Glebe wins the GUP Cup! The night before, I was con- vinced nobody would come. The weather forecast was rotten; no- body in their right mind would come to Wentworth Park in freezing cold with a howling gale sending rain showers scudding across the park. Well it appears that someone in the Blackwattle Cove Coalition has connections in a higher

4/2008 May/June 4/2008 May/June place. Sunday dawned bright and amazingly stayed that way all day. And people did come: a relatively scientific calculation suggests that about 2000 people came to the Wentworth Park Community Games. There were little kids and teenagers, and young parents and grandparents, and dogs – big dogs and little dogs, fluffy dogs and smooth- haired dogs, dogs of every col- our, shape and size imaginable. And everyone had a good time. They threw coits and boules, and even gumboots I’m Anne Fraser (left) was not sure who told. They ran in a mini-marathon and carrying wine- should accept the GUP Cup— glasses. Little kids kicked soccer balls and bigger kids actually one red and one blue celebrated 100 years of rugby league. The dogs ran – not gumboot—on behalf of Glebe/Forest always where they were supposed to run, or with the ap- Lodge. President Jan Macindoe plication their owners had hoped for – but much to the stepped up to the plate, while Bill d’Anthes holds the trophy aloft and entertainment of the crowd. Sue Ingram looks on. In the bistro under the grandstand people browsed There is a sort of explanation for the through a comprehensive collection of historic photo- gumboots—something to do with the graphs of Glebe, Forest Lodge, Pyrmont and Ultimo, and swamp that existed before the land listened to talks by Shirley Fitzgerald and Max Solling. was reclaimed and the park built. And for an explanation of “GUP” turn Continued on next page ... to page 2. Photo: Bruce Davis

Our built heritage – How safe is it? Places are still available for the presentation To book your place, contact Jan Macindoe by John Poulton, heritage (9660 0208 or email specialist, on Wednesday 4 June, 6pm – [email protected]) or Liz 7.30pm, to be held at the Walter Burley Simpson-Booker (9518 6186, email Griffin Incinerator building, at the bottom [email protected]). Advance of Forsyth Street. bookings are necessary for catering purposes, but the cost, $10 per person, can be paid at the John will give an illustrated talk, covering: door. Seating is limited to about 40, so be what safeguards are in place for heritage quick! items; For more views on the threats facing our heri- what threats may exist; and tage buildings, see the item on Heritage what we need to do as a community to Amendment Bills, and an extract from a Syd- ensure that the heritage qualities of Glebe ney Morning Herald article “Historic houses

Glebe Society Bulletin and Forest Lodge are not lost. at risk of quick demolition” on page 3.

A publication of THE GLEBE SOCIETY INC PO Box 100 GLEBE 2037 www.glebesociety.org.au And now for the Having fun! eastern wall Left: Colin By the time you read this the $1 mil- Stokes urges on the tug-o’- lion project to improve the eastern war. frontage of Wentworth Park should be one step closer to reality. City Coun- Below left: Meet the cil officers have recommended to the police horse. Finance and Properties Committee meeting on Tuesday (26 May) that Below: Run Fido, run! Council agree to the recommendations of a feasibility study conducted last year. The study recommends: Photos: Bruce Davis widening pedestrian access along Wattle Street; removing existing boundary walls along Wattle Street and replacing with new fencing; and improving views and connection within the park and the Complex by opening the park viaducts. This would complement the work already done by the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Trust on the west- ern (Glebe) side of the park. Council funding would be dependent on equal funding from the Trust. What next for BCC? “A community effort” While Wentworth Park won’t drop off Continued from previous page ... The Community Games were “a the radar, the Blackwattle Cove Coali- tion (BCC) will need to focus on other Outside they munched on Turkish great exercise in united community developments in the months ahead. thingamies and sipped a coffee or a effort”, Cr Robyn Kemmis, said in her opening address. The futures of the Blackwattle Bay glass of wine. If it all got too much wharves, the Fish Market and Bank there were plenty of seats in the “This day is a joint venture to Street are all uncertain. grandstand. If you looked closely celebrate the uniting function of the there was even a VIP or two in the park. The games has been a joint BCC is unlikely to take on the task of organising another Community crowd. effort of people from each of [the Games in the foreseeable future. surrounding] suburbs and it also has By all counts it appears Maybe, given the undoubted popular- been fully supported by the that the Community ity of this year’s event, some other Games were a success. greyhound and Sporting Trust group may pick up the baton? Many of the people organisations. The joint announcement by the State who came had never “We tend to bandy the word government and the City Council of a been inside the central ‘community’ about quite a bit. But it major low-cost housing development part of the park, and the takes work, thought and planning to opposite the southern end of the park fact that so many peo- build successful communities, with a reinforces the need to continue up- ple participated sug- distinctive ethos and a real pride in grading this major open space. gests we have succeeded in raising the its area... profile of the park with both residents The upgrade of the eastern frontage and local and State government. “I also want to take this opportunity looks like going ahead (see story this to salute Anne Fraser and all the page), so now we can turn our efforts - Bruce Davis for BCC (Anne Fraser, members of the Blackwattle Cove to the remaining walls and other im- without whom the Games would not Coalition who’ve worked so hard to provements. Cr Kemmis is on-side have been possible, is taking a well- put together this fantastic and our local Member, Verity Firth, earned holiday.) celebration.” seems well-disposed. Wouldn’t it be nice if she could persuade the State government to kick the can? The “GUP Cup” was awarded to Glebe because it amassed the greatest num- ber of points over all sporting contests. It was named by Ken Saunders of the And now the “vision thing” is back in Harris Centre, Ultimo. GUP stands for “Glebe, Ultimo, Pyrmont” (apparently Ken style, how about linking the park to has been no further west than Ross Street). As is apparent from its appearance, Blackwattle Bay? the name came before the design! - Bruce Davis, for BCC

