Hurstville Heritage Items Preview

Federation house and setting, including front fence

Federation house and setting, including front fence69 Bristol RoadLot B, DP 340048No 69 Bristol Road Road was listed on the 2012 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan. It is a Victorian house on Lot B, DP340048 and is of local significance.

Rendered Victorian house and setting

Rendered Victorian house and setting76 Bristol RoadLot 13, DP 1866No 76 Bristol Road is a rendered Victorian house, on Lot 13 DP 1866 and is of local significance.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house and setting, including trees to rear garden

Federation house and setting, including trees to rear garden19 Carrington AvenueLot C, DP 330153No 19 Carrington Avenue is a Federation house on Lot C DP 330153 and is of local significance.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.It was known previously as Greenock and later Cranbrook. It was constructed circa 1911. By 1926 the dwelling was owned by E A Widgery.Carrington Park subdivision H10/17.

Pair of semi-detached Federation cottages

Pair of semi-detached Federation cottages56 Carrington AvenueSP 63285No 56-62 Carrington Avenue are a pair of Federation semis on Lots 1 and 2 SP 63285 and are of local significance.They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and were previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house and setting

Federation house and setting71 Carrington AvenueLot 79, DP 1956Numbers 71-75 Carrington Avenue are a group of three identical freestanding cottages, which have been partially altered, but as a group exhibit some, or all of the original detail. The architectural style is Federation.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 35. No 71 is Lot 79 DP1956; no 73 is Lot 78 DP 1956; and no 75 is Lot 2 DP204431. No 75 has the name ‘Canberra’.They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and were previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house and setting

Federation house and setting73 Carrington AvenueLot 78, DP 1956Numbers 71-75 Carrington Avenue are a group of three identical freestanding cottages, which have been partially altered, but as a group exhibit some, or all of the original detail. The architectural style is Federation.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 35.No 71 is Lot 79 DP1956; no 73 is Lot 78 DP 1956; and no 75 is Lot 2 DP204431. No 75 has the name ‘Canberra’.They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and were previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house “Canberra” and setting

Federation house “Canberra” and setting75 Carrington AvenueLot 2, DP 204431Numbers 71-75 Carrington Avenue are a group of three identical freestanding cottages, which have been partially altered, but as a group exhibit some, or all of the original detail. The architectural style is Federation.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 35.No 71 is Lot 79 DP1956; no 73 is Lot 78 DP 1956; and no 75 is Lot 2 DP204431. No 75 has the name ‘Canberra’.They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and were previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

House and garden, “Maroo”

House and garden, “Maroo”6 Carysfort StreetLot A, DP 415190Maroo, 6 Carysfort Street, South Hurstville, was listed under the NSW Heritage Act on the State Heritage Register. It is a single-storey home in Victorian filigree style. The site is within the Carysfort Estate subdivision of c1890. Earnshaw states that it was built in 1896 or 1897 for H W Apperley. ‘Maroo’ is Aboriginal for ‘top of the hill’.[1] Earnshaw gives a detailed description of restoration carried out since the 1980s.It was the home of the Slater family from 1911 for almost seventy years. It was the venue for tennis matches. Albert James of Maroo, Carysfort Street was killed in New Guinea in WWII.[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 2012.1938 Rates Book, owner Mrs Essie Slater. House name ‘Maroo’. Lot 34 of Carysfort Estate, DP1608.[1] Earnshaw, Beverley, Houses and Heritage, p136-137.[2] Propeller 11 November 1943, p5.

Federation house and setting

Federation house and setting2 Clevedon RoadLot 34, DP 1866No 2 Clevedon Road, Hurstville is a Federation house on Lot 34 DP 1866 and is of local significance.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house “Dungog” and setting

Federation house “Dungog” and setting4 Clevedon RoadLot 33, DP 1866No 4 Clevedon Road is a Federation house on Lot 33 DP 1866 and is of local significance.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Victory House

Victory House8 Crofts AvenueSP 46769Victory House, located at 8 Crofts Avenue, is a locally significant commercial building that reflects the optimism and civic pride of post-war Hurstville. Originally constructed as the St George Businessmen’s Club, it was designed in 1949 by architect John R. Brogan and built by Welch Brothers, local builders [1]. Brogan, a Sydney-born architect, was known for his contributions to domestic and commercial architecture throughout the mid-20th century. His designs often blended functionalist principles with stylistic flourishes, and he was particularly influential in popularising the Stockbroker Tudor and Streamline Moderne styles in suburban Sydney [2]. Victory House is a rare example of Streamline Moderne architecture in the Georges River area—a style that emerged in the 1930s and continued into the post-war period. Inspired by the sleek curves of ocean liners and the aerodynamic forms of trains and automobiles, Streamline Moderne buildings feature horizontal lines, curved corners, flat roofs, and minimal ornamentation, all intended to evoke motion, progress, and modernity [3] [4]. The building was laid out with civic and commercial purpose in mind. The ground floor contained eight lock-up shops, while the first floor housed the club lounge and billiard room. The second floor included the boardroom and dining room, and the third floor featured a banqueting room for public functions. The fourth floor offered residential accommodation with three two-bedroom and five one-bedroom flats, and the caretaker’s quarters were located on the roof. Additional two-bedroom flats were also included on the first, second, and third floors [1]. The foundation stone was laid by Clive Evatt, then Minister for Housing, on 13 August 1949, and the building was completed around 1952. Its design and scale reflected the ambitions of the St George Businessmen’s Club to create a central hub for commerce, networking, and community events in the heart of Hurstville. In 1992–93, Victory House underwent restoration and renovation, preserving its architectural character while adapting it for contemporary use. Today, it is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and was previously listed under the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012. Victory House remains a testament to the post-war civic spirit and architectural innovation that shaped Hurstville’s urban identity. References 1: Construction, 5 October 1949, p.4. 2: Modern Heritage Matters, “John Brogan (1904–1987) – Architect Profile.” 3: ABC News, “Streamline Moderne Architecture Was Meant to Capture the Spirit of a Society Gliding into the Future.” 4: Wikipedia, “Streamline Moderne.”

House and garden, “Oxley”

House and garden, “Oxley”11 Denman StreetSP 49471No 11 Denman Street is locally significant as it represents a good example of a Federation filigree cottage of circa 1910. The item is part of a villa development.See Tropman and Tropman, Kogarah Heritage Study, July 1994, Group 3 Ref Item 77.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 2012.1938 Rates Book owner Mr Theryl and Mrs Rebecca Sanders, no house name. Pt lot 37 of Dudley Park no 2 Estate. Vol 2417 Fol 213 DP6816.

Hurstville Oval and Velodrome

Hurstville Oval and Velodrome30 Dora StreetLot 1, DP 919317; Lot 53, DP 9355Hurstville Oval is at Dora and Patrick Streets. Originally the lowest lying part of the MacMahon Estate, it was proclaimed a public park in 1899. At that time there was no sports ground in the St George district with a turf wicket, and an enthusiastic band of sportsmen built one in Hurstville Park. It was officially opened on 23 September 1911, with a match between the St George District Cricket Club and a Sydney team with international players including Bardsley, Macartney, Kelloway and Gregory. There have been a number of players who represented Australia from St George, the most notable being Don Bradman and Bill O’Reilly.Installation of electric light took place in 1923.A pavilion was erected by Messrs Young and Gorringe of Bankstown in 1924, at a cost of £1,456/18/5. It was opened by the Mayor, Alderman Collier on Anniversary Day, 1925.[1] It was decided that a marble slab should be installed commemorating the occasion. A cricket match was played on the day between St George District Club and St George District Juniors. The pavilion replaced an older structure.A fence around the Oval was erected in 1925 by W G Varley.Water pipes and bubbler taps were installed in 1926.Conveniences were installed in 1931/2.Wire fencing around the park was installed in 1932.The bitumenised cycle track was constructed in 1934.The Oval was re-turfed in 1935, at a cost of £796.A new brick wall and turnstile building were erected in 1938/39.Council planned to spend $4000 on constructing a common room in 1967.[2]The Booth/Saunders Pavilion was named in 1999 after Brian Booth and Warren Saunders.[3]Georges River Council restored the Hurstville Oval Velodrome in 2018, returning the historic venue to a first-class facility for cyclists. This was made possible through grant funding provided to St George Cycling Club and Cycling NSW. In undertaking this project, Council rehabilitated the course by correcting the surface of the track with an asphalt overlay.[4]Part of Hurstville Park was selected as an off-leash dog park in 2023.[5][1] Propeller 16 January 1925, p4; 30 January 1925.[2] St George Leader 12 July 1967 p30.[3] St George Leader 19 August 1999, p12.[4] Georges River Council Annual Report 2017/2018. P41.[5] St George Leader 22 February 2023, p9.

Four pairs of semi-detached Victorian cottages and settings

Four pairs of semi-detached Victorian cottages and settings33–47 Dora StreetLots 5–8, DP 237059; Lot 34, DP 836363; Lot 1, DP 794227Lining Dora Street with their distinctive charm, the eight single-storey, semi-detached cottages at numbers 33–47 form one of Hurstville’s most unique and evocative historic streetscapes. Built in 1895 for Henry Hicks Junior [1], these cottages were originally intended as workmen’s homes, a testament to the area’s rapid suburban growth and the demand for affordable, well-built housing in late Victorian Sydney.Architectural Features and Streetscape Value These cottages are classic examples of the Victorian terrace-type semi, a style that flourished in Sydney’s suburbs during the late 19th century. Key features include: Slate roofs that lend a sense of solidity and period character Narrow street frontages, typical of urban worker housing Bullnose verandah roofs Iron street balustrades and decorative lacework, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise modest façades The design of each pair is perfectly symmetrical: the arrangement of door, window, and chimney on one side of the shared wall is mirrored on the other, creating a rhythmic and harmonious streetscape. This symmetry, combined with the repetition of architectural details, gives the group a strong visual identity and a sense of cohesion.History and Restoration When first documented in 1983, the cottages were described as “much-neglected,” but they have since been restored, preserving their essential Victorian character [2]. The group was classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 1987, recognising its heritage value and contribution to the local streetscape.The original 1895 Hurstville Council rates book records the first occupants: S Terret W Smithson F Austen James Burgess L Hartley with several cottages initially vacant. Heritage Recognition These cottages are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and were previously listed under the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012. Their preservation offers a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of Hurstville’s working-class residents at the turn of the 20th century.References: In 1893 the wife of Henry Hicks senior died at Hurstville. Henry Hicks junior (1849–1929) became an Alderman on Shellharbour Council. A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 40. See also: Land Titles Office DP 237059 Lots 5–8, Torrens Title, Vol 10934, Fol 156–163; Lot 34 DP 836363; Lot 1 DP 794227.

