Latest News
From the President: May 2024
The Glebe Society is dealing with a number of substantive issues involving the State Government which were discussed with local MP Kobi Shetty before the last meeting of the Society’s Management Committee. These include WestConnex, the upheavals due to asbestos contamination, zoning laws, housing shortages and the new Sydney Fish Market. The Society is interested in the Bidura redevelopment and restoration of the Glebe Island Bridge. Duncan also wants to encourage attendance at our popular guided walks.
In Focus: This month’s photo competition, May 2024
There were exciting entries this month, and we were very taken by our winner’s photograph. The competition is being noticed once more, but we want to encourage more entries from Society members.
Anzac Day Service 2024
Upwards of 150 people attended the Anzac Day service at the Glebe War Memorial on Anzac Day morning. Here is a report of the proceedings and some images of the attendees.
Walk Report: Glebe’s Late Victorian Streetscapes
The first of three Glebe Society Guided Walks inspired by people and events 50 years ago is described. The walk, in April, explored the streetscapes of the Toxteth Heritage Conservation Area, an area now recognised for its historic and architectural significance and commemorated in the book by Bernard and Kate Smith, ‘The Architectural Character of Glebe’.
This month’s mystery photo: May 2024
This month’s photo has something of a development flavour. Last month featured a home in Ferry Road. This home and others in the street have an interesting history which has inspired coverage of the street’s background.
A wonderful Walk completed: Radical Glebe
A repeat of the ‘Radical Glebe’ walk was held on the 14th of April. Glebe and the walk’s guides are distinguished by the breadth of their political and social activism and the longevity of their involvement spanning many decades. The walk highlighted how much of this activism originated in Glebe.
Archives for the Future
The Heritage Subcommittee intends to collect photographs now that may become of historical and heritage interest in the future. They are calling on members with photos of Glebe and Forest Lodge who are willing to give them to the Society. They will be added to the photograph archives of the Society.
Gleebooks has moved back to its original premises, now renovated
Gleebooks took possession of the fine freestanding building at 49 Glebe Point Road in 1989, drawing a line under the chequered history of one of Glebe’s largest commercial buildings. The Glebe Society was a staunch and active supporter of the bookshop, aiding negotiations with Council. The re-opening is a significant occasion.
News from Blue Wren Subcommittee: May 2024
The Society’s 8th Annual Biodiversity Lecture will be given by Thomas Astell-Burt. Blue Wren members met with Charlotte Fletcher who is City of Sydney’s new Urban Ecology Coordinator who oversees natural resources. She is also the Grant Relationship Manager for the Society’s Innovation and Ideas Grant, which is funding the University of Sydney’s study of Glebe’s Hill. There are concerns about an invasion of casuarinas on the eastern side of Johnstons Creek.
From the President: April 2024
Duncan reports some positive developments for the conservation of Bidura House and the Glebe Island Bridge. Less positive are the State government’s latest announcements on parking at the new Sydney Fish Market and plans to rezone parts of Glebe.
Wentworth Park revisited
Will greyhound racing depart from Wentworth Park when the Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association’s lease expires? Ted McKeown, Glebe Society member and former chairman of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Trust, revisits decisions about Wentworth Park and examines the Park’s possible futures.
This month’s mystery photo: April 2024
A new photo for this month. Can you guess where the photo’s subject is located? And find out where last month’s photo was taken.
In Focus: This month’s photo competition, April 2024
A worthy winner and encouragement for everyone to submit photographs of Glebe and Forest Lodge for the Society’s next ‘In Focus’ photo competition.
Society’s 8th annual biodiversity lecture
The Society’s annual biodiversity lecture will this year be delivered by Professor Thomas Astell-Burt on Wednesday 29 May 2024. His talk will be on ‘Regenerative Cities and Flourishing Communities: why more trees might mean less loneliness and better health’. Book now.
Planning matters
The Glebe Society has made several presentations and submissions to planning authorities in the last month or so. These include responding with our concerns about the State government’s plans to increase the number of low- and mid-rise multi-dwelling residences, and the Society’s opposition to a developer’s attempt to demolish an early cottage in the Hereford and Forest Lodge Heritage Conservation Area. There’s also good news: the Glebe Society’s efforts to stop the demolition of 181 St Johns Road have been successful.
See the News Archive for earlier items.
