What's New?
Find out more about what’s new at Randwick & District Historical Society, including upcoming events and opportunities below, or call us today and we’ll be happy to help.
Our valued members can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including access to our interesting programme of events and gatherings for local history enthusiasts, which are held regularly.
SATURDAY HISTORY TALK
Time and date: Saturday 7 June 2025 at 1.00 – 2.00pm
Title of talk: Sydney Harbour Bridge Celebrations
Speaker: Gail Davis
Venue: Vonnie Young Auditorium, Bowen Library,669/673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
Summary: Join us for an engaging presentation exploring the celebrations associated with the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the milestones celebrated during construction and the two weeks of celebrations on its completion. We will also discuss how the bridge has become an enduring symbol in the life of our nation.
Speaker Bio: Gail Davis, had a distinguished career at NSW State Archives as a Senior Archivist. Throughout her time there, she led research services, developed key indexes, authored the award-winning The Convict Guide and contributed to major research projects, including digital exhibitions.
Bookings: 9349 3572 or email:randwickhistory@outlook.com
Christine Yeats
President
Randwick & District Historical Society
SATURDAY HISTORY TALK
Time and date: Saturday 23 August 2025 at 1.00 – 2.00pm
Title of talk: The History of Cockatoo Island
Speaker: Don Napper
Venue: Vonnie Young Auditorium, Bowen Library,669/673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
Summary: The story of Cockatoo Island is composed of two successive segments: first, its use for 70 years as a prison followed by its role for the next 80 years as a naval dockyard. Both segments will be elaborated in this talk
The Island’s use as a convict prison for repeat offenders began in 1839 and although the nature of the prison changed over the years, it was only closed when Long Bay jail was fully opened in 1909. The Island then became the naval dockyard for the newly established Royal Australian Navy, building more than 50 naval fighting vessels of all types, including Australia’s first aircraft carrier.
Since being decommissioned in 1991, the Island has been successfully transformed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust into a major cultural precinct.
Speaker Bio: Don Napper was educated at Sydney and Cambridge Universities in molecular chemistry. He retired from Sydney University in 2003 as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences & Technology), where he is now Professor Emeritus. He has worked as a volunteer guide on Cockatoo Island.
Bookings: 9349 3572 or email:randwickhistory@outlook.com
Christine Yeats
President
Randwick & District Historical Society
