Suggested topics of research for the Local History Prize

Suggested topics of research for the Local History PrizeLocal History Prize entries may be on any topic as long as they substantially relate tothe City of Rockdale. The topics below are provided simply as suggestions for peoplewho may be looking for research ideas. If you have any questions, or need any help inaccessing local history material, please contact the Local History Services Specialiston 9562 1821.1971 – Rockdale Council’s centenary yearRockdale Council celebrated its centenary as a council in 1971 with a year longprogram of activities and events, including the establishment of Rockdale CentenaryVillage, the official reopening of Lydham Hall after it was purchased and restored byCouncil, the dedication and handing over of Rockdale Council’s Coat of Arms, thededication of the Rockdale War Memorial Garden, and the opening of ArncliffeLibrary.Library resources• Festivals, celebrations, etc – Rockdale Council centenary celebrations,Rockdale Library photograph collection, available on-line athttp://library.rockdale.nsw.gov.au• Rockdale centenary celebrations records, local history archive material, CA14 & CA 26 (ask the Local History Services Specialist for access)• St George & Sutherland Shire Leader newspaperBexley Municipal CouncilWhile there are several histories on the suburb of Bexley, there is no good history ofthe Municipality of Bexley. Originally part of the Municipality of Hurstville, theMunicipality of Bexley was established in 1900; it amalgamated with RockdaleMunicipality in 1949.Library resources• Bexley Council Minute Books• Rockdale Council Minute Books• Bexley Council’s register of advertisements and newspaper clippings, localhistory archive material, CA 65 (ask the Local History Services Specialist foraccess)• R. W. Rathbone, A history of Bexley• R. W. Rathbone, Cameos of BexleyThe Shopfront Theatre for Young PeopleThe Shopfront Theatre at Carlton has long been one of Sydney’s most innovativetheatres for young people. Rockdale Library holds many photographs, programs andarchive material from the theatre.Library resourcesShopfront Theatre Archives, local history archive material, LH 28 to 33 (ask the LocalHistory Services Specialist for access)

The role of progress associations in the districtProgress associations, which campaign councils for improvements to their local area,have long been common and active in Rockdale. An examination of the associationswould also give a good overview of the development issues that have impacted onRockdale residents over the years.Library resources• Arncliffe Progress Association newsletter, local history archive material, LH37 (ask the Local History Services Specialist for access)• Minute Book of the Fourth Ward (Combined) Progress Association, localhistory archive material, LH 116 (ask the Local History Services Specialist foraccess)• Minute Book of the Bexley Progress Association, local history archivematerial, LH 114 (ask the Local History Services Specialist for access)• Minute Books of the Carlton and West Kogarah Progress and RatepayersAssociation, local history archive material, LH 39 (ask the Local HistoryServices Specialist for access)• Rockdale Council Minute Books• St George & Sutherland Shire Leader newspaperRon RathboneRon Rathbone served on Rockdale Council for 40 years and is still council’s longestserving mayor and councillor. Besides his interest in local history and heritage,Councillor Rathbone also had a particular interest in building and planning mattersand he had a major and lasting impact on the city of Rockdale.Library resources“A passage to China” - Ron Rathbone’s China photographs, local history archivematerial, LH 107 (ask the Local History Services Specialist for access)Rockdale Council Minute Books and Rockdale Council community newslettersRathbone, Ronald, Local History Pamphlet FileSt George & Sutherland Shire Leader newspaperThe war yearsLike all areas of Sydney, Rockdale was enormously affected by World War II and itsresidents contributed greatly to the war effort.Library resourcesBexley Council Minute BooksMinutes of the Bexley Patriotic and War Fund Committee, local history archivematerial, LH 97 (ask the Local History Services Specialist for access)Minutes of the Rockdale Municipal Patriotic and War Fund Management Committee,local history archive material, LH 5 (ask the Local History Services Specialist foraccess)Rockdale Council Minute BooksRockdale Municipal Patriotic and War Fund Management Committee files, localhistory archive material, LH 98 and LH 99 (ask the Local History Services Specialistfor access)