60 Stories for 60 Years 60 Stories for 60 Years

1947-2007, RESIDENTS OF REFLECT Looking north along Keira Street from Crown Street. Royal Hotel on right, circa 1952. The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor Alderman Harry Graham, fi rst Mayor of the Councillor Alex Darling AM 2007 City of Greater Wollongong 1947 FOREWORD

Where have all the years gone? I was thirteen when the Greater was gazetted by the State Government on 12 September 1947 and living in Harbour Street near South Beach at the time. How Wollongong has changed over the past 60 years. Back then it was a coastal working town, with steel making and coal mining its primary economic heart. Today Wollongong is known as a regional centre with a population fast approaching 200000 residents and an economic diversity in education, tourism and traditional manufacturing wrapped up in the tag “City of Innovation”. The past 60 years have indeed been exciting ones of growth and maturity and this commemorative book 60 Stories For 60 Years includes many stories that have infl uenced the lives of local citizens over this time. On behalf of Wollongong City Council I congratulate those whose memories were chosen to be published in this commemorative book and thank all residents who provided a memory of the past 60 years.

Yours sincerely

Alex Darling AM Lord Mayor City of Wollongong WOLLONGONG CREST The City of Greater Wollongong Council wrote to the Historical Society on 13 August 1948 stating that the newly formed Council invited designs for a new “Council Crest”. COLLIERY The fi nal design included the motto: ‘Urbs inter mare montemque’ - The City between the sea and the mountains. The meaning of the Crest: The crest illustrates the history of Wollongong. The upper left quarter shows the outline of the with cedar loggers at work. A cow grazing in the foreground reminds us that dairy farming was and is an important local industry. The upper right quarter shows Wollongong’s role as a port since the days of sailing ships. The lower left quarter represents the importance of coal mining in the district. Skips are shown coming out of a coal mine. The lower right quarter illustrates the importance of the steel industry.

CITY OF WOLLONGONG FLAG In 1981 Wollongong Broadcasting Pty Limited (Station 2WL) promoted a competition for a Wollongong Flag which was sponsored by the then Bank of (now Westpac). A panel of judges chose the entry of local citizen, Mr John Mulhall of Cringila, which was modifi ed to its present version. Incorporated in Flag design are: The City of Wollongong’s Motto - The City between the sea and the mountain The City’s offi cial colours - Blue and Gold (Blue of the sea - Gold of the sands) Interpretation of Flag Design: The blue top section represents the blue skies over Wollongong, the dividing diagonal strip represents the golden coastline of the area and the wealth of the land and blue at base represent the ocean. An adaptation of the City’s Crest, which also incorporates some features of the Coat of Arms of the State of New South Wales features the stars of the Southern Cross placed in the centre on a red cross. Stars on the bottom represent the constellation Orion which is at its brightest over Wollongong. It is the only fl ag on which two constellations are represented.

WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL LOGO Wollongong City Council’s logo depicts, through a stylised ‘W’ various innovative situations relating to Wollongong. The Wollongong of today is very much a City of Innovation - innovative people from many cultural backgrounds, innovative natural and man-made environments and innovative industry and physical boundaries of our city - ocean and mountain range; culture and lifestyle; and the organisation’s progressive approach and pursuit of quality. The colours in Wollongong City Council’s logo were chosen to complement the city’s prominent natural environment. The colours represent the sun, sky, sea and mountain range. The brand slogan sends a consistent, integrated message to all stakeholders. It addresses how the organisation defi nes its business, what makes it unique and what it promises to deliver. The brand slogan for Wollongong is ‘City of Innovation’. This symbolises the progressive, highly creative and dynamic nature of the city. Evening entertainment in Wollongong in the 1940’s and 50’s revolved around the picture theatres of the Civic, Savoy, Regent and Crown. On Friday and Saturday nights, if you had not pre-booked a ticket then generally you would not be able to gain entry due to the popularity of the cinema at that time. The ‘pictures’ were a weekly highlight with thousands of locals visiting all the cinemas over the weekend watching the screen legends of Abbott & Costello, Allan Ladd, Gloria Swanson, Doris Day in fi lms such as Sunset Boulevard, Tea for Two and Tarzan & the Slave Girl. At interval, patrons would fl ood out of the cinemas and head to the many milk bars dotted on Crown and Keira Streets, including Silver Bell Café, Monterey Milk Bar and the Black & White Milk Bar to purchase snacks and drinks. I also remember the windows of stores such as Brickwoods Jeweller in Keira Street would have three or four persons deep all gazing at the fabulous displays of rings, bracelets and watches. It was the epitome of the true meaning of the words ‘window shopping’ as many would return on Monday morning to enquire about buying an item that they saw in the window Friday or Saturday evening. In the 1940’s and 50’s Friday and Saturday nights in Wollongong would always include a spot of ‘window shopping’ something that sadly does not occur much today which is a shame. Alex Darling AM, 73 years old, Mangerton, Year of story 1940s-1950s

Great excitement! Queen Elizabeth was to visit Wollongong. School children were to gather at to welcome her with a few songs. Miss Farmer the Headmistress of my school, Wollongong Home Science arranged a special assembly requesting us to wash our hair that evening; give our shoes an extra polish and wear a clean petticoat. We had to look our best for the Queen. By today’s standards, strange instructions. A bright sunny day dawned. Our entire school walked to the showground, where we were herded into the dusty arena with thousands of other excited school children. So much for those clean shoes! The Mayor’s offi cial gold chains sparkled and glistened as he waited with dignitaries on a decorated dais, for the entourage of cars to complete the inner circle of the showground. As the Queen alighted from her car, I could have touched her, only a small barricade separated us. I have forgotten the colour of her clothes; they seemed so ordinary, nothing elaborate. What an anti-climax, she was gone in less than 30 minutes. So much for the washed hair and the extra starch Mum had put in my white school blouse. I had even worn my best petticoat with pretty cream lace! Barbara Street, 65 years old, Albion Park, Year of story 1954

The fortunes of the and the city of Wollongong have been interwoven from the very beginning. As the city and region have developed, the Mercury has undertaken varying roles, such as leading the debate on important community issues and keeping our readers up to date on world, national and local news. Whether the residents have wanted to know the local footy scores or the vote in council chambers, the Mercury has always been there to keep them informed. The Mercury has always had a proud tradition of playing its role in the community, consistently campaigning on signifi cant issues. This activity has led to improvements in facilities for the residents of Wollongong and the broader Illawarra. The Wollongong of 1947 was very much an industrial city with the Port Kembla steelworks as its economic heart and soul. The Mercury refl ected the city, with the paper heavily reliant on the steelworks and associated enterprises for much of its reporting. Wollongong in 2007 is a vibrant, innovative city just beginning to take advantage of its natural beauty and resources. The city is home to a world-class university, and is making great strides in being recognised as a tourism and conference destination. Likewise the Mercury has also shed its industrial shadow - today we are a workplace of knowledgeable workers, publishing news that is not limited to the printed page. The future for Wollongong is a bright one, and the Mercury will be there to record and participate as it has done for over 150 years. Ben Marsh, 36 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1947-2007 North Wollongong Beach, 1956. Fishing at Coalcliff, circa 1950. In 1947 when I was 17, I belonged to the Comrades, a youth group associated with the Thirroul Methodist Church. As well as attending church we went around to Thirroul and Bulli on scavenger hunts, paper chases and had social nights in what is now the Community Centre at Thirroul. On Sunday mornings I would call for up to eighteen children that lived in Beattie Avenue, Tyrwhitt Avenue, Sturdee Avenue, Allenby Parade and one from Hobart Street and take them to Sunday school. In the summertime, the footpaths would be overgrown with paspalum grass and we would walk on the road to avoid the sap from the grass. I also went to fortnightly dances held at the Railway Institute where I had my fi rst date with my husband to be. Our tennis club was very popular, it was situated at the back of the Bulli Methodist Church and a happy time was had by the many members. We went on picnics to the National Park; we would all crowd into the back of a Ford truck, no seatbelts in those days, and when we arrived at the park, we hired boats to row on the river. We would walk up to Bulli Lookout; I didn’t realize I would end up living there from 1950 to 1975 while leasing the kiosk. Bronwen Chamberlain, 76 years old, Bulli, Year of story 1947