2 Glebe Society Bulletin Planning Matters

“The success of the original Heritage strict set of rules called a housing Environmental Act (1977) was in providing a code for exempt and complying transparent, accountable and fair development. Planning and process for the management of Instead of applying for a development heritage for the benefit of the Assessment Act application before the wrecking ball community. The proposed changes can swing, a developer will now be At the time of writing the open up new avenues to contest able to get a private certifier - an amendments to this Act, which are heritage protections, reinforcing the overseer who is paid by the developer widely opposed by resident groups, erroneous view that the existing - to ‘sign off” on the demolition, including the Society, and by local system is an impediment to without notifying neighbours or the government, including the City development.” council. Council, are being debated in the 2. Heritage listing lower House (Legislative Assembly) While heritage-listed buildings and where the Government has control. The amendments will also have the those in heritage conservation areas They must then proceed to the Upper effect of making it more difficult to will be safe, the National Trust has House (Legislative Council) where have a building heritage listed, and to warned that hundreds of historically the Government does not have a maintain its listed status over time. significant buildings are not on any majority. In the April Bulletin is a list And without heritage listing, a list and will be endangered by the of upper House members whose vote building could be quickly demolished, proposed change. would be crucial if, as seems likely, as reported in an article in The Sydney "There are many buildings that can the Opposition does not support the Morning Herald on 22 May. An slip through the net," the Trust's Bill but votes for a public enquiry. extract from the article appears below. conservation director, Graham Quint, While not a perfect solution, an Please email: said. enquiry would give the public a better chance to influence the legislation. Verity Firth "Under the old rules, the community [email protected] would be notified if a building was to If you have not yet emailed or written be demolished and the public, through to the list of MLCs we strongly their elected representatives on suggest you do so now. So far at least [email protected] council, could say, 'Don't you realise one person on that list has indicated this is the oldest surviving building of he will oppose the Bill. Also, if you [email protected] its kind in southern Sydney?' and the have contact with any other MLCs council could stop it." now is the time to ask them to oppose opposing the changes to the Act. the changes. The Society will also Under the proposed laws, Mr Quint write to other MLCs if you let us said, "The certifier can tick a box and know they are wavering. “Historic houses at risk of the first thing you will know is the quick demolition” building you always thought was protected - the most wonderful Heritage The following are extracts from an building in your suburb - might be article by the Sydney Morning demolished." amendment Bills Herald’s Urban Affairs Reporter, Just because a building was not Sunanda Creagh, published on 22 1. Heritage Council heritage listed did not mean it would May. As well as amendments to the EPA not be valued in the future, he said... Your favourite old building could be Act the State Government is also ...The president of the Local proposing changes to the Heritage here today, gone tomorrow under proposed planning laws that heritage Government Association, Genia Act. These changes centralise decision McCaffery, said, "Even for buildings -making with the Minister for experts warn will leave hundreds of that are currently being considered for Planning and give him the power to historic houses vulnerable to heritage listing, owners will be override recommendations. They also overnight demolition. allowed to knock them down without give him sole power to choose Under the changes, property owners members of the Heritage Council and a proper notification process. will no longer have to apply for other panels, which will lose their council permission to demolish if the “You have to question why the independent status and become Government is doing this. Has this absorbed by the Department of doomed building is not heritage listed or in a heritage conservation area. come as a request from the Planning. development industry?"... The National Trust says in its media The building they plan to construct in release: its place must also comply with a new More Planning Matters next page

