Weatherboard cottage “Magrathea” and setting
41 Boundary Road, MortdaleWeatherboard cottage “Magrathea” and settingLot C, DP 369682It is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Kogarah Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Mortdale Public School, being buildings A and B
Mortdale Public School, being buildings A and B1–21 and 27 Colebourne Avenue and 35 Judd StreetLot 1, DP 910638; Lot 1, DP 723943; Lot 1, DP 182917; Lots 5 and 6, DP 622396In January 1888, George Kemp submitted a proposal to the Education Department for a school in Mortdale, noting 25 families with 50 school-aged children in the area. His vision was approved, and two acres of Lot 14 from Mort’s Farm subdivision were resumed for the site at a cost of £776.By 1889, the first school building was completed: a single classroom for 100 pupils and a teacher’s residence, costing £984 [1] Mortdale Public School officially opened in January 1889 with Joseph Coleman as its first headmaster, an Irish educator who had previously taught in Tasmania and NSW.Early Milestones 1901: A new flagpole was erected, and the flag was unfurled by J. H. Carruthers, former Member for the district [2] Circa 1900: Former student Darcy Fletcher recalled the school’s growth, the introduction of gardens, improved discipline, and the start of organized sports, including Australian Rules football competitions [3]
Electricity Substation No 10020
Electricity Substation No 1002031 Cook StreetLot B, DP 154171Work commenced on the new control station at Mortdale in December 1938.[1] The switchgear was installed by August 1939.[2]It is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Kogarah Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Propeller 29 December 1938, p6.[2] St George Call 11 August 1939, p1.
Mortdale Railway Station
Mortdale Railway Station Group settingIllawarra rail linePart of Lot 101, DP 1181296; Part of Lot 100, DP 1141151The original Mortdale Station on the Illawarra Line opened on 20 March 1897, following the construction of its first platform in January 1897. [1] At that time, the station featured two timber platforms and waiting sheds, serving a line that passed through what would later become the site of the electric car sheds. [2]A major transformation came in 1922, when the station was relocated further north. The new Mortdale Railway Station was officially opened on 14 September 1922 by the Minister for Justice, Mr Ley. This modern station boasted a brick island platform measuring 429 feet, complete with offices at its center. The upgrade also introduced an overhead passenger bridge and a vehicle subway at Ellen Street, replacing the old Morts Road level crossing. That same year, Mortdale recorded an impressive 708,563 passengers.
Weatherboard bungalow and setting, including front fence and garden
Weatherboard bungalow and setting, including front fence and garden11 Jersey AvenueLot 521, DP 565681It is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Kogarah Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Mortdale Uniting Church and grounds
Mortdale Uniting Church and grounds18 Morts RoadLots 11 and 12, DP 4817Standing at the heart of Mortdale, the Mortdale Uniting Church has been a cornerstone of local history for more than a century. Originally known as the Mortdale Methodist Church, its story began when memorial stones were laid on 10 October 1910 by E. Knight and T. Cater. Just a few months later, on 8 January 1911, the first service was held within its walls, accompanied by music from an organ generously donated by Mrs. E. Knight.Before the church was built, worshippers gathered in Hales’ Hall, under the guidance of Circuit Superintendent Rev. J. A. Waddell. Growth soon followed: a vestry was added in 1916, and the Mortdale Methodist School Hall opened on 6 March 1918, marking a new chapter in community life. [1] That same year, Mr. Adrian Steel became the first circuit minister appointed to Mortdale, while Alfred Holt served faithfully as Church Secretary for many years.The congregation continued to expand, purchasing a parsonage at 8 Woronora Parade, Oatley in 1922. In 1975, the church embraced a new identity as Mortdale Uniting Church, joining Penshurst and South Peakhurst to form the Trinity Parish. [2]Today, this historic site remains a cherished landmark, its heritage recognised in local planning schemes. From its humble beginnings to its centenary celebration on 13 November 2011, Mortdale Uniting Church stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community spirit..[1] Propeller 8 March 1918, p2.[2] Hurstville Historical Society Newsletter October 1991.
Mortdale Fire Station
38 Morts Road | Lot 101, DP 545765The story of Mortdale Fire Station is one of resilience and service. The current station, standing proudly on Morts Road, was built in 1914, but its roots go back even further. Records show an earlier station existed as early as 1907[1]. Officially designated Number 48 Station, Mortdale opened on 29 February 1908 with a single manual engine and two horses, staffed by a Captain/Enginekeeper and seven volunteer firemen.By December 1913, architects Spain, Cosh and Dodds called for tenders for a new building[2]. Their plans included an engine room, two stables, a watch-room, accommodation for single men, a fodder room, store, conveniences, and even a drill tank. Modernisation came in February 1924, when the horse-drawn engine was replaced with a motor fire engine[3]. Inside, the original cobblestone floor, still intact today, provided traction for the horses that once thundered out to emergencies. The adjacent paddock, once home to reserve horses, was sold to the Commonwealth Bank in 1952.The station briefly closed in 1945, but thanks to lobbying by Council and local Progress Associations, it reopened in 1952, continuing its proud tradition of volunteer service.In 2007, Mortdale Fire Station celebrated its centenary with a commemorative booklet written by firefighter Pat Kannan[4]. Today, it holds the distinction of being Sydney’s oldest operational volunteer fire brigade, and its heritage significance is recognised in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 (and previously in the Kogarah LEP 2012).Local memories add colour to its history. Brian Ogle recalled:“At the back of the fire station near St Peter’s Church were quartered the fire steeds on active service. At the top of the hill towards Forest Road was the ‘Fireman’s Paddock’, home to the horses in reserve. I have never forgotten the thrill of the fire brigade, horse-drawn, bell clanging, manned by men in shiny brass helmets charging down Pitt Street, Oatley bound.”[5]The tradition of service continues today. In 2022, Captain Wayne Challinor was honoured with a NSW Government Community Service Award for his dedication to the brigade[6].