My family and I left Vietnam in June 1984 and we came to Wollongong by chance. We now live here by choice! I had the privilege to give a short speech during the Day Award Dinner 2007 and the topic was “Why Australia - Why Wollongong”. Now, let me share with you why Wollongong. 1. We are 5-10 minutes from nearly everything and we can do much more in a day. 2. It is a great place to nurture young families. I have 2 young sons and I love the fact that we are close to everything so I can manage work and care for my family without too much stress. 3. We are very close to and this means we can go there whenever we like and back to our lovely Wollongong. 4. It is a great place to start and operate a business. I started my business, CleverLink in 1998 and have won many local, regional and national awards. 5. It is a great place to get educated. We have one of the best universities here in our backyard. I went to the for both of my degrees and then lectured there for a few years. Thanks Wollongong for the 23 years of enjoyment, fulfi lment and lots of actions. Camtu Pham, 38 years old, Tarrawanna, Year of story 1984-2007

On 20 November, 1971 Arthur F Little Human Resources Centre at Brian Street, Balgownie was offi cially opened. It was built by the Wheelchair and Disabled Association of Australia as part of their ‘House With No Steps’ program. My mother, Dot Oxenbridge, was employed as the Fund Raiser for the Wollongong Branch and I as the Accounts Clerk. The centre was established to educate the intellectually disabled youth of the region. Our involvement went back many years before the new building was opened and it was very satisfying to work towards that outcome. To fi nance the centre we embarked on major fund raising activities in the Wollongong Local Government Area. One of them was the distribution of the well known ‘House with No Steps’ red cans to businesses. Another well-received fund raising project was the ‘Pick-A-Prize’ lucky envelope stall in front of Coles Variety Store in Crown Street. The holder of a winning number could select a prize from the table. During that time the stall was held in Crown Street the footpaths were packed with shoppers. We tolerated the dust during the construction of Crown Central. In 1976, after 4 successful years, the crowds of shoppers in Crown Street had dwindled and it was decided to turn to other projects. It was a memorable four years with dedicated ladies who volunteered their time all day on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings. Carol Herben, 60 years old, Balgownie, Year of story 1971 It’s 60 years since the inception of the City of Wollongong, the appointment of its fi rst Mayor, Harry Graham who was our landlord and local baker at Windy Gully, Mt Kembla. We looked forward with delight to the baker’s horse drawn cart arriving and the freshly baked, still warm bread. The cart was very ornate with painted scrolls and a small back door to open and take the golden brown leaves, beautiful crusts, butter and jam for afternoon tea after school. As a child it was a substantial walk on a dirt road from Windy Gully to the school bus-stop at the junction of Cordeaux Road and what was then Soldier’s Road. In spring - bombed by magpies, enveloped in history walking past the cemetery where the 1902 disaster victims lay and often in winter - breaking ice on the puddles in the dirt road with the occasional red belly snake hung over the barbwire fence after it had been killed by someone, a warning that could not be ignored. I enjoyed playing in the paddock with the pit- ponies, building cubby houses and especially building huge bonfi res for ‘cracker night’ and a now defunct holiday, ‘Empire Day’. Clare Curtis (nee McNamara), 62 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1950s

The fi rst thing I remember when my mother, sister and I fi rst arrived at Balgownie Hostel was the rounded tin sheds that we were going to live in. Ours had the front door opening to a small room with 2 single beds and a small wardrobe, then there was a bigger room with a double bed for my parents. My father had arrived at the hostel 2 weeks earlier because the management did not have suffi cient married quarters set up, so we (the women) had to stay elsewhere. When we arrived it was around lunchtime and my father took us to a large shed which was the mess hall, and he brought us trays of stew. We ate it up very quickly because in the other place we had been the food was so bad that we often found maggots roaming in our plates, needless to say we had only eaten bread and milk for the last 2 weeks. I remember my father had made friends with 2 young men that lived just across the path from us and they would go fi shing in the large creek that went around the Balgownie hostel and sometimes I would go with them and they would fi sh out eels so big they were so hard to carry home. My parents met a lot of other migrants and became close friends with them. I know only one couple that is still together and I ring them occasionally to see if they are alright. Daniela Lodi, 55 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1961

Growing up in Wollongong or more particularly Corrimal in the 1960s was great. My siblings Beverley, Glenn, Anne and I had the good fortune to live in a housing commission subdivision. Typical of the times: fi bro, corrugated iron roofed houses, outside dunny (till the sewer came along), a coal heater in the lounge room which I nearly blew up trying to light with mower petrol one cold wet winter’s afternoon! Our family home was a 2 bedroom cottage till our dad, worked on an extension so we all didn’t have to share. There were no computer games back then only street cricket and home-made billy carts, picking blackberries or fi shing in the creek for eels where the northern distributor now runs was how we fi lled in the long hot summer days. The girls went to Beverley Rowles Ballet School, the boys to Corrimal Junior Soccer Club or First Corrimal Scouts where we were third generation members. My brother’s kids are now the 4th generation to be involved. We all went to Corrimal Public School, rode in Dions Buses, went to the Roma Theatre, learnt to swim at Bellambi Pool and to the phone box on the corner. We saw the 1 shilling a week our family contributed, along with many others, fi nally lead to a brand new Olympic Pool at Corrimal. What excitement abounded in Corrimal when the Coles New World Shopping Centre supermarket opened. But what about the sadness when it led to the demise of Hall & Gibson’s Grocery Shop? Long may Wollongong continue to nurture its young, employ its adults and care for its aged. Hon David Campbell MP, 50 years old, Corrimal, Year of story 1960s Wollongong Railway Station, 1950. Queen of Great Britain - Coronation Celebrations, Crown Street, 1954. As a small child in the 1950’s, growing up in Russell Vale, a strong childhood recollection I have is that of walks to the escarpment via Rixons Pass. Our family of four would set off, quite often with little more than a brown paper bag of four home grown apples, walk along the , traipse up Rixons Pass past quaint miners’ cottages and continue walking up tracks familiar to my father from his coal mining days. Quite often in the golden heat of summer, with purpled stained hands and mouths from blackberry picking, we would sit by a small dam to catch crayfi sh. We would gaze down upon the emerging township of Wollongong, but also point out our house in Collaery Road surrounded by much loved bushland which were the cherished playing fi elds for the children of the neighbourhood. From here we would look further down to the sea and catch a glimpse of the jetty at Bellambi Point where swirls of steam could sometimes be spotted from the slow movement of a train ferrying coal from South Bulli Colliery. They were peaceful and happy times and a world away from the times my late father would experience as Lord Mayor of Wollongong in the 1970’s and witnessing the transformation from village to town to city. Elizabeth Parker, 58 years old, Austinmer, Year of story 1950s

Growing up in a large family without a car or telephone, the ride in a Hills double decker bus from Bellambi to Wollongong was very exciting. The bus was well patronized and much to my mother’s disgust, at the age of 6 I refused to give up my seat to a fellow passenger. “Sorry Mum” Our trip to town was not complete until we had a visit to McCabe Rest Park which ran off Globe Lane Wollongong. The present site of The Gateway. In the park were the CWA tea rooms and toilets. I recall putting a penny into a slot on the cubicle door, there was always a lady in attendance who kept the toilets clean and helped mothers with small children. The tea room supplied light lunch of sandwiches and scones and of course a pot of tea. I don’t think we drank coffee in the 50’s. Childminding was also available to mothers so they could go off and do their shopping in peace. The park no longer exists but the CWA ladies are still out there attending to the needs of the community. Elizabeth Woods, 56 years old, Balgownie, Year of story 1956

I became a single mum not long after I migrated to Australia. I was left, just me and my kids. I had to work hard to provide and bring up my two children, aged eleven and eight. I was working in the sewing manufacturing places but the pay was very little, I was struggling to cope fi nancially. I got a job at the “Steelworks”, working a three shift schedule. Completely different to sewing plus working with men was an experience. However the money ways was better. I was working in a department called ‘Number 1 Soaking Pits’. As little as I was with long dark hair, the men nicknamed me the little gypsy girl. The electricians used to curl thin cables into circles and hang them on my ears. Whenever I used to walk through the mills to pass on documents, all the crane drivers used to put the sirens on informing everyone that the gypsy girl was passing through. Even though it was embarrassing at the time, deep inside I loved all that attention. However, I was only there to earn money to bring up my two children and provide for their needs. Times that I will never forget and to this point, I still recall that experience as ‘The Good Times’. Elpinicki Manousakis, 63 years old, Dapto, Year of story 1974 At the Frat, that’s where it’s at!! How many of us can remember this catchy phrase? If the Italian centre was the learning language and social centre for children, then the Fraternity Club was the other social centre for adults bocce, card game and the very popular Saturday night dancing. ‘Con and the Latin Beats’ played every Saturday night in their satin shirts, singing all the popular songs, playing the dance music that varied from waltzes, tangos and tarantellas to disco hits and the closing number being a very apt Buona sera signorina - it’s time to say goodnight. The crowds would roll in on Saturday nights during the seventies and eighties!! Especially when the ballroom dancing competitions were on - the excitement, the costumes, the anticipation. You had to leave home early for a parking spot. The young men stood by the walls and the girls sat at the tables with parents, aunts, uncles, paesani and compare. This was a meeting place for many because That’s where it was at, at the Frat! Enri Parolin, 49 years old, Thirroul, Year of story 1960s-1970s

