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Report of the 30thAnnual General MeetingTwenty-five people gathered. foranother convivial AGM lastSunday at the Stewart's house .Russell gave his President's Report[see p2J which focused on theactivities of the Society during thelast year in particular and, ingeneral, reflected on the rewardsof his two-year presidency.

Neil Macindoe gave his finalreport as LMC Councillor and thefour broad areas covered weregovernance and finance,infrastructure and services, accessand transport, and developmentand open space. An immediateproblem for Council is its inabilityto agree either to decrease currentexpenditure or increase income.Another is that the coming LMCelection may well bring us eightnew inexperienced councillorswho do not have the benefit of'corporate memory' as hasorganisations like the Society.Community consultation wouldseem wise though, sadly, unlikely.

After the Treasurer's Report and aprocedural resolution, the election

of office-bearers took place, with thefollowing results:

President Bruce DavisSenior Vice-President

Jennifer Reed BumsJunior Vice-President

Cynthia JonesLiz Simpson-BookerAllan Hunt

SecretaryTreasurerCommittee:

Andrew CraigNeil Macindoe.Ted McKeownMarianne von Knobelsdorff .

Andrew Wood was elected anhonourary Life Member of the Societyand Marianne provided a heartfelthistory of his achievements sincejoining in 1986. The Society thencommemorated the passing of JohnHoddinott by creating the 'JohnHoddinott Prize for Poetry' at GlebeHigh School.Incoming President, Bruce Davis,was welcomed and promised toconclude Management Committeemeetings by 10.00pm!

Cynthia Jones

If you have an email address weld like to have itlIt is at meetings of the Management Committee that the Society forms its attitudeto matters relevant to Glebe and, as you know, these meetings are open to allmembers. We have always encouraged members through the Bulletin to commenton issues, so that the decisions we make reflect your views; at the last meeting itwas resolved that as each new issue arises, we could also canvas your opinion byemail.

If you have an email address and would like the Society to contact you in this wayplease let us know by sending a message to: < bobbieb@cia.com.au > and we willinclude you on a mailing list we are preparing for this purpose. At some time inthe future you may choose to receive the Bulletin this way - if we can find outhow to do it! - thus saving on print and postage costs.

Hear the latest on light railThe managing director of Metro Light Rail, Mr Kevin Worrall, and Mr TrevorTownson of Department of Transport, will brief the Society on the latestdevelopments on Wednesday, 8 September, at 8 pm in the upstairs meeting roomin the Toxteth Hotel (em. Glebe Point Road and Ferry Road). Please phoneBruce Davis on 9660. 7873, or leave a message on 9518.9775, if you plan tocome so that we can arrange enough chairs. .

A publication of THE GLEBE SOCIETY Inc Box 100 Post Office Glebe NSW 2037 Australia

Annual Report by thePresident of The Glebe Society Inc

given at the Annual General Meeting 29 August 1999

I thought it might be interesting toreflect on the past year in terms ofour structures, activities, socialevents, finances, tasks andcommunications.

STRUCTUREWe were prompted to review ourconstitution mainly, as I recall,because our procedures for admittingnew members were proving awkward- what we needed to do in practicedidn't strictly fit the constitution. Soa new constitution was adopted - notradically different, but far simpler interms of new members. I believe thishas already made a significantdifference in increased membership.

ACTIVITIESTwo planning days were held todiscover where we wanted to put ourtime and energies. What is it realisticto expect to achieve? What are ourpriorities? We recognised that sometasks involve continuing monitoring(development applications); othersinvolved particular projects (foreshorewalkway and litter) where we felt wecould take the initiative.

SOCIAL EVENTSThe Glebe Society membershipmakes up a community within acommunity. There has been anexcellent response to the year's socialfunctions - the ferry trip lastSeptember, the recent 30th

Anniversary Progressive Dinner andthe Christmas parry in the Librarygrounds. These occasions make animportant contribution to the vitalityof the Society, I have no doubt. Ishould include the meetings of theManagement Committee - true,there is business to be done, howeverthey are generally interesting andenjoyable occasions - thanks in largepart to the generous hospitality ofShaughn Murphy's Toxteth Hotel.

TASKSThe tasks undertaken during the yearare covered, largely, in the sub-committee and project group reports[see last month's Bulletin]. A

2

highlight is the progress with theforeshore walk proposal- some of theobstacles are daunting - however, wewill go round them for the timebeing, and keep working on thepieces we need to complete the route.

Considerable attention has beengiven to the Master Plan forBlackwattle and Rozelle Bays. I hopethat this will eventually open the wayfor a ferry service on a basis whichfairly reconciles the needs ofrecreational users - not only thepresent rowers, but other members ofthe Glebe and surroundingcommunities, who are currentlydenied access.

