All about the history and heritage of Strathfield
Pamela Joyce Smith, a lifelong resident of Strathfield, died in March 2026 aged 97. Born in 1929, she faced the Great Depression before returning to Sydney. After marrying Dr. BJ Smith, she raised five children and became a businesswoman, retiring in Balmain and later Bowral, where she lived until her death.
Virginia Judge, former Strathfield Councillor (1995-2004), Mayor of Strathfield (2000-2003) and State Member for Strathfield (2003-2011) has died. In her nearly two decades of political
A talk will be held on Sunday 1 March 2026 at Strathfield Library on the new Pictorial History of Strathfield Book. The talk will be
The new book ‘Pictorial History of the Strathfield District’ is now available to buy from Strathfield Library, 65-67 Rochester Street Homebush and the Strathfield Council
‘Lanreath’ The Boulevarde, Strathfield (built 1902 and demolished in 1935) was the home of Mary Anne and Francis Arthur Crago. The Crago family were involved
The new book ‘Pictorial History of the Strathfield District’ will be launched on Friday 12 December 2025 at 10am. There will be a morning tea,
A talk on the history of Parramatta River will be held on Sunday 26th October 2025 at the Ironbark Room at Strathfield Library. This is
Calling all Strathfield History buffs!!! These photos were on slides donated from our friends at Ashfield District Historical Society. Its quite a treasure trove. This
Bee (Beatrice) Miles (1902–1973) was one of Sydney’s best-known street identities. She was famous for reciting Shakespeare for coin donations, her spectacular run-ins with taxi
The David Jones exhibition on the store and the family’s associations to Strathfield was held last year and I did a couple of talks to
by Cathy Jones Recently ‘Omrah’ and ‘Olinda’, two 1930s blocks of flats, at 14 and 16 The Crescent, Homebush were demolished. A few people have
Cricket legend Bobby Simpson, a former resident of Strathfield, died recently aged 89 years. Simpson’s funeral was held at St Anne’s Anglican Church in Strathfield,
In the lead-up to Victory in the Pacific Day on Friday, 15 August, the Anzac Memorial is holding a week of special commemorative activities honouring
Clarrie Edwards, former Mayor and Alderman of Strathfield, has died. Edwards (1937-2025) served on Strathfield Council from 1973 to 1983. He was elected Mayor for seven
An exhibition will be opening soon on to celebrate Strathfield Council’s 140th Anniversary of incorporation in 1885. The exhibition will be held at Strathfield Library
The Homebush Theatre has garnered interest, prompting requests for its history. A detailed article is available in the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society newsletter and also featured in the Cinema Record journal. Readers are encouraged to follow the provided link to access the newsletter for more comprehensive information.
In response to a request for information on this house, which is currently on the market. For more photos and floor plans, go to https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-146086588
A talk on the history of Strathfield, hosted by the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society, will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Strathfield Library. It starts at 2.30pm with afternoon tea and concludes around 4pm. Attendees can submit questions via email prior to the event.
A second talk on the David Jones exhibition will occur on Sunday, 17 November 2024, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Strathfield Library. The exhibition runs from 17 October to 1 December 2024, featuring free entry. The first talk is sold out, and an afternoon tea will be served. Speaker Cathy Jones from the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society will discuss the David Jones family’s significant local history. Bookings can be made via QR code or email.
The ‘Back to Black – David Jones family in Strathfield Exhibition’ opens on 17 October 2024 at 6pm in Strathfield Library, with free entry and refreshments. The exhibition runs until 1 December. A talk by Cathy Jones is scheduled for 10 November, and booking is required for attendance. Inquiries can be directed to strathfieldhistory@gmail.com.
The David Jones family has deep roots in Strathfield from the 1860s, contributing significantly to various sectors including business and education. The exhibition celebrating their legacy runs from October 17 to December 1, 2024, at Strathfield Library, with a related talk on November 10, 2024. Free entry and bookings are required for the opening and talk.
David Jones, founded in 1838 in Sydney, is one of the oldest department stores still operating under its original name, known for quality and customer service. The Jones family shaped Strathfield’s growth through business and community involvement, with key figures like Dr. Philip Sydney Jones and Edward Lloyd Jones. An exhibition on this history will begin on October 17, 2024.
Nipper Street Homebush is a new street near the former EMI/HMV record factory. Named after the ‘His Masters Voice’ dog, it runs parallel to Columbia Lane and has a thematic musical past. The area features high rise units, a small open space for recreation, and references to Nipper and the EMI/HMV logo. Nearby Gramophone Lane was named after the Columbia Gramophone studios, known for recording Australian luminaries from 1926 to 1954.
The Strathfield South Public Housing Project of the late 1940s aimed to address housing shortages post-WWII, particularly for lower income families and returned servicemen. The 1930s Depression and WWII led to a halt in building activity in NSW, with an estimated 80,000 homes not built due to each crisis. By the end of WWII, Sydney faced a 90,000-house shortfall, exacerbated by returning servicemen. The NSW Government acquired land from the Ebenezer Ford estate in Strathfield South in 1945, leading to a new subdivision plan that would provide housing for over 400 people in single-storey dwellings with two or three bedrooms.