Brick house “Longleat”, excluding infill development to the rear
Brick house “Longleat”, excluding infill development to the rear7 Mutual RoadSP 69358Set quietly on Mutual Road, the brick home known as ‘Longleat’ is a rare and remarkably intact example of early Federation architecture in suburban Sydney. Built in 1907 on the newly subdivided Portion 114 (DP4374), it was the very first house on the street. Commissioned by Alfred and Rhoda Stone, whose daughter Amy would go on to live in the home for over eight decades, until 1990.[1]From the street, ‘Longleat’ presents a warm and welcoming façade: a double-brick Federation home with art nouveau timber detailing, a galvanised iron roof, and tall, moulded chimneys capped with terracotta pots. The brickwork is a showcase of craftsmanship, featuring king closers, squints, bull-nosed bricks, and a patchwork of replacements - all sourced from the local Judd’s Brickworks, adding a distinctly regional character. A timber lattice arch with a decorative ‘keystone’ marks the entrance to the side path, while the rear of the house reveals more intricate latticework, turned timber posts, and stained glass. Outside stands a charming outdoor toilet shielded by privacy screens. The original timber picket fence still stands at the front boundary, complete with a matching gate and a dovetailed wooden tray, offering a tactile link to the past. Inside, ‘Longleat’ is a treasure trove of early 20th-century domestic life. Every room retains its original or early features: floor coverings, architraves, picture rails, ceiling plasterwork, fireplaces, doors, windows, and even gas-light fittings. The entrance hallway is particularly striking, with ornate plaster cornices and a rare encaustic tile-patterned lino floor. Doors are framed in dark-stained timber with Georgian Revival-style finger plates and frosted transom lights, while the sitting-room door glows with twelve coloured glass panels in green, white, yellow, and red. Statement of Significance: “’Longleat’ is an intact, representative example of a typical Federation dwelling and grounds of a very high local significance, with original furniture, fittings, decorations and gardens, demonstrating the lifestyle of a suburban Sydney family in the early years of this century. Longleat is particularly remarkable for the level of original integrity. It demonstrates a range of customs and functions no longer generally practised. It has fine examples of interior plaster decoration, floor coverings, original furniture and gas-lights. Longleat has significant research potential… Its interior furnishings, pictures, ornaments, tools and housekeeping records provide a valuable insight into this period of Australia’s early nationhood. This property provides a rare opportunity for education through on-site interpretation to experience and understand the way of life in suburban Sydney in the early years following Federation.” In 1999, ‘Longleat’ was saved from demolition and added to Hurstville Council’s heritage list.[2] That year it sold for $540,000. It was later formally recognised in the 2012 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan as a property of local significance. [1] G Quint, Longleat, February 1995 listing.[2] St George Leader 29 June 1999, p6, 7 and 10.
Mortdale Memorial Park
Mortdale Memorial Park65 Oxford StreetLot 2, DP 232106; Lots 27–44, Section J, DP 2921Hurstville Council paid F W Gibbons, electrical contractor of 588 Railway Parade, Hurstville, £37/17/6 in January 1936 to provide lighting for Mortdale Park. The money came from the Council’s Special Loan Fund.[1] Ornamental plants were supplied from Ferguson’s Nursery.[2]Mortdale Reserve was one of Hurstville Council’s two reserves in 1937.[3] The park covered an area of 182 feet by 117 feet, and the playground 60 feet by 117 feet, and the land cost £780 to purchase. A bandstand was erected, shown in the 1937 aerial photo, and this, plus the children’s playground, fencing and seats, amounted to £2129.Mortdale Returned Soldiers’ and Sailors’ branch applied to Hurstville Council in October 1935 for the use of Mortdale Park and bandstand for Armistice Day service.[4]See also Jubilee Park.Hurstville Municipal Council was assigned Trustee of the reserve in 1955. See Government Gazette 13 May 1955, p1355.The name Mortdale Memorial Park was assigned in Government Gazette 11 July 1997. Mortdale Memorial Park was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP as of local significance. Lot 2, DP 232106; Lots 27–44, Section J, DP 2921.[1] Hurstville Council Voucher Book 1936, voucher 1936-51.[2] Ibid, voucher 1936-123.[3] Jubilee History of the Municipality of Hurstville p45. Photo p57.[4] Propeller 24 October 1935, p5.