Federation house “Busigny” and setting, including traditional garden

Federation house “Busigny” and setting, including traditional garden50 Dora StreetLot 8, DP 9355No 50 Dora Street is a Federation house named Busigny, on Lot 8, DP9355 and is of local significance. Busigny was an engagement within the Battle of the Somme. In the 1928 Sands’ Directory, the householder was A Murdoch.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Hurstville Scout Hall

Hurstville Scout Hall116 Durham StreetLot 5, DP 171179

War Memorial Monument

War Memorial MonumentForest Road“Hurstville lost 175 sons as a direct result of enemy action during WWI (1914 to 1918). A memorial to their honour was unveiled on 27 May 1922 by the Governor of NSW, His Excellency Sir Walter Edward Davison. It stands in Memorial Park, close to the Forest Road entrance to the Super Centre. The same memorial honours the 139 Hurstville people who died during WW2 (1939-1945). This addition to the monument was unveiled in November 1950 by the Governor, Lieut-General Sir John Northcote, KCMG.”[1]The day before its unveiling, the Propeller noted the details of the memorial:[2]“The monument, which is composed of Bowral trachyte, is erected near Hurstville railway station, and stands a clear 25 feet from the ground line. The bottom base is a solid piece of trachyte, weighing over three tons. On this stands a polished panel die with four panels, upon three of which is inscribed the names of the men who made the supreme sacrifice. On the front panel, which is the dedication plate, is the following inscription:- ‘Erected by the citizens of Hurstville in memory of their brave sailors and soldiers who fell in the Great War 1914-1918. Unveiled on 27th May 1922, by His Excellency Sir Walter Edward Davidson, DCMG, Governor of New South Wales.’ The die is surmounted by a heavily moulded cap upon which rests the first column base with four polished faces inscribed as follows: Front:- ‘Their name liveth for evermore.’ Right: - ‘It was victory and the grave.’ Left:- ‘How grand is victory, but how dear.’ Rear:- ‘They brought glory and honor unto the nation.’ The outstanding feature of the work is the beautiful Ionic column standing 12 feet high of highly polished trachyte without the slightest defect or mark to spoil the beautiful harmony of the work. This column is surmounted by a beautifully carved Ionic cap, probably as fine an example of the stone cutter’s art as one could find anywhere. The finial is a large banded orb – a beautiful finish. The whole work strikes the eye as something most imposing and elegant in design. Art critics who have seen the work are unstinting in their praise, many of them declare that it is the most symmetrical and pleasing monument in the whole of the metropolitan area. The designer is Mr A Gibney, foreman for Messrs D B Acton & Co who are the contractors for the work. The contractors deserve congratulation on the beautiful job they have produced.”An initial list of names to adorn the monument was published in the Propeller on 21 April 1922, p2, along with an appeal for any further names which might be made known to The Secretary of the Hurstville Soldiers’ Memorial Committee, Mr W S Farr of 54 The Avenue, Hurstville, or the Propeller office.Funds for the construction of the memorial were raised by a carnival held at Hurstville in February 1920, at which £1477 was raised, of which £1000 was set aside for the memorial, with the residue to go towards the construction of a Memorial School of Arts.[3]Mayor of Hurstville Alderman E H Baker presided at the unveiling. Sir Walter Davidson was accompanied by Dame Margaret Davidson. Members of Parliament present were Mr T Ley, Minister for Justice, and Mr Lamond, and MLsA attending were Messrs Arkins and Gosling. Victory Medals were presented to 25 returned soldiers. The ceremony was concluded by the singing of Abide With Me and the playing of The Last Post. The visitors were entertained to afternoon tea at the Masonic Hall.[4]Ornamental coping and electric light standards were erected around the memorial later in the year.[5] The memorial is now flanked by a water feature, with six fountains of different heights on both sides, leading the eye towards the central monument.See Ross Bell, Hurstville Anzacs, for information on the servicemen listed on the memorial.In a feature in the St George Leader, 1 August 1991, p11, its was stated: “There are 315 names from two world wars on Hurstville War Memorial. Names like Merryful and Selby and even Germanic names like Heidtman. Apart from ‘We Will Remember Them’ and the date the memorial was dedicated, there is little else it tells about Byron, C and Vale, H C.” It is worth noting that until relatively recently, information about the soldiers commemorated on the memorial was difficult to research.[1] Davis, Pedr, The Hurstville Story, p185. 173 WWI names and 143 WWII names are listed on the memorial, according to NSW War Memorials Register list.[2] Propeller 26 May 1922, p2.[3] Propeller 17 February 1922, p10.[4] Sydney Morning Herald 29 May 1922, p8.[5] Propeller 25 August 1922, p1.

Allawah Reservoir (WS 0001)

Allawah Reservoir (WS 0001)2 Forest RoadLots 1 and 7–9, DP 6584; Lot 1, DP 73077; Lots A–C, DP 308650; Lots A and B, DP 322974; Lots 1 and 2, DP 331657; Lot 1, DP 1019736; Lot 13, DP 666411; Lot 1, DP 1019740; Lot B, DP 303573Although named the Allawah Reservoir, it is located in Hurstville.[1] This led to objections from Hurstville Aldermen when the project was proposed in 1938. By 1953 the reservoir had still to be built; the site was used as a venue for travelling circuses in the 1940s.The Water Board advised Hurstville Council in November 1971 that $500,000 had been allocated in the 1971/72 programme ‘for the re-construction of this reservoir.’[2]The reservoir was under construction and half-completed in October 1972.[3] The total cost of construction was stated to be $2.28 million.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Propeller 17 November 1938, p1.[2] Hurstville Council Minutes 18 November 1971 no 1677.[3] St George Leader 18 October 1972.

Hurstville Public School

Hurstville Public School80 Forest RoadLot 32, DP 842051In 1875 the local Church of England Denominational School closed. Michael Gannon provided a site to the Council of Education, and Hurstville Public School replaced the Church of England Denominational School when Michael Lappin was appointed in October 1876, with an enrolment of thirty-eight pupils. The school was designed by architect Benjamin Backhouse at a cost of £500, and there was a teacher’s residence of four rooms and kitchen.He was succeeded by Locrin Tiddy in 1879, who had previously taught at Manly; after his retirement, Tiddy continued to serve on the Hurstville school board as secretary. Tiddy complained about the state of the teacher’s residence and asked for two unfinished attic rooms to be completed. This work was done in 1880.At the end of 1881, enrolment was 99, with an average attendance of 62.Felix Knowsley Thistlethwayte, previously at Grafton, became master in mid-1886[1], and attendance had grown to a hundred and forty children, no doubt due to the establishment of the railway. A new wooden structure was added to the school. Mr Thistlethwayte arranged a concert in the schoolroom on 15 October 1886 to provide funds for playground equipment.[2] By the end of 1888 enrolment was 282, with an average attendance of more than 200.In 1890 education authorities erected a brick building, divided into three main rooms and two classrooms on a three-rood block of land acquired for £609.[3] Of particular note is the Victorian bell tower. This building was opened by J H Carruthers in June 1892. The architect was W E Kemp, architect of the Department of Public Instruction, and the builder was Robert Mercer. It cost £1,500 to construct.[4]Mr Thistlethwayte urged that the school should be divided into Boys and Girls departments. And his recommendation was backed by the Mayor, Aldermen and local MP. The separate Girls department was established in 1889. Staff in 1889 were: Mr Jones (a former student) and three pupil-teachers, Alice Bardsley, Ernest Andrews and Thomas McCurley, as well as the headmaster. Miss Millicent Aspinall was appointed as the first Girls Mistress in May 1889.[5]A bathroom and laundry for the teacher’s residence were provided in April 1889 for £53. Asphalting the footpath outside the school took place in 1890.Henry Larkin was master from 1890, with Miss Jeffery mistress; and John Richard Meyrick from 1895-1906.[6] Mr Meyrick encouraged his pupils to learn to swim, and instituted an annual swimming carnival at Brighton Baths, Lady Robinson’s Beach.[7]An area of ¾ acre was resumed in April 1891 adjacent to the school from owner Thomas Fox, at a cost of £555. Plans for a new building were prepared and in July 1891 a tender by Robert Mercer was accepted. The work was completed in early 1892 at a cost of £1400, and the new building was occupied by the Girls department. This building, with its distinctive bell-tower, still stands.In 1896 the school was raised to the same grade as Kogarah and Rockdale Public Schools (both second grade schools at that time).[8]In 1897 an entirely new wing of the school was erected, and the teacher’s residence in the centre of the school grounds was removed. The original school building was converted into the teacher’s residence. These works cost £2,048.Further works were opened in March 1899 by Mr Hogue, Minister for Education. There were 650 pupils. Hugh Patrick was chairman of the school board.[9]In 1899 an attempt was made at Hurstville to introduce teaching of boys and girls together, but a public meeting was held at which objections were aired and a deputation to the Minister was organised to reverse the policy.[10]John Meyrick was succeeded in 1906 by William Swanton. He reorganised the school into boys’ and girls’ departments, with the girls’ department supervised by Miss K Phillips. The enrolment was over 600. Mr Swanton transferred in 1914 to Glenmore Road Public School in Paddington. The Principal from 1914 to 1921 was Mr William J Cunningham, who succeeded Mr Swanton.[11]A tree planted in front of the school in circa 1887 was 25 years old in 1912.An infants’ school was erected in 1916. Also in 1916 a ten acre site was added to the school grounds, resumed at a cost of £2,562.[12]A former teacher at Hurstville Superior Public School, Sgt W F Brook, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in France in 1918.[13]A new boys’ building with twelve classrooms and a large balcony assembly hall was nearing completion in September 1918, by which time the school was in the highest grade of first class. There were more than 2,000 pupils and the school was the third largest in the State. The boys’ department, with an enrolment of 866 boys, was the largest boys’ school.[14] There were 48 teachers on the permanent staff and five visiting teachers for the domestic science course. 280 pupils sat the qualifying exams that year.By 1919 there were 2,782 pupils.[15] The school was the holder of the Education Drill Shield and was the winner of the soccer competition and senior and junior tug-of-war competitions. There were 90 girls in the domestic science classes.On 19 July 1924, new additions to the school were opened by Mr Thomas Ley, MLA. He was later suspected of the murder in 1925 of Mr Fred McDonald, the former acting headmaster of the school. The new additions included a two-storey girls’ building with six classrooms, two assembly halls and a staffroom.John A Faulks took over as headmaster in 1924, succeeding Mr E Henry. From 1927 Hurstville Superior Public School had the largest enrolment of any school in the State, with 2,388 pupils.[16] Headmistress was Miss Edith Eckford, and Miss R E Garner was in charge of the infants’ department. There were 74 teachers.In the mid-1920s, teachers recalled by Hilda North were: “Infants teachers were Miss Webster and Mrs Stewart (Miss Garner was Headmistress); Primary teachers were Miss May, Miss Ross, I think Ms Fordyce was Headmistress; she was followed by Miss Eckford, a stately lady, and Miss Wilson, who lived on the corner of Pearl Street and Carrington Avenue was Deputy Headmistress. Secondary teachers were Miss Tyrer, Mrs Lovatt, Mrs McGillivray, Mrs Barwell and Miss McCoughtry. I remember when a teacher at the Boys’ Primary, Mr Watson (known as Professor Bugwhiskers) married one of our teachers, Mrs Bishop.”[17]Mr Faulks transferred to Bondi School in December 1928, and was succeeded by George Lewis.A new Junior Technical School building was erected and opened in May 1929 by Mr Drummond, Minister for Education. The building cost £33,000 to erect. It comprised three main blocks: the junior technical school, the trades school, and the forge building.[18] The junior technical building had twelve classrooms, a library, and rooms for the principal and staff. The trades school contained rooms for carpentry, joinery, metalwork, plumbing, technical drawing, and a laboratory. The buildings had electric light throughout, enabling their use for night classes.In 1936 enrolment was 1,490.[19]Brian Warton recalled: “In 1940 I went to Hurstville Primary School… We were not allowed to draw on the blackboards anything related to war… At one stage we had trenches dug in the playground and had regular air-raid drills in which we went into the trenches, We had to sit down and around our necks we had a cloth bag in which we had two rubber ear plugs and a block of rubber, all joined together with string and also some malted milk tablets. The plugs were inserted and the block was placed in the mouth between the teeth. The rubber, because of restrictions, was a foul-tasting imitation, very bitter and sour tasting. We sat in the trench until the all-clear was sounded by the headmaster, then it was back to normal. The windows of our classroom and of our home had a criss-cross of wide tape on them so that if the window broke, glass would be held by the tape and would not shatter into the rooms as much.”[20]“World War Two ended when I was in sixth class primary. We cheered and yelled as did every other class in the school, each one trying to drown out the other and were given a half-day holiday. Our mother took us into the city to Martin Place where the street was full of people yelling and cheering… People were hugging each other and dancing around in circles.”The school marked its centenary on 16 October 1976 with a mammoth carnival and fete, attended by many former pupils.[21] Although it rained heavily on the day, the Minister for Education Mr Bedford unveiled a centenary plaque. Principal in 1976 was Tom Donnelly and deputy principal was Alistair Gudgeon; infants’ headmistress was Mrs N Magrath.In November 2018 plans were announced for an $8 million upgrade of the school, including the construction of a new block with four classrooms, new covered outdoor learning area, canteen and toilet block, and extended library and school hall.[22][1] Clarence and Richmond Examiner 3 April 1886, p4.[2] Daily Telegraph 20 October 1886, p6.[3] Propeller 25 July 1924, p3.[4] Sydney Morning Herald 25 June 1892, p7.[5] NSW Government Gazette 14 May 1889, p3524.[6] St George Call 14 April 1906, p6.[7] Sydney Morning Herald 29 March 1897, p6.[8] Sydney Morning Herald 21 January 1896, p4.[9] Evening News 25 March 1899, p11.[10] Daily Telegraph 28 June 1889, p4.[11] Mr Cunningham died in 1932, see obituary and photo in Sydney Morning Herald 10 June 1932, p20.[12] Propeller 25 July 1924, p3.[13] Propeller 1 February 1918, p3.[14] Propeller 20 September 1918, p2.[15] Propeller 26 December 1919, p1.[16] Propeller 5 August 1927, p2.[17] The Stories I Could Tell, p178.[18] Propeller 2 March 1928, p2.[19] Jubilee History of the Municipality of Hurstville 1887-1937, p66.[20] The Stories I Could Tell, p259-260.[21] St George Leader 16 October 1976.[22] St George Leader 28 November 2018, p7; 20 March 2019, p10.

