June Speaker – Wal Walker,  “The Squatter Grab”
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June Speaker – Wal Walker, “The Squatter Grab”

The Squatters Grab traces the failures of various governments and colonial administrators to discharge their obligation to Indigenous Australian; failure that gave rise to the ascendency of the squatters and dispossession of the Aboriginal people. The Squatters’ Grab confronts the history of our relations with the traditional owners. It examines the laws enacted in London…

How Did Concord Get It’s Name?
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How Did Concord Get It’s Name?

We have no definite answer to this question. However, we do know that Acting Governor, Francis Grose, awarded land grants in the area to both non-commissioned soldiers and the free settlers in 1793. The colony’s Judge Advocate, Judge Advocate David Collins, in his account of the grants, recorded at the time that the settlers, “occupied…

From the Collection – Fireside tools
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From the Collection – Fireside tools

In ancient times, fireplace tools were crucial for maintaining the fire’s size and heat. They were used to arrange the logs, stir the embers, and control the flames. People relied on these tools for warmth, cooking and light, making them essential in households. Fire tools used to maintain a fire have changed little since the…

From Our Collection

From Our Collection

Child-size Chair Many years ago this small child-size chair was donated to our former museum situated at the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital. It has the words “My Birthday” engraved on the backrest. The only other information we were given was that it was “in memory of Olwyn Jean Gaward”. We could possibly make an educated…

Growing Old
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Growing Old

Another year has passedAnd we’re all a little older.Last summer felt hotterAnd winter seems much colder. There was a time not long agoWhen life was quite a  blast.Now I fully understandAbout “living in the past”. We used to go to weddings,Football games and lunches . . .Now we go to funeral homesAnd after-funeral brunches. We…

The Afghan Cameleers

The Afghan Cameleers

There’s some confusion about exactly when the first camels and their handlers arrived in Australia, and for what purpose. We do know that “Harry” was the first camel to arrive in Australia after landing in Port Adelaide on 12 October, 1840. The animal was shipped from Tenerife, Spain, by the Phillips brothers, Henry Weston and George. Camels…

The Beginnings of Education in Concord

The Beginnings of Education in Concord

Educational requirements of Concord were commenced in a private school conducted by Mrs. Love, near Bray Grove. On Mrs. Love’s demise, her daughter continued the school, with the address on her letters: “Miss Love, ‘Love Dale,’ Concord, opposite Kissing Point.” (Note:  At that time Ryde was known as Kissing Point.) Some few years prior to…

Bungaree

Bungaree

Bungaree, or Boongaree (1775 – 24 November 1830), was an Aboriginal Australian from the Kuringgai people of the Broken Bay area north of Sydney, who was known as an explorer, entertainer, and Aboriginal community leader. He is also significant in that he was the first person to be recorded in print as an Australian, and…