The issues surrounding thedevelopment proposals for theBlackwattle Studios site have alsodemanded attention. Thereplacement of a valuable centrehousing artists, architects andcraftspeople, with a massive homeunit development for the affluent,seems a pity. It is unreasonable toexpect the owner not to want toextract maximum value from the site- yet it is a concern that a bettersolution could not have been found,more in keeping with the heritagecharacter of the surroundings andwhich would contribute topreservation in Glebe of a home forthe kind of talent currently using thesite.

Great work has been done in thefight against litter in Glebe - onmany different fronts. This issueranked highly in our strategicplanning sessions. It not only affectsall of us, but we all have it in ourhands to make a contribution, inrelation to the rubbish we generateand the scope to be vigilant outsideour own front (and back) doors.

Valuable work has continued onother important areas - traffic,aircraft, the environment, the lightrail and last but not least, archives.In the future, people will be gratefulfor the work done to ensure our

records are properly preserved.

FINANCEThere was a period during the yearwhen we felt we needed to build upour financial position. In part, thatresulted from the cost in reprintingthe revised Historic Glebewalkingguide; of course, the copies not yetsold are an asset. With increasingmembership and the financial successof the recent progressive dinner, itlooks as if we will go into the newyear in excellent shape. The policy ofmaintaining a capital base of not lessthan $10,000 is a sound one. Weneed this as backing to undertakeactivities without risk of being unableto meet the costs. Many membershave been generous in addingdonations to their subscriptioncheques. Even so, it looks as if weshould ask the members at thismeeting to authorise an increase inannual membership so that theSociety will continue on a soundfooting.

COMMUNICATIONI frequently hear favourablecomments about the Glebe SocietyBulletin. It takes a great deal of effortto organise sufficient interestingmaterial- but then, to fit it all in,which our editor has donemagnificently. With increasing useof the Internet, it may not be toolong before we have a large numberof members with email addresses withwhom we can readily communicateon current issues. Some may chooseto receive their Bulletin on theinternet - a saving in cost and time tothe Society and a saving in paper.

This year, we have also receivedseveral visitors at ManagementCommittee meetings. Most recently,Heather Martin, Headmistress of theGlebe High School, impressed usdeeply with her commitment to theschool as a place which combines thepersonal as well as the academicdevelopment of students. Equally,

... continued p3

... from p2her wish for the school and the studentsto relate to the community particularlyon the fronts of employment and tertiaryeducation. It was most impressive tohear that 50% of her students go on toUniversity and almost all of the othersfind employment, surely a magnificentachievement [see report p9].

Nicky Tdfer spoke about the possibilityof an historic photographic exhibitionfor the Leichhardt Municipality tocelebrate the Centenary of Federation -to which we could apply for funding.

Ann Martin, Cultural Officer forLeichhardt Municipal Council told ofvarious ideas for making a difference toGlebe in the area of cultural activities.[see report, p8]. It was exciting to hearof the many possibilities for enliveningthis area.

DEPARTURESWe will all miss John Hoddinott whodied on 5 August. Perhaps we should begrateful he was able to carry on for solong as he had been ill for many years.His Memorial Service at St. John's wasfilled to overflowing with friends andwellwishers and we heard of hiserudition, his love of poetry and of Italy,in particular, where he lived for manyyears. I remember the notes on Italy hekindly lent us before a trip last year. Hemade a great contribution through hisbalanced, thoughtful and knowledgeableapproach to all issues - particularly theplanning and development matters onwhich he reported to the ManagementCommittee.

We cannot begrudge Andrew Woodtaking the opportunity to becomeProfessor of Veterinary Medicine at theUniversity of Pennsylvania. We knowand appreciate the great contributionAndrew has made to the Glebe Societyover the years. We wish him everysuccess in the new position.

I would like to finish by thanking all themembers of the Glebe Society,particularly the members of theManagement Committee, for allowingme to be President over the past twoyears, and to acknowledge everyone fortheir talent, energy and commitment,and for being such good company! Ithas been an enjoyable and rewardingyear for me.

Russell Stewart

4 AUGUST 1940 - 5 AUGUST 1999

When we first moved to Glebe we discovered a remarkable group ofpeople. We had previously lived in Leichhardt and Balmain, and hadmet plenty of characters: but Glebe was something else again! Atthe very centre of this group was John Hoddinott (known to hisintimates as Hod or Hoddi), and so extraordinarily open and directwas the greeting we received when we moved into Wigram Road itbegan a relationship that lasted with hardly a hiccup for more thantwenty years.

Hoddi loved Glebe, and this extended quite naturally to itscommunity. He knew a great number of people, and would chathappily to them about any of the many subjects that interested him,whether international, national or local. His friendliness drewpeople into the community, and made them feel part of it. He wasready to assist in any worthy cause, to which he brought a broad andsolid background of knowledge, a keen intelligence, acerbic wit andgood humour, and great application. I cannot recall anything he didnot do thoroughly while he was physically capable of it.