Shop and residence

Shop and residence140 Forest RoadLot 1, DP 82544No 140-142 Forest Road are a pair of shops and residences on Lot 1, DP82544 and are of local significance.No 140 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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012 as a pair with no 142.1921 Alfred J Jones1923 Beatrice Fanny LoftusLot 53 Sec 3 DP185L.1926, no 142 was Crossley’s Motor and Cycle Works. 1933 it was Crisp Bros, Radio Sets.The property possibly dates from the early 1920s. The Hurstville Heritage Inventory dates it to 1920. It replaced an earlier weatherboard structure dating from mid 1890s, possibly the shop and blacksmith’s forge of Robert Welch.

Commercial building

Commercial building143 Forest RoadLot 2, Section 1, DP 3232No 143 Forest Road is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021. It was not previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

St George Anglican Church

St George Anglican Church144 Forest RoadLot 2, DP 207467The story of St George’s Church begins humbly in 1856, when Bishop Barker led a service before a crowd of 200–300 people on 8 December, marking the start of a small weatherboard church. [1] More than three decades later, the growing congregation needed a new home. On 6 April 1889, Bishop Alfred Barry laid the foundation stone for the present church.The new building, designed by architect Charles H. Halstead, was constructed from local brick made at Carlton Brickworks, with internal bricks from Cook’s Brickworks in Marrickville. Its slate roof and elegant stained-glass window depicting the Ascension, a gift from Mr. H. Kinsela, which added beauty and symbolism. At a cost of £952, the church opened on 12 October 1889, with the Dean of Sydney, Dean Cowper, officiating alongside Rev. James Clarke.[2]Over the years, St George’s continued to grow and evolve. Rev. Arthur Killworth became rector in 1896, following Rev. Clarke. [3] A church hall, designed by Charles Hill, [4] was added in 1901–02, and by 1905, Hurstville was officially constituted as a full parish. Music became central to worship with the dedication of a pipe organ in 1912, crafted by John Holroyd of Norman and Beard Ltd. In 1939, a remarkable touch was added: a 600-year-old piece of oak from Westminster Abbey, embedded in the organ in memory of choirmaster Joseph Haywood.Architectural enhancements continued: in 1916, Archbishop J.C. Wright laid the foundation stone for the chancel and choir, again designed by Halstead. [5] Rev. Dixon Hudson served as rector from 1909 to 1932, a period marked by significant growth. On 9 July 1932, Governor Sir Philip Game laid the foundation stone for the Soldiers’ Memorial transept, honoring those who served. The western transept was later named for Edward Elliott, the church’s long-serving organist and choirmaster.The church’s rich history has been captured in works such as Brian Shaw’s From ‘The Church in the Bush’ to ‘The Church in the City’ (2006) and P.W. Gledhill’s Souvenir History, Centenary of Worship 1856–1956, excerpts of which appear in the St George Historical Society Bulletin.[1] Sydney Morning Herald 31 December 1856.[2] Daily Telegraph 14 October 1889, p4.[3] Sydney Morning Herald 8 February 1896.[4] Foundation stone laid 7 December 1901. Hill practised locally for a time, but migrated to South Africa in 1902. He also designed the parsonage for St Paul’s Kogarah c1900.[5] Jubilee History of the Municipality of Hurstville p72.

Retail building

Retail building160 Forest RoadLot 69, DP 1595No 160 Forest Road is a shop on Lot 69, DP1595 and is of local significance. It is currently [2022] Good and More Supermarket.No 160 was the premises of J A Shaw, fruit and vegetables c1925 onwards. From 1938 Mr Shaw advertised furniture removals. In 1953 it was the premises of the Scottish Furnishing Store.It is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and the façade was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Shop and residence

Shop and residence166 Forest RoadLot 1, DP 901305No 166 Forest Road is a shop and residence on Lot 1, DP901305 and is of local significance. Reduction of the first-floor windows has taken place since 1982.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.The Hurstville Heritage Inventory dates the building to 1888, built by E Webb.

HT Wills & Co.

HT Wills & Co.167–169 Forest RoadLots 1 and 2, DP 219375No 167-169 Forest Road are a pair of shops and residences on Lots 1 and 2, DP219375 and are of local significance. Currently [2018] H T Wills Real Estate.They are 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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.The Hurstville Heritage Inventory dates the building to c1929, built by J W Greenlees.

John Fretus Building

John Fretus Building173A Forest RoadLot 12, Section 1, DP 3232No 173a Forest Road is a shop on Lot 12 Section 1 DP3232 (Bellevue Estate) and is of local significance. It is known as the John Fretus building and was built for John Fretus, auctioneer. The date 1921 is on the pediment.[1] The premises were described as in course of erection in August 1921, and were ‘commodious’. Fretus had moved in by 14 October 1921. See photo JHP 6-048, taken in 1982. It is currently [2018] Sun Ming Restaurant.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Propeller 19 August 1921, p1; Construction 25 July 1921, p1, brick shop for John Fretus.

Wingello

Wingello176 Forest RoadLot 1, DP 901842No 176 Forest Road is a shop and residence on Lot 1, DP901842 and is of local significance. It is known as Wingello and predates 1920.It is currently [2023] Kazuki Japanese Kitchen.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.The building was constructed as a six-room brick house in c1884. It became known as Wingello during the ownership of Edwin Plummer in the 1890s. Two shops were constructed in front of the house in 1929 by W Gunter.

Shop and residence

Shop and residence178 Forest RoadLot B, DP 392780No 178 Forest Road is a shop and residence on Lot B, DP392780 and is of local significance. It is currently [2017] Golden Sun BBQ.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Glenvale Court

Glenvale Court183B Forest RoadLots 10 and 11, DP 15996No 183b Forest Road a shop and residence on Lots 10 and 11 DP 15996 and is of local significance. It is known as Glenvale Court. There are mentions in Propeller from August 1930 onwards.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Retail building

Retail building184 Forest RoadLot 1, DP 974595No 184 Forest Road is a shop and residence on Lot 1 DP 974595 and is of local significance. It is known as Bernwil House.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.Hurstville Heritage Inventory dates Bernwil House to c1927, constructed for woolbroker Roland Smith.

Former Australian Gas Light Company showroom

Former Australian Gas Light Company showroom185A Forest RoadLot 1, DP 82309; Lots 1 and 2, DP 15996No 185a Forest Road is a shop and residence on Lot1 DP 82309 and Lots 1 and 2 DP15996 and is of local significance. It is currently the Hurstville City Medical Centre.Premises for the Australian Gas Light Company were constructed in late 1935 adjacent to the Strand Theatre. The architect was D E Walsh, and the builder was L Donlan.[1] The building has Art Deco lines.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Propeller 26 December 1935, p5 has a description.

Berkley building

Berkley building195–197 Forest RoadLots A and B, DP 411059Tucked into the bustling streetscape of Forest Road, the Berkley Building at 195–197 stands as a modest yet charming example of 1930s commercial architecture in Hurstville. Completed in 1937, the building was described in The Propeller newspaper as “up-to-date in every feature” (Propeller, 19 August 1937, p.3), reflecting the optimism and modernity of the interwar period.Its narrow frontage is deceptively rich in detail: a curved brick façade rises gracefully above the awning, complemented by rendered panels and metal-framed windows that speak to the streamlined aesthetic of the era. The original relief lettering still visible in the render adds a touch of craftsmanship rarely seen in newer constructions.When photographed in 1983, the building housed an art supplies shop on the ground floor, with a hairdresser operating above, a snapshot of its enduring role in local commerce. By 2018, it had transformed into the Diamond Bakery and Diamond Café, continuing its legacy as a community gathering place. Unfortunately, modern additions like intrusive air-conditioning units now obscure some of its original charm.The Berkley Building is officially recognised for its heritage value, listed in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021. It was previously listed under the Hurstville LEP 2012 as No. 93 Forest Road, a testament to its architectural and historical significance.Lots A and B of DP 411059 mark its legal footprint, but its cultural footprint extends far beyond, serving as a quiet witness to nearly a century of change in Hurstville’s urban landscape.[1] Propeller 5 August 1937, p4,

Electricity House building

Electricity House building213 Forest RoadLot 1, DP 700214Constructed for St George County Council, Electricity House, 213 Forest Road, Hurstville, was built by William Hughes and Co, and was designed by architect Neville J Coulter.Established in 1920, The St. George County Council controll the distribution of electricity within the Municipalities of Bexley, Hurstville, Kogarah and Rockdale, and was the first of its kind in Australia. St George County Council had its demonstration showroom at Sanderson House from the late 1920s. They voted in April 1926 to purchase the building, demolish it, and build new modern premises. [1],In 1939, Electricity House was constructed to demonstrate the way electrcity could be used in the modern home. It was built on the site of Sanderson House [2] and opened on 25 November 1939 by E S Spooner, Minister for Works and Local Government. [3]Facilities had been provided to show modern lighting in the home, and in the demonstration auditorium cooking demonstrations would be held. Class-rooms had been provided for demonstrating these methods.This three-storey building dominated a corner block on Forest Road and still maintains a striking appearance, although it is now a Bank of China. Features to note include the clock tower and decorative brickwork. Brickwork features between second and third floors above the entrance are now partially obscured and St George County Council crest is gone.During the early years of the SGCC, it was reported that St. George residents enjoyed the cheapest electricity in the country. However, in 1980 it was amalgamated with the Sydney City Council, itself rebranded in 1991 as Sydney Electricity and in 1996, EnergyAustralia.[4]It was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP. Lot 1 DP 700214.See 1982 photo JHP6-070 with lightning bolt sign.[1] See Propeller 9 April 1936, p4, 3 September 1936, p1, and 18 February 1937, p8.[2] See photo LMG 14-010 for photo of Sanderson House, occupied by Biddulph’s shoe store.[3] Propeller 30 November 1939, p7.[4] Wayne, M. (2012, May 28). Electricity House / Bank of China – Hurstville, NSW. Past/Lives of the Near Future. Retrieved from https://pastlivesofthenearfuture.com/2012/05/28/electricity-housebank-of-china-hurstville-nsw/

Old Propeller building

Old Propeller building218 Forest RoadLot 30, DP 7051No 218 Forest Road is a shop and residence on Lot 30 DP7051 and is of local significance. It is known as the Old Propeller building. No 218 was the premises of A H Wennholm’s newspaper, The Propeller. In 1913 Wennholm moved his newspaper to larger premises centrally located on Forest Road.[1] The premises were designed in such a way that a second storey could be added should it be necessary; this was done at a later date.[2] The architect was C H Halstead and the builder was H C Wynter of Penshurst. It is currently [2017] the bistro frontage of the Meridian Hotel.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Construction 25 March 1913, p2, brick shop, Forest Road, for A H Wennholm.[2] Propeller 10 October 1913, p1; 27 June 1913, p2.