May/June 2008 3 Govt. taskforce to advise on Slipways slips development of our bays in another one Get your submissions in promptly on The Minister for Planning, Frank Sar- sentatives from local community this one to the Sydney Harbour Fore- tor, has confirmed that the Govern- groups including the following: shores Authority (deadline 6 June). ment has established a taskforce to White Bay Precinct Committee, Sydney Slipways, which was given advise on the range of development Glebe Island/White Bay Commu- approval last year by the Minister for scenarios for the ‘Bays Pre- nity Liaison Group, Planning, Frank Sartor, has asked for a cinct’ (including Glebe Island, White variation to extend their anchorage limit Bay including the disused power sta- Blackwattle Cove Coalition (BCC), by 6m in the southerly direction by the tion, Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle White Bay Joint Steering Commit- side of the old Glebe Island Bridge. This Bay). tee, may sound a small amount but the total Defenders of Sydney Harbour, distance to the other bank in this area is The taskforce comprises the Coordi- only 37 m. Furthermore, it is just beside nator General (chair), Department of NSW Rowers, and the two channels under the Glebe Island Planning, SHFA, Sydney Ports Cor- Dragon Boats NSW. Bridge, one of which has to be negoti- poration, NSW Maritime, Ministry of It has been proposed that there be two ated by all boat traffic entering or exit- Transport and NSW Treasury. representatives from BCC, one from ing Rozelle and Blackwattle Bays. Pyrmont/Ultimo and one from Glebe/ The terms of reference require the Forest Lodge. The Glebe Society did not oppose the Taskforce to monitor and develop The role of the Community Reference original application by Sydney Slip- land-use scenarios for the precinct, ways, but it did suggest that the pro- ensure transport infrastructure re- Group will be to provide advice about community needs, advise on current posed water use so close to the Glebe sponds to the future requirement of and emerging issues of interest and Island Bridge would cause water traffic the area, and report to Government. concern to the community, inform of problems. This variation this will cause A community and stake- potential issues with any tabled pro- a much greater problem by, firstly re- holder reference group is being estab- posals, encourage and informed com- stricting the area for manoeuvre still lished. Key landowners and commu- munity discussion by conveying infor- further, and secondly by allowing bigger nity groups will be represented. The mation to the wider community, and boats to enter the Sydney Slipways an- exact makeup of the representation on provide input to matters being consid- chorage area. ered. the reference group is being finalised, The present application proposes to with the aim to meet shortly after the The planning and consultation process reduce risk through a protocol for liai- current sitting of Parliament. will begin in the coming weeks. son with Sydney Ports governing com- mercial movements into the Johnson Verity Firth, as Member for Balmain, - Bob Armstrong Bay area . There is no mention of the has recommended that there be repre- for the Bays and Foreshore sub-committee passive use of the Bays by pleasure craft (especially those generated by the dry boat facility in Rozelle Bay), by rowing More Planning Matters Lambkin Centre, belonging to the boats, particularly eights, dragon boats … continued from previous page Central Sydney Area Health Board. and canoes. The narrow channel lead- The tower of Rosebank itself is the ing into and out of Rozelle and Black- highest point in Glebe, and because Controversial applications wattle Bays from the two very narrow withdrawn the site has recently been renovated as apartments, is open for inspection on channels under the Glebe Island Bridge Two applications that had attracted a Saturday mornings. Be warned: there is already a potential collision area. The number of objections, one in Forsyth are a lot of steps to the top! Glebe Society reiterates its previous Street and one in Bridge Road, a warning that proposed congestion in the Development sites area is creating a dangerous situation for warehouse conversion, have been outside Glebe withdrawn. This is a good result, the future and joins with the Sydney tantamount to an admission by the Work has begun on the three towers University Women's’ Rowing Club in applicant that they have little chance on the Booth Street, Annandale, strongly objecting the proposed varia- of success. boundary of the former Childrens tion. Hospital site. They will total about The proposed variation can be viewed at Rosebank, 2a Hereford 600 dwellings. Street Leichhardt Town Hall: Section 75 (W): Some incorrect information about the Modification Application (2); MP The Valhalla cinema was built in the CUB site on Broadway has been grounds of Rosebank and now 05_00187: Marine Maintenance Facil- published in the media. When the conceals it, so you may be unaware ity, Lots 31 and 34, James Craig Drive, correct figures are announced we will this Victorian mansion exists. It has Rozelle Bay. examine their impact. an interesting history, having more - Tony Larkum recently been the Victoria Alice - Neil Macindoe, Planning convenor Bays and Foreshores convenor

4 Glebe Society Bulletin Communities can tackle community problems

The letters published on this page give cause for both despair and This grille has been hope. As the Wentworth Park Community Games demonstrated, it is erected to protect resi- amazing what residents can do when they are inspired by a good dents of the Franklyn Street flats. While initia- cause. Of course it is easier to organise a good time than to solve tives like this should not be deep-seated social problems, but we must not shrug our shoulders necessary, they demon- and expect “the authorities” to fix things. Communities can and strate that officialdom can must be involved. respond to residents’ cries for help. Photo: Bruce - Bruce Davis Acting Bulletin editor Davis