“I had never intended to make Wollongong my home... When I arrived in Australia in 1970, I worked in the Northern Territory for a few years, before a mate and I ventured to Kangaroo Valley in NSW, looking for more work. It was 1973, and there was a lot of industrial unrest at the time; so many strikes it wasn’t long before we were only fi nding work for a few days a week. Along with 3 mates, I approached a developer in Wollongong and offered our services as labourers to erect formwork on his planned multi-storey building, at the tiny cost of $2,000 per fl oor. Of course he agreed! It occurred to me at the time, that there could be more opportunities for formworking in Wollongong, and so armed only with a power saw, a little experience - and a lot of determination, I convinced a local businessman to give me a job, and set out to start my own formworking business. I wanted to quickly become the best in this business, so I hired an expert formworker in 1974. Together the 5 of us created Wideform Group of Companies - a company that has contributed to approximately 80% of Wollongong’s building developments since the 1970s. My wife Estela and I are proud of what we have been able to achieve in this wonderful city, and so Wollongong remains our much loved home. We have many of our people to thank for this. Although we have extensive offi ces throughout Australia and now East Timor, Wollongong is also where Wideform calls ‘home’. Fred Ferreira, 61 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1973

Sylvia and I came here expecting to stay three years, then move on. That was 17 years ago, and we simply fell in love with this magnifi cent coastal resort that’s called the City of Wollongong. Previously we lived on Sydney’s North Shore, which is considered to offer a very high quality of life. But it has nothing on Wollongong. When we came here we had no idea what to expect. We’d only lived in big cities before, both in Australia and overseas. Moving to Wollongong proved to be a dramatic shift, but in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We only knew Wollongong as a steel and mining town and we certainly weren’t prepared for the friendliness of the people and their very personal concern for individuals - something we hadn’t experienced in Sydney. And we had no idea about all the things Wollongong people take for granted... the beautiful clean beaches, the great places to live, the range of things to do and how close it all is to both Sydney and the Southern Highlands. But what has always impressed us the most is that down here people really care about other people. Wollongong is defi nitely our home now. We’re here to stay. Professor Gerard Sutton, 65 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1990-2007 being played at MacCabe Park, 1953. Fairy Meadow Drive-In Theatre accommodated 712 motor vehicles, circa 1963. I was born on Australia Day 1955 and raised in Gwynneville. My most vivid memories as a boy were day- long treks with my mates to foothills or summit. Most of these hikes were to the locally-famous ‘sled-track’ on a Keiraville property immediately west of the current University of Wollongong campus. Carrying their home-made wooden sleds and backpacks, bands of boys would head about 800m through the cow paddocks. They greased the underside of the sleds with dripping and raced down one particular hill. There was bump in the middle of the hill such that the ‘braver’ boys starting from the top of the hill would leave the ground as they passed the bump. On other days we would trek to the top of Mount Keira starting at the western end of Gooyong Street, Keiraville. The track was sometimes used by workers at the Kemira Mine. If no-one was around when we reached the mine a favourite souvenir would be a miner’s hat which could occasionally be found on a rubbish tip near the mine entrance. The next part of the track was the hairpin bend above the mine. We entered thicker bush and then a steep but sparser rainforest area all the way to the summit. The fi nal stretch was up several large rocks that are immediately east of the lookout and kiosk. Graeme Jay, 57 years old, Gwynneville, Year of story 1960s

I was born in Port Kembla and lived there until I was ten. By 1947 it was a bustling town with a solid sense of community and a busy main street that catered for most of life’s essentials. My father played tennis and fi rst grade cricket for Port and knew many of those who had come down from the bush to fi nd work. Vendors came by horse and cart to sell clothes-props, bread, meat pies and early mornings would see the iceman covering his load with sugar bags. Standing in the crowd at the Billy-Cart Derby in Wentworth Street were men wearing grey fedoras and tobacco stained fi ngers with their Saturday best. The women all wore dresses. It was a time when all cars smelled of leather and we ate properly ripened fruit and potatoes browned in the fat of a dozen roasts. We had chooks in the yard and the old outside toilet and sagging fence held each other up like two old drunks. And what about those massive sand hills that stretched into the distance like the Sahara? They’re gone now, just like the clothes-prop man and his mate, the iceman. A piece of me is still there. Graham D’Elboux, 65 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1947

During the 40’s early 50’s I grew up in Cringila which was a different town to today. Cringila was basically a steeltown and most of the community worked at the Steelworks. I remember my brother and his mates swimming in Allen’s Creek - an activity you would not do today. On weekends my brother and I would catch the bus to Port Kembla baths - we were only 13 and 9 respectively, and the pool boasted a high diving board which, if you were game, you jumped off continuously into the deep end of the pool. Port Kembla was our main township and I attended tap dancing classes which were held at the Band Hall. Although we have a family car, my mother did not drive so if us kids wanted to participate in any sport or activity we got there on our own. Shopping was done at the Co-op in Wollongong about where Rivers Store is situated now. I remember after Mum purchased her goods the docket was placed in a cylinder and it went whizzing across the ceiling to the offi ce where I guess it was checked and recorded. Our family outing every Friday night was to the Whiteway pictures at Port Kembla where there were always two feature fi lms. If we were lucky we were allowed to attend the Saturday afternoon session where the serials were shown and they always fi nished on an exciting part which made you desperate to attend the next Saturday to see what happened. Helen Pittman, 66 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1940s-1950s The ‘Bikies’ of the 70’s were a formidable force when they rode into town. The Fourth Reich, The Rats, The Rebels, The Commancheros, Hells Angels… they all visited the Ambassador Café. The people and buildings would shake as the gang would ride into town with their unmuffl ed exhausts reverberating with a cacophony of noise. They would park their bikes in front of the shop – up to 20 of them at a time and they walked in together. The street and shop would be fi lled with black leather. It is quite a paradox really when you think of these warrior-like fi erce looking men with fl owing hair and beards drinking milk shakes and coke. There were many times that Leo, the shop owner, took them on and would kick their helmets and chains out of the shop – it used to terrify us as we waited for them to retaliate. But Leo had a good friend amongst them: Brian Pepsi. He and Betty, a beautiful young woman who rode with the group on an equally ‘big’ bike, would always smooth things over and they would leave quietly. Refl ecting back on those colourful days, I wish I had paid closer attention to the hedonistic days of the 70’s when I was too young to see how hard my parents worked and just old enough to be excited by the dramas of the bottom end of town. Helen Sara, 49 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1970s

My Dad, Janis, loved going to the picture theatre. Our whole family, Dad, Mum, three young children and Grandmother would walk three kilometres to Corrimal and catch the Dions bus to Wollongong. Even though the bus travelled slowly (dubbed “The slow boat to China”) Mum would always get motion sickness, so we had to exit (off) the bus, usually before the North ‘Gong Pub and walk the rest of the way to the Regent Picture Theatre. Dad would always buy seats upstairs. Jaffas, popcorn and choc-top icecreams were a ‘must have’. After the movies we would all walk down to the Wollongong harbour, and then home along the beach to Bellambi Lagoon, arriving home about 1am. We were never scared as there were many people (with families) enjoying the cool night walk. Dad never owned a car. We all had bicycles and strong legs. We usually went to the picture theatre Friday evenings and dressed up in our Sunday-best clothes which Mum bought at David Jones. We were proud “New Australians”. Often times we would walk up and down Crown Street and window shop before going to the movies. Irena Caruana, 57 years old, Corrimal, Year of story 1959