Meridian Hotel

Meridian Hotel220 Forest RoadLot 10, DP 852346The Meridian Hotel, formerly known as the White Horse Hotel, stands as a prominent heritage-listed building at 220 Forest Road, Hurstville. Its history traces back to the roaring 1920s, a period of architectural ambition and social transformation in Australia. In June 1925, brewing giant Tooth and Co purchased the site for £5,000 from the estate of Mr Humphrey. The parcel boasted a 98-foot frontage to Forest Road, directly opposite the overhead railway bridge and adjacent to the Propeller newspaper office [1]. Tooth’s vision was to construct a modern hotel that would replace the aging Blue Post Hotel, whose license was officially transferred to the new premises in April 1926. By 15 July 1926, the name was changed to the White Horse Inn, and the hotel officially opened on 4 July 1927 under licensee Samuel Wallington, who famously shouted 600 gallons of beer to patrons on opening day [2]. The hotel was designed by the Sydney architectural firm Prevost, Synnot and Ruwald, known for their work on numerous Tooth & Co hotels across New South Wales. Architect Cyril Ruwald, in particular, was instrumental in adapting European modernist influences to Australian hotel design, incorporating streamlined horizontal forms, reinforced concrete structures, and functional zoning that separated public bars, dining areas, and accommodation wings [4]. Built by Parkinson Bros of Hurstville, the hotel was a substantial three-storey structure of red brick, featuring reinforced concrete floors on the ground and first levels. The public bar stretched 126 feet, complemented by a saloon bar, dining room, and bottle department. The upper floors housed 25 bedrooms and four sitting rooms, catering to both short-term guests and long-term residents [2]. Tooth and Co: Brewing, Architecture, and Influence Founded in 1835, Tooth and Co became one of Australia’s most influential brewing and hospitality companies. By the 1920s, they owned or leased hundreds of hotels across New South Wales, commissioning custom architectural designs that reflected both commercial needs and stylistic trends [5]. Their hotels were often built to be community hubs, combining accommodation, dining, and entertainment under one roof. The company’s archives, now held by the Noel Butlin Archives Centre and the Powerhouse Museum, include architectural plans, photographs, and advertising materials that document the evolution of hotel design and pub culture [5]. Changing Social Norms and Hotel Design Hotel architecture in Australia underwent significant changes in the mid-20th century, particularly in response to gender inclusion. Until the 1970s, women were largely excluded from public bars, relegated instead to ladies’ lounges, genteel spaces often accessed via separate entrances and outfitted with soft furnishings, powder rooms, and indirect service hatches [6]. These lounges were designed to encourage “civilised” drinking, but they also reflected and reinforced gender segregation. As feminist activism gained momentum, most famously with the 1965 protest at Brisbane’s Regatta Hotel, laws began to change, and women were finally allowed to drink in public bars. This shift prompted widespread remodelling of hotels, with many older establishments removing partitions, updating interiors, and rethinking layouts to accommodate mixed-gender patronage [6]. In some cases, former store rooms were turned into women’s bathrooms. Later History Over the decades, the hotel evolved with the times. It was later known as Stallions, and in 1982, the Bowden family undertook renovations before selling it in 1987 to Nick and Theo Ferros, who rebranded it first as the Roundabout Hotel, and eventually as the Meridian Hotel [3]. Today, the building is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and was previously listed under the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012 as 220–230 Forest Road. It remains a landmark of Hurstville’s commercial and social history, reflecting the architectural grandeur and community spirit of the interwar period. References 1: Propeller, 28 August 1925, p.3. 2: Propeller, 8 July 1927, p.1. 3: St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, 26 November 1998, p.41. 4: Cyril Ruwald Collection, Powerhouse Museum 5: Tooth and Company Collections, Australian Memory of the World Register 6: State Library Victoria, “Ladies in the Lounge”

Soul Pattinson Building

Soul Pattinson Building225 Forest RoadLot 22, DP 10296No 225 Forest Road, the Soul Pattinson building, is Lot 22 DP10296.It was built circa 1925 as Station House, and was a speculation by Bert Jolley, owner of Jolley’s department store on the opposite side of Forest Road.Washington H Soul, Pattinson and Co, chemists, purchased the premises in August 1929 for a reported £20,000.[1]It is currently [2020] the premises of Westpac Bank.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Propeller 30 August 1929, p8.

Group of shops

Group of shops232–242 Forest RoadLot 5, DP 651591; Lots 1–4, DP 17612The shops at no 232-234 Forest Road are currently (2018) no 232 Ren De Tang Chinese Medicine, and no 234 Mable Fish Market. Hurstville Heritage Inventory dates the group to circa 1920, built for Peter Moore of Moorefields..All the original shopfronts and awnings have been replaced.The shops at 234 and 236 Forest Road were sold in April 1935, each fetching £5,000.[1]No 232 was the fruit and vegetable shop of Sciacca and Barba c1934-1951.[2]They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and were previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Propeller 18 April 1935, p3.[2] Propeller 18 January 1951, p5.

Shop and residence

Shop and residence235 Forest RoadLot 18, DP 10296; Lot 1, DP 82936The shop and residence at no 235 Forest Road, Hurstville, is on Lot 18, DP 10296 and Lot 1, DP 82936.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012. It was formerly a butcher’s shop. It is currently [2020] a pawnbroker’s.This photo of Thomas Hillard’s butcher’s shop (above) at 235 Forest Road appeared in Sunday Times 15 September 1929, p16.The Hurstville Heritage Inventory dates the building to 1922, built by Frederick Rossiter for P C Bratfield, who sold the building to Thomas Hillard.[1][1] Propeller 19 May 1922, p2.

Shop and residence

Shop and residence239 Forest RoadLot 16, DP 10296; Lot 1, DP 81168; Lots 1 and 2, DP 327296The shops at 239-241 Forest Road were built in 1921-22 in Edwardian style and retain Edwardian character above awning level. Features to note include façade of arched openings, surrounded by rendered pilasters, corbelled stringer course, stepped parapet and heavy timber joinery, eg architraves.Six shops in all were built by Frederick Rossiter. One was built in 1920 for his uncle, Caleb Goode, a butcher (no 241[1]). Adjoining it was a tea room and cake shop for Mrs Irene Walden, another member of his family (no 239, dating from 1922).See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 16. When photographed in 1983, no 239 was a branch of Darrell Lea chocolates and no 241 was John R, butcher. The premises are currently (2018) no 239 Dougie’s Grill, and no 241 Bakery King Cakeshop. An unsympathetic glass awning has been added to no 241. The date on the parapet of no 239 reads “192-“, instead of possibly “1922”. No 237 (current HCF) has been remodelled to harmonise with 239-241 at first-floor level.The name ‘C Goode 1921’ can be made out on the parapet above no 241.No 239 was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP as of local significance. Lot 16, DP 10296; Lot 1, DP 81168; Lots 1 and 2, DP 327296.No 239 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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Construction and Local Government Journal 1 November 1920, p1.

Shop

Shop244 Forest RoadLot Y, DP 403117No 244 Forest Road is a shop on Lot Y, DP 403117 and is of local significance. It is currently [2023] Black Ball restaurant.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.

Retail building

No 248 Forest Road is a shop on Lot 7, DP 9115; Lot X, DP 403117 and is of local significance. It is currently [2018] 85C Bakery Café, and was originally The Spot building.The Spot was the premises of J E Tyerman and Co, located opposite the railway station at Kogarah. They sold crockery, glassware, tea-ware and fancy goods. Their Hurstville branch appears to have opened in June 1920.Enlarged premises, the ‘New Emporium’ opened on 26 June 1926[1] in Forest Road, Hurstville, opposite the Strand Theatre. The architects were Messrs Moore and Dyer, and the builder was Charles Gray. The remodelled building included an upstairs showroom.Woolworth’s opened a store at The Spot, Forest Road, in 1929 and proved to be a popular shopping venue. In November 1933 they advertised in the Propeller[2] that they had served 1,169,000 customers in the previous twelve month period. The shop manager was Mr J Young. They moved in circa 1936 to Jolley’s Arcade.The Coo-ee store opened at 244-246 Forest Road on 8 April 1936.[3] There were Coo-ee stores at six other locations, including Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle.In 1948 the store operated from 244 Forest Road only.[4] Last advertising in Propeller is in 1948 but store may have continued beyond that.No 248 is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and the rendered façade was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.The building became a branch of Westpac Bank.[1] St George Call 2 July 1926, p2; tenders called, see Evening News 1 March 1926, p10.[2] Propeller 10 November 1933, p3.[3] Propeller 9 April 1936, p3.[4] Propeller 13 May 1948, p2.

Group of shops

Group of shops255–273 Forest RoadLots 7 and 8, DP 10296; Lots C–G, DP 304794; Lot 1, DP 611044Shops in this group and nos 255-257 were opened in February 1923 as part of Hurstville’s ‘new shopping centre’,[1] on eleven sites which had sold in the August 1920 auction of land by the Railway Commissioners. Shops in this group and 263-273 were opened in February 1923 as part of Hurstville’s ‘new shopping centre’,[2] on sites which had sold in the August 1920 auction of land by the Railway Commissioners. No 255 began as a house furnishings shop, and 257 as the Oxford Skirt Company clothing shop for R P L Brown Bros.Hurstville Heritage inventory states that the buildings were constructed for S R Dornan, draper.Nos 267-269 were the premises of Roy Freeman’s Boot and Shoe Store, which opened in 1923 and continued into the 1930s.[1] Propeller 2 February 1923, p3.[2] Propeller 2 February 1923, p3.

Retail building

Retail building272 Forest RoadLot 23, DP 4799No 272 Forest Road is a shop on Lot 23, DP 4799 and is of local significance. It is currently [2018] part of Chemist Warehouse and has been unsympathetically painted, obscuring the banding on the upper pediment.

Group of shops

Group of shops277–291 Forest RoadLot B, DP 331187; Lots A and B, DP 331185; Lot 4, DP 331186An advertising board shown in photo JHP1478 appears to give the name of the builders as Wilson and Blunt; Construction, 18 September 1935 notes the tender of Wilson and Blunt of Mosman to construct shops in Forest Road for £5,750. Possibly these were John Henry Blunt and William Thomas Wilson.The name Willeth House is obscure – perhaps Will and Ethel? It is adjacent to Belbern House – possibly Bella and Bernard? – and Ritchie House, slightly later but presenting a unity of façade.The premises were advertised for sale on 11 November 1936 as 281 and 283 Forest Road, two very modern up-to-date shops, with a depth of 70 feet, having an annual rental of £416. The frontage was given as 22 feet. The vendor was departing for overseas. It is described as “a good example of Art Deco streetscape above awning level. Original features retained include brickwork and render patterning, stepped parapet, skyscraper analogy.”

Retail building with two shopfronts

Retail building with two shopfronts307–307A Forest RoadLots E and D, DP 17670No 307/307A Forest Road is a pair of shops on Lots E and D, DP 17670 and is of local significance. It is currently [2018] Sakura Massage and Princess Nails.Nos 307-307A are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and the rendered façade of no 307 was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.Hurstville Heritage Inventory states that the building was erected in 1935 by Robert Monks, who retained ownership of the building for many years. It describes the building as “an excellent example of the Art Deco style of construction.” Monks was President of the St George Master Builders’ Association in 1931.