He was involved in many community campaigns, of which perhapsthe best known are the saving of the colonial mansion Lyndhurst inDarghan Street, the creation of Glebe High School, the building of anew Glebe Library and the promotion of a light rail system forSydney, fqr which his engineering background was a great advantage.

Not only did he work hard for a multitude of benefits to thecommunity, he wrote about them with engaging ease and infectiousenthusiasm, and promoted them effectively with media interviews.After his retirement, his involvement actually increased, when anyonewould have been justified in taking it easy, and his health problemswould have completely floored a lesser man. At the time of his deathhe was Planning Convenor for The Glebe Society, the localMember's representative on Leichhardr Council's Traffic Committee(both extremely challenging jobs) and attended many othercommittees, as well as organising cork recycling for the whole ofGlebe.

I always thought this last interest of his especially appropriate. Aswell as being a deeply civilized and decent man he was wonderfullysociable and loved a tipple with friends. One of my last memories ofhim is meeting him outside K Mart at Broadway clutching a portableCD player. In return for helping him take it home, he insisted onbuying me a beer at the T oneth and chatting about national issues..

His concern for his friends was outstanding. When he learnt we weretaking our children to Italy in 1995 and wanted to visit Siena, he said" ... in that case you must stay at a convent", and fixed us with asteady gaze to quell any incipient protest. He rang the nunsimmediately and, in fluent Italian, arranged a stay "for a familyvisiting from Australia". Of course he was right. We had the moststunning views of anywhere we stayed in Italy.

He was a man it was a joy and a pleasure to know, and his spirit willlive on in the community he loved and helped to create.

Neil MacindoeThis is one of the many eulogies delivered at the memorial service for Johnheld in St. John's Church, Glebe on 11 August 1999.

3

The Glebe Society was established in 1969 and now, thirty years on, it seemstimely to look back on some of its achievements. One that people today areperhaps unfamiliar with is the push from the Society for the preservation ofthe church lands that form the present Glebe Estate.

The Glebe Estate Project

The late 60s and early 70s werewhat one might truly call the'heroic' days of The Glebe Society,which was one of many localresident action groups in the innercity. There was a move,particularly from youngprofessional people, back into thecentral area of town rather thanliving in outer suburbs further andfurther away from their work. Atthe same time people werebeginning to realise that the socialconsequences in the then currentpatterns of public housing - hugetower blocks or the translocation ofpeople to outer suburbs such asMount Druitt - were far fromdesirable.

in 1973. The Society prepared asubmission to the National Trustwhich resulted in the whole ofGlebe being listed as aConservation Area. As regards theEstate in particular, the Societyalso put a submission toLeichhardt Council entitled "TheGlebe Lands of Bishopthorpe andSt Phillips: the Case forPreservation and Restoration". AsI recall, Alan Robertson and TonyStrachan were involved in thepreparation of this submission,making use of the research carriedout by the Smiths and by MaxSolling.

In the early 70s the Church ofEngland properties on theEstate were in a sad state ofrepair. As a con~equence ofninety-nine year leases(which were then expiring)and protected rents, theincome from the Estate wasinsufficient for the Churchto maintain the fabric ofthe houses in good repair,and it was proposing to selloff its holdings.Concurrently the Society

had been working to improve thenew Town Plan being prepared byLeichhardt Council - anotherproject that took an immenseamount of work and time. Withthe election to Leichhardt Councilof members of a group called"Campaign for a Better Council"and with the 'open council' policyof Mayor Nick Origlass, theMunicipality was more receptive toproposals for refurbishment in theEstate area rather than demolition.

Official planning policies for Glebe at thattime were the demolition of 'slums' andthe construction of expressways. Thiswould have meant two major roadwaysthrough Glebe, one through the northernend of the suburb and one through theEstate area. In between would have beenresidential unit blocks of uninspiringdesign, judging from the examples thatwere constructed.

However, thanks to the foresightand research of people such asBernard Smith, Tony Strachan,Max Selling, Alan Robertson andPeru Perumal, their work inpublicising the unique character ofboth the architectural andcommunity aspects of Glebe, andthe lobbying and demonstrationscarried out by them and othermembers of the Society, this didnot happen.

Many hours were spent walkingaround Glebe recording thebuildings and streetscape. Kateand Bernard Smith (the firstPresident of the Society) publishedThe Architectural Character of Glebe

4

Another factor was the election ofthe Whitlam Labor Governmentfederally at that time. All of asudden government representativeswere coming to us and asking what

we wanted as a community. Inparticular the appointment of TomUren as Minister for Urban andRegional Development provedvital, since he put his weightbehind the implementation of theGlebe Project.