From Figtree once a week we went into town on a Rutty’s bus. My mother was a dressmaker and Wollongong was the only place to buy haberdashery. ‘Sandra’s’ was in Church Street (opposite Globe Lane entrance). The fabrics were colourful and plentiful. We had to go down wooden stairs to have purchases wrapped in brown paper and string. When we paid, we receive change via the brass cylinders and pulley method. Then we would go to Coles Cafeteria (south-eastern corner Keira/Crown Street) for green or red jelly. The cafeteria was downstairs via the escalators. Coles was the fi rst shop to install them. These moving stairs terrifi ed me as a toddler, as my mum used to say, to not get your dress caught in them or you could be sucked right into the mechanism. The cafeteria was very ‘modern’ with sketchings on the walls of tables, chairs and buildings from Paris. The Regent Theatre (Keira Street) had an upstairs section. It was dearer to go upstairs ~ 5 cents more. I could not afford to go upstairs. I had to wait to be taken on dates as a teenager when my partner would pay the extra for me. How exotic it was with Japanese screens and transparent walls of fake marble with goldfi sh prints. We felt very chic and privileged. Janet (Jay) Pezzutto, 54 years old, Figtree, Year of story 1958 Lending section of Wollongong Public Library; Violetta Foch on duty, 1959. Blast furnace at No 1 Plant, Australian Iron and Steel Pty Ltd; Furnaces; Port Kembla, 1952. I worked in the display department of Marcus Clarkes Store up the top end of Crown Street (where Spotlight is today). To get to work, I would board the “Puffi ng Billy” at Thirroul Station or alternatively, catch Dion’s Bus to Wollongong, along with dozens of other workers. There was “friendly” rivalry between the big stores (W Waters & Sons and Lances) and their display departments. I recall a highlight of one year was trying to construct the best fl oat for a parade along Crown Street to represent our store. At lunch time I would take my sandwiches to the Rest Park in Burelli Street. I think this park was known as the CWA Rest Park because of the Country Women’s Association Building situated there. Some of the larger stores had a fascinating system whereby the customer’s money was placed in a metal cylinder and, with the pulling of a lever, was transferred to the offi ce via a network of overhead wires. There, the transaction was attended to and the appropriate change and docket returned by the same means. There was a couple of regular dances which were well attended, at the Police Citizens Boys Club and the Southern Cross. Also, there were three movie theatres, Civic, Crown and Savoy. Tickets were cheap compared to today. Many romances started at the dance or the picture show of folk who are pensioners today. Janet Rowan, 69 years old, Balgownie, Year of story 1950s

On Sunday 11th June, 2000, the Wollongong Wolves played Glory for the title in front of an Australian record soccer crowd of 43,437, including 200 Wollongong supporters. Three years prior the Wolves changed leadership with Doug Symes taking over in 1997. This was their fi rst National Title, more importantly it was the Illawarra’s fi rst team national sporting title. Team profi le and expectations had changed dramatically under the new regime. The game started, the jeers were ear-splitting: at half-time whistle, the score was 3-0 to Perth, their fans went mad with joy. During the second half, the Wolves fought back and minutes before full-time it was 3-2: seconds before the fi nal whistle Wolves youngster Paul Young scored: it was 3-3. The crowd sat in stunned silence. The pressure during the ‘golden goal’ period was almost unbearable, the score 0 - 0. A ‘goal shoot’ split the deadlock. Unprecedented passion was unleashed as the score see-sawed back and forth with tragic misses and brilliant saves. After 3.5 hours we had a result in what was reported as ‘the greatest game of football of any code ever held on Australian soil’. Final score was Wollongong Wolves 7 - Perth Glory 6. Jenifer Symes, Wollongong, Year of story 2000

Having lived in Wollongong for most of my life I do have a few stories to tell, particularly when her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visited Wollongong. My mother took me to the RSL in Church Street to see where the Royals would have lunch with the City’s dignitaries. What impressed me most was that the Queen’s powder room, bathroom and toilet were carpeted. It was something unheard of in the 1950s. Jennifer Wardell, 60 years old, Mt Colah, Year of story 1954 Early recollection for me is not of the city but of the area know as Windy Gully Mt Kembla. The fi rst Mayor of Wollongong, Harry Graham lived there and was to be my future father-in-law as I was keeping company with his son Henry James (Harry). Mayor Graham was the local baker at Mt Kembla. His bread and horse Nell were famous in the area. You can’t buy bread like that these days. Nell knew her way around all the village streets. Mr Graham was a very generous man and I am told that he always made sure that his customers never went without their bread even during the depression when money was in short supply. His laugh was famous and could get him out of many tight situations according to his fellow Aldermen during council meetings, even in business situations - the laugh was always there. Mrs Graham died in 1967 and in 1968 Mr Graham went to Canada to see his son, John but sadly never returned as he had a massive stroke and died there. We, the family organised a memorial service in St Mark’s Church West Wollongong. Some of today’s citizens may recall that service. Joan Graham, 70 years old, Unanderra, Year of story 1948-1949

We were one of the fi rst Spanish families to arrive in the area. We shared a house in Port Kembla opposite Green Gables where Miss Dixon accommodated sailors. I went to Wollongong High School the fi rst year it started in 1957. We got there by double decker bus which went along the beach front where the coal loader is now situated. On weekends I helped my parents dig up the block of land they had bought on the hill where the Port Kembla Hospital now stands. It was virgin bushland then and it frightened the hell out of my mother when she found a nest of black snakes. We broke up the rocks to build the two foot thick external walls of the house. We used slag from the steel works and sand from the beach for concrete. My father got steel rails for the roof beams from Kemira Colliery where he worked. We spent hours chipping and cleaning bricks which were recycled from the steelworks ovens, dumped near the big chimney in Port Kembla. My parents only managed to build the bottom half of the house, garage (used as a living room), porch (enclosed and used as the kitchen) and workshop (bedroom). I’m still living in it. John Garcia, 67 years old, Warrawong, Year of story 1957

When I arrived in Wollongong in 1956 I joined Wollongong Surf Club. Many of my memories of those early years centre on events linked with this sporting body. One story relates to an event following a severe storm. During the storm a wooden fence, which then separated the Wollongong Showground from the adjacent cemetery, blew over. The following morning an assorted group of volunteers made up of Surf Club members and footballers, turned up to re-erect it. All being young men of a sporting bent, it seemed like a good idea at the time to move the fence a few yards north and grab a bit of extra land for the Showground. A much better use for some prime real estate. Whilst digging a post-hole one of the volunteers was heard to exclaim words to the effect, “Goodness me. I’ve just dug up a skull”. A hurried conference ensued and the decision was taken that the best course of action would simply be to bury it again on the cemetery side of the relocated fence. I have often wondered how the possible discovery of an isolated skull in the cemetery some time in the future may be interpreted. Perhaps this anecdote will help solve the mystery. It is of course purely anecdotal. No names. No pack drill. John Martin, 75 years old, Woonona, Year of story 1956 Crown Street, Wollongong just west of Corrimal Street. Shops include E. Wakeford, fl orist and the Paragon Fruit Palace. Dwyers Car Sales is east of Corrimal Street, 1952.

Intersection of Crown and Keira streets looking east, circa 1953. Fish markets at Wollongong Harbour, 1971. Leaving on Friday, starting work the next day, at Nock and Kirby’s Crown Street, Wollongong, the fi rst of the self-serve hardware stores in Australia. My working life started as one of the original junior boys. With Alan Nock’s guidance I was taught how to relate to people, handle money. Daily riding from Corrimal, and back home for lunch. Eventually working all departments in sales, and learning to drive the van for deliveries. The fi rm’s advertising motto, meant all sales staff had to demonstrate the products sold. My department, sold TV’s, washing machines and lawn mowers, covering Helensburgh to Sussex Inlet doing home demonstrations plus deliveries. Nock and Kirby’s policy was all purchases large or small were wrapped for the customer. Staff to be in their departments by 8.55 am for daily inspection of clean shoes by Alan Nock. If he deemed a male staff’s hair too long, they were sent across to Cec Benson’s Barber shop for a haircut, the cost 1/6 was deducted from your pay. I remember with fondness many of the staff, plus some great regular customers. They were happy times but low wages, so after three and a half years I left in May 1960 to start a new career. John Street, 66 years old, Albion Park, Year of story 1956

