2021 Historical Markers Program

Members of the community are invited to nominate a site or person of historical significance to the Georges River area for consideration in this year's Historical Markers Program. The Program will be open for submissions from Sunday 18 April to Wednesday 19 May 2021, during the Australian Heritage Festival.

For ideas and inspiration have a look at the Historical Markers we have done in previous years. You can find a list of the markers, some related stories and a video about the 2020 Historical Markers below.

No.52 Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery c.1942-1945 (location: Cnr Baker St, Oatley)

During WWII, the Australian Women’s Army Service operated an anti-aircraft searchlight located in this park which was intended to detect and illuminate enemy aircraft.

Find more stories about the searchlight on the Local Studies Blog


Isaac Peake’s Farm (location: Olds Park, Penshurst)

The homestead of Isaac Peake (1838-1920), after whose family the suburb of Peakhurst was named, was located in this vicinity, with the farm occupying the north-west part of what is now Olds Park.

Find more stories about Isaac Peake on the Local Studies Blog


Edith Blake 1885-1918 (location: Edith Blake Reserve, Kogarah)

The only Australian nurse to die in WWI as a direct result of enemy action, when the hospital ship HMHS Glenart Castle was torpedoed off the English coast on 26 February 1918.

Find more stories about Edith Blake on the Local Studies Blog
 

The Nethery Family (location: Anglo Square, Carlton)

The family has lived in the vicinity of this park for more than 100 years since the arrival of Edward and Mary Ann Nethery in 1917. Their eight children made outstanding contributions to the community through sport, education and the service of seven sons during WWII.

Find more stories about the Nethery Family on the Local Studies Blog


Steam Tram Terminus 1887-1937 (location: Kogarah Station)

The service ran from Kogarah Station to Sans Souci along Rocky Point Road, providing access to the beach and Moorefield Racecourse.

Find more stories about the Steam Tram on the Local Studies Blog
 

About the Program

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. 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.
 

2019 Historical Markers

• Collaroy House, Peakhurst – 764 Forest Road, Peakhurst

• “Ellesmere” camp, Sans Souci - Endeavour Street Reserve, Sans Souci

• Edmond & Elizabeth English - corner of English Street and Princes Highway, Kogarah

• Paramount/Hoyts Cinema, Mortdale - 126 Railway Parade, Mortdale

• William Currey VC MLA - 4 Regent Street, Kogarah (site of William Currey’s office while he was Member for Kogarah)
   

2018 Historical Markers

• Sans Souci Hotel - Sans Souci Park, Sans Souci

• Michael Gannon - Forest Road, Hurstville (near Kenwyn Street/ Croydon Road)

• Robert Kyle - Merriman Reserve, Kyle Bay

• Joe Anderson (King Burraga) - Ogilvy Street, Peakhurst

• Mervyn ‘Merv’ Lynch - Penshurst Park, Penshurst

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