Glebe has a fascinating history and a strong sense of community. There have been many changes in Glebe since 1969 and the Glebe Society has been a key player in supporting, advocating and leading many of these – and working with other community groups.

Next year on 19 June, the Glebe Society will be 50 years ‘young’. Plans are being developed to celebrate this important milestone and the contributions the Society has made to protecting our local heritage and environment and building our community.

What is planned?
The full program of events will take place throughout the year (March to November). Below is a snapshot of events currently being planned.

The main celebrations will be held in ‘Festival Week’, 23 – 30 June 2019, at the Tramsheds. There will be four major exhibitions including ‘50 Memorable Moments of the Glebe Society’, a beautiful photographic display of Glebe’s grand houses, special interest displays, talks, panel discussions, school photo competition, book launches, community celebration events and performances. Some displays will digitised to have a ‘life after the festival’. 

The Festival Opening Party will be on Sunday 23 June.

Outside of the Festival Week events will be held across Glebe, including guided walks (two new ones), ‘Our House’ visits, Glebe Voices, a new Heritage workshop, a new Archives workshop and a foreshore community picnic.


Support received so far
We appreciate the generous support from the City of Sydney Council with the recent approval of the Society’s ‘Festival and Grants Application’ grant to develop displays and to use the new community venue at Harold Park Tramsheds free of charge for the whole Festival Week.

We are also looking for sponsors for extra displays and initiatives – let us know if you have some ideas or contacts.

How is the Celebration Program being run?
The Management Committee appointed a Steering Committee: Virginia Simpson-Young (convenor), Dorothy Davis and Judy Vergison, to bring together a team of volunteers, the ‘Anniversary Working Group’ (AWG) to lead and manage approved projects.

A draft program was developed by the AWG and agreed at the Management Committee meeting in November 2018. Now we are firming up project plans and putting in place teams to deliver the 12-month celebration program.

Got any ideas? … Please let us know so it can be considered to be part of the program. After all, this is a celebration for all our members. Email us any time, and come along to the 50th Anniversary Launch Drinks, a free members evening to enjoy wine and cheese and hear about plans and make suggestions – if the mood takes you. More details in the orange box on this page.

How can you be involved?
This is a great opportunity to be actively involved at the level you choose and to meet others in the Glebe community. You don’t need to have lived here for years, or know a lot about the Society, there will be many others there to help you, or you may know someone who can assist, or have contacts with other community groups to be included.

We are looking for new volunteers to lead or be part of a team to:

  • Source materials, design and develop displays:
  • Glebe Society 50 Years Highlights
  • Heritage
  • Community
  • Environment
  • Set up and dismantle exhibitions
  • Host visitors at the Tramsheds exhibitions and events
  • Design new digital ‘Environment Walk’ and display
  • Design a new ‘Radical Glebe Walk’
  • Help develop a Publicity and Promotions plan
  • Identify sponsorship opportunities
  • Suggest contacts for music and entertainment
  • Help develop a Schools Strategy (photo competition, talks, walks and visits)
  • Manage the ‘Festival Week’ Venue (set up and running of events)
  • Help develop a New Members’ strategy
  • Monitor and evaluate the Festival program outcomes

If you are interested in being involved, have ideas or resources, please contact Judy Vergison, events@glebesociety.org.au or 0417 446 425.