In the mid-70s, the expresswayplans for Glebe were abandoned sothat the suburb was no longerunder threat of being parceled upinto small lots in between thetraffic. Among the heroes of theanti-expressway campaign wereAlbert Mispel, Alan Sorrenson, JoyWallace (joy Warren), Jan Potter,and the BLF members JackMundey and Joe Owens.

The conclusion of the Glebe Landssubmission is worth quoting:

"Much has been done in recentyears to preserve our importantpublic buildings and the grandhomes of our more famous andwealthy early citizens. However,this approach has done little ornothing to conserve whole areaswhich offer more completeevidence of earlier lifestyles.

The Glebe lands of Bishopthorpeand St Phillips, with theirstructural and historical unity andsubstantially original condition,represent a unique opportunity topreserve not only the atmosphereof the 1870's to 1890's in whichyears most of the area wasdeveloped, but also elements of thebuilding styles of the 1820's to1840's. In addition. preservationwould allow the retention of theexisting community that wouldinevitably be destroyed by anyscheme of complete or substantialredevelopment.

Rehabilitation with somesympathetic redevelopment would

...from p4

provide medium to high densityliving combined with a high qualitysocial and physical environment.

The rehabilitation of Bishopthorpeand St Phillips represents a challengein town planning, architecture andsocial policy of a type and scale neverbefore tackled in Australia. Thisopportunity should not be allowed topass."

How good that it was not, and thatthe consultants who carried out thefeasibility study for the future of theGlebe Estate were instructed by TomUren's Department to include thefollowing objectives:• to preserve and sympathetically

refurbish an area of century-oldtownscape;

• to avoid the sudden displacementof the existing population and thedisruption of existing communitylinks;

• to retain the opportunity for lowincome individuals and familiesto live close to the city as part of awider community;

• to improve environmentalconditions and social facilities forthe residents of the Estate and thesurrounding area.

The Glebe Lands (Appropriation) Act1974 was assented to in August1974; it is therefore twenty-five yearssince the formal commencement ofthe Glebe Project. The aim toconsult widely with the communityand encourage participation was metby the formation of the Residents' .Advisory Committee.

The whole project was a unique onein town planning and social terrnsand Ibelieve both the Glebe Societyand the Glebe community can beproud of their involvement.

For those who are interested infurther details of the Glebe Project, Iwould refer you to an article in theRoyalAustralian Planning InstituteJournal of February, 1977 (Vo1.l5,No.l) and the book Glebe Projectprepared by the Department ofHousing and Construction andpublished by the AustralianGovernment Publishing Service in1980.

Jeanette Knox

Celebrating 25 years

A very fine ecumenical service took place at St. John's Bishopthorpe onSunday 29 August, to mark two significant events in the history of Glebe;1) the Official Declaration of the first Anglican Chaplain to Australia,the Reverend Richard Johnson, on 29 AtJIDlSt1789, granted the GlebeEstate to the Church of England in Australia; and 2) The Glebe LandsAppropriation Act which was assented to in August 1974 by which theGlebe Lands were purchased by the Federal Government from theChurch.

The service was one of thanksgiving and was conducted by the ActingRector of St. John's, Dr David Duchesne, with readings and prayers byministers of St. James Catholic Church, the Glebe Uniting Church ParishMission, and the Glebe Estate Community Church'; Dr Duchnesneacknowledged the inspiration of Mr. Joe Mannix and thanked him for the'tremendous work he had put into organising the event. Hymns weresung by the Taverner Consort of Voices, and among the works played byorganist Herbert Woodhouse on the beautiful 1884 Forster and ~drewsorgan was "Master Blacket's BishcpthcrpeSuiee for Organ", sp.edilly .composed in 1994 to celebrate the organ's 'restoration. Symbols .representing the original Aboriginal community, the people of the GlebeEstate, their neighbourliness and their ethnic diversity were placed in theChurch, and the sermon was given by Rev. Barry Skellett, Rector at St.John's at the time the Glebe Project was implemented, who told us ofhow he came to be involved in the fight.

The guest of honour was the Hon.Tom Uren, 'Father of the Estate'.Addressing the congregation he said he was "thrilled to pieces" to bepresent because the purchasing of the Estate was "one of the greatmoments" ofhis life. He felt he had been privileged as a politician to begiven portfolios that were "near to the people" and that he had, therefore,received "nourishment" from the people. He told us of the three reasonswhy the Federal Government had agreed to buy the Estate (at a cost in .19740f$17.5m):

1) to protect the people living in it;2) to retain the townscape of 120 year-old houses;3) once the land was owned by the Federal Government, the NSW

Government would not be able to build freeways through theheart of the community.

At the conclusion of the service, and before light refreshme~~ were. serVed, in Record Reign Hall in St. John's Road, we crossed to the grounds of theHall for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Kris Cruden, theMayor of Leichhardt and Mr. Uren; a Tree of Life is to be planted in thecommunity garden there.