In October 1961, Vivien Leigh, known for her roles in ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Streetcar named Desire,’ visited Strathfield to open the National Rose Society’s spring festival and presented a silver rose bowl to the winner. The event’s proceeds were donated to the Poliomyelitis and Physicality Handicapped Society. She had a successful film career and a dedication to theatre, performing a wide variety of roles. Leigh toured Australia twice, once with her then husband Laurence Olivier. She visited Strathfield during her 1961 tour and passed away in 1967.
The 1913 Sydney Mail edition highlighted The Boulevarde Strathfield’s tree-lined streets, likely amongst the first in the area. The local council received a significant grant in 1889 for tree planting, creating distinctive double-planted streets. By 1890, about 5,000 pounds were spent to plant eight kilometers of streets, contributing to Strathfield’s renowned tree-lined avenues.
In 1972, David Widdup became Australia’s first openly gay candidate for public office, challenging sitting Prime Minister William (Billy) McMahon in the seat of Lowe. Despite receiving 218 votes, Widdup’s campaign raised awareness for LGBTQ+ rights. His slogan, ‘I’ve got my eyes on Billy’s seat!’, garnered significant media attention.
Cumberland Council is hosting an author talk, “Auburn ANZACS, Auburn’s fallen soldiers of the Great War” by Ron Inglis as part of the Australian Heritage Festival and ANZAC Day celebrations. The event, part of the Auburn Remembers project, will be held at Auburn Library on April 23, 2024, at 6pm. No bookings required. For more information, visit http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/author-talk.
A talk will be given by Dr Paul Irish as part of Strathfield Council’s National Reconciliation Week celebrations. Paul has been collaboratively researching Sydney’s Aboriginal
60 Beresford Road Strathfield is a rare Post-War International style house designed by architect Emil Fretze in 1955. Fretze, known for his work with the Commonwealth Bank post World War II, created this unique example of domestic architecture with contributions from the Berjacs. The house holds significance as part of the Agincourt estate and is listed in the Australian Institute of Architects as a significant example of 20th century architecture in NSW. For more details, refer to the full article.
The Liverpool Road bridge crossing at Strathfield South, formerly known as Moore’s Bridge, was built in 1814 when Liverpool Road was constructed. Governor Macquarie’s plans for townships at Liverpool, Richmond, Windsor, Pitt Town, Castlereagh, and Wilberforce led to the building of new roads, including Liverpool Road (later known as Hume Highway). It was constructed by road contractor William Roberts and completed in 1814 to facilitate transport to these settlements. The Cooks River and the Cooks River shared pathway pass under the bridge.
Membership of the Strathfield Community Garden is free to join. There are many good reasons to participate in the Garden. Meet new friends, learn how
A talk on Victorian Italianate architecture will be held on Sunday February 18th from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Strathfield Library. The speaker is Mark Sabolch who
The Cooks River: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is a new exhibition prepared by Strathfield Council and the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society. The exhibition will be
The Strathfield Town Hall centenary exhibition is being shown until 10 December 2023 at Strathfield Library Ironbark Gallery, 65-67 Rochester Street Homebush during Library opening
George Hallworth, a prominent figure in the Strathfield community, has passed away at the age of 98. He served as Alderman on Strathfield Council and was actively involved in various committees. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in community organizations such as Rotary and was recognized for his contributions with the Centenary Medal in 2001. George is survived by his wife, Catherine, and children, and his funeral will be held at St Anne’s Anglican Church on November 3rd, 2023. The family has requested donations to the Cancer Council in lieu of flowers.
The Strathfield Town Hall is 100 years old in 2023. For over 100 years, the Strathfield Town Hall has brought together the members of the
The Strathfield Community Garden is located at Laker Reserve, at Elva Street, Strathfield. This is only a short walk from Strathfield Station. The Community Garden
In response to a request on the history of this house about 53 Pomeroy Street Homebush. ‘Shawlands’ 53 Pomeroy Street Homebush is an interwar style
Near the corner of Broughton Road and MacKenzie Street Strathfield is brick Victorian Italianate style house called ‘Oakdene’ at 86 Broughton Road Strathfield. This house
Thanks to everybody who attended the ‘Understanding Heritage’ talk yesterday at Strathfield Library. The afternoon session was opened by the Mayor of Strathfield Karen Pensabene
update 22 September 2023 The booking system is not working properly. If you want to come, please attend on the day. There should be
by Cathy Jones (2023) In response to an enquiry about a house called ‘Kilmarnock’, which was located on Underwood Rd Homebush. ‘Kilmarnock’, likely a Federation
On Saturday 9 September 2023, St Thomas Enfield will have an open day and everyone is invited. There is a history display in the church
Short Street is located in Homebush, thanks to the building of the M4 Motorway, the street has been divided into east and west sections. The
By Cathy Jones (2023) Laurel O’Toole, former Mayor of Strathfield, passed away on 24 August 2023 aged 80 years. Lauren served for many years as
St Thomas’ Church Enfield is the oldest church and cemetery in the Strathfield-Burwood-Enfield area and in 2023 celebrates its 175th anniversary. Their website is being
By Cathy Jones (2023) This is in response to a request for information on the Bush family. If you have any further information, photos or
‘Newinga’ 25 Agnes Street Strathfield is a substantial two storey home built in the Old English style. The house was designed by architect A V Gorrell,