Jan Wilson reports further on a posi- I've come home at night to find gangs of are concerned about juvenile crime in tive development, to which she refers youths spray-painting graffiti on my car. their precinct. They were appreciative in her letter. I've seen them swing shopping trolleys of the efforts of Glebe Police in pa- The Glebe safety audit, held on 16 through the air only metres from my car. trolling regularly and City of Sydney April, was sponsored by the police I've seen them walk over the roof of my for actions around safety audits. and involved the Department of Hous- car and kick in the side mirror of every Council officers, police and Depart- ing, the City Council and residents. car on the street. I've seen them use my ment of Housing officers were at the The aim was to identify areas likely to neighbour's picket fence to trash, smash meeting. stimulate fear and criminal opportu- and steal cars. I've seen them set fire to As a result of three meetings, the resi- nity and to suggest treatments to re- garbage bins and to cars. dents have seen the value of support- duce opportunities for anti-social be- haviour. Observations were made on I've seen them smoking, fighting, drink- ing one another and working with impressions of safety, lighting, visibil- ing and throwing up on the footpath. government agencies to achieve posi- ity and sightlines, signage, traffic I've seen them snatch handbags and lob tive outcomes. They are to be sup- movement, transport services, utilities, beer bottles at police - and again, I've ported and congratulated for their maintenance and proximity to others. only seen the half of it. initiative and resilience. On collation of the report and its ‘sign off’ by the police, it will be submitted The City of Sydney fact sheet on per- Jan Wilson Glebe to City of Sydney for distribution to sonal safety recommends that residents the community. It is anticipated that it "walk with confidence, use strong body GAMARADA will be ready by the end of May. language and make eye contact with others" to reduce their risk of being tar- The Society has received the On 7 May, the Sydney Morning geted. I have done this and I've seen following email: Herald carried the following letter: generations of pure evil staring back at me. The city's helpful fact sheet also My name is Elizabeth Jovanovski and I Graffiti, kicked cars and recommends that I avoid walking at am assisting friends of mine who have flying trolleys in Glebe - night and always keep my purse in a formed an Aboriginal Mens' Healing time to move out secure place, such as in a money belt. Group called GAMARADA. I am 31 years old and live in Glebe. I am When I am not looking to the City of It is a fairly new initiative and already growing more and more concerned each Sydney for advice on safety, I find the they have had a great deal of interest day about the crime I witness on my street number most often dialled on my tele- form the community. At their informa- - and I've only seen the half of it. phone is now Glebe Police Station. tion night - held at the Redfern Commu- Luckily it also offers great advice. For nity Centre in April - there were various example: "Just leave your car unlocked academics and Sydney City representa- Planning laws seminar then the kids won't have to smash the tives … window." An even better solution it The Woollahra and Waverley Greens offers is to "just move out". We strongly believe this program has the have organised a public forum to potential to help curb crime in and discuss the Government’s proposed Maybe the police are right - it's time to around the Glebe/Redfern area and we planning laws (see p.3). Speakers leave the problem of escalating crime in are looking for your support… To- confirmed so far include Sylvia Hale, Glebe to the police and the perpetrators gether we can help re-build these broken MLC and David Shoebridge, Wool- and to just leave. lives and thereby help our whole commu- lahra Councillor. Alison Diaper Glebe nity. When: Wednesday 11 June, 6.15pm The following day, the newspaper I would be very happy to hear from you (for a 6.30pm start) – 8pm published this response from a Glebe should you wish to ask any further ques- Where: Ground floor, Mill Hill Cen- Society member. tions. tre, 31-33 Spring Street. Bondi It is not all bad news for Glebe. Yes- Cheers Junction. terday I attended a meeting organised Elizabeth by residents in Bay/Franklyn Street All welcome. Drinks and snacks [email protected] Department of Housing complex, who provided. Ph: 9432 3200 mobile 402 046 216

May/June 2008 5 Life cycle of development applications (DAs) How you can protect your home People in Glebe are relatively reason- may cause to stand up for your rights readvertised, so it is wise to keep an able in their demands and tolerant of initially pales into insignificance eye on their progress. It is also impor- the legitimate needs of others. Com- when you consider the consequences tant to understand planning staff have pared with suburbs such as Balmain of not acting early enough and allow- some flexibility in order to achieve there are few battles over develop- ing something to happen that impacts the best result. Even the Local Envi- ments, and most of those are over on you adversely. Do not hesitate to ronment Plan rules can be varied pro- larger sites with applications by pro- consult widely at this stage. I often vided the applicant makes an adequate fessional developers. receive queries from members who case in writing. An application can are concerned about a proposal, and I also be deferred for changes to be Be alert, not alarmed welcome them because it shows they made. Even so, there will occasionally be are prepared to act early. Finally, applications can be changed someone who chooses to ignore the Your aim should be to eliminate or by conditions imposed by Council. It nature of the area and the rules that reduce any adverse impacts on your is very much a matter of judgement govern it. Unfortunately, these rules own dwelling, either by stopping a whether it is better for an application are relatively recent and were not al- proposal being lodged or securing to be approved with conditions, or ways consistently enforced, so there changes that are at least neutral. You refused outright. This judgement are often examples of very intrusive may even benefit from a well- needs to be made in the light of the or incompatible extensions and altera- designed proposal. It is not un- right of the applicant to appeal to tions from the past that are very common for applicants the Land and Environment Court. tempting for those who think that if to overlook possible While it may feel good for an anyone was ever allowed to get away solutions, especially application to be refused, unless with something, they should be able to those that require coop- the grounds of the refusal are do it too. eration or are innovative. strong enough to stand up in Also, newspapers and magazines of- Share your good experi- court, the victory is hollow, ten publish plans for renovating old ences of designers and and final defeat can be hu- houses, and the tendency is for these builders. miliating and expensive. It plans to show how you can change may be better for an appli- Mention everything you find what was always intended to be a cation to be approved if it is objectionable. small, modest dwelling into some- possible to find conditions that will thing much larger and more spectacu- If a proposal is lodged that, despite solve the major problems and stick. lar. I have never seen an example your best efforts, you believe will Crunch time where the possible impact on disadvantage you, put in a written Some development applications are neighbours is mentioned, nor the pos- objection listing every aspect you dealt with by a panel chaired by a sibility it might be in a Conservation consider disadvantageous. Some peo- Councillor. As an objector you should Area such as Glebe. These factors ple also seek advice at this point from be notified and are entitled to attend. need to be taken into account when professionals. Remember that rules If the application comes before the weighing up whether it is better to are of necessity generalisations, and full Planning Committee you will be extend an existing dwelling or move cannot cover every contingency. It is notified. If possible you should con- to a larger one. also helpful to gain support from other sult with other objectors before the neighbours, as a number of objections Oh, that development application! meeting and decide who will speak alerts Council something may cause and what points each speaker will No matter how minor the changes you significant problems, and lots of ob- make, then put your names down to are contemplating, it is always a good jections make it possible for the mat- speak. idea to consult the neighbours. If you ter to come before the full Council. think a neighbour is contemplating They also make it more likely the If the application is refused the appli- putting in an application, do not hesi- application may be withdrawn, as cant may be able to ask for a review tate to say very firmly you would like happened in the cases mentioned on of the decision. This will be adver- to see it first, and have a chance to p.4, or that Council staff may require tised so you have the opportunity for comment on it, preferably when it is changes. further comment should you wish. If in its initial draft, and also later, but the review upholds the original deci- Changes before it is lodged, to make sure any sion, the applicant's only recourse is to changes agreed to have actually been There are a number of ways applica- the Land and Environment Court. If made. tions may change, even after they they appeal, Council's solicitor may have been lodged. It is quite common call a conference of objectors, and you This may seem time consuming and a for applications to include errors, or may volunteer to give evidence. lot of trouble, and of course it will not to include important data. Some often be inconvenient. However, - Neil Macindoe may have to be modified, or even whatever inconvenience and friction it Planning convenor

