333. tional artists. The exhibition includes bound editions of prints or drawings, altered books, sculptured statements relating to the book form and/or paper engineering. Full colour cata- Forest Lodge logue: $15.00 Public School ARTBOUND: Bound Art runs from 30 September to 18 Home of The Glebe October 2011. Gallery Hours Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Society Archives Saturday 10am - 3pm. Closed Public Holiday Monday 3 October. Phone 9660 3530

14 Glebe Society Bulletin For your diary ... Thursday 6 October, 7pm – Thirsty Thursday – Sage on Glebe, 34 Glebe Point Road. See page 14. Tuesday 11 October, 7pm – Players in the Pub, Toxteth Hotel. See page 12 . Sunday 16 October, 11am - 2pm – Wentworth Park Community Games. Wednesday 19 October, 7.30pm – Management Committee meeting, Venue to be announced.. Thursday 20 October, 5.30 - 7pm – Benledi – Talk on Town Hall Restoration. See green fl yer. Saturday 29 October, 11am - 2pm – Mitchell Street Fair. Monday 31 October, 5 - 7pm – Malt Shovel Brewery, 99 Pyrmont Bridge Road. See gold fl yer. Thursday 3 November, 7pm – Thirsty Thursday – Sushi-Ya, 166 Glebe Point Road. See page 14. Friday 4 to Sunday 27 November – 22nd Annual Glebe Music Festival. See leafl et. Wednesday 9 November, 9.30am - 12 noon – Working Bee, Paddy Gray Reserve. See page 4. Wednesday 9 November, 7.30pm – Management Committee meeting, 115 Mitchell Street. Thursday 10 November, 12 noon - 2pm – Glebe Voices with David McIntosh, Blackwattle Bay Café. See page 13. Tuesday 15 November, 7pm – Players in the Pub, Toxteth Hotel. See page 12. Saturday 19 November, 1.30 - 4.30pm – Art Gallery Walking Tour. See page 13. Sunday 20 November – Glebe Street Fair. Friday 2 December, 6 - 8pm – Toxteth House – Glebe Society Christmas Cocktail Party. See page 13..

Contacting The Glebe Society Inc The Glebe Society Established 1969 Offi ce bearers Mail President Mairéad Browne 9552 2888 All correspondence should be addressed to: Vice President John Gray 9518 7253 The Glebe Society Inc Treasurer Bruce Davis 9660 7873 PO Box 100, Glebe NSW 2037 Secretary Vicky Marquis (tbc) 9552 2592 Immediate Past President Liz Simpson-Booker 9518 6186 Website Committee (fi ve elected positions) The Society has a growing Website (www. Dorothy Davis (Events) 9660 7873 glebesociety.org.au) for the information Murray Jewell (assisting the Treasurer) 0416 978 608 of members and anyone with an interest Lesley Lynch 9660 5084 in Glebe. The Website will only fl ourish if members use the site. Send contributions or Carole Herriman (Eglinton Road project) 9571 9092 comments to [email protected]. Bill Simpson-Young 0411 871 214 au. Convenors (ex-offi cio members of the Management Committee) The Bulletin Arts, Culture & Media Sue Ingram 9692 8534 Bays & Foreshores/BCC Bruce Davis 9660 7873 We are glad to publish letters or articles on Bulletin Edwina Doe 9660 7066 any matters of interest to Glebe, any topic Community Development Robyn Kemmis 9692 9440 raised in the Bulletin, or any issues relating to the Glebe Society, within the Guidelines Heritage tba published on our website. Write to the ad- Environment Jan Macindoe 9660 0208 dress above or email editor@glebesociety. History Lyn Collingwood 9660 5817 org.au. Membership Cheryl and Bryan Herden 9660 7371 Disclaimer Planning Neil Macindoe 9660 0208 TGSI History Jeanette Knox 9660 7781 Views expressed in this Bulletin are not nec- Transport & Traffi c Andrew Craig 9566 1746 essarily those of The Glebe Society Inc. Website Coordinator Phil Young 9692 9583 Bulletin deadline Other: The next edition of the Bulletin will be pub- Archives Lyn Milton 9660 7930 lished at the end of October. The deadline for History of Glebe Max Solling 9660 1160 contributions is Wednesday 19 October. Plaques project Peter Robinson 9692 8415 Press cuttings tba September/October 2011 15 In this issue

• Anzac Bridge maintenance – page 1 • Planning Matters – page 3 • Bernard and Kate Smith – pages 5 - 6 • 42nd Annual General Meeting – pages 7 - 10 • Coming events – pages 10 - 11

The GLEBE SOCIETY Inc Postage PO Box 100 Glebe 2037 paid

Membership of the Glebe Society Community Contacts Individual member $45 Manager-Neighbourhood Services Centre: Glebe, Forest Joint (2 people, one address) $55 Lodge, Camperdown, Ultimo & Pyrmont: Nick Hespe. Household (more than 2 adults and/or Offi ce: Glebe Library - 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. children, one address) $60 Phone: 9298 3191 Concession (student or pensioner) $20 Email: [email protected] Institution or corporate $110 Sydney City Council Customer Service Download a membership form from our website (www. Telephone (24 hours): 9265 9333 glebesociety.org.au, click on Join), write to the Secretary at email: council@cityof sydney.nsw.gov.au PO Box 100, Glebe, 2037, or email website: www.cityof sydney.nsw.gov.au [email protected]. Dumped Shopping trolleys: Trolley Tracker 1800 641 497 If you have a matter that you would like to discuss with the Harold Park: Mirvac hotline for residents 9080 8588 Management Committee, please contact the Secretary. 16 Glebe Society Bulletin