The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

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So long Sydney

Miss Australia 1957 Helen Wood farewelled at Mascot, March 1958, State Library of NSW (APA 05090)   30 June 2021 The Dictionary of Sydney is an incredible project. It all started back in 2005 when a group of historians and industry partners secured…

Japanese Antarctic expedition camp at Parsley Bay 1911

A member of the Japanese expedition in the camp at Parsley Bay soon after arrival with the expedition's only surviving dog, Daily Telegraph, 13 May 1911, p15   23 June 2021 The extraordinary occurrence of Japanese Antarctic explorers camped at Parsley Bay may…

A matter of life and death – the coroner in New South Wales

17 June 2021 The role of the coroner in New South Wales has existed for 234 years – longer, in fact, than the state itself. On 2 April 1787, Governor Arthur Phillip was granted the powers ‘to constitute and appoint justices…

Fanmail for Mr Bertie

The Dictionary of Sydney is all about making Sydney's history accessible, interesting and popular. If Charles H Bertie was alive today, he'd be right into the Dictionary of Sydney. Charles H Bertie, 1925-1927, City of Sydney Archives (NSCA CRS 54/129)   Listen…

Dyarubbin

Dorumbolooa, Sackville Reach June 2018, photo by Grace Karskens Most people feel familiar with the Hawkesbury, one of Sydney’s most recognisable rivers, but how much do they really know? Listen to Marika and Wilamina on 2SER here The Hawkesbury River, known as…

The Hermits of Killarney Heights

Portrait photo of Stefan Pietroszys attached to Australian Immigration file 1947, National Archives of Australia (PP15/1 1953/64/1305)   The picturesque suburb of Killarney Heights at Middlehead was a popular picnic destination named after Killarney in Ireland. However, 41 years ago it became…

Joseph Fowles

George street and Charlotte Place, in 'Sydney in 1848 : illustrated by copper-plate engravings of its principal streets, public buildings, churches, chapels, etc.' from drawings by Joseph Fowles, Dixson Library, State Library of NSW (DL Q84/56) Joseph Fowles was by way…