6 Glebe Society Bulletin Who lived in your street? Reuben Peninton (1859 - 1936)

Reuben Peninton was a master carrier was a Mason. Members of the Glebe with stables at 24a Sheehy Street, near Municipal Reform Association Blackwattle Bay. Sugar was one of marked his passing with a minute’s the main goods he delivered, some- silence. From the early 1900s Reuben times stopping at local schools where had also been involved with the ac- his immaculately groomed draught tivities of the Sydney City Mission. horses were much admired. During The Mission’s Glebe branch first met his life he lived at several places in in the Bay Street Ragged School be- Glebe: 42 Forsyth Street, 25 Avona fore moving into its own hall at 75 Avenue, 8 Lombard Street and 54 Bay Street in 1894. An adjoining Forsyth Street. At the time of his building for youth activities was built death he owned two of those proper- in 1903 and operations were trans- ties: 8 Lombard Street (valued at ferred to a new hall in St Johns Road Reuben Peninton, 1930. £135) and 54 Forsyth Street (£450) in 1929. Peninton young women This and other photos of Reuben sen- together with land at Davistown near helped with the Girls’ Club, children’s ior and his house at 54 Forsyth Street, Gosford (£40). picnics and jumble sales at Glebe courtesy of Narelle Munro. Town Hall. The Peninton boys helped Reuben was the fifth of nine children with the choir library. Reuben was born to Reuben Peninton, a stonema- active with the Mission Sunday son from Yorkshire, and Mary Ann School. née Goddard. By 1867 the family had moved from Parramatta Street to Apart from Reuben’s own father there Glebe. Of Reuben’s siblings William were several other namesakes in the – two years older – became a carter, family tree. Henry a drayman and George a green- A nephew, Henry Reuben, always grocer then poulterer. The family referred to by his second name, was clustered around Forsyth and the orphaned son of Christopher (1861 Lombard Streets. At various times - 96) and his wife Margaret who died there were Penintons at numbers 29, Outnumbered by the ladies, Reuben is suddenly in 1902 at home at 36 For- seated in the front row, ca 1904. Next 31, 35, 36, 38, 42, 54, 62 and 70 For- syth Street. The missionary James but one to the left is his sister-in-law syth Street; by 1934 several had Mills, who visited both on their death- Clara Rebecca née May. Two of her moved to Darghan Street (numbers beds, paid tribute to Margaret’s work daughters are far left in the back row. 47, 54, 80, 82). After William’s death with the poor and in raising money to in 1924 Reuben moved into 54 For- pay off the building debt – ‘one of the syth Street where his sister-in-law 1941) who lived at 42 Forsyth Street. best collectors the City Mission ever Clara Rebecca kept house. She died His elder son was also christened had’. When Reuben, aged 21, enlisted in 1935. Her youngest child, also Reuben. in the AIF in 1916 he named his sister Clara Rebecca, then took on the role Mary Walker as next of kin. On re- - Lyn Collingwood of carer. Clara, who had left school at turning to Australia 14 to help at home, inherited her un- he lived with Mary cle’s real estate but left the district to and her husband live with an older sister and her hus- Arthur at 58 Talford band in Rockdale. Like Reuben, she Street. Reuben’s did not marry. photo in uniform A parishioner of St John’s Bishop- was one of those thorpe, Reuben was buried next to projected onto a William and Clara in the Presbyterian screen at ceremonies section of Rookwood Cemetery. He held by the City Mission which urged locals to join up in the ‘battle for truth, righteousness and justice’. Picnic group, probably the Glebe Mission Sunday School at Another Reuben Clifton Gardens. Reuben is at far right with a boy on his Peninton was Wil- knee, his brother William is standing at far left. Sometimes liam and Clara’s the Glebe Ragged School pupils were invited to these out- third child (1881 – ings. The girl with the box haircut is Mavis Peninton Stuart, 54 Forsyth Street, early 1920s. Reuben's great niece and William's granddaughter.