Our fi rst sight of the marvellous coastline of Wollongong was in November 1981 as we arrived in our yacht at Belmore Basin after a 14 month passage from England. We were the fi rst cruising yacht ever to check into Port Kembla and the kindness we received here was just a taste of what was to come. We soon found what a wonderful place Wollongong was - the scenery, the beaches, the mountains but most of all the people! We were made so welcome in our six month sojourn here, making lifelong friends. We were very determined to come back. A large party of people saw us off to complete our circumnavigation from the harbour in April 1982 - we had had such fun - the Yacht Club was a particularly fond memory - those parties on the boats! Arriving back in England we set about getting residency of Australia and in October 1984 once again departed for the great Land of Oz with Wollongong in our sights. We arrived off the coast of Stanwell Park at night and ghosted down the coast till dawn checking once again into Port Kembla - ready for our new life! Since then we have run an Architectural Practise - living and working here was so relaxed! In that time there have been huge changes in the city and we watch with eagerness at the future progress of a place that has exceeded all our dreams. Now, as retired citizens we look forward to many years in this special place where we plan to live on the golf course where we are close to the sea and wind that brought us here in our boat so many years ago. I wonder how many people have circumnavigated the globe to come and live here?! JoJo Skelcher, 63 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1981

I have some memories from when I was responsible for the Continental Swimming Pool during 1960 and 1971. In those days there were no pumps to fi ll or empty the pool. Instead the pool was emptied at low tide and refi lled on high tide. On one occasion the valve had been left open and one of the younger swimmers being trained by their respective coaches went out of the pool through the valve. When he got back into the pool he was roused on by the coach and wanted to know where he had been doing his training. During summer school holidays, the education department conducted swimming classes. A large number of children and parents attended. On one of these days the sea washed a dead black snake into the pool which caused a lot of comment and publicity. Joseph E Smith, 85 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1960-1971 Illawarra Museum was opened on 2 December 1966. It opened to visitors 7 days a week with one person on duty; we occupied the ground fl oor only. We had little storage space and cases were cluttered with a mixture of collected items. In 1969 we obtained use of the whole building. The backyard was overgrown with long grass and a fi bro garage. This was dismantled, the grass area paved, providing a useful courtyard. Opening hours diminished with the aging of volunteers, only a few of these stalwarts are left today. We have new folk to carry on but needing more. Over the years the collection has grown and includes memorabilia from the 3 previous councils before amalgamation in 1947. We have learnt how to look after our heritage and present to the public a very fi ne museum in the 1882 -1892 Post and Telegraph offi ce. Joyce McCarthy, 75 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1960s

It’s fun to remember being a child and living at the eastern end of Burelli Street during the 1940s and 1950s. Our home was on the property where the Steelers Club now stands. The traffi c was much slower then, and after school and on the weekend kids played cricket and hopscotch in the middle of the street, running off the road whenever a car came around the corner. Being so close to the showground (now the Wollongong Entertainment Centre) we were always right on the spot for whatever was happening from football matches to the annual Agricultural Show and all manner of special events in between. We never missed a procession. In those days they always began at Jubilee Bridge, proceeded down Crown Street, turning right into Harbour Street and entering the showground by the southern gate in Stewart Street. Whether it was Anzac Day, May Day, Mardi Gras or whatever the celebration might be, we just had to step out our front gate and walk to the corner in order to have the best view in the city of the brass and pipe bands, the colourful fl oats and the marching girls, and at night we could watch the skyrockets from the fi reworks display from our own backyard. July Holt, 65 years old, Balgownie, Year of story 1947-1954

As a young girl I grew up with my younger sister and parents and lived in Virginia Street, North Wollongong. We left Lithgow so as my father could get employment at Port Kembla as Hoskins had relocated there. The railway line taking coal to the boats in Belmore Basin blocked off the northern end of Virginia Street. It’s now open and traffi c travels through. Stuart Park was our playground; we played on the round-about and swings. We also enjoyed North Beach and remember seeing that defi nite shape of a shark in the third wave. As schoolgirls we walked up and over Church Street each day. I attended the Domestic Science School for 3 years. My fi rst job was at Davis and Penny (corner Smith and Keira streets). Then I left there and commenced work at the Rite Dry Cleaners where I met my future husband at 100 Crown Street Wollongong. Christmas Eve, there was a Carnival at South Beach, music, lights and plenty of rides. The movies at the Crown and Savoy Theatres also supplied our entertainment. I remember the football on Sundays, standing tall to see the games. A decade in Wollongong. June Austin, 80 years old, Unanderra, Year of story late 1940s-1950s Aerial view of Wollongong looking south west showing Wollongong District Hospital, circa 1950. Port Kembla looking east, 1949. I had been counting the sleeps, just like a small child only weeks away from Christmas Day. On the 22nd June 2007 the day I had been waiting for fi nally arrived. Golfi ng legend Greg Norman, accompanied by his partner, tennis great Chris Evert, touched down at Illawarra Regional Airport at 9.20am, with hundreds of locals looking on in anticipation. Greg was here to inspect the site of a future golf course at Avondale, and attended the Lord Mayor’s Business Luncheon. Greg Norman’s visit, though brief, had enormous implications for the city and people of Wollongong. During the riveting speech given by Greg at the luncheon, he remarked on the amazing landscape of Wollongong, being ‘one of the most beautiful places in the world’. This, coupled with the opportunity to create a truly unique tourist destination in the form of an international golf course and heritage eco-tour at the site at Avondale, encouraged Greg to personally participate and endorse the development, and Wollongong as a whole. Having lived and worked in Wollongong my entire life, I feel enormous excitement at the prospect of a high profi le international celebrity being involved in the promotion of Wollongong. The potential economic, social and employment benefi ts that Greg and his associated enterprises offer are priceless in terms of ensuring Wollongong’s future prosperity and growth. Ken Tugrul, 41 years old, , Year of story 2007

When I attended Wollongong High School in Smith Street, the school drew students from Helensburgh to Kiama. All boys soon learnt the school’s war cry.

Emu, kangaroo, wallaby, wombat E-Go-Ya, E-Go-Ya Ullamulla Wuppy Guy Illawarra Proper Guys Who are, who are, who are we We are the boys of Gong you see Which gong, this gong, zing zong zaa Wollongong High School Rah Rah Rah We don’t drink coffee, we don’t drink tea But beer, beer, beautiful ginger beer goes off pop Wollongong High School always on top YEA!!! The boys jump into the air.

Leonard G Chamberlain, 80 years old, Bulli, Year of story 1940s

I was born in Wollongong and have many memories of going to Wollongong Public School, reciting over Radio 2WL at the age of 5, competing in the District’s Eisteddfods; these memories before 1947. Sixty years ago, then 21, I had my 21st Birthday Party in the Wollongong Town Hall Annex. Young people then booked seats for Wednesday and Saturday evening at the pictures; either Civic, Savoy or Crown Theatres. We enjoyed going to the dances and balls held usually at the Southern Cross, RSL, Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club and Masonic Club. There were street parades and the Billy Cart Derby, blackberry picking at Mt Keira and Kembla, prawning and fi shing at and picnics at Mullet Creek. Driver’s licences given by the Police (they were the good old days). Marcia H M Belcher, 81 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1947 68 years of memories, 33 years in Crown Street, our home and Dad’s workplace - ‘Our Barber Shop’. I have great memories of our neighbours all working and living on the premises. It was a wonderful community. Our shop was a meeting place for all politicians, wharfi es, lawyers, doctors and dentists. Memories of many great debates and righting all wrongs. The annual show was a major highlight every year. A family event and a special time looked forward to by all, and many treasured memories. ANZAC day was a wonderful memory of our men, marching bands, brass and pipes, crowds of people from the railway to the cenotaph and then onto South Beach. Saturday arvo at the civic theatre in peanut alley, watching serials. T.V - a great memory of crowds of people at H.G Palmers, trying to get a glimpse of the black and white telly through the window. On Friday night we did some family window shopping. Up to Marcus Clarks cross over down the other side with an ice cream at the Blue Bird Café. Crown Street. Widgies, Bodgies, Bikies and SGT. Terry Lions walking the beat - all the boys respected him so when he said the words “better get yourselves home boys” off they would go. Margaret Gooden, 67 years old, Albion Park, Year of story 1950s

