Celebrating 50 Years of Preserving Blacktown’s Story. Our High Tea at the Colebee centre
In 2026, the Blacktown and District Historical Society proudly celebrates an extraordinary milestone — 50 years of preserving, recording and sharing the history of Blacktown and its surrounding districts.
Long-term members cutting the cake. From L-R Jack Brook (1976), Pam Brook (foundation member 1976), Jacqueline White (1978), Lorraine Austin (foundation member 1976 - cutting the cake) Lillian Knight (1978), John Aqualina (Patron 1978 - present), N. John Horne ( 2006 - Current Secretary), Neil Smith (2002 - Current President)
Secretary N John Horne
President Neil Smith
President Neil Smith
President Neil Smith
Mayor of Blacktown City - Councillor Brad Bunting.
Mayor of Blacktown City - Councillor Brad Bunting.
Hon Chris Bowen MP
Member for McMahon
Hon Chris Bowen MP
Member for McMahon
Former Mayor The Hon. John Joseph Aquilina and the first members of the Blacktown & District Historical Society Inc.
Guest Speaker: Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Carol Liston AO BA (Hons) PhD FRAHS addressing the gathering
Long-term members cutting the cake. From L-R Jack Brook (1976), Pam Brook (foundation member 1976), Jacqueline White (1978), Lorraine Austin (foundation member 1976 - cutting the cake) Lillian Knight (1978), John Aqualina (Patron 1978 - present), N. John Horne ( 2006 - Current Secretary), Neil Smith (2002 - Current President)
Secretary N John Horne
President Neil Smith
President Neil Smith
President Neil Smith
Mayor of Blacktown City - Councillor Brad Bunting.
Mayor of Blacktown City - Councillor Brad Bunting.
Hon Chris Bowen MP
Member for McMahon
Hon Chris Bowen MP
Member for McMahon
Former Mayor The Hon. John Joseph Aquilina and the first members of the Blacktown & District Historical Society Inc.
Guest Speaker: Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Carol Liston AO BA (Hons) PhD FRAHS addressing the gathering
Bungarribee Community Resource Hub - 20 Sir Hercules Parade Bungarribee NSW
The Society holds 11 general meeting per year. Members, and visitors are entertained by a variety of guest speakers. The December meeting is a Christmas Party and may be held at a different venue. January has no meeting, October is held on the 2nd Monday.
The Society holds 11 general meeting per year. Members, and visitors are entertained by a variety of guest speakers. The December meeting is a Christmas Party and may be held at a different venue. January has no meeting, October is held on the 2nd Monday. These meetings are held at: 20 Sir Hercules Parade Bungarribee NSW
Topic:
Presenter: Dr Peter Hobbins
Link: https://au.linkedin.com/in/peter-hobbins-1054934
Date: 6th November 2023
Dr Peter Hobbins spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Dr Peter Hobbins
Link: https://au.linkedin.com/in/peter-hobbins-1054934
Date: 6th November 2023
Dr Peter Hobbins spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Ákos Lumnitzer
Link: https://www.instagram.com/amatteroflight.com_/
Date: 4th September 2023
Akos spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Ákos Lumnitzer
Link: https://www.instagram.com/amatteroflight.com_/
Date: 4th September 2023
Akos spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Neil Smith
Link: Date: 6th March 2023
Neil spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Neil Smith
Link: Date: 6th March 2023
Neil spoke about …
The Society holds 11 general meeting per year. Members, and visitors are entertained by a variety of guest speakers. The December meeting is a Christmas Party and may be held at a different venue. January has no meeting, October is held on the 2nd Monday. These meetings are held at: 20 Sir Hercules Parade Bungarribee NSW
Topic:
Presenter: Dr Peter Hobbins
Link: https://au.linkedin.com/in/peter-hobbins-1054934
Date: 6th November 2023
Dr Peter Hobbins spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Dr Peter Hobbins
Link: https://au.linkedin.com/in/peter-hobbins-1054934
Date: 6th November 2023
Dr Peter Hobbins spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Ákos Lumnitzer
Link: https://www.instagram.com/amatteroflight.com_/
Date: 4th September 2023
Akos spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Ákos Lumnitzer
Link: https://www.instagram.com/amatteroflight.com_/
Date: 4th September 2023
Akos spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Neil Smith
Link: Date: 6th March 2023
Neil spoke about …
Topic:
Presenter: Neil Smith
Link: Date: 6th March 2023
Neil spoke about …
Our Excursions
Clydesdale and Hawkesbury Regional Museum Tour
12th July 2026
Chau Chak Wing Museum Tour - Sydney University
12th June 2026
Woodstock Tour
22nd March 2026
Liverpool Powerhouse & Liverpool Regional Museum
21st February 2026
Gwen and Doug Byron
Gwen and Doug Byron
Wayne Keys Walk - Nurragingy Reserve
12th October 2025
Retford Park and Mittagong
28th September 2025
The Parramatta Female Orphan School Tour
13th August 2025
Members out the front of the School. Our tour went on a powerful journey through time and learned about the site’s beginnings in 1813 as a refuge for vulnerable young girls in colonial Sydney, through its later and complex chapter as the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital, and finally to its remarkable revival. After years of neglect and graffiti, the historic buildings have been beautifully restored and transformed into the stunning home of the Whitlam Institute, where history, architecture and social change come together in one unforgettable experience. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
A view of the courtyard behind the main building. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
A view overlooking the front entrance. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
A replica of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's Sydney Office. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
Members out the front of the School. Our tour went on a powerful journey through time and learned about the site’s beginnings in 1813 as a refuge for vulnerable young girls in colonial Sydney, through its later and complex chapter as the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital, and finally to its remarkable revival. After years of neglect and graffiti, the historic buildings have been beautifully restored and transformed into the stunning home of the Whitlam Institute, where history, architecture and social change come together in one unforgettable experience. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
A view of the courtyard behind the main building. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
A view overlooking the front entrance. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
A replica of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's Sydney Office. Photo courtesy Scott Melton
Victoria Barracks Tour / Paddington Reservoir and Gardens
31st July 2025
Riverstone Tour
21st July 2024
Tramway Museum Loftus
16th June 2024
Mount Wilson and the Turkish Bath Museum
5th November 2023
Corbett Gardens Bowral
26th August 2023
Woolloomolloo Tour
13th August 2023
State Records Tour - Kingswood
20th July 2023
St Marys Tour
12th March 2023
Kings Cross Walking Tour
25th September 2022
Heritage tour of Blacktown
13th April 2019
Book Fairs, Festivals and Other Activities
Blacktown City Festival - Streets Alive
30th June 2026
Blacktown City Festival - Parade
30th June 2026
Seven Hills Festival
11th April 2026
Blacktown Show
7th March 2026
Historical Festival at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum at Emu Plains
26th October 2025
A great place to discover the local history of Penrith with artefacts, photos, activities, tours, special events and exhibitions.
