The Historical Markers Program has been developed in response to requests from the community to recognise places of historical and cultural importance. Council receives many such requests throughout the year and they will be managed through this program to ensure a consistent and accurate approach. This program takes inspiration from both the London Blue Plaques Scheme and the City of Sydney Green Plaques program. Each year Council will fund and install up to five new historical markers.
Georges River Council’s Historical Markers Program was launched in 2018 to highlight and recognise people and places of historical and cultural importance, as recommended by the local community.
The following people and places will be recognised through the 2019 Historical Markers Program:
Collaroy House, Peakhurst
Collaroy House in Peakhurst is one of the oldest and most significant houses in this area. The building was constructed c. 1882 for Robert Newell, and called ‘Collaroy’, believed to be named after the grounded SS Collaroy. The building has a long history of use for functions such as wedding receptions, and is now known as ‘The Gardens on Forest’.
Recommended location is at the entrance to the property, located at 764 Forest Road, Peakhurst.
“Ellesmere” camp, Sans Souci
Aboriginal people, including the Malone family, lived on the shores of Kogarah Bay. The camp sat within the “Ellesmere” estate, then owned by NSW Premier, Joseph Carruthers. It is believed Aboriginal people lived at this site until around 1885.
Recommended location is Endeavour Street Reserve, Sans Souci, close to the location of ‘Ellesmere’.
English Family
Edmond and Elizabeth English were pioneers of Kogarah from 1854 when Edmond purchased 87 acres of wild bush land in the area. The land purchased was bound by Kogarah Road (Princes Hwy), O’Meara Street, Bowns Road, and beyond Neilsen Avenue and Bellevue Street - almost to Hampton Court Road. Edmond and Elizabeth were instrumental in the development of the area, establishing a school, church, and market gardens. The English children also built their homes in the area, many of which still stand today. Two of Edmond’s sons became Aldermen for Kogarah, and the English family were strong advocates for a railway line for the Illawarra, passing through Kogarah.
Recommended location is the corner of English Street and Princes Highway, close to the former Kogarah Hotel built by the English Family (currently the Nan Tien Temple).
Paramount/Hoyts Cinema, Mortdale
The Paramount Cinema at Mortdale opened in 1929 and was operated by Kennedy Theatres Pty Ltd until June 1950, when Suburban Cinemas Pty Ltd purchased the site. It then operated under the name of Hoyt’s until the late 1950s. This cinema was a popular venue and is fondly remembered. In December 1963 the site was sold and demolished for housing.
Recommended location is 126 Railway Parade, Mortdale.
William Currey VC MLA
William Currey is a celebrated war veteran, who went on to represent Kogarah in State Parliament. He served on the Western Front during World War I and was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions in September 1918 in northern France. During the 1940s, Currey was the elected Member for Kogarah and was the first Victoria Cross recipient to enter NSW parliament.
Recommended location is the site of William Currey’s office while he was Member for Kogarah at 4 Regent Street, Kogarah.
2018 Georges River Council Historical Markers
Sans Souci Hotel (1843-1921) – Bass and Flinders Cruises carpark, Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci
Michael Gannon – Early convict and settler – Forest Road, Hurstville
Robert Kyle – Shipbuilder and namesake of Kyle Bay – Merriman Reserve, Kyle Bay
Joe Anderson (King Burraga) – Indigenous activist – Ogilvy St, Peakhurst
Mervyn 'Merv' Lynch OAM
Please see Georges River Council’s Historical Markers Policy for more details.
For more information contact Council’s Cultural Services team on (02) 9330 6444 or museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au