Weekly shopping in Wollongong was a special day out as a small child in 1947. Everyone dressed up to the nines - best dress, gloves, some ladies with hats and the men in suits and ties, or sports jackets with their tailored trousers and most with felt or panama hats. The footpaths were always crowded with people in a wonderful friendly social atmosphere, and who can forget the random street photographer from whom you could order the snap he had just taken of you, or the policeman on ‘point duty’ at the Crown Street and Keira Street intersection (no traffi c lights until around 1960). How I loved going into the National Bank, then located in Crown Street opposite Harrigan Ford and Crown Lane, with its beautiful polished counters and desks with that lovely timber smell; up a few doors to the equally lovely smelling grocery shop with the grocer in his apron, then to the larger stores of Marcus Clarks and Lances or one of the many fi ne quality shops in the city. We always fi nished off with a milkshake or a ‘spider’ and fancy sandwich in one of the many busy cafes with all their mirrors - the Black and White, the Club, the Californian or the Monterey with my mothers best friend in her lunch hour - she was a very liberated working woman! Margaret Westbury, 64 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1947

An enduring Wollongong memory of mine was running across the old timber walkway that crossed the dog track that surrounded the Wollongong Showground (WIN Stadium) as the captain of third grade side on 28th February 1982. On that day I became the fi rst player to run onto the fi eld for the Illawarra Steelers in a competition game in the NSWRL. On that old walkway the timbers were very worn and the metal frame of the structure fl exed under the strain of beefy boofhead footballers yet the feeling you got knowing that you were in front of your home town crowd, your family, your friends made you feel like you were bullet proof. The thrill of representing your town as you bounded across that bridge was amazing and is certainly a lasting memory of the ‘Gong’. Michael Bolt, 46 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1982 First Christmas party given to Australian Iron and Steel Pty Ltd employees held in the machine shop, circa 1940s. A procession in Bulli. Parsons Funeral Parlour is in background with Masonic Hall to the left, circa 1962. My father, mother, my two sisters and I arrived in Australia in 1949 and lived with relatives at Towradgi. I remember going to Marcus Clark in Wollongong to purchase our school uniforms and the diffi culty we had in making ourselves understood. At St. Columkilles School in Corrimal, my older sister and I were a novelty. The children followed us around as if we came from another planet trying to communicate with us. At this Parish I received my fi rst Holy Communion. Sometimes on weekends our family would visit friends; the highlight for us was the pleasure in eating some Sao and Nice biscuits spread with butter. After 12 months we moved to Dapto where we attended St John’s Catholic school. Here I was given a new name by my teacher because my real name was too diffi cult to pronounce. The children who became our friends were very curious and were very observant of our behaviour and the food which my mother cooked for us. I feel that after 58 years I can say that I am an Australian even if the love of the country where I was born is still in my heart. Mirella Letter Roso, 66 years old, Year of story 1950s

My husband was a member of the Savoy Orchestra. In May 1950 they appeared before a camera crew, ready for the start of television. Their wives were invited to the soldiers hall to see how it worked. We all sat in a big room with four black and white television sets on the wall. Behold! We saw and heard the band who were actually in another room. My husband was playing saxophone, then sang “I’m in the mood for Love”. To us, it was magic. Myra Leonard, 92 years old, Tarrawanna, Year of story 1950s

When I was a kid, Dion’s Bus Company was the only means of transport to the northern suburbs of Wollongong. They had quite a reputation for being quite slow and often people joked about the fact that you could almost walk as fast as they would travel or would refer to someone as being ‘as slow as a Dion’s bus’. When I started at Wollongong High School I used to catch a Dion’s bus to and from school each day. I used to catch it outside the old Post Offi ce in lower Crown Street before the mall was even thought of, and it would slowly wind up Crown Street into Keira Street and then into Flinders Street and proceed out to North Wollongong. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough, in my mum’s eyes, to be able to ride my new bike to school and I would pride myself in always being able to beat the Dion’s bus to school which gave me more time to play touch football before school with my mates. ‘As slow as a Dion’s bus’ is a phrase that will always be part of Wollongong’s history and folklore and I am proud to have been part of that era. Neil Preston OAM, 60 years old, Mount Kembla, Year of story 1961 Wollongong’s steel industry has changed substantially during the past 60 years. In 1947 5,000 Steelworkers used 720,000 tonnes of iron ore and 408,000 tonnes of coke to make 476,000 tonnes of steel ingots. In the 2006-07 year the Steelworks used around 8,000,000 tonnes of iron ore and 2,300,000 tonnes of coke to produce 5,300,000 tonnes of steel slabs. There are today also around 5,000 BlueScope Steel employees at Port Kembla. Today’s steel industry is also focused on more than tonnes - safety, responsible environmental management and supporting the community have become as much a part of our modern steel industry as maximising production. Wollongong’s steel industry grew dramatically in the early to mid 1950s including the offi cial opening of the Hot Strip Mill in 1955 by then Prime Minister Robert Menzies who described the event as one of the most important developments in Australia’s industrial history. In 2002 another turn of events heralded the rebirth of Wollongong’s steel industry when the merger of BHP and Billiton gave rise to the spin off and public listing of BHP’s steel assets. BlueScope Steel was subsequently born and continues to prosper as a stand alone business which today includes 90 operations in 17 countries. Noel Cornish, Port Kembla Steel Works, Year of story 1947-2007

Growing up in Balgownie in the 40’s and 50’s was a great experience. Balgownie was truly a coal miners village and everybody knew each other. We were very keen on sport and the locals excelled in soccer, cricket, tennis and other sports. It was such a safe place for children to grow up. On school holidays we often said goodbye to mum after breakfast and off we would go for the day. Watching the coal miners going in and out of the mine at Mount Pleasant or Corrimal mine. We might end up looking out from over our beautiful district or simply play soccer or cricket with our school friends. I had a strong affi nity with the Cricket Club, because my father Dick Bampton and my uncle Lester resurrected the Club after the depression and my uncle Bert encouraged me to play soccer for Balgownie. Norman Bampton, 65 years old, Dapto, Year of story 1940s-1950s

The park that I wish to write about, I can’t remember the name I always called it Globe Lane Park. Every day, mothers with children, workers, lovers and elderly people would go there to relax. It was fun just to sit and watch people. There was a ladies restroom and you had to pay a penny to use the toilet. Many times I would make a dash only to fi nd I had no pennies but to the rescue came an attendant to give change. One day on my way to work, walking through the park, I heard a lot of laughter coming from one of the benches. There sat three men who liked to drink from paper bags. As I approached I looked elsewhere. Two of them said “Good Morning Miss”. I smiled and said “Good Morning” back. From then on, each morning they would talk to me and I called them gentlemen which made them laugh and nudge each other. One day the quiet one that wore a suit was by himself. I asked him about his friends and he said, “they are not my friends and they have gone”. As I was about to leave he looked up at me and said, “I had a family once you know and I lost them.” My heart went out to him. I said “Goodbye” not knowing what else to say. I did not see him there any more. I am sure there a lots of people who loved this park as my family and I did. Pam Russell, 64 years old, Berkeley, Year of story 1950s-1960s The Queen is shown walking to the dias erected outside the Town Hall by Mayor J.J. Kelly. The Wollongong Hotel is in the background, February 1954. Agricultural Shows; Bulli, circa 1950. Sit with me now, at my favourite spot. Look at this view! That’s my house down there. Under the big stack. You know, I get one of two reactions when I tell people I live here - “Fantastic!” or “Oh, my God!”. Why? “The pollution” they say. Yeah, it once was bad. The sulphur dioxide, the fallout. Clouds of it sometimes coughed across Military Road. It was happening when I bought my place. But in the 5 years I’ve been in Port, I’ve seen a lot of improvement. It’s not just the smelter closing. The steelworks has cleaned up too. You could sit by Flinders St and watch fl aming coke spew out of those ovens like an erupting volcano. It’s all contained now. I’m not complaining, but it sure was spectacular at night. That rotten egg smell as you drove from Wollongong, under the pipes, along Five Island Road. It’s all but gone. So too is the white Sinter Plant plume that used to rip our blue sky into two, all the way to Albion Park. Don’t get me wrong. There’s still a lot of work to do. But the view is like splendour isn’t it? This view from Hill 60. Peter Bloem, 41 years old, Port Kembla, Year of story 2002-2007

