What’s On
| 2026 Events |
Saturday, 21 March 2026 2pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Free Talk - SGHS President Wesley Fairhall: The Bayside Council Heritage ListWithin the St George component of the Bayside Local Government Area, there are over 220 places listed as heritage items. Properties are heritage listed because they have important historical, social or aesthetic features and they may be rare or be a good example of an architectural style. Learn how this list protects St George's history. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Sunday, 3 May 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Sunday, 10 May 2026 11am - 1pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Mother’s Day High Tea Brunch Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on the verandah overlooking the gardens of Lydham Hall Historic House Museum, whilst indulging in a specially curated menu of sweet and savoury treats. Click here to book. |
Saturday, 16 May 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Mark Sabolch: The Federation House RevealedAs Australia looks ahead to the 125th anniversary of Federation in 2026, rediscover the charm and significance of the Federation house – a defining feature of our national heritage. These much-loved homes are more than beautiful architecture; they are living reminders of a moment when Australia was shaping its identity. Explore the origins of the Federation period house in Sydney and trace its evolution from the ornate Victorian Italianate style. Learn how the social and cultural changes of the 1890s helped create a uniquely Australian architectural expression. Mark will focus on heritage-listed examples in St George. Mark Sabolch the author of Hawthorne Canal: The History of Long Cove Creek. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Sunday, 7 June 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 20 June 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale SGHS Member Jennifer Baxter: The Sydney Heritage FleetFor 40 years, the Sydney Heritage Fleet volunteers at Rozelle Bay have provided maintenance and restoration services to a large number of ships, including the 151-year-old Barque Square-Rigged sailing ship the James Craig, 1 of 4 Barque ships still actively sailing in the world today, and the John Oxley, Australia’s only steamship restoration of that size. The NSW Government is considering redevelopment of this working dockyard, risking Australia's maritime. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Saturday, 27 June 2026 6.30pm at the Scots Club, 29 Burrows St, Arncliffe![]() St George Historical Society Annual Dinner We invite everyone with a love of St George’s history and heritage to join us for this special evening. Full details announced in early 2026! |
Sunday, 5 July 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 18 July 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Annual General MeetingWe will present the Annual Report and Financial Statement, elect the Committee for 2026-27, and discuss our plans for the coming year. Members of the SGHS can nominate for a committee position for 2026-27. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. This meeting is for SGHS members only. |
Sunday, 2 August 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 15 August 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Monthly MeetingAfter a guest presentation, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Sunday, 6 September 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 19 September 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Monthly MeetingAfter a guest presentation, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Sunday, 4 October 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Back by popular demand, the St George Brass Band will play a program of 1800s light classical music, Strauss waltzes and Gilbert & Sullivan musical theatre selections. They will begin at 11.30am, performing two 45-minute sessions. Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 17 October 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Monthly MeetingAfter a guest presentation, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Sunday, 1 November 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Sunday, 6 December 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
| 2026 Previous Events |
Sunday, 1 March 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day In the Museum: Our popular guided tour, "Life as a servant or a lady of the house" returns at 11am and 1pm. Free with entry and no booking required. In the Tea Room: Enjoy freshly baked scones and our seasonal menu on the first day of autumn. Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 21 February 2026 2pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Volunteer Guides: The Stories in our CollectionHear the stories about the treasures in the Lydham Hall collection as our Volunteer Guides share their knowledge. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) Books for sale. All welcome! |
Sunday, 1 February 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale![]() Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |


Free Talk - SGHS President Wesley Fairhall: The Bayside Council Heritage List

Mark Sabolch: The Federation House Revealed
SGHS Member Jennifer Baxter: The Sydney Heritage Fleet
Monthly Meeting
Lydham Hall Volunteer Guides: The Stories in our Collection