Hurstville Railway Station

Hurstville Railway SubstationBetween 309 and 309A Forest RoadLot 101, DP 1240658When Hurstville Railway Station opened on 15 October 1884, it transformed the district overnight. The arrival of the Illawarra line sparked a wave of land sales and speculation, and by the end of 1885, the line stretched all the way to Sutherland. In that first year alone, 56,449 passengers passed through Hurstville; by 1933, that number had soared to 3.6 million.[1]The station’s early years were full of progress. Thomas Nicholson, the first stationmaster (1884–1888), oversaw a modest setup, later expanded under Thomas Hall (1888–1910).[2] A timber-deck traffic bridge at King Georges Road was in place by 1883, and by 1890, Hurstville boasted an overhead pedestrian bridge, a signal box, and carriage sheds. Gas lamps lit the platforms, and by 1911, a PMG telephone connected the station to the wider world.The station wasn’t just about trains— it became a community hub. A Roll of Honor, unveiled in 1917, listed 600 locals who enlisted in WWI.[3] Stationmaster Richard Stevens later turned the platforms into prize-winning gardens, earning Hurstville the title of “State Champion” three years running in the 1940s.[4]Growth brought big changes. The quadruplication of the Illawarra line in 1925 introduced electric signals and a state-of-the-art signal box—the largest on the line.5] Soon after, Hurstville welcomed its first electric train on 1 March 1926, making it the first electrified line in NSW.[6] Passenger numbers exploded: from 270,614 in 1926 to over 1 million by 1929.[7][8]The station also adapted to modern life. In 1924, the Railway Institute opened across Forest Road, offering a library and billiard room for railway families.[9] By the 1960s, Hurstville was ready for a bold new era: an eight-story retail and office complex was built above the station, officially opening in September 1965.[10]Today, Hurstville Railway Station stands as a testament to more than a century of progress— connecting people, shaping a suburb, and evolving with the times. Propeller 11 October 1934, p6. Propeller 11 October 1934, p8. After his retirement from the Railways Department, Hall was an Alderman on Hurstville Council for one term. Sydney Morning Herald 14 May 1917, p8. Propeller 12 December 1940, p7. Propeller 7 August 1925, p3. Labor Daily, 16 January 1926, p6. Propeller 16 September 1927, p3. Propeller 24 January 1930, p1. Propeller 27 February 1925, p1. St. George and Sutherland Shire Leader, 15 September 1965, p.1.

Centennial Bakery

Centennial Bakery319 Forest RoadLot 8, DP 1201216The Centennial Bakery building at 319 Forest Road was built in 1888 as two terraced houses forming the bakery and a house. The premises were bought by the Packham family in 1916. The ovens which made the bread were outside behind the terraces. The bakery closed in 1984. Ten years later the building was leased by Hurstville Historical Society, then from 1998 by Hurstville Council as the St George Regional Museum.It is now an English-teaching business, McDuff English College.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.See file box donated by Hazel Blair, which has photos of the conversion work undertaken to prepare the building for its role as museum.

Retail building

Retail building338–340 Forest RoadLot 1, DP 517273; Lot 1, DP 502856The Hurstville Heritage Inventory states that the building was erected in c1912 for M J Walters; the Walters family retained no 338 until at least 1958.No 340 was generally a butcher’s shop. Frederick Smithson’s butcher shop was there in the mid-1930s. In 1913 it was Stapleton’s butcher’s.They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and the rendered facade previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Pair of retail buildings

Pair of retail buildings342–344 Forest RoadLots A and B, DP 168743Propeller 21 June 1912, p1 reported that the two new shops erected by Parkinson Bros opposite the Post Office were now completed, and occupied by Salmons & Bragg, grocers, and E A Field, tailor. These appear to be nos 342-344 (cf 1913 Sands’ Directory).They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and the rendered façade was previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Belmontes Pizza Shop

Belmontes Pizza Shop372 Forest RoadLot A, DP 399606No 372 Forest Road is a shop on Lot A, DP 399606 and is of local significance. It is currently [2018] a takeaway restaurant. It is referred to as Belmonte’s Pizza Shop in the LEP.The date 1899 is on the pediment. It was the grocery store of Settle and Diment circa 1910.In the 1928 Sands’ Directory no 372 was a branch of Moran and Cato, grocers.In the 1902 Sands Directory, businesses listed on the north side of Forest Road between Hurstville Council Chambers and Carrington Avenue were: A Croft, fruiterer; Allerdice & Co, undertakers; Hurstville Hall; Frederick Taylor, produce merchant; William Cox, produce merchant; and Hammond Hills, draper. It is unclear which of these businesses occupied no 372; it does not resemble Croft’s early shop, and Hurstville Hall predated 1899. Allerdice’s began business in Hurstville in September 1899.[1]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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.In 1932 Sydney Gillis (1877-1961) opened the Royal Cycles shop, also known as Hurstville Bicycle Shop at 372 Forest Road, Hurstville. According to his daughter, Mrs Launa Partlett, “At the time the shop was owned by Mr Coombe, who owned quite a lot of property in Hurstville. Father paid Mr Coombe (of Woniora Road) thirty shillings a week rental for the shop. Previously Diment’s had a business there [circa 1912] and their name remained on the side of the shop until the 1950s… Next door to my father’s shop (on the western side), Mr Watt had a second-hand shop and over his shop door were the words ‘Watt’s His Name’. He, too, was there for many years… …In the early thirties my father had my three eldest brothers racing their bicycles at the Canterbury Velodrome and at Hurstville Oval on Saturday nights. Father was a steward at these races. Later Alex Gillis organised a bicycle club for weekend outings. Alex and my father built the first tandem bicycle in the district for Charles Fitzpatrick and his sister Rose Fitzpatrick of Peakhurst… …In 1949 Sydney Gillis, aged 72, retired from his bicycle shop and his son Don took over the business and purchased the building from Mr Coombe. As well as selling new bicycles Don repaired old ones and learnt to weld, where Dad only used a blow-lamp when doing repairs. Don did all the repairs for the red bicycles used by Hurstville postmen, and he invented a battery tandem which when registered had to be named a motor-bike. The Sydney Morning Herald photographed it.Today [1987] the shop is Toyworld [later a pizza shop].”[2] [1] Australian Star 2 September 1899, p1.[2] Partlett, Launa, Reminiscences. (1987) See VF – Gillis family.

Federation house “Lilliesleaf” and setting

Federation house “Lilliesleaf” and setting50 Gloucester RoadLot 1, DP 957691Set behind a charming garden and framed by its original brick and timber fence, Lilliesleaf at 50 Gloucester Road is a standout example of Queen Anne-style Federation architecture, a style known for its romantic detailing, asymmetry, and decorative flair. Built on Lot 1, DP 957691, this residence was recognised as an “exceptional example” of its kind in 1983, and it continues to impress with its rich architectural character and well-preserved condition.Federation Queen Anne houses were created to suit Australia’s love of outdoor living. They usually have an uneven, decorative roofline with gables that don’t match, white-painted window frames, and a front veranda with fancy timber trim. The veranda and entry paths often feature patterned tiles. The walls are typically made of deep red or dark brown brick, sometimes mixed together for a richer look.. The house features a slate roof adorned with terracotta ridgings and crestings, adding texture and colour to its silhouette. The bull-nosed iron verandah, supported by finely turned timber columns, invites visitors into a home that celebrates craftsmanship at every turn. Highly detailed timberwork embellishes the roof ventilators, gables, verandah valance, joinery, sunhoods, and even the ogee gutters, which are finished with decorative corner motifs.The rendered chimneys rise proudly above the roofline, anchoring the home’s vertical rhythm, while the garden setting enhances its Federation charm, offering a tranquil buffer from the street and a sense of timeless domesticity.Lilliesleaf is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and was previously recognised under the Hurstville LEP 2012. It stands as a beautifully intact example of early 20th-century suburban architecture, reflecting both the aesthetic ideals and the lifestyle of its era.

House and garden, “Loch Even”

House and garden, “Loch Even”2 Hillcrest AvenueSP 86368No 2 Hillcrest Avenue, though modified, is locally significant as it represents a good example of the residential development, Federation Queen Anne style circa 1910 that was concentrated on higher ground close to the railway.It has the name ‘Loch Even’.See Tropman and Tropman, Kogarah Heritage Study, July 1994, Group 2 Ref Item 42.See St George Leader 12 October 2004, p15, Kogarah rejects plan for Loch Even revamp.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.

House and garden

House and garden22 Hillcrest AvenueLot 36, Section 1, DP 5040No 22 Hillcrest Avenue is locally significant as it represents a good intact example of residential development circa 1910, in Federation filigree style, on a large corner block.It was built on Lot 36 of Section 1 of the Hillcrest Estate. Earnshaw states that it was built soon after the lot’s purchase in 1912 by Emily Torr, wife of Lawrence Torr, a Marrickville builder.[1]It was for many years the home of Mr W T Wright, Hurstville’s Postmaster circa 1925-29, who died in 1947.Owner in 1938 rates book was Charles Thomas Wright. Vol 3582 Vol 82 DP5040.It features stained glass believed to have been made by the firm of Goodlet and Smith.Extensions were built in 1984 and later in the 1980s.See Tropman and Tropman, Kogarah Heritage Study, July 1994, Group 2 Ref Item 43.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] Earnshaw, Beverley, Houses and Heritage, p132-133.

Georges River College — Hurstville Boys Campus

Georges River College — Hurstville Boys CampusKenwyn StreetLot 31, DP 842051Georges River College Hurstville Boys’ Campus is at Kenwyn Street. Current enrolment [2018] is 352 students. It caters for students from Years 7 to 10.

Victorian house “Vermont” and setting

Victorian house “Vermont” and setting14 Kimberley Road|Lot 90, DP 2005

Federation house and setting, including front fence

Federation house and setting, including front fence18 Kimberley RoadLot 88, DP 2005No 18 Kimberley Road is a fine example of a Federation cottage featuring polychromatic face brickwork to façade, diamond shingle roofing with terracotta ridging, double gable front with raised decoration, quoining, reveals, leadlight casement windows and brick front fence.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 51.

Weatherboard cottage “Kimberley” and setting

Weatherboard cottage “Kimberley” and setting62 Kimberley RoadLot 147, DP 2787No 62 Kimberley Road is a freestanding Victorian weatherboard cottage in good condition. It features ‘stone block’ timber boarding to the front facades, iron gambrel roof, iron bullnose verandah with projecting gable at entry, timber posts, brackets and original joinery.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 52.

Weatherboard cottage “Lynne” and setting

Weatherboard cottage “Lynne” and setting39 Lily StreetLot 29, Section A, DP 975238No 39 Lily Street, Lynne, is a weatherboard cottage on Lot 29, Section A, DP 975238.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Late Federation bungalow and setting, including front fence and traditional garden

Late Federation bungalow and setting, including front fence and traditional garden53 Lily StreetLots 118 and 119, DP 457004; Lots 21 and 22, Section A, DP 975238This is a large double residence in ‘Edwardian’ style. It is in excellent condition and also an excellent example of the style. Of particular note are the slate roof, terracotta ridging and finials, face brickwork, timber joinery, timber posts and brick bases, rendered and battened gable, corner bay window, lead lighting, tiled paths and timber-lined eaves.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 61.William Thomas Wilding purchased this land on 4 November 1916. He was a builder from Kogarah. The house passed to his widow in 1943 then to Walter Sidney Wilding, contractor of Hurstville on 25 July 1952, then to his widow in 1979.Hurstville Historical Society Heritage Register, item 26, calls it “one of the finest Federation style houses in the Hurstville Municipality.”It is on Lots 118 and 119, DP 457004; Lots 21 and 22, Section A, DP 975238.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.Torrens Title Vol 2719 Fol 229; Vol 6617 Fol 236; Vol 7329 Fol 165.

Californian bungalow “Belbowrie” and setting, including front fence

Californian bungalow “Belbowrie” and setting, including front fence76 Lily StreetLot 1, DP 78137No 76 Lily Street, a Californian bungalow on the corner with Ethel Lane, is on Lot 1, DP 78137. It has the name ‘Belbowrie’.

Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church1 MacMahon StreetLots 26–28, Section A, DP 1297; Lot 67, DP 7051

Hurstville Museum and Gallery

Hurstville Museum and Gallery14 MacMahon StreetLot 201, DP 831931From the Georges River Council Website:The building at 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville, currently houses Hurstville Museum & Gallery.The house was built in 1929 by Doctor John Saxon Crakanthorp to be his medical practice and family home. He resided there with his wife Valerie, two daughters and his dog, Thrifty. The house was named ‘Kenilworth’ by Valerie in reference to her travels to England as a young girl, and constructed in a Tudor style reminiscent of those she saw and loved.Downstairs were the living and dining areas, the kitchen and Dr Crakanthorp’s surgery and waiting room. Upstairs were the bedrooms, bathrooms and maid's quarters. Dr Crakanthorp lived and worked in the house for over 30 years.In 1962, 14 MacMahon Street became the new club house and recreational centre for the St George Rugby Club. Dr Crakanthorp was a sportsman himself and was actively involved with the Club as a Vice President on its committee. After a few years of refurbishment and adding an extension to the rear of the building, the club house was ready for the season in 1966.St George Rugby players, families and friends, the opposing teams and referees would meet after Saturday home games at the clubhouse for speeches, sing-a-longs and a good time.In 1983, 14 MacMahon Street was transformed into MacMahon’s Manor – a fine dining and theatre restaurant – after being sold by the St George Rugby Union Club to John and Annette Ibbitson. MacMahon’s Manor became a very popular venue playing host to theatre productions, numerous weddings and various special events.The theatre restaurant put on a new show every three months, with at least a dozen changes of costumes for an audience of approximately 150 people, 6 nights a week. The shows became so popular they were booked out 3 months in advance, and every show had a corresponding themed menu and signature cocktail.Prior to becoming Hurstville Museum & Gallery in 2004, 14 MacMahon Street was home to a number of restaurants after MacMahon’s Manor, including MacMahon Street Galleries & Restaurant and Fanari Restaurant & Bar, just to name a few.In 2003, Hurstville City Council was looking for a new home for the St George Regional Museum, previously called The Centennial Bakery Museum. The museum, which included a large bakery item collection and historical artefacts from the Hurstville Historical Society, had outgrown the Centennial Bakery building on the corner of Forest Road and Bridge Street. 14 MacMahon Street became available after the Fanari Restaurant & Bar had closed and it seemed to be the perfect place for the museum.The museum was officially opened on Friday 6 February 2004 and is now known as Hurstville Museum & Gallery.

Friendly Societies’ Dispensary Building

Friendly Societies’ Dispensary Building17 MacMahon StreetSP 58631; SP 72896Tucked into the heart of Hurstville, the Friendly Societies’ Dispensary Building at 17 MacMahon Street stands as a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare in early 20th-century Australia. Established by the Hurstville United Friendly Societies, the dispensary was part of a broader mutual aid movement that provided affordable medical services to working-class Australians long before the advent of Medicare. The Society began in 1911, operating from temporary premises on Forest Road. Its first Secretary was Bro Harry S. Davy, and the organisation quickly gained traction—serving 839 members and dispensing 12,000 prescriptions in its first year alone [1]. A Purpose-Built Home for Community Care As demand grew, the Society commissioned a purpose-built dispensary on MacMahon Street. The foundation stone was laid on 27 February 1915 by Bro J.H. Mulholland, a long-serving board member and the Society’s second President. The building was designed by C.H. Halstead, a local Hurstville architect, and constructed by H.W. Thompson and Co. The building is a fine example of Federation Arts and Crafts architecture, a style that emphasised craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmonious proportions. Key features include the face brickwork in stretcher bond, white-painted roughcast walling and a hipped tiled roof with prominent eaves and exposed rafters. This architectural style was popular in Australia from the 1890s to the 1910s and often used for civic and institutional buildings due to its solid, homely character and attention to detail. A Growing Network of Dispensaries Under the leadership of figures like Bro Harry S. Elderfield (President in 1920 and Secretary from 1922 [2]), the Society expanded its reach. By the late 1920s, it operated four dispensaries across Hurstville, Mortdale, Bexley, and Earlwood. The Mortdale and Bexley branches opened simultaneously on 30 June 1928 [3], and Earlwood followed in the mid-1930s, with new premises opened in 1939. Despite challenges during the 1919 influenza epidemic and the Great Depression, the Hurstville dispensary thrived. By 1936, it was the second-largest in New South Wales, with over 7,000 members, 130 affiliated lodges, and eight qualified chemists dispensing 120,000 prescriptions annually [4]. Decline and Legacy The dispensary model began to decline in the 1960s, when the Federal Government froze new memberships in anticipation of national healthcare reforms. The introduction of Medicare in the early 1980s made the Friendly Societies’ model unsustainable in its original form. The Society retained ownership of the building but sold the business side of the dispensary, allowing members to continue receiving subsidised prescriptions through agency agreements. The building remains a symbol of grassroots healthcare and mutual support. It was listed on the Register of the National Estate (Database No. 100978) for its architectural and social significance. References: Propeller, 9 June 1911 Sunday Times, 7 March 1926, p.14 (biography and photo of Bro Harry S. Elderfield) Oddfellow, 15 July 1928, p.3 Jubilee History of the Municipality of Hurstville, p.110

Hurstville Fire Station

Fire Station27 MacMahon StreetSP 58395The story of fire protection in Hurstville begins in 1897[1], when the town’s first fire station was built on the corner of MacMahon and Dora Streets. It was a bold civic undertaking, with a volunteer brigade of fourteen men, one manual engine, a single horse, and 700 feet of hose. The first Captain was Thomas Wallace and the engine-keeper was J Griffin. Members of the Brigade in August 1897 were: Alderman F G Thompson, J Burnett, J Garthon, W G Drew, J Angus, J M Smith, W Paul, C King, H Blasbalk, T Wallace, J H Donahoe, Fred Brown, T Kirk, J Griffin and R Farr (secretary).[3] The memorial stone was laid by J.H. Carruthers on 20 November 1897 [2], and the station officially opened on 27 January 1898 before a crowd of over 600 people. The day was marked by a spirited tug-of-war between brigades from Rockdale, Kogarah, and Hurstville, which Hurstville won [4], and a comical greasy pig chase that went awry when the pig ate all the grease while locked inside the station.[5]The original station, a two-storey brick building with a 30-foot lookout tower, was designed by W.J. Thompson and built by John Curry and George Lee for £293. Captain Thomas Wallace led the brigade, with J. Griffin as engine-keeper. The Brigade’s ‘baptism of fire’ occurred on 21 September 1898 when it was called out to a fire at a weatherboard cottage in Ethel Street, Carlton It arrived simultaneously with the Kogarah Brigade and ten minutes before the Rockdale Brigade, but despite the efforts of the combined hoses, the cottage was completely destroyed.[6] Despite their enthusiasm, the brigade often arrived too late to save weatherboard homes, but played a vital role in protecting neighbouring properties.

House and garden, “Leyholme”

House and garden, “Leyholme”4 Maher StreetLot B, DP 407726No 4 Maher Street was listed in the 1993 Kogarah Heritage Study. It is a single-storey residence in Federation Queen Anne style.

House and garden

House and garden17 Maher StreetLot 441, DP 1163839No 17 Maher Street is locally significant as it represents a good example of later residential development circa 1910 in the form of a Federation bungalow on a large corner block.Home of Arthur Osmond Harvey from 1920s-1950s .See Tropman and Tropman, Kogarah Heritage Study, July 1994, Group 4 Ref Item 21.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.

Hurstville South Public School, being two original school buildings (circa 1915 and 1917)

Hurstville South Public School, being two original school buildings (circa 1915 and 1917)30 Maher StreetLot A, DP 948241; Lots 8–10, DP 7247Hurstville South Public School was established in 1914, thanks in part to the efforts of local policeman Constable Winter.[1] The school was on the corner of Belmore Road and Maher Street (present address 32-48 Maher Street). The school was completed by May 1915 and was opened on 15 June 1915, but no-one told the pupils and no-one turned up.[2] The builder was W Thomas of Waverley, and the school cost £535/1/6 to erect, in all £2,121 for buildings and land.[3] It comprised two classrooms and could accommodate a hundred children.The school’s first sports day was held on 27 May 1916 and the flagpole was used for the first time (see photo above).[4] The Parents’ and Citizens’ Association had worked hard to remove stumps from the playing field. The Association raised funds for a school piano in 1918. The Headmistress was Miss Hardwick; other teachers in 1918 were Misses Cannane, Brabone and George.Tenders were issued in November 1918 for a completely new building, to cost £4,000, aimed at relieving Hurstville School of some of its pressure. Work began in January 1919. The new building was to be the primary building, leaving the old building for the infants’ department. It was opened on 9 August 1919 by the Minister for Education.[5] Arthur Saunders took up the position of Headmaster in November 1919.[6]By 1920, school enrolment had grown to the point that temporary accommodation for some classes had to be found in the Methodist School Hall in Belmore Road. In 1922 one of the infants’ classes was held in Homedale Hall.Work began in September 1922 on erecting eight additional classrooms in two wings to the existing building. They were opened in October 1923 by Mr Bruntnell, Minister for Education. The school was now a two-storey building with fourteen classrooms, headmaster’s and staff rooms, and could accommodate 673 pupils.[7] Classrooms were separated by glazed folding partitions.In 1923, Hurstville Council acquired land adjacent to the school for a public reserve (Bell Park).On 25 August 1924, electric light was switched on at the school by Mr Ley, MLA; Miss Hardwick the Infant Mistress retired on the same occasion.A new infants’ school was opened on 18 August 1928 by Mr Drummond, Minister for Education. It was a two-storey structure, containing six classrooms, a kindergarten room and an assembly hall, and cost £18,000.[8]A tablet in memory of a former Headmaster, Mr Ernest A Hodge, was unveiled in May 1935.[9] The headmaster in 1936 was Mr H A Milligan, and there were 26 staff.[10]The school marked its 60th anniversary in November 1975. Two of the original intake of pupils were among those who attended an open day. Principal in 1975 was W Farnan.[11][1] Propeller 10 July 1914, p1.[2] Propeller 18 June 1915, p1.[3] Propeller 5 February 1915, p3.[4] Sydney Morning Herald 29 May 1916, p7.[5] Propeller 8 August 1919, p1.[6] Propeller 14 November 1919, p2.[7] Sydney Morning Herald 28 November 1923, p12.[8] Sydney Morning Herald 31 August 1927, p11.[9] Propeller 30 May 1935, p4.[10] Kogarah Municipal Jubilee 1885-1935, p65.[11] St George Leader 12 November 1975.

House and garden

House and garden35 Maher StreetLot 21, DP 7247No 35 Maher Street is locally significant as it represents a good example of a Federation filigree circa 1910 cottage.In 1930 it was offered to let as a six-room superior brick cottage for £2 a week.[1] There were 38 fruit trees.See Tropman and Tropman, Kogarah Heritage Study, July 1994, Group 2 Ref Item 44.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] Sydney Morning Herald 3 March 1930, p17.

Victorian villa “Erina” and spatial qualities of the setting

Victorian villa “Erina” and spatial qualities of the setting18 Millett StreetLot 22, Section D, DP 1426No 18 Millett Street, formerly known as ‘Erina’, is a Victorian cottage, in sound condition, of rendered brickwork with stone coursing and sandstone quoining. There is rendered patterning to chimneys, window surrounds and eaves brackets. Original joinery includes decorative verandah joists, though the verandah posts are not original.The building is currently (2018) Goodstart Early Learning. Some external alterations have been made, notably railings to front wall.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 27, which tentatively dates the building to circa 1892.Anna Mary Halstead of Hurstville purchased the property on 16 September 1889. She married Patrick Hoy in 1891. [The property was possibly bought by Charles Halstead, the architect, for his daughter.]John R Neild lived in Erina from 1896 to 1907. Anna Mary Hoy sold the house to Patrick John Powell, accountant on 20 November 1920. He rented the house from 1924 onwards. On 11 February 1946 the property passed to Thomas Patrick Selwyn Powell of Gordon, manufacturer, who sold it to Eric Charles of Epping, who sold it on 4 March 1949 to Patricia Peacock of Bronte.Land Titles Office DP1426 Sec D Lot 22; Torrens Title Vol 732 Fol 6; Vol 824 Fol 142.Hurstville Historical Society Heritage Register 1986, item 33.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house “Alinda” and setting, including fence and garden layout

Federation house “Alinda” and setting, including fence and garden layout29 Millett StreetLot 3, Section E, DP 1426; Lot 1, DP 917242No 29 Millett Street is a residence in Queen Anne style in good condition. In 1985 it was described as “in good condition, although recent alterations have removed the original style and character of this house. This has occurred by the replacement of the original roofing with glazed tiles and new openings not in proportion to the original.” Stone gate-posts appear to have been replaced with brick ones since 1985.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 28.It was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP as of local significance. Lot 3, Section E, DP 1426; Lot 1, DP 917242.