On 17 February 1952, Pope Pius XII decreed the territory from Helensburgh to Moruya together with the Southern Highlands as the new Catholic Diocese of Wollongong. Camden and Campbelltown were added in 1954 and in 1975 the territory south of Burrill Lake was returned to -Goulburn Archdiocese. Bishop Thomas McCabe of Port Pirie (SA) was named as the fi rst Bishop and St Francis Xavier’s Church, Wollongong, was designated the Cathedral. This church had been built in 1841 under the direction of Fr John Rigney. On Sunday, 24 February 1952, Bishop McCabe was accorded a tumultuous welcome by the citizens of Wollongong and the Catholic people of the district. He was escorted by a cavalcade of cars from Bulli Pass to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral where, at a Pontifi cal High Mass, the Papal Delegate, Archbishop Marella, enthroned him as the fi rst Catholic Bishop of Wollongong in the presence of the Cardinal, bishops, clergy, religious, lay faithful and State and Civic dignitaries, including Mayor Alderman Kelly and Mr MLA. Afterwards more than 400 guests attended a dinner in the old Southern Cross Hall. The diocese then encompassed 18 parishes, had 23 priests, and an estimated Catholic population of 18,000 people. Today it boasts 31 parishes, 53 clergy and approximately 200,000 Catholics. Bishop McCabe retired in 1973, succeeded by Bishop William Murray (1975-1996), Bishop Philip Wilson (1996-2001) and Bishop Peter Ingham (2001-). Bishop Peter Ingham, 66 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1952-2007

The Illawarra Choral Society is 60 years old too and like the city, is still fl ourishing. ICS was established in 1947 by Joyce and Norman Tonge who were succeeded by Nada and Harold Brissenden in 1951. Rodney Hollands, Keith Baxter, David Vance, Robert Smith and currently Houston Dunleavy, have all given us their musicianship, talent and time as Musical Directors and Accompanists. These musicians were all associated with the Teachers College/University which has been our ‘home’ for which we are grateful. During the ‘50s and ‘60s we presented a very successful series of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas to full houses in the Savoy and Civic Theatres culminating in 1966 with The Mikado in the Town Hall.The profi ts from G&S initially allowed us to perform the Bach - St Matthew Passion. Our local bass, Kevin Stumbles later offered the role of Christus in Durham Cathedral because he had sung the role in Wesley Church with us. ICS was the fi rst choir to perform in the refurbished Town hall with the Ronald Sharp organ. Mr Sharp told us that this was a good organ and his next one would be perfect - it turned out to be in the Sydney Opera House! Our repertoire includes oratorio works of Mozart ,Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Faure, Beethoven, Kodaly, and Handel’s Messiah which we perform every second year. This year we have invited interested choristers to join us for Messiah en Masse on 2nd December. Currently we are recording music by contemporary, mostly local composers. Choral singing is pure joy; we do it because we love it and hopefully give some pleasure to our audiences. Robin Hutton, 72 years old, Bulli, Year of story 1947-2007 We didn’t come into town much as kids in the 1950’s, it was considered to be a big deal in those days. Every time we wanted anything, grocery wise, we used the corner store, which happened to be in the street behind our house in East Corrimal. Coming into town meant going to the ‘pictures’ or having lunch in the park or going to Coles Cafeteria for lunch, or something grand like that. You can see Coles on the right hand side of the inside spread photo behind Athena’s. It was the best store in town (at least us poor people thought it was), you could get almost anything there, all sorts of clothing, makeup, shoes, linen, sweets... just anything, and then there was the cafeteria downstairs which everyone seemed to go to. It sold the best pies and mashed potato or ‘bangers and mash’ with heaps of gravy. Upstairs, where you could get almost anything, they had counters with real live people to serve you straight away. No waiting around, or trying to fi nd a cash register like you have to today. I had an aunt who worked in Lances which later became David Jones. My mother thought it was scandalous that she worked and didn’t stay home to look after her little girl. And the Royal on the corner... I had to walk past there after work (now I’m in the ‘60’s) to get to the bus stop before they put one around in Keira Street. Roslyn Banfi eld, 58 years old, Corrimal, Year of story 1950s

Prior to amalgamation of Councils, my father and I ran the butcher shop on the corner of Cliff Road and Bourke Street, North Wollongong (CM Dawson & Son). We also had a slaughter yard, originally at Staff Road, Unanderra (1936-38) and later at Cabbage Tree Lane, Fairy Meadow (1938-66). Separate business locations meant initially dealing with a different Council for each business site. Amalgamation greatly reduced administration time for operating businesses at separate sites. Located on the opposite corner to the butcher shop at North Beach was Matthews Red Bus depot that serviced two main routes. The fare for adults was 3 pence and children, 1 penny. The service also operated after the picture show every night except Sunday. A major sporting event was the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at North Beach in 1951 that attracted huge crowds. We had many friends and relatives watching the action from the lounge room of our residence that was directly above the butcher shop with a panoramic view of the beach. A favourite pastime on Sunday evenings was to take the children into town. We would park in lower Crown Street, walk uptown to Waters corner, then back down the other side of Crown Street where we would buy an ice cream at one of the many popular cafes, then return home. Ross Dawson, 80 years old, Figtree, Year of story 1950s

Can there be a more wonderful sight than driving down Bulli Pass for the fi rst time? It was 1966 and my husband had been appointed House Manager at Fairy Meadow Migrant Hostel. We had arrived in Australia in August 1961 from the U.K. and spent the fi rst fi ve years in Sydney and Queensland. We loved Fairy Meadow, the fantastic sandhills where our children loved to slide and play (whatever happened to them?) learning to surf on huge longboards. Beach parties and “trannies”. We loved going into Wollongong on Saturdays to enjoy the best ‘pot’ of tea and scones at Coles Cafeteria. Crown Street seemed so exciting doe-eyed teenagers promenading up and down wearing the latest ‘mod’ gear, mini skirts, “pretend” white boots, bell bottoms, skin tight skirts and fashion decreed by ‘The Monkeys’. Mixed Grill at the Greek Café, best value in town. We all hoped it would never change. But the world moved on, the Vietnam War, the Greek Cafe and adjoining shops became Crown Central. We’ve all changed with grand children and great grand children, ah well it’s a good thing we have memories. Sheila Povey, 74 years old, Towradgi, Year of story 1966-1970 Figtree, circa 1972. Bulli Lookout, circa 1955. In 1952 I was living in Wollongong and teaching at Fairy Meadow Public School. There was only one bus servicing Fairy Meadow and Balgownie. It was Easter Thursday afternoon and I was the only teacher on bus duty. It had been raining incessantly for three days. Luckily most of the children caught the school bus home, for at 3.45pm Cabbage Tree Creek fl ooded. There was nothing but grey frothy water from Balgownie across the main road down to the beach. I still had a dozen children waiting for parents in cars and motor bikes. It was nearly 5pm before all were safely collected. That left only me! The school was locked and all the teachers and cleaners gone. I was twenty-three years old and crying like a child. Suddenly two blurry winking lights shone towards me and I heard the heavenly honk of a car horn. I was saved! Out of a truck a fi gure swathed in oil skins, gum boots and hat ran to the verandah, picked me up and sat me in his truck. “I thought of you after I drove my two children home and thought even if you did have a car you might not make it home”. I didn’t have a car as it was. My hero drove me home to Loftus Street to my very relieved husband who was about to ring the police. Expecting words of love and thankfulness, I was asked “Did you bring some hot-cross buns?” Sheila Watson, 79 years old, Mount St Thomas, Year of story 1952

Shirley Club was a social club where you never forgot a name. It all started in Perth WA. Shirley Brown went on a talk back show. She explained her mission. She wanted to have lunch with Shirleys. After many phone calls from Shirley, Shirley’s lunch was organised. Sixty Shirleys turned up at the restaurant. NSW Shirleys were formed in the year 2000 by Shirley McNeal. In the same year the Illawarra area formed by Shirley Harris Illawarra started with four Shirleys. There are forty members. The only rule to our special club is your name has to be Shirley. Our motto is Fun, Friendship and Food. We even have a Shirley song written by one of our Shirleys. In 2001 we established a new record for the Guiness Book of Records called Same Name Gathering. The Illawarra group have monthly outings reaching from Stanwell Park and down as far as Berry recruiting Shirleys on our journey. We have walked the together. Our ages range from 57 to 81 years and we have fun no matter the age difference, because we are Shirleys. Shirley Clark, 60 years old, Brownsville, Year of story 1950s