Bobbie Burke

5

Election to Leichhardt CouncilSATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 1999

As you know, a total of 109 candidates nominated forelection to Leichhardt Council, the highest number

in any municipality or shire In the State.

The following groupsseeking election toCouncil did not respondto our request:

LEICHHARDTCOMMUNITYALLIANCE

LETRESIDENTSELECT THE MAYOR

MARIJUANASMOKERS' RIGHTSPARTY

OUR COMMUNITY- OUR COUNCIL

The SENIORS'PARTY

The WOMEN'SPARTY

A reply from

INDEPENDENTSFOR A BETTERCOUNCIL

was received too late forinclusion in this Bulletin.

6

We thought it appropriate to ask the 33 accepted candidates for the GIebelAnnandale ward of Leichhardt Municipality to let us know how they would

, act on three matters of importance to the Society - heritage, litter, and theviability of Glebe Point Road (these issues were among the top four at theSociety's Strategic Planning Sessions held last year) . We thank all candidateswho replied to our questionnaire.

Below are the questions we asked each of the 11 groupings, and the oneindependent candidate, and the answers we received.

Q: In 1974' Glebe was listed by the National Trustas aConservation Area. Do you have any strategies forimproving p.ublic awareness of the consequences of thislisting?

DENIS DOHERTY TEAMStrategically placed signs advising designated conservation area, with perhaps a briefexplanation; published matter freely available to the public through local businesses andlibrary, outlining that a conservation area is not limited to buildings but can includestreetscapes, trees, etc.

The GREENSFurther develop a well-documented register of key sites; develop carefully structuredguided tours; work closely with community groups to explore a greater awareness of thesesites to develop strategies that increase awareness without creating pollution andminimising traffic effects. It is imperative that the merits are seen as part of a whole.

Independent, TOM DANEncourage a distinct uniform sign with heritage character/colour denoting the area. Iwould refuse the present development application which requires the demolition of theBlackwartle Bay Studios (or a similar DA) in the heritage area. The studios are anexemplary example of the vision of the Leichhardt Town Plan, i.e. "to conserve andenhance the quality and diversity of the natural, living, working and leisure" environmentsof Leichhardt,

LABORIt is important that Council raise awareness of the conservation listing by remindingresidents in publications, media columns and Council newsletters. When large scaledevelopments are proposed that may have an adverse effect on the heritage nature ofGlebe, Council should ensure that not only are surrounding residents notified, but also thewider community is made aware, through media releases, written notification, andnotification of community groups.Council should continue to encourage and support activities that celebrate the uniqueheritage of our area, such as the heritage walk and heritage week; Council needs to foster agood relationship with the community groups that promote the conservation area.

LIBERALAs statedin our policy document we have a commitment to "strengthen and expand theprofile of the existing heritage committees and historical societies operating within themunicipality, by establishing an advisory committee comprising members of the culturaland historical societies residing within the municipality". This committee will be fundedby Council.

Q There were 1758 illegaldumpings p,icked up bV Counc,illast year. Given that fining hasproved ineffectual, what· would youpropose to make the streets ofGlebe cleaner?

DENIS DOHERTY TEAM'The Council system of picking up old furniture etc. isnot well known or used; we propose to distributetwice yearly cards with advice on how to access thepick ups. We propose that community developmentactions be introduced to encourage a pride in the area;courses on waste minimisation be held in situ in theworst affected streets; we would look at introducing'Tidy Streets' competitions; we favour clusters of binson GPR for recycling purposes.

The GREENSIntroduce a 'Revolve' style recycling program; developinitiatives within the local community which developa pride in the area; develop youth programs whichinclude an understanding of the area, its history andits importance within the wider community.

Independent, TOM DANIncrease the number of by-laws inspectors (for thisand other duties) and through the Council column inthe local weekly newspapers, encourage citizens toreport the dumping of rubbish at all times.

LABORWe believe that Council needs to dedicate moreresources and staff to ensuring that the 'basicfunctions' are performed; more effort and resourcesneed to be put into cleaning up the streets of Glebe;the community should be made aware of businessesthat Council catches habitually dumping garbage; apublic education campaign should be implemented toencourage people to have pride in the cleanliness oftheir streets - the campaign would focus on thewonderful place Glebe is and how, as a community,we can work together to improve it.

LIBERALStreet cleanliness involves far more than combatingillegal dumping. State Government recentlyannounced a team to crack down on illegal dumpingin the western suburbs; we suggest a similar approachby expanding the role of Council rangers with thepossibility of employing more. This should be costeffective as Council currently outlays more than $1million each year to dispose of illegally dumpedrubbish. Cameras are currently being trialed in otherareas within the municipality.General street cleaning needs to be improved withgreater use of technology, i.e. blowers, mini sweepersetc. We also propose introducing a "Keep the LocalDrains Clean" response team to clean all drains afterstorms in order to prevent localised flooding.