May/June 2008 7 Book review Grandeur and Grit—history of Glebe, by Max Solling by Danny Yee, Glebe resident services such as gas and sanitation. Street, Glebe, was occupied by eight Building Glebe involved "builders and members of the Stanley family in A history of the inner Sydney suburb developers, the financiers of their en- 1913. Ted Stanley, a carter at the of Glebe, “Grandeur and Grit” inte- terprises, house and land agents, sur- Riverstone Meat Works, handed his grates local detail into the broader veyors, valuers, solicitors as well as weekly pay packet of £2 to wife Mar- sweep of urban social history. landownersand landlords"—and garet and hoped she could make do It will obviously appeal most to those booms and busts. Not much seems to with it after paying the weekly rent of familiar with the suburb, but it offers have changed in real estate. 11 shillings." a good variety of material and anyone The longest chapter in Grandeur and Pubs and churches offered competing curious about the history of inner-city Grit covers some of its key institu- approaches to popular recreation and life in Australia should find plenty in tions: shops, schools, churches, pubs, entertainment, but were increasingly it. and medical services. Small corner displaced by radio, cinema and other Solling begins with images of inner stores were also micro-credit opera- options. Sport also involved issues of Sydney from the 1890s through the tions, with most customers operating class and politics, and sporting clubs first half of the 20th century, drawn on credit or "tick"; the first large-scale and teams suffered with Glebe's from the work of novelists: Louis business was Grace Brothers, which demographic decline. Stone, Kylie Tennant and her imagi- had humble beginnings as a drapery The First World War brought tensions nary "Foveaux", Ruth Park, Dorothy shop in 1885. with the conscription referendum Hewett and, for a more recent per- The churches were heterogeneous, in 1916, the unprecedented spective, Peter Corris and his private with divisions between and casualties, and the influx investigator Cliff Hardy. This is both within denominations. of returned servicemen. a vivid introduction to working class Pubs had And the poverty and life and a nice "reading guide". 6 o'clock clos- unemployment of the Next comes an Aboriginal history of ing imposed on Great Depression saw the Glebe area, from the Eora through them between industrial unrest and to Tranby Aboriginal College, a brief 1916 and 1955. the rise of the com- survey of its geology and flora, and an And for most, munist-led Unem- account of its early history as land medical care was ployed Workers assigned to support the Church of provided by friendly Movement. England - hence the name "glebe". societies and charita- ble public hospitals. A final chapter Up to about 1840 the area was domi- touches on the nated by the mansions and estates of Ever since the franchise changes in the well-to-do, seeking "a retreat out was expanded, Glebe's Glebe in the of town". But commercial and indus- local government has been last 60 trial development came early, starting run by Labor, but mostly by years, driven by along Blackwattle Creek, and working its conservative wing. the post-war economic class settlement followed. "The dominant Catholicism of boom and then Sydney's integra- tion into the global economy: the new "J.H. Grose, unable to meet the de- Glebe pervaded its Labor Party mix of migrants; the creation of the mands of creditors, was declared in- branches for decades, and the politics Glebe Society, originally in opposi- solvent. His 13 acre Glebe estate, of the ALP Right prevailed until the tion to freeways; the purchase and called Bishopgate after a suburb of 1980s when left wing intellectual poli- renovation as public housing of the London, was subdivided into 154 nar- tics gained control of Blackwattle and Bishopthorpe Estate by the Whitlam row fronted building lots and offered Forest Lodge branches, though Glebe government; and steady gentrification for sale in 1841." branch remained resolutely in the tra- ditional mould." and accompanying retail develop- As Sydney's population grew and its ment. centre moved to business use, what Working class life was dominated by Grandeur and Grit. A History of was then suburbia boomed. "In family, relatives and neighbourhoods. Glebe by Max Solling, Halstead Press, Glebe's development the most hectic Using evidence presented to a 1913 Sydney, 2007; 293pp.; period of all was from 1871 to 1891... Inquiry on the Cost of Living and the ISBN 1-920831-38-X [its] population reached 21,943 in Living Wage, Solling looks at three 1911." families and their budgets in detail. For a fuller review, see http://dannyreviews.com/h/ This brought with it improvements in "Every available space in a two bed- Grandeur_Grit.html transport, with coaches and trams, and room brick terrace at 11 Mitchell

Copies available through the Glebe Society at the special price of $42.95.

8 Glebe Society Bulletin Glebe News “Blue wrens” report Wireless House Work started on ready for launch sculpture new website As I passed a mother with a pram on I was contacted by Nigel Helyer, who A “taskforce” is working on a concep- my way to work the other day, I over- is creating the art work, incorporating tual version of a new iteration of the heard her asking “Do you hear that sound sculpture, for the Wireless Society’s website. The existing web- bird singing?” So our interest in House in Foley Park. He and his assis- site was developed about eight years birdlife can start at an early age. Our tant, Julia Burns, wanted to meet ago and is now out of date in appear- Committee, made up of MUCH older some local people to talk about their ance, functionality and content. people still has that interest, and is approach to the Wireless House art The new site, designed by Steve Tut- progressing well with its project of work, and in particular the use of oral tle and Andrew Craig, will be pre- encouraging small birds, particularly history as part of the sound sculpture. sented to the Management Committee Superb Fairy Wrens, back into Glebe. I arranged a meeting with Sue Ingram, further down the track for comment At this moment we are endeavouring Jan McCullock and Bobbie Burke. and decisions about content. The to have the Consultant’s Report offi- process is slow but progressing. We Nigel explained that the $30,000 grant cially launched by the Lord Mayor at are considering issues of concern to from American Express through the the Glebe Community Forum on 16 the Glebe Society members and ques- June. National Trust would not replace any tions of assigning responsibility to funding already allocated by Council, various users (e.g. sub committees). We have also settled on Paddy Gray but would allow for more options in We are also looking at the needs of Park as the location for Council to do collecting oral history and radio pro- potential users of the website. some demonstration planting of grams of the period, and for present- shrubs and vines appropriate for ing them in a variety of ways. Possi- Peter Thorogood has been working on small bird habitat. This is to occur on bilities included continuing to collect the existing website, bringing it up to National Tree Day, Sunday 27 July. material after the launch of the sound date and redesigning some aspects. At this venue we will be giving away sculpture, and making the material Convenors of sub-committees have plants and information to local resi- been asked to check their sections for available through libraries, possibly dents who are keen to promote small content and to make suggestions about on DVD. bird habitat in their gardens, we are updates. We are aiming to correct out also providing information to local We were able to provide Nigel with of date information and to keep the schools. contact information about a number of site current in line with the Bulletin. Information which is of historic inter- There will be more information about people who had memories of Glebe in est to Glebe Society members will be Tree Day in the next Bulletin. the period when the Wireless House was operating. retained. - David Mander-Jones, Convenor - Vicky Marquis Blue Wren sub-committee - Jan Macindoe