Victorian house “Overdale” and setting

Victorian house “Overdale” and setting67 Millett StreetLot 13, Section 2, DP 1769No 67 Millett Street, a Victorian cottage, is on Lot 13, Section 2, DP 1769.It has the name ‘Overdale’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Hurstville Hotel

A 'first-class family hotel' was reportedly under construction at Hurstville in July 1883. The hotel was expected to benefit from the opening of the Illawarra Railway to Hurstville in October and was described as “a first-class, well-appointed house, situated on a high site in Hurstville commanding a wide view of the surrounding country and Botany Bay.”[2] Standing at the corner of MacMahon Street and Forest Road, the Hurstville Hotel has been a mainstay of the local township, an enduring presence sharing the continuing development of suburban Hurstville. While perhaps not offering a glimpse of the Blue Mountains today, the old pub remains.In February 1896, MacMahon advertised tenders for leasing the hotel for five, seven or ten years, at a rent of £4 per week.[3] By 1899, the licence had passed to John James Payne, formerly an Inspector in the Tramways Department.[4] That same year, Payne was robbed by an employee. He died in 1901, and his widow Martha Payne held the licence until her marriage to Thomas Wearne, Kogarah Council Clerk, in 1902.In October 1921, Messrs Brayshay and Holman took over the venue from Mr Arthur Browne.[5] The licensee in 1922 was George Kentish,[6] who transferred the licence to Jacob Woolf Shaw in December 1922, and then to John Kirkwood in July 1925.

Federation house and setting

Federation house and setting16 Patrick StreetLot 1, DP 965662It 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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

“Yarra-mundi” 75 Queens Road, Hurstville

Victorian house “Yarra-mundi” and remnant garden setting75 Queens RoadLot 3, DP 270404No 75 Queens Road stands on land purchased by Ann Elizabeth Sproule in 1895. Her husband John Sproule built the house in 1897 and it became the Sproule residence until 1904.[1] He was a Hurstville Alderman and served as Mayor in 1890, 1891 and 1897.Between 1904 and 1938 the property was tenanted by a succession of professional practitioners and clerics until it was sold to George Martin, becoming the Martin family home until 1981.[2]In 1981 efforts were made to save the house from demolition.[3] In the wake of controversy following a plan to demolish the house for home units, the property was acquired by Danebank Anglican School for Girls in 1981 to be used as a boarding house for students. In 1992 the school proposed to convert the house into a senior student study centre.[4]It is currently (2018) the House With No Steps, Hurstville, a provider of disability services.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 54.It includes many features of the Victorian era: slate roof, flat iron roof parapets, timber finials, bullnosed iron verandah roof, iron posts and brackets, rendered brickwork, quoins, sills, panels above verandah, eaves brackets and gables.See Hurstville Historical Heritage Register 1986 item 35.LTO DP 1595 Lots 167, 168, part 169. Torrens Title Vol 760 Fol 161, Vol 854 Fols 96 and 97, Vol 1162 Fol 10, Vol 3791 Fol 37.It is on Lot 3, DP 270404.It was advertised for sale in January 2004 as a five-bedroom home with marble fireplaces and 14 ft ceilings, for $995,000.[5]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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.The Historical Marker read:"75 QUEENS ROADBuilt in 1897 as a gentleman's home. The builder is thought to be John Sproule, Mayor of Hurstville Council 1890, 1891 and 1897."The marker was located on the wall near the entrance to the house.[1] Hurstville Historical Register, 1986, item 35.[2] Ibid.[3] Hurstville Historical Society Newsletter April 1981.[4] St George Leader 24 September 1992, p19.[5] St George Leader 13 January 2004, p40.

Victorian house “Gladwyn” and garden setting

Victorian house “Gladwyn” and garden setting96 Queens RoadLot 2, DP 316459John Sproule purchased Lots 29 and 30 from the Sydney and Provincial Land and Building Company on 10 November 1891. The house, now known as 96 Queens Road, was built about 1893, and George Brown, a timber merchant moved in. The property was transferred to Sproule’s wife, Ann Elizabeth Sproule, on 13 November 1893.Alick Leon, an importer, occupied the house for a few years, then Horace F Williams for five years. John Sproule moved in from across the road at Yarra-Mundi, 75 Queens Road, when he sold this house in 1904.On 10 May 1905, Robert Kay, a Presbyterian Minister of Hurstville, purchased the property. He lived in the house about a year, and then Horace F Williams returned to occupy the house, now identified as ‘Gladwyn’, until 1909. Cuthbert McCully lived here in 1910 and 1911, then Henry J N Cook 1912 to 1915, Mrs C Garnet in 1916 and Robert Orr from 1917 to 1918.The house was bought on 16 September 1918 by a group of Hurstville businessmen – James McLeod, William Allerdice, John McCall and Robert Duncan Massie, and was let to Rev R Davies, a Presbyterian Minister for about five years, then to Mrs F Killalea.Oscar Theodore Shaft and his wife Eva Roberta Shaft, purchased the house on 8 May 1924. Three years later they subdivided the land into three parts – the house, one lot next door on Queens Road and another at the rea facing Park Road. They sold the house to Alice Maud Macmillan, the wife of Jack Scott Macmillan, a station overseer of Charleville, Queensland, on 23 February 1927, who then lived in the house.The house was leased to Annie Goff, the wife of William Albert Goff of Hurstville, a Municipal Council employee, from 1938 to 1950, and then sold to James Swan, a plumber, and his wife Nina.In August 1953 the house was sold to Walter and Nina Trayhurn and the next month to Joan Kaines, the wife of Dr Kaines who lived in the house and used it as a surgery. Following his retirement in 1969, the surgery was leased to Giglio Scalzo till 1984 when Andrew Teo took over the surgery.The house was officially opened by Hurstville City Council as an Archival Research and Local Studies Centre on 26 August 1995, although the collection was moved in by March 1995[1].The house is constructed of rendered brick with decorative quoins and eaves brackets arranged in pairs, with panels between these brackets. The slate roof rises to a plateau, and iron ridging is used. The bull-nosed corrugated iron verandah roof is supported on iron posts, and extends across the front of the house, and along both sides.See Land Titles Office DP 1595 Lots 29 and 30; Torrens Title Vol 1035 Fol 171, Vol 3973 Fol 22; Vol 3977 Fols 163 and 164; Vol 6132 Fols 66 and 67.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 55, which noted that the building was listed by the National Trust for Australia.It is on Lot 2, DP 316459.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.[1] Council Comment no 102, March 1995.

Fig tree in Binder Reserve

Fig tree in Binder Reserve1D Regan StreetLot 154, DP 13372Six allotments of land for the reserve were dedicated to Hurstville Council in 1925 by the trustees of MacMahon’s Dalcassia Estate.[1] On one lot was a fig tree “which was planted by the late Mrs MacMahon, mother of the late Mr T MacMahon, in honour of his first birthday. The council has accepted the offer and will place a fence around the tree.”It was named in September 1940 after the late Alderman S H Binder.[2]The fig tree in Binder Reserve was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP as of local significance. There are conflicting stories as to its date of planting.The reference above to the first birthday of T MacMahon presumably refers to Timothy MacMahon, who was born in 1858 (son of Patrick and Dora), would mean that the tree was planted in 1859, well before the MacMahon family ever came to Hurstville. Timothy’s mother, Dora, died in 1908.However, in correspondence with Hurstville Council in the 1970s, Mrs Ivy Tudor stated: “An early resident of Patrick Street, Mrs Pearse, told me that when she and a son of the MacMahon family were about seven years old they each held a branch of the Moreton Bay fig tree while adults filled in the soil and planted it. Mrs Pearse believed that the land was donated in memory of that son who died aged 21.”[3]The Mrs Pearse referred to is probably Mrs Margaret Pearse of Patrick Street. She died in 1950 aged 85, so would have been born circa 1865, indicating that the tree may have been planted circa 1872. One of Patrick and Dora MacMahon’s children, Michael MacMahon, was born in 1871, and may be the boy referred to who held the tree. Another MacMahon son, Heber Hugh MacMahon, was born in 1874 and died in 1900, who may be the son in whose memory the land was donated.On 29 November 1970 Police sergeant John Wilson of Patrick Street, Hurstville, was killed at a family barbecue held in Binder Reserve, when the rusted maypole fell on him.[4] The Coroner returned a finding of accidental death; Hurstville Council was criticised for failing to maintain the maypole.[1] Propeller 20 February 1925, p4.[2] Propeller 19 September 1940, p3; Hurstville Council Minutes 1940 no 1162.[3] Information provided to Hurstville Council circa 1970s by Ivy Tudor (nee Vaughan), whose house at 3 Thomond Street looks onto the reserve. [4] St George Leader 24 February 1971, p1.

Free-standing terrace house and garden setting

Free-standing terrace house and garden setting24 Taunton RoadLot 58, DP 2005No 24 Taunton Road, a Victorian terrace, is on Lot 58, DP 2005.No 24 was advertised for sale in November 1927 as a two-storey house, four rooms, kitchen etc, with good garden, on land 60’ by 140’, Torrens title.[1] The vendor was a Mrs Leask. Occupiers in the 1930s were the Scothern family.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.It was advertised for sale in September 2022 as a freestanding four-bedroom Victorian Italianate terrace, named ‘Dundee’. There is an 18m frontage.[2][1] Sydney Morning Herald 9 November 1927, p24.[2] St George Leader Real Estate, 14 September 2022.

Federation house and setting

Federation house and setting12 The AvenueLot 195, DP 1595No 12 The Avenue, a Federation house, is on Lot 195, DP 1595.This may have been ‘Merriwa’, the home of Joseph Thomas in the 1910s. John Broskom, killed in WWI, lived in Merriwa before enlisting, with Thomas as his guardian.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

“Lorne” 18 The Avenue, Hurstville

Victorian house “Lorne” and setting18 The AvenueLot 192, DP 1595Lorne, 18 The Avenue is a striking freestanding Victorian cottage dating from circa 1895. Its story begins with Edward John Higgs, who purchased the land on 29 June 1893 and built the home two years later. By 1896, the house was alive with family life— B.J. Higgs and his wife welcomed a daughter here on 27 April that year. Higgs owned the house until 1908 when it was sold to Charles Barter, owner of the Barter Drapery store in Hurstville. The property changed ownership to the Keane family in 1912, and their connection endured for generations.[1] Patrick Joseph Keane died there on 7 June 1926,[2] after which, the house passed to Miss Irene Keane in 1947. Remarkably, when Lorne was advertised for sale in March 1993, it had remained in the Keane family for over 80 years.Architecturally, Lorne is a showcase of Victorian elegance. Its slate roof with diamond patterning and terracotta ridging, paired with an ornate iron verandah, columns, and brackets, speaks of craftsmanship from a bygone era. The blond brick façade, detailed with double stop bullnose reveal bricks and rendered quoins and sills, adds to its stately charm. Even the carport complements the original character of the home.Recognized for its heritage significance, Lorne is listed in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, continuing its legacy as a treasured piece of local history. It was previously featured in A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville (1983, Item No. 44), cementing its place among the area’s architectural icons.[1] Hurstville Heritage Register (1986), item 2.[2] Sydney Morning Herald (8 June 1926), p8.

Hurstville City Uniting Church

Hurstville City Uniting Church20–22 The AvenueLots 190 and 191, DP 1595Hurstville Methodist congregation erected a brick church in Hudson Street in 1884 at a cost of £310. A new church was opened on 6 February 1904 by Rev Dr Lane, President of the Methodist General Conference. It could accommodate 300 worshippers.[1] A new school hall was erected in 1910 and extended in 1923.Noel Mansfield’s A Charge to Keep: a History of the Hurstville Methodist/Uniting Church was written in 1997.The church is built of brick with a slate roof and terracotta crestings. There is decorative rendering to the gable barges, window arches and buttresses providing a contrast to the red brick walls.It is at 20-22 The Avenue. It was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP as of local significance. Lots 190 and 191, DP 1595. An archival record was prepared by G J Taylor Pty Ltd in 1999.See also photo LMG14-062.It is sometimes referred to as The Avenue Church. The pulpit was given in memory of Hugh Patrick, who died in 1922.[1] Propeller 8 February 1904, p8.