Q Businesses on Glebe Point Road[GPR] are a'iready being adverselyaffected by The,Broadway ShoppingCentre. What c.an Council do toenhance the-shopping strip'and keep Itviable?

DENIS DOHERTY TEAMThe trend of making the street more attractive shouldcontinue and be completed. We are proposing that eachbusiness which gives a donation (under an agreed formula)to a Glebe cause be given a certificate as a Gleb«CommunitySupporter. The business would then be in the position tosay "Support a business that supports the GlebeCommunity."This scheme could include precinct committees, whichwould supply lists of businesses which have supported thecommunity. Council should acknowledge the donationsby businesses to 'good causes' by an honour roll or amention in the Council advertisement in the local paper. Aconstant theme in Council public announcements in regardto local businesses should be "If we don't use the localbusinesses, we'll lose them".

The GREENSImprove the pedestrian access, especially pathways, andimprove the streetscape appropriately, keeping the originalstyles in place and renovating damaged and abusedbuildings; improve the public transport systems throughshutrlebuses to attract people from within the community.

Independent, TOM DANEncourage all business/shop developments in GPR to havestreet awnings; applications for demolition of existingawnings (unless replaced) should be refused; people wouldthen have a street to stroll along in all weather. Lobby for areturn of the public bus service along Pyrmont BridgeRoad, with stops near GPR

LABORCouncil should continue implementing and upgrading theamenity of GPR, and ensure that the facilities on the streetsuch as seats, shading and the quality of die footpaths,toilets and garbage bins are continually cleaned andimproved; festival and other public activities that bringpeople to Glebe should be actively supported, encouragedand promoted by the Council; We will also lobby the StateGovernment for improved public transport to GPR,including ftequency and faster bus routes to and from thecity.

LIBERALConvene a local Shopkeepers Forum, soconstant communication can be achievedbetween local shopkeepers and Council; fasttrack the GPR Beautification programme;increase Council cleaning services along GPR;remove the hoarding fee currently charged byCouncil; this will be a direct saving toshopkeepers and thus help maintain theirviability.

7

Highlightsfrom the .Management Committee

Meeting he1f:t. on 11 A~gust ~999

CENTENARY OF FEDERATIONNicky Teffer, a Leichhardt resident and an assistant .

curator at the Art Gallery ofNSW talked about her ideasfor a photographic exhibition for the Centenary ofFederation featuring the Leichhardt municipality, e.g. thecontribution to Federation by people who lived in themunicipality such as Edmund Barton and Sir HenryParkes. She also plans to locate Glebe in its wider contextin Sydney. One of our members reminded us that the useof 'Federation' to describe a house style was coined byProfessor Bernard Smith, the Society's founder and firstPresident. Anyone wishing to contact Nicky with ideascould ring her on 9518. 1191, her email address is<nteffer@werple.net.au>.

PROGRESSIVE DINNERThe Progressive Dinner, our major fundraising event of

the year, was a great success with 48 people attending.Though we do not have final costs yet, it seems thatapproximately $1500 was raised, which will be used foressential Society expenses. Thanks to all who helped tocook, and who made their homes available.

BAYS AND FORESHORESJudy Vergison and Roberta Johnson prepared a

thorough and well-thought out submission on BlackwattleBay Park to Leichhardt Council, which obviouslyappreciated their efforts. Proposals are exciting - upgradingof the children's play ground area, improvement tofootpaths around the foreshore and most exciting of all,the restoration of Bellevue as a cafe/gallery space - if asuitable lessee can be found.

FORESHORE WALK PROJECT TEAMThis tearn is doing great work on finding out who owns

land along the foreshores and what possibility there is ofwalking through or around the various areas not now opento the public. Neil Macindoe will lead a walk duringGlebe Week on 18 September [seeNotice Board].

CLEAN UP GLEBE PROJECT TEAMThis Tearn is also doing great work and obviously

impacting on Council decision making; a report will bepublished in the next Bulletin.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIPOF THE SOCIETYIncluded with this Bulletin is a membership application

form - you might like to give it to a Glebe friend orneighbour, and tell them of the work the current projectteams are doing on cleaning up Glebe, the foreshore walk,and heritage. The more members the Society has, the .more we are able to achieve.

8

Anewcultural-plan+I'j U,. Leichhardt

lfit H1181 T Council willC 0 U N ell commence an

extended seriesof consultations,COOUIllSSlon

research, develop a survey and run a series ofworkshops over the next twelve months as part ofthe development, and hopefully implementation, ofa new Cultural Plan.

