What’s On
| 2026 Events |
Sunday, 6 September 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. Click here to book online or reserve a Tea Room table. Click here to volunteer or learn more about volunteering for the SGHS. |
Saturday, 19 September 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Free Talk: Kingsgrove’s story, the quiet suburb that became headline news in 1956Click here to book your free ticket. Presenters: SGHS members Bob and Laurel Horton Governor Macquarie’s visit to Hannah Laycock’s ‘Kingsgrove farm, the ‘Man of Kent Inn’, Smithson’s tobacco factory and wine bar, Marshman’s pottery. Who has heard of these? BUT, mention the word Kingsgrove and the immediate response is ‘the Kingsgrove slasher’. 1956 was the year he began a three year reign of terror. Two other events in that year also created headline news. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) All welcome! Click here to book your free ticket. |
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's Lower Brass Quartet will perform pieces from 300 years of musical history, from the 17th century French Baroque Jean-Baptiste Lully to the 1960s hits by The Beatles and beyond. They will begin at 11.30am, performing two 45-minute sessions. Plan your visit. Click here to book online or reserve a Tea Room table. |
Saturday, 17 October 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Free Talk: The Search for the Morse Photo AlbumsClick here to book your free ticket. Presenter: Bill Phippen is an engineer, historian, heritage advocate, and volunteer guide at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The final link in the railway connection between Brisbane and Adelaide, via Sydney and Melbourne was made at Hawkesbury River in 1889. At the banquet to mark the opening Henry Parkes proclaimed that the transport connection was a necessary precondition to the Australian Federation. The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge had been built by American engineers who, at the end of the work, took their photo albums home with them, to remain largely unseen until they were located by Bill Phippen in the Library of Congress, Washington DC in 2014. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) All welcome! Click here to book your free ticket. |
| Sunday, 1 November 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 21 November 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Free Talk: River Dreams: The people and landscape of the Cooks RiverClick here to book your free ticket. Presenter: Professor Ian Tyrrell, author of River Dreams. In the beginning, there was the river – before the beach, before the drain, before the dredging, before the dams, before numerous other actions that altered the stream. River Dreams reveals the complex history of the Cooks River in south-eastern Sydney – a river renowned as Australia’s most altered and polluted. While nineteenth century developers called it ‘improvement’, the sugar mill, tanneries, and factories that lined the banks of Sydney’s Cooks River had drastic consequences for the health of the river. Local Aboriginal people became fringe dwellers, and over time the river became severely compromised, with many ecosystems damaged or destroyed. Later, a large section was turned into a concrete canal, and in the late 1940s the river was rerouted for the expansion of Sydney Airport. While much of the river has been rehabilitated in recent decades by passionate local groups and through government initiatives, it continues to be a source of controversy with rapid apartment development placing new stresses on the region. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted) All welcome! Click here to book your free ticket. |
| 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 |
Saturday, 15 August 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Free Talk: Solved – Site of Australia’s First Astronomical ObservatoryPresenter: Richard de Grijs William Dawes (1762-1836), official astronomer aboard the First Fleet, established Australia’s first observatory at what is now Dawes Point/Tar-ra, decades before Sydney Observatory. He then built a rapport with the local Aboriginal people, documenting the Gadigal language and traditions. Driven from Australia by a disagreement with Governor Arthur Phillip, he returned to England, pursued the abolition of slavery, and served as a governor in Africa. Join us as we identify the site of our first permanent astronomical observatory and explore the life of William Dawes. Richard de Grijs is a professor of physics and astronomy at Macquarie University and author of William Dawes: Scientist, Governor, Abolitionist: Caught Between Science and Religion. 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, 2 August 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Curator's Tour: The Servants of Victorian Houses, 11am; Free with entry. In the Tea Room: Our traditional Devonshire Tea (freshly baked scones, cream, jam, tea or coffee) is always on the menu. 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) This meeting is for SGHS members only. |
Sunday, 5 July 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Scottish Open Day Back by popular demand, the St George Sutherland Scottish Pipe Band will be performing at 12pm for two 45-minute sessions. Since 1946, the St George-Sutherland Scottish Pipe Band has played for marches, dances, tattoos and general entertainment. The band plays traditional Scottish marches, strathspeys, reels, and airs as well as modern tunes and Australian favourites. In the Tea Room Enjoy famous Scottish Fare: Square Sausage, Scottish Pies, Haggis, Tattie Scones, and Whisky Orange Cake. Our traditional Devonshire Tea (freshly baked scones, cream, jam, tea or coffee) is always on the menu. Table Reservation: Our Scottish Open Days are very popular and reservations are recommended. |
Thursday, 2 July 2026 9am - 2pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Historic House Museum: Historical Marker Unveiling Click here to book your free ticket. The Bayside Historical Markers program recognises sites of historical and cultural importance to the local area, as nominated by members of the community. Join us to celebrate the unveiling of our Historical Marker at one of the oldest homes in Bayside. 9.30am Official Unveiling of the Lydham Hall Historical Marker by Mayor Cr Edward McDougall and Councillors. 9am - 2pm Free Entry to the Lydham Hall Historic House Museum. Complimentary coffee/tea and biscuits (donations gratefully accepted). |
Saturday, 27 June 2026 6.30pm at the Scots Club, 29 Burrows St, Arncliffe St George Historical Society Annual Dinner Enjoy a delicious dinner and celebrate St George’s history and heritage. Guest Speaker: Chef Adam Moore. Renowned as a distinguished figure in the culinary realm, Adam is a preeminent corporate chef, captivating public speaker, accomplished TV presenter, and a globally recognised award-winning innovator. We welcome Adam’s return after his popular presentation, “The History of Chocolate In Australia” at Lydham Hall last year. Bookings closed. We're looking forward to hosting our guests. |
Saturday, 20 June 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Free Talk: The Sydney Heritage FleetPresenter: Jon Simpson For 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. Jon is a former director of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. 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 Guided Tours: Life as a Servant, 11am and 1pm Free with entry. In the Tea Room: Devonshire Tea always on the menu. Our winter specials begin with warming pumpkin soup. Plan your visit. |
Sunday, 17 May 2026 1pm - 5pm at Carlton Parade, Carlton Stories on ParadeCome and discover a hidden gem, Bayside’s unique parade of delights, featuring all the community improvements in place on Carlton Parade. This free event is funded by Transport for NSW, and is in collaboration with the Carlton School of Arts, Shopfront Arts Co-Op, and the SGHS. We're hosting historical walking tours and a history stall. Everyone welcome! Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 16 May 2026 2pm in the 3rd floor meeting room at Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Free Talk: The Federation House RevealedClick here to book your free ticket. Presenter: Mark Sabolch As 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 is 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! Click here to book your free ticket. |
Sunday, 10 May 2026 11am - 1pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Sold Out: 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. We're excited to host our High Tea guests for this special event. |
| Sunday, 3 May 2026 10am - 4pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Lydham Hall Historic House Museum Open Day Plan your visit. |
Saturday, 18 April 2026 2pm at Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale Free Talk: Historical and Industrial MarrickvillePresenters: SGHS members Bob & Laurel Horton North of Wolli Creek, Marrickville is a landmark suburb in Australia's industrial and manufacturing history. Popular products included ETA peanut butter, Marrickville margarine, Shelley's soft drinks, Marchant's ginger ale, Crusader wool clothing, Stamina trousers, Pye radios, Tecnico electric lawn mowers, General Motors Holden motor vehicles, and Vicars Woollen Mill yarn. 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, 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, 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. |