Federation bungalow “Claydon” and setting

Federation bungalow “Claydon” and setting78 The AvenueLot 1, DP 669335Nestled at 78 The Avenue, Claydon is a beautifully preserved Federation bungalow that offers a glimpse into the architectural elegance and domestic life of early 20th-century Hurstville. Built on Lot 1, DP 669335, this charming cottage has retained much of its original character, making it a standout example of Federation-era residential design.The home’s façade features striking polychromatic brickwork, with contrasting reveal bricks and decorative quoins that add depth and texture. Timber detailing is abundant — from the ornate sunhoods and turned posts to the delicate valances and barge ventilators — each element contributing to the home’s handcrafted aesthetic. The verandah roof, made from rolled iron by Moorewell and Rodgers, is a rare surviving feature that speaks to the craftsmanship of the period.Although the original timber fence with accord-style pickets has been replaced by a brick wall, the house itself remains largely untouched, preserving its architectural integrity and historical charm.Listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and previously recognised under the Hurstville LEP 2012, Claydon is celebrated for its contribution to the local streetscape and its representation of Federation design principles.Referenced in the 1983 publication A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville (item no. 45), Claydon continues to be a cherished part of the area’s built heritage, an enduring reminder of Hurstville’s early suburban development and the artistry of its domestic architecture.

Victorian house “Waimea” and front setback space

Victorian house “Waimea” and front setback space79 The AvenueLot 101, DP 1595No 79 The Avenue, a Victorian house, is on Lot 101, DP 1595.It has the name ‘Waimea’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Victorian cottage “Erica” and front setback space

Victorian cottage “Erica” and front setback space81 The AvenueSP 45009No 81 The Avenue, a Victorian house, is on Lot 1, SP 45009.It has the name ‘Erica’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Victorian house “Roseleigh” and setting

Victorian house “Roseleigh” and setting82 The AvenueLot 156, DP 1595No 82 The Avenue, a Victorian house, is on Lot 156, DP 1595.It has the name ‘Roseleigh’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Victorian house “Balgownie” and setting

Victorian house “Balgownie” and setting84 The AvenueLot 155, DP 1595No 84 The Avenue, a Victorian house, is on Lot 155, DP 1595.It has the name ‘Balgownie’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Late Federation house “Yuriga”, later “Allerton”, and front garden

Late Federation house “Yuriga”, later “Allerton”, and front garden85 The AvenueLot 2, DP 166769No 85 The Avenue, Yuringa, a Victorian house, is Lot 2, DP 166769. It is part of the Danebank School buildings.Mr A Clappison was the householder in the 1950s.It has the name ‘Yuringa’, then ‘Allerton’.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.

Federation house “Oikos” and front garden

Federation house “Oikos” and front garden87 The AvenueLot 1, DP 166769; Lot 97, DP 159587 The Avenue is a large freestanding cottage with features typical of the Queen Anne style. They include slate roof; terracotta ridging crestings, finals and chimney pots; red face-brick; overlapping gables with shingle cladding; and stone bay window.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 46.It has the name ‘Oikos’.It is on Lot 1, DP 166769; Lot 97, DP 1595.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Interwar house “Sylvan” and garden setting

Interwar house “Sylvan” and garden setting89 The AvenueLot 96, DP 66336189 The Avenue, Sylvan, is a derivative of the Californian bungalow style in liver brick, with a terracotta roof and projecting bay window with single cladding.The front brick wall has been altered since 1983.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 47.It is on Lot 96, DP 663361.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house “Oswaldene” and setting

Federation house “Oswaldene” and setting90 The AvenueLots 152 and 153, DP 455605No 90 The Avenue is a good example of Federation style. Details to note include decorative timberwork to verandahs, barges, posts, valances, brackets, finials and sunhoods. The tiled roof is not original. Stone front wall.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 48.Currently (2018) Avenue Legal, solicitors and attorneys.It is on Lots 152 and 153, DP 455605. It has the name ‘Oswaldene’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation house “Loraine” and setting

Federation house “Loraine” and setting92 The AvenueLot A, DP 1866; Lot 1, DP 92365092 The Avenue, on the corner of Bristol Road, like no 90, is a very good example of Federation style. Many of its original details remain and include: decorative timberwork to verandahs, barges, posts, valances, brackets, finials, ogee gutters and scotia support.See A Photographic Guide to Architecturally and Historically Significant Buildings in the Municipality of Hurstville, 1983, item no 49.It is on Lot A, DP 1866; Lot 1, DP 923650, and has the name ‘Loraine’.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Front portion of Victorian terrace “Waikouaiti”

Front portion of Victorian terrace “Waikouaiti”95 The AvenueLot 93, DP 1595Tucked away on The Avenue, Waikouaiti is a rare survivor of Hurstville’s earliest residential development. Built around 1885–1886, it holds the distinction of being the first house constructed on The Avenue and is likely the oldest house still standing in Hurstville. Its enduring presence offers a tangible link to the suburb’s formative years.Originally owned by the Sydney and Provincial Land Building Company Ltd, which had acquired 40 acres of surrounding land in 1882, the house was occupied by Charles R. Creed, an accountant who was possibly acting as the company’s local agent.A Timeline of Ownership and OccupancyThe property’s history reflects the changing social fabric of Hurstville:In 1897, Catherine Hall, wife of railway station master Thomas Hall, purchased lots 91–93 from the company in liquidation.The house was leased to Mrs A.L. Cooper, followed by William W. Prescott, who lived there until 1907. His wife, Isabella Prescott, purchased the property in 1908.It was briefly renamed Ardo during its lease to Mrs Emily Cox (1908–1909), and later occupied by George Madden (1911–1912).In 1913, Alfred Leslie Blackshaw, a well-known local clerk, cricketer, and Hurstville alderman, acquired the property. He subdivided and sold lots 91 and 92 in 1917, retaining the house on lot 93.The house was leased to J.S. Walker, and later sold to his wife Marian Walker in 1927.Following the death of their daughter Ethel, the property was sold to the Council for the Promotion of Sydney Church of England Diocesan Schools in 1978, and has since been used as offices for Danebank School.Architectural Character Waikouaiti is a two-storey Victorian terrace-style residence, narrow in frontage and built of brick. Originally roofed in slate (replaced with iron by 1983), the house features: A cast iron-decorated balcony, typical of Victorian domestic architecture Featureless side walls, suggesting a design adapted from inner-city terrace housing A compact, vertical form suited to urban subdivision, yet rare in suburban Hurstville Its architectural style aligns with the Victorian Filigree tradition, which flourished in Australia from the 1870s to 1890s. A uniquely Australian architectural style, Victorian Filigree is characterised by ornate iron lacework on verandahs and balconies, asymmetrical façades, decorative brackets and parapets, and tall, narrow windows.(NSW Heritage Manual – Assessing Heritage Significance) Filigree was uniquely adapted to Australia’s climate, offering shade and ventilation, and is often seen in terrace houses and suburban villas.Heritage Recognition Waikouaiti is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and was previously listed under the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012. Its preservation ensures that Hurstville’s earliest residential architecture remains visible and appreciated.

Pair of Victorian semi-detached houses and settings

Pair of Victorian semi-detached houses and settings110–112 The AvenueLots 1 and 2, DP 202783No 110-112 The Avenue are a pair of Victorian semi-detached cottages. They are on Lots 1 and 2, DP 202783.They are listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021 and were previously listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Transitional Federation / Interwar house and setting

Transitional Federation / Interwar house and setting1 Vine StreetLot 101, DP 789023No 1 Vine Street, a Federation house, was listed on the 2012 Hurstville LEP as of local significance. Lot 101, DP 789023.

Stone cottage “Senlack” and setting

Stone cottage “Senlack” and setting26 Weston RoadLot 189, DP 2787; Lot 190, DP 135084No 26 Weston Road, a Victorian house, is on Lot 189, DP 2787; Lot 190, DP 135084.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Federation Queen Anne House and garden

House and Garden 67 Woniora Road SP 55657 No. 67 Woniora Road, South Hurstville, is a single-storey residence of Federation Queen Anne style, built circa 1926 for Dr Alfred Charles Thomas.[1] Queen-Anne Revival was an architectural style popularised by Norman Shaw (1831-1912) and can be seen across the UK, America and Australia. In Australia, the style was popular from the 1890s to the early 1910s, and is one of the twelve phases of Federation architecture. [2]Known for its asymmetrical façades, decorative timber fretwork, complex rooflines, bay windows, tall chimneys, and elaborate verandahs, Federation Queen Anne houses were designed to convey a sense of domestic grandeur and craftsmanship. No. 67 Woniora Road reflects these characteristics, with its prominent verandah offering views toward Botany Bay, and its garden setting enhancing the picturesque quality typical of the style. In April 1935, the property was transformed into Woodleigh Private Hospital, opened by Sister Grace Saunders.[3] Initially a general medical facility, it expanded rapidly—obstetric wards were added eighteen months later, and in 1939, a new wing brought the total to sixteen wards with accommodation for 28 beds. The hospital was considered one of the largest private obstetric facilities in metropolitan Sydney at the time. Amenities included hot water throughout, even in the nurses’ residence, and the front verandah offered views of Botany Bay. Woodleigh’s history is rich with human stories. In 1938, a four-day-old baby was found abandoned on the hospital steps with a note pinned to its blanket reading “Ken.” The mother was later traced.[4][5] That same year, the hospital was the site of a robbery, with £40 stolen from the premises.[6] In February 1939, triplets were born to Mrs Z. Barlow, a rare event at the time.[7] During World War II, a commodious air-raid shelter was constructed on-site in 1942.[8] After its medical use declined, the building served various roles: as a boarding house, the Villa Fatima migrant hostel, and by 1993, it operated as Alan’s Private Hotel. Today, it forms part of a home unit complex, but its architectural form and layered history remain significant. No. 67 Woniora Road is listed as a Heritage Item in Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021, and was previously listed in the Kogarah Local Environmental Plan 2012, recognising its architectural and social importance. References Earnshaw, Beverley, Houses and Heritage, pp. 142–143. Queen Anne Architecture, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne_style_architecture Propeller, 2 March 1939, p3; birth notices in Trove from December 1935 onwards. Sydney Morning Herald, 1 July 1938, p15. Truth, 24 July 1938, p23. Propeller, 31 August 1939, p1. Propeller, 9 February 1939, p8. Propeller, 12 February 1942, p3.

Woniora Road School

Woniora Road School83–85 Woniora RoadLot 1, DP 616346Woniora Road School is a school for specific purposes. It caters for secondary students diagnosed with emotional disorders and mental health issues. It is at 83-85 Woniora Road, Hurstville.It offers a mainstream curriculum as well as several engagement programs, adapted to meet student interests and incorporate the latest in mental health research. The programs aim to increase mental health literacy and directly teach cognitive behaviour therapy principles to enhance students’ sense of self-worth, belonging and purpose.The school won The Educator Australia award in 2016.The building at no 83-85 Woniora Road is locally significant as it represents later residential development within the Carysfort Estate subdivision. Mature plantings include Phoenix canariensis, camphor laurel and various eucalypts. Note early substantial brick front fence with liver brick capping and timber rail infill. See Tropman and Tropman, Kogarah Heritage Study, July 1994, Group 4 Ref Item 13.

House and garden, “Fernleigh”

House and garden, “Fernleigh”95 Woniora RoadLot 18, DP 1608Fernleigh, 95 Woniora Road, Hurstville, was listed under the NSW Heritage Act on the State Heritage Register. It is an intact example of a timber Victorian filigree residence and garden. Original plantings include camphor laurel, turpentine, hoop pine, Norfolk Island pine and oak.Earnshaw states that it was built in 1893 or 1894 for Arthur Chapman, a civil engineer, on part of the Carysfort Estate.[1]In 1912 it was bought by Edwin Huxley, a railway official, and passed down through his granddaughter’s family, the Leans, before selling in 2002.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 Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.The owner in the 1938 rates book was Reginald George Gray.[1] Earnshaw, Beverley, Houses and Heritage, p129.