The Arms of Australia Inn was once a staging post for travellers making the trip from Sydney over the Blue Mountains to Bathurst and the goldfields. The Inn was first built in 1826, with a second section being built later. It is one of the oldest buildings in Penrith, if not the oldest.
Due to its colourful history, the Inn provides an interesting venue for local activities, tour groups, special events, school tours and exhibitions. The Inn's museum contains artefacts that were either used or manufactured in the local area as well as thousands of photos.
The NSW Corps of Marines also call the Arms of Australia Inn Museum home, their members recreate the lives and times of the First Fleet Marines, sailors, convicts, gentlemen of quality and their ladies.
The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, located in Emu Plains is administered by the Nepean District Historical Society (NDHS).
Our book stall at Emu Plains was well attended, drawing a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Many people stopped to browse, chat, and share their own local stories. It was fantastic to see so much genuine interest in our publications, with many books finding new homes. Overall, it was a highly successful and rewarding day for us in connecting with the Nepean community.
Member Scott Melton at the Farm Yard Display
A great place to discover the local history of Penrith with artefacts, photos, activities, tours, special events and exhibitions.
The Arms of Australia Inn was once a staging post for travellers making the trip from Sydney over the Blue Mountains to Bathurst and the goldfields. The Inn was first built in 1826, with a second section being built later. It is one of the oldest buildings in Penrith, if not the oldest.
Due to its colourful history, the Inn provides an interesting venue for local activities, tour groups, special events, school tours and exhibitions. The Inn's museum contains artefacts that were either used or manufactured in the local area as well as thousands of photos.
The NSW Corps of Marines also call the Arms of Australia Inn Museum home, their members recreate the lives and times of the First Fleet Marines, sailors, convicts, gentlemen of quality and their ladies.
The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, located in Emu Plains is administered by the Nepean District Historical Society (NDHS).
Our book stall at Emu Plains was well attended, drawing a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Many people stopped to browse, chat, and share their own local stories. It was fantastic to see so much genuine interest in our publications, with many books finding new homes. Overall, it was a highly successful and rewarding day for us in connecting with the Nepean community.
Member Scott Melton at the Farm Yard Display
Kings Langley Fair
19th October 2025
Doonside Festival
20 September 2025
Blacktown City Festival
31st May 2025
Doonside Festival
21st September 2024
Streets Alive
25th May 2024
Happy 200th Birthday to an Oak Tree
19th November 2023
On 19 November 2023, Helen hosted a special celebration for a remarkable old oak tree growing in the garden of her home in Doonside. As Helen explained, her parents purchased the land in 1960 through a War Service Loan and built what was known as a War Service Home. The property was once part of the stables belonging to Hillend Homestead. In the yard, between their home and the neighbouring property, stood an English oak tree that was already hollow at the time. Helen recalls that her father was told—though by whom is now lost to family legend—that the tree had originally been planted by Robert Crawford after he received the land grant in 1823. The gathering in 2023 therefore marked the 200th anniversary of that historic moment.
The occasion brought together neighbours, friends, descendants of Robert Crawford, a Blacktown City Councillor, and members of the Blacktown & District Historical Society, all joining to celebrate the enduring presence and historical significance of this remarkable tree. 🌳🎉
On 19 November 2023, Helen hosted a special celebration for a remarkable old oak tree growing in the garden of her home in Doonside. As Helen explained, her parents purchased the land in 1960 through a War Service Loan and built what was known as a War Service Home. The property was once part of the stables belonging to Hillend Homestead. In the yard, between their home and the neighbouring property, stood an English oak tree that was already hollow at the time. Helen recalls that her father was told—though by whom is now lost to family legend—that the tree had originally been planted by Robert Crawford after he received the land grant in 1823. The gathering in 2023 therefore marked the 200th anniversary of that historic moment.
The occasion brought together neighbours, friends, descendants of Robert Crawford, a Blacktown City Councillor, and members of the Blacktown & District Historical Society, all joining to celebrate the enduring presence and historical significance of this remarkable tree. 🌳🎉
Uniting Church Fete
18th November 2023
Doonside Festival
23rd September 2023
Seven Hills Festival
18th March 2023
Blacktown Show
11 March 2023
Woodcroft Festival
17th December 2022
Doonside Christmas Markets
12 December 2021
Blacktown City Festival Parade
25 May 2019
