Heritage society celebrates 50 years

City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas formally congratulates the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society on their 50th anniversary.

“Patrons of the Canada Bay Museum which houses a 1948 petrol-driven lawn mower thought to inspire invention of the original Victa mower, the society have reached a milestone this year,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.

“The City of Canada Bay Heritage Society, an amalgamation of the Concord Heritage Society and the Drummoyne & Districts Historical Society, works tirelessly to inform and promote the history and culture of our local area.”

The group celebrated their anniversary on 11 August 2019, marking 50 years to the day since the formation of the Concord Heritage Society in 1969, followed by Drummoyne & Districts Historical Society on 3 October 1975.

“Thanks to Alan Wright, Lorna Wright and Lois Michel, the founding members of Concord Heritage Society for their commitment and contribution to our area’s heritage over many years.”

“I would also like to thank the Hon. Michael Kirby for his continued support of our area and its heritage, through his presence at the society’s celebrations on 11 August, as well as his work with us on our North Strathfield Neighbourhood Stories project.”

“The society work in promoting the preservation, restoration, conservation, maintenance and use of all places, buildings and monuments of historic, architectural, cultural and environmental significance within our area is invaluable to our community.”

“As a society they serve our local community and visitors from further afield through hosting a variety of talks and exhibitions.”

The society also host regular open days at Yaralla and Rivendell, which were generously bequeathed for public use by Dame Eadith Walker and her father Thomas Walker in the 1930s.

The Society’s City of Canada Bay Museum in Concord provides fascinating historical information and memorabilia from our area. The museum holds over 1000 items from 1800s to the present day, including material from World War I and II, and a 1948 petrol-driven rotary mower designed by marine engineer Lawrence Hall, thought to be the inspiration for the Victa mower, later manufactured by near neighbour Mervyn Victor Richardson.

“I encourage all of our community to pay a visit and to learn more about the significant history of this area to our nation,” Mayor Tsirekas said.

The City of Canada Bay Museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am–4pm and entry is free.

Photo caption: (L to R) Lois Michel, Betty Robertson OAM, Alan Wright OAM at the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society 50th anniversary celebration.