Glebe is an inner Sydney suburb notable for its distinct village character, heritage streetscapes, attractive parks and foreshores and strong sense of community. The Glebe Society was established in March 1969. Its aims are to protect our heritage, encourage a sense of community and create a better environment for all current and future residents of Glebe and Forest Lodge.
In the middle of 20th century, Glebe was a very different place from today. Considered by some as little more than a slum, the demolition of traditional Glebe – and the communities who lived there – was seen as part of the inevitable march of progress.1
But Bernard Smith and Kate Smith and the other founder-members of the Glebe Society thought otherwise. In this they were supported by a change in public mood and the formation of inner-city local resident action groups that recognized the value of the past and resisted its indiscriminate destruction. And in the close bonds of the residents, they recognised the value of established, mutually supportive communities. 2
In the 1960s and 70s, several factors threatened the character of Glebe.
- An increasing number of the distinctive terrace and historic houses of Glebe were being demolished and replaced with 3-storey home unit blocks, with little concern for heritage values.
- The state government planned a series of expressways right through Glebe.
- Lyndhurst, a fine 1830s Regency villa in Darghan St, was threatened with demolition.
- The Glebe Administration Board of the Anglican Church proposed to sell some 700 dwellings in the Glebe Estate that housed people on low incomes.
- The waterfront of Glebe was industrial land, but the businesses were closing or had already done so. There was virtually no public access to the foreshores of Rozelle and Blackwattle Bays.
What do we do?
We focus our energy around three key areas:
- protecting our heritage,
- encouraging a sense of community, and
- caring for our environment.
We work to preserve and enhance the natural and architectural character of Glebe. We encourage sound urban planning, architectural and heritage conservation practices. We support developments that respect social and heritage values and balance economic imperatives, and we oppose those that do not. We promote improved transport options, including for pedestrians and cyclists.
We aim to stimulate interest in the history and heritage of Glebe and Forest Lodge. We research and make available information about the history of the area.
We want the diverse character of the area to be maintained, which means maintaining housing for low-income earners. The diversity of Glebe is one of its strengths.
We aim to protect and enhance the natural environment, open spaces and biodiversity.
We aim to foster community spirit and activities. We work with other local and neighbouring organisations and involve local residents in our activities, such as campaigns, habitat creation and community projects. We also get together in social, community and campaign events to share, learn and enjoy.
Importantly, we provide
- opportunities for members and residents to express their views on issues affecting Glebe
- community input into government decisions which affect Glebe, now and into the future.
Our focus is on both Glebe and Forest Lodge – the 2037 postcode area.
What have we done?
In June 2019 the Glebe Society celebrated 50 years of being a vibrant and active community organisation with a week-long Community Festival. The Festival website provides a detailed snapshot of the activities and achievements of the Glebe Society over its 50 year history through a series of poster and photographic exhibitions, publications, videos, talks, walks and performances.
See also a summary of our key achievements.
How do we do it?
We are a not-for profit incorporated association bound by a constitution that sets out our aims and what we can do. The work of the Glebe Society is done by our members in a voluntary capacity as members of the management committee, subcommittees or working groups that focus on particular issues or tasks. Read more about how the Society is run.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Glebe Society acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional owners of Glebe and Forest Lodge and pay our respects to elders past and present.