The purpose of the Cultural Plan is to try toestablish a series of strategies that build on the localcharacter{s} of the area- while finding ways ofextending and strengthening the idea ofcommunity. Council, through its Cultural Planner,Anne Martin, hopes the process of developing thePlan will encourage residents, businesses and otherswith an interest in Glebe to think about what couldhappen over a ten year period that builds on the'social capital' and physical environment of ourarea. Having fun, meeting people and learningabout the history, will also be part of the Plandevelopment, A walking tour, ferry cruise and apossible heritage trail are existing ideas for theconsultation process. Anne hopes to start theCultural Plan this year - with a completion datetwelve months down the track.

Council has received $5000 funding from TourismNSW to commence a long term TourismManagement and Promotion Strategy, which willcommence with a workshop run by Tourism NSWand will include commissioned professionalphotography featuring Glebe. A Glebe Workshopwas scheduled for Thursday 19August; this was anindustry specific workshop and the Society needsto be represented to ensure heritage and localresidents' concerns and ideas are considered.

Other issues include trying to establish alternativeaffordable artist studios to replace studios that havebeen (and will be) lost to Glebe over the last tenyears. Anne also contributes to the Glebe PointRoad Streetscape program, and is continuing thePublic Art program. New works (hopefullyscheduled for this year) include one for Bridge RoadGlebe, and another for Broadway Plaza based onchildren's artwork around 'Sorry Day' with GlebePrimary School and Aboriginal artist TracyBostock; she will also advise and offer support for amajor Federation Project with the Glebe YouthCentre [see p5].

[Anne Martin addressed the July meeting of theManagement Committee.]

The school on the waterfrontat Blackwattle Bay

Heather Martin, Principal of GlebeHigh for the last five years,addressed the August meeting of theManagement Committee, giving usmuch interesting information aboutthe school and its students [see alsoBulletin 1199, p3], of which she isobviously very proud.

Glebe High is a community schoolwith almost every ethnic grouprepresented - 60% are from a non-English-speaking background, 10%are Aboriginal Australians, and 30%Anglo-Celt - this means thateveryone is in a minority. Theschool has 350 students, andeverybody has a high profile andidentity, which is easier to achieve ina small school. Students, togetherwith parents and teachers, havenegotiated a code of conduct andthere is great respect for property,tolerance and learning, as well as astrong sense of camaraderiethroughout the school. Absenteeismhas been reduced and attendance isnow an excellent 93%.

Approximately half of the final yearstudents go on to University, and atleast two-thirds to tertiary educationof some kind. The school has asuccessful literacy programme wheresome students have improved theirreading levels by up to four years in12 months.

Communication between thecommunity and the students is veryvaluable, and existing links includeSydney TAFE where students haveenrolled in some 45 of the availablecourses as part of their high schooleducation; the University ofSydney, whose undergraduates offertuition to senior students; SouthSydney Rotary club's workexperience programme for Year 10students; the T oxteth Hotel'ssupport of the basketball team; andliason with Glebe Youth Centrewhich exists by way of regular inter-agency meetings. As a result of all ofthis, self esteem is high.

Heather told us of the dedicatedwork that Max Soiling does at the

However, on this occasion Mr.Porteous was promoted to 'Admiral'

r;:::::=============:::::;, with the universal approval of allpresent. Mrs Porteous attended thedance with her husband; she also hadworked hard to help establish theSchool.

school- working for 2-3 hours eachday on the school gardens.Vandalism of the gardens, whichonce was a problem, has now almostceased. He has also been involvedin a current joint venture betweenGlebe High and the old GlebeRowing Club to build a boathouseon school grounds that will provideconsiderable rowing facilities, andenable in-school coaching forstudents of the school. Rowing, shefeels; need not be an elitist sport,rather it can be a sport for inner citykids who go to Glebe High.

The School encourages use of thebuildings and grounds outside ofschool hours, values its links withthe community and welcomesvisitors at any time. The 20thAnniversary School Fair will takeplace on Friday 17 September.

In thanking Heather, the Presidentexpressed great appreciation for themarvellous work going on at theschool which would also impactpositively on the Glebe community.

Glebe High20th Anniversary

School FairFriday 17 September

11 - 2;30 pm

• food

• fun• face painting

• basketball

• music• entertainment

,'~'~'f~All Invited!

GLEBE HIGH20TH ANNIVERSARYCELEBRATION

Glebe High celebrated the 20manniversary of its foundation with aformal dinner dance held in theschool hall on Friday 25 June 1999.The Principal, Heather Martin, gavethe welcome address on the well-attended occasion.

The School's inaugural Principal wasMr. Ian Porteous, whose speechrelated the enjoyment he had derivedfrom working at the School- and inattending the dinner dance. Mr.Porteous was known for analogiesregarding the school and ships - theSchool's waterside location andmarine architectural style supportedhis theme - and he was often referredto as 'the ship's Captain'.