Good news on Glebe Times to meet other Glebe Society members Post Office We have a number of occasions during the year when Glebe Society members can meet – including Thirsty Thursdays, speaker events and the Christmas Party – but Members have noted that the Glebe maybe we should have some other informal get-togethers. Among the sugges- Post Office, a fine building dating tions are Late Sunday Afternoon tea or drinks at Wentworth Park (outside in the from 1888 on a conspicuous corner, is warmer weather); soup and crusty bread at Yuga Café - possibly accompanied by looking a little shabby. The Society some piano-playing; a visit to the James Squire Brewery in Camperdown; or a wrote to our federal member, Tanya Rowing Club gathering one evening, perhaps with Trivial Pursuit. Events coor- Plibersek, expressing concern about dinator Dorothy Davis would appreciate some reactions and some new ideas! the state of the building, and seeking Needless to say, events which include eats and drinks do cost. Email your ideas to clarification of the body responsible [email protected]. for its maintenance, given that it is no longer owned by Australia Post. Ms Chamber of Commerce seeks input on “Glebe branding” Plibersek has replied that plans are already under way for repainting and The Glebe Chamber of Commerce has received a new report on marketing Glebe. associated maintenance work. It The Report was prepared by an independent consultant and funded by the City seems that by early 2009, Glebe's Council. It follows up on work done three year ago that, among other things, re- sesquicentenary year, our Post Office sulted in the Glebe logo seen on some shops, and the leaflet on Glebe businesses. will be restored to its original position The chamber is seeking community input on the new report and has asked the of prestige. Society to contribute. If you would like to attend a seminar in early June, please - Jan Macindoe contact Jan Macindoe ([email protected] or ph. 9660 0208). May/June 2008 9 News and Notes

Going, going … GONE Thirsty Thursdays The Glebe Point Road shopping bags are all sold out. Members and friends are invited to meet for dinner in Many of them are still having off-shore adventures and Glebe on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm, to eat living exciting lives. I hear stories of them from Paris to and talk with other people who live in Glebe. We visit a Portland, Ireland to Italy and have seen them in far flung different restaurant each month, usually alternating between Aussie destinations...Broken Hill, Mungindi and Asian and European cuisines. Put these dates in your diary Harrietville! and come along. We not only covered our costs but made a PROFIT...not On Thursday 5 June we will go to Lien Vietnamese Malay- easy in this cash strapped world.....The 50 Glebe Foreshore sian Restaurant, 331 Glebe Point Road. Please contact Walk bags we “gave” away for $2.00, but for such a great Cheryl or Bryan Herden on [email protected] or 9660 occasion who’s counting? 7371 by Wednesday 4 June if you would like to come. In the future? Maybe I could do a repeat order with names On Thursday 3 July we will share an Indian meal at Dur- of Glebe Parks for the opening of Foley Park after its face bar, on the corner of Glebe Point Road and St Johns Road. lift … just an idea, as I think I’m going to miss them. - Fay Mander-Jones Bulletins by email Welcome to New Members If you would like to receive your Bulletin by email instead of snail mail, please email [email protected] The following people were accepted as members of the Glebe Society at the May Management Committee meeting: Glenda Woodhouse Eve Madden Our Local Member of Parliament Pattie Benjamin State Member for Balmain, Hon. Verity Firth MP. We look forward to seeing them at future Glebe Society Office address: 112a Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037. functions. Senior Electorate Officer: Christina Harlamb, ph 9660 7586, fax 9660 6112, email Light & Chaos at GiG Gallery [email protected] Tim Bassett glass artist from Melbourne is showing his work in “Light & Chaos” at GIG Gallery, Glebe Point Road. As well as a spectacular chandelier from his previous City of Sydney Councillors light series which is on display, he presents his new work which are great plasma and neon installations. Lord Mayor: MP Councillors: Meet our local “Fire-ies” Phillip Black Glebe Fire Station will hold an open day on 1 June from Hon Verity Firth MP 10.00am to 2.00pm. This is an opportunity to tour the sta- Chris Harris tion, and talk to the fire fighters about their work. Learn Marcelle Hoff about smoke alarms, the importance of having an escape Robyn Kemmis plan for your property, and other ways to protect your fam- Michael Lee ily and your home in an emergency. Shayne Mallard John McInerney Correction—Kerribree Tony Pooley Kerribree is no longer occupied by the Royal College of For enquiries: Please contact the City of Sydney on Nursing as stated on p.7 of Bulletin 3/2008, but has been 9265 9333. owned by the Hamilton family for several years.