A visit with Mum to the arcade above the shops on Crown Street resulted in my joining the children’s library. I’m not sure how it happened but I was given a library card, two books with pictures and instructed to look after the books and return them in two weeks. When it was time to return the books I was allowed to go to the library by myself after school. I felt important as I walked from the Wollongong Primary School past the Police Station and across Church Street. The Fire Station was on the corner and I spent time looking at the fi re engines, a fi reman was polishing the brass bell. Then down to the back entrance of the Arcade, across a wooden walkway that spanned the lane at the back of the shops and into the library. The library fi lled many hours for me with stories of children’s adventures, sad stories, funny stories, picture stories and sometimes a non fi ction book would interest me. Every book fed my imagination to the point when Mum threatened to take away my library card. Even now, the library sustains my thirst for reading, for knowledge and a quiet place to sit and think. Shirley Davis, 68 years old, Mt. Warrigal, Year of story 1947 Every school boy needed pocket money. 4am each day you would fi nd me riding my bike from Charlotte Street, Wollongong to Greens Newsagency, located on the corner of Globe Lane and Crown Street. Ernie Green and I would hand roll Mercurys, Telegraphs and Heralds; by 5.45am we were on the road, Ernie at the wheel and me sitting on a box in the back of an old Morris commercial truck. Zooming around the streets of Wollongong throwing papers left and right, nothing was safe, dogs, cats and milk bottles, until Mr Norm Green had a quiet chat with me on what not to do with a rolled up paper! Paper boy was my morning job; come Friday and Saturday nights you would fi nd me at the Civic Theatre, Kembla Street Wollongong. I was a tray boy selling ice creams and lollies for Mrs McDonald, who had the milk bar lease. Not only was I paid, I got to see the movies as well! I would save my money and buy model planes. Aged 13, one Saturday afternoon I rode my bike from Wollongong down to the old aerodrome, located on Old Port Kembla Road next to Tom Thumb Lagoon. After paying 17 shillings and 6 pence I put on the customary goggles, leather head gear, white overalls and was strapped into the front seat of a tiger moth. The pilot’s assistant pulled on the prop a couple of times and the motor roared into life. Off we fl ew into the wild blue yonder. During the fl ight the pilot did dives, rolls and falling leaps. Absolutely fantastic, it was the ride of my life. Great jobs at a great time. Stan Woods, 66 years old, Balgownie, Year of story 1953

Some of my earliest memories include my grandparents reminiscing about growing up in Wollongong. I have been told countless stories about the many sports they played as children; from keen netballers to football fanatics, there was a game for everyone. I have listened to them relive their CYO dances, picnics up and down the coast, and let them tell me of the days upon days they spent at City Beach during summer. My parents, both hailing from Wollongong, have told me similar stories of their experiences growing up here, including the cracker nights and the St Patrick’s Day sport carnivals and marches at the showground. It’s funny when I think about my years living in Wollongong and how the strong sense of community and love of the outdoors is still present. I have been involved in and watched many of the different sports offered throughout the region. I (like my parents and grandparents) have practically lived at our unbeatable beaches through the summers, and I have spent numerous New Years and Australia Days down at Belmore Basin for the rides and fi reworks. Although some things have stayed the same throughout my family’s generations, I have also witnessed some amazing changes such as the opening of the Sea Cliff Bridge in 2006 and the construction of the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, as well as the change of emphasis from industrial steel-making to tourism and education. Wollongong provides something for everyone, with the familiarity of a small town to the excitement of a growing metropolis. And it’s my home. Victoria Pearson, 17 years old, Cordeux Heights, Year of story 1990-2007

I lived at Railway Crescent, North Wollongong, behind our backyard the paddocks stretched to Mount Keira. We could only see one house between us and the mountain. It was owned by a man who had horses for hire. Wintertime, my friends and I would hire horses from this gentleman and we would ride for hours. It was fairly safe to do that then because there was not much traffi c. Very few people owned cars in 1947. If we were not riding horses, we went hiking or bicycle riding, in the summer we picked blackberries in the paddocks where the freeway now runs and where the University and high schools are. Saturday night was movie night but we called it ‘going to the pictures’. There were three cinemas in Wollongong. The Civic theatre in Kembla Street was later turned into the Town Hall. The Savoy Theatre was in Church Street where David Jones car park is now situated. The biggest theatre was the Crown in Keira Street where the Gateway Shopping is now located. The Regent Theatre was built many years later. Violet Phillips, 74 years old, Balgownie, Year of story 1940s -1950s Robert Gordon interviews Prime Minister Robert Menzies at WIN 4 television studio, 1962. Wollongong South Beach, 1956. 60 years ago IMB was 67 years old! It was a time when IMB had one offi ce in Crown Street Wollongong, which closed for lunch and the staff knew everyone by name. Well before the computer age, it was also when interest calculations were done manually and updated by hand. Members had to hand their books in twice a year for the interest to be calculated and updated and the interest rate for the one and only deposit product was the same as the interest rate for the only lending product. How things have changed! At the time, there were no Government requirements to maintain reserves. The IMB of today has certainly come a long way. Despite increased competition, it has achieved outstanding growth with record results and highly competitive products and services. Named Australia’s Best Building Society in 2007, IMB now has 39 branches and offers banking 24/7 via the internet and ATMs. It offers a range of products and services from home and personal loans to personal and investment accounts, credit cards, fi nancial planning, business banking and a range of non-banking Member services and products like travel insurance. Members also have the same protection from government oversight, as with the major banks. While the world of banking has seen amazing changes, the constant between then and now is the focus on our members, member service and support for the local community with sponsorship and fi nancial assistance.In fact, IMB’s reason for being has not changed in 127 years! Wayne Morris, 49 years old, Avondale, Year of story 1947-2007

My earliest recollections are curtains drawn at night during blackout, dad going to work at Steelworks with a Gladstone bag and cap on head, on a Dion’s bus. Mum had a book of brown coupons and endowments for children were picked up from local Post Offi ce. I remember our fi rst refrigerator and fuel stove, and when we were connected to the town gas and early kooka gas stove. Hot water was available from a chip heater for bath use. Tradesmen called to our house - the milkman, baker, grocer, pieman, iceman; any other needs were picked up from the corner shop. Entertainment was listening to wireless and Saturday afternoons choice of 3 picture shows. There was an abundance of milkbars, lots of department store and Coles Cafeteria downstairs for lunch. Transport to Wollongong was mainly by double decker bus as we did not have our own automobile at fi rst. Most people had vegies and fruit trees in their gardens and mowed the lawn with a push lawn mower. Washing was done with a copper to boil clothes and a hand wringer used before pegging out clothes on long clothes lines with wooden posts to raise and lower. Many families walked quite a distance to school, church or other activities. Wendy McKinnon, 66 years old, Fairy Meadow, Year of story 1945-1955

My father Cedric Pepper owned one of the taxi services which operated in the Wollongong area between the 40’s and 60’s known as the ‘Silver Top’ cab. He also had a motor mechanic and repair business which was situated at 54 Stewart Street Wollongong in the backyard of his mother’s property behind the Southern Cross hall. After the war his brother Harold joined him in the business and they were affectionately known as the ‘Pepper Bros’. In those early days their taxi was a Studebaker car and then in subsequent years always Holdens. When each Holden model appeared on the market they would update from the Dwyers dealership in lower Crown Street, always dealing with Mr. Austin Dwyer. I remember clearly the old charcoal burner on the car and the slit shields on the lights for night-driving around Wollongong in the blackouts. The family was quite well known in the district and was very much involved in the Life Saving movement, Ced and Harold being members of the North Wollongong Surf Club and their siblings with the Wollongong Surf Club. In 1996 - Ced’s 84th year he had the privilege to launch the North Wollongong Surf Club book, ‘The Corfu Lifebuoy’. The family was involved in a variety of sporting and other interests in ‘old Wollongong’ when most families in those days knew each other. Yvonne Wilson, 70 years old, Wollongong, Year of story 1940s-1960s Pictorial Reference: MarisaO’Connor, JodieHealy. Editing: AlisonStudholme, JamesCook,LeeCramer. Book Design:Jeremy Lawson. Printing: Wollongong CityCouncil-digitally printed onTudor RP100%recycled paper. All imagesfrom theCollection ofWollongong CityLibrary andtheIllawarra Historical Society. Web Fax 41 Burelli Street Wollongong • (02)42277277• www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au DX 27811Wollongong Court• Post Post • ABN 63139525939-GSTRegistered Locked Bag8821Wollongong NSW2500• Email [email protected] Phone (02)42277111

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