Former Principals Mr Pat Kidd andMr John Ramsay were not able toattend, but sent their warm messagesof congratulations.

It was a very pleasant evening,beautifully presented by staff,students and the Parents' andCitizens' Association headed byRoger Mackel!. Present-day staff,former staff, present pupils, former .pupils, and friends of the School allhad a wonderful time dancing andenjoying the occasion. Good timesand hard times were remembered asGlebe High saluted its 20th year inproviding comprehensive educationservices to the community.

CONGRATULATIONSGLEBEHIGH SCHOOLI

Alison McKeown9

For Your Diary ...Saturday 4 September

Wednesday 8 September

Wednesday 8 SeptemberWednesday 8 SeptemberFriday 10 September

SaturdaySundayFridaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday

11 September12 September17 September18 September18 September18 September

Wednesday 22 SeptemberThursday 23 September

I ADVANCE NOTICE I14 - 21 November

Sunday 16 November

Glebe Estate Community Church Annual Fair9 - 3pm Church Centre, 37-47 St. Johns RoadGlebe Society Management Committee Meeting

. 7.30 pm Toxteth Hotel Meeting RoomHear the Latest on Light Rail - see p lErica Olson Art Exhibition Opening, see Notice BoardThere are MANY events in Glebe Weekfrom 10 to 19 September - see enclosed flyerCouncil elections - don't forget to vote!Spring in Glebe - see Notice BoardGlebe High 20th Anniversary School Fair, see p9The almost Foreshore Walk, seeNotice BoardT canby Aboriginal College Open Day, see enclosed Glebe Week flyerGlebe Community Garden - see Bulletin 1199, p912 - 2 pm Launch, spring vegetable planting, refreshments - all welcomeFamily History Seminar at Benledi, see Notice BoardOral History Project at Leichhardt Town Hall, see Notice Board

Glebe Music Festivalfull details in next BulletinGlebe Street Fair

We are glad to publishletters or articles:.:. on any matters of

interest to Glebe.:. on any topic raised

in the Bulletin, or.:. on any issues

relating to TheGlebe Society.

All correspondence shouldbe addressed to:

The Glebe Society IncBox 100 POGlebe 2037

DISCLAIMERViews expressed in thisBulletin are notnecessarily those ofThe Glebe SOCiety Inc.

The Glebe Society IncMANAGEMENT COMMITIEEPresidentSenior Vice-PresidentJunior Vice-Presidentand New Members Contact

Immediate Past PresidentSecretaryTreasurerCommittee Members:

Bruce DavisJennifer Reed Burns

Cynthia JonesRussell Stewart

Liz Booker-SimpsonAlan Hunt

Andrew CraigNeil MacindoeTed McKeown

Marianne von Knobelsdorff

9660. 78739692.9369

9660.24519660.83249518.61869660.24079566. 17469660.02089660.39179692.0916

SUB-COMMITIEE CONVENORSAll convenors are ex officio members of the Management CommitteePUrcran' vacantBays and ForeshoresEnvironmentFRROGsLight RailPlanningTrafficPROJECTTEAMSClean Up Glebe Jennifer Reed BurnsConserving Glebe Heritage Christine WhittemoreForeshore Walk and Cycle Way Judy VergisonCONTACTSArchivistHistorianMembership ListBulletin EditorAssistant Editor

vacantChristine Whittemore

Roberta JohnstonBruce Davis

vacantJeanette Knox

Lyn MiltonMax Soiling

John SleemanBobbie BurkeCynthia Jones

9660. 79699552.32489660. 7873

9660.7781

9692.93699660. 79699692.9200

9660. 79309660. 11609692.95079692.03439660.2451

in this issue:• . what the candidates say, pp 6-7• annual report of the President, p2- 3• the Glebe Estate, p 4-5• cultural planning at LMC, p8• the school on the waterfront, p9

The Blackwattle Bay/Rozelle Bay Master Plan is now ondisplay at the Glebe Library - see Bulletin 5/99 pp6-7

The 6LEBEBox 100 PO

SOCIETY IncSiebe 2037 POSTAGE

PAID

Ms Edwina Doe224 Bridge RoadGlebe NSW 2037

MMBERSHIP of THE GLEBE SOCIETY Inc DEADLINEOrdinary $30 for copy for the next issueConcession:

Student/Pensioner $15of The Glebe Society

Institution $30Bulletin is Tuesday

15 SeptemberWrite to Box 100 PO Glebe 2037, pick up an application form

Please send tofrom the Glebe Library, or phone Jeanette Knox 9660.7781.Box 100 PO, Glebe,

If you have a matter that you would like to discuss with the orManagement Committee, please ring the Secretary, ??? on ??? and 32 Lombard Street Glebearrange to come to a meeting.