Newtown Flicks Forest Lodge Society member Lyn Collingwood is part of the team or- Public School ganising the 2008 Newtown Flicks Short Film Festival to be held over three days in late May. New and emerging Home of The Glebe artists are encouraged to submit their short films, documen- Society Archives taries, mockumentaries, music clips, phone flicks and eve- Phone 9660 3530 rything in between. Entries close on 24 April. For informa- tion check out newtownflicks.com.au 10 Glebe Society Bulletin For your diary ...

Sunday 1 June, 10.00am-2.00pm Glebe Fire Station open day. Wednesday 4 June, 6-7.30pm – “Our built heritage—how safe is it?” A talk by City of Sydney heritage specialist, John Poulton at the Walter Burley Griffin Incinerator, bottom of Forsyth Street. (See p.1). Thursday 5 June, 7pm – Thirsty Thursday – Lien Vietnamese Malaysian Restaurant, 331 Glebe Point Road. Friday 6 June, New members night, GiG Gallery (by invitation). Wednesday 11 June, 7.30pm – Glebe Society Management Committee meeting – The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. Wednesday 11 June, 6.15– 8.00pm, Greens seminar on planning laws at Bondi Junction (see p.5). Monday 16 June, launch of “Blue Wrens” report by the Lord Mayor at Glebe Community Forum (tentative). Thursday 3 July, 7pm – Thirsty Thursday – Durbar Indian restaurant, corner of Glebe Point Road and St Johns Road. Wednesday 9 July, 7.30pm – Glebe Society Management Committee meeting – The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. Sunday, 27 July, “Blue Wrens” planting demonstration on National Tree Day, Paddy Gray Park. Thursday 7 August, 7pm – Thirsty Thursday – TBA Wednesday 13 August, 7.30pm – Glebe Society Management Committee meeting – The Old Fire Station, 115 Mitchell Street. Sunday 31 August, Benledi - AGM

Contacting The Glebe Society Inc The Glebe Society Established 1969 Management Committee: Mail President Jan Macindoe 9660 0208 All correspondence should be ad- Vice-president Bruce Davis 9660 7873 dressed to: Immediate Past President Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 Secretary Liz Simpson-Booker 9518 6186 The Glebe Society Inc Treasurer Bruce Davis 9660 7873 PO Box 100, Glebe NSW 2037 Committee Members: Dorothy Davis 9660 7873 Simon Fraser 9660 7560 Jan Wilson 9660 2698 Website Sub-committee Convenors: The Society has a growing website All sub-committee convenors are ex officio members of the Management (www.glebesociety.org.au) for the Committee information of members and anyone Arts, Culture and Media Sue Ingram 9692 8534 with an interest in Glebe. Bays and Foreshores Tony Larkum 9660 7030 The website will only flourish if Wentworth Park Anne Fraser 9660 7560 Blue Wrens David Mander Jones 9552 4172 members use the site. Send contribu- Environment and Open Spaces Andrew Craig 9566 1746 tions or comments to webmas- Glebe against Global Warming Bill McCarthy 9660 5119 [email protected] Heritage Dianne Gray 0417 434 814 The Bulletin Infrastructure Defect Reporting Margaret Sheppard 9660 4121 Membership Cheryl & Bryan Herden 9660 7371 We are glad to publish letters or arti- Planning Neil Macindoe 9660 0208 cles on any matters of interest to Transport and Traffic Chris Hallam 9660 3670 Glebe, any topic raised in the Bulletin, Adopt-a-Park Contacts: or any issues relating to the Glebe Foley Park: Bobbie Burke (9692 0343) Kirsova: Fay & David Mander Jones Society. Write to the address above Paddy Gray Park: John Gray or email [email protected] Other Contacts: Disclaimer Archivist Lyn Milton 9660 7930 Blackwattle Cove Coalition (BCC) Anne Fraser 9660 7560 Views expressed in this Bulletin are Bulletin Editor Edwina Doe 9660 7066 not necessarily those of the Glebe Event Coordination Dorothy Davis 9660 7873 Society Inc. History of Glebe Max Solling 9660 1160 Bulletin deadline History of the Glebe Society Jeanette Knox 9660 7781 Liaison with CityRags Bob Armstrong 9660 4189 The next edition of the Bulletin will Liaison with CoGG Bruce Davis 9660 7873 be published at the end of June Liaison with FLAG Jan Wilson 9660 2698 The deadline for contributions is Publicity Sue Ingram 9692 8534 16 June. Website Vicky Marquis 9552 2592

May/June 2008 11 In this issue

Wentworth Park Games - pages 1 and 2 Planning and heritage legislation changes - page 3 Government task force to examine future of our bays - page 4 Communities can tackle community problems - page 5 How to protect your home - page 7 Glebe News - page 9

Subscription renewals due 30 June—form enclosed

The GLEBE SOCIETY Inc POSTAGE PO Box 100 Glebe 2037 PAID

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

12 Glebe Society Bulletin