Heritage Festival returns for 2019
Wednesday, 10 April 2019
Inner West Council’s 2019 Heritage Festival explores the rich history of the Inner West and highlights the people who have shaped our vibrant neighbourhood.
Many of the events take place in historical venues which are rarely open to the public, making the festival a rare opportunity for residents.
The 2019 festival, presented by Council under the auspices of the National Trust, has the theme Connecting People, Places and the Past.
Ludwig Leichhardt is synonymous with Australian exploration but he also passionately recorded natural history, including in the area of botany, which people can view in an exhibition or hear three experts talk about his life and legacy in a history talk.
Residents can be charmed by Haberfield’s historic buildings like Yasmar House or view some of the prizewinning gardens from the 2019 Haberfield Celebration of Garden’s Competition.
The festival takes place from 18 April to 19 May.
For more on the program of events click here. For an interview about individual events or the entire program, or print quality images, contact the Communication team.
- Billy Murdoch: A Star Cricketer from Balmain
Join Richard Cashman for a history talk about a new book on cricketing legend Billy Murdoch.
Thursday, 18 April, 6pm, Balmain Town Hall.
FREE
Register
- The Vanishing of Ludwig Leichhardt
Three Ludwig Leichhardt experts take a look at his life and legacy in this history talk.
Sunday, 7 May, 7.30pm Leichhardt Town Hall.
FREE
Register
- Beyond Exploration: The Botanical Legacy of Ludwig Leichhardt
Art exhibition by Tanya Hoolihan
1-29 April, Leichhardt Library, during library opening hours
FREE
No bookings required
- Visual Legacy: Italian Australian Elders by Paolo Totaro
A photo exhibition capturing the invisible and often unknown figures in the Italian diaspora, who arrived in Australia following WWII.
1-30 May, Leichhardt Library, during library opening hours
No bookings required
Official opening event: Wednesday, 8 May at 6.30pm-8pm.
- Balmain Heritage: Connecting People, Places and the Past
Six notable Balmain residents from the 1800s and their significant contribution to the area are highlighted in this exhibition.
From 20 April-19 May inclusive
Tuesdays, 11am-1pm, Saturdays, 11.30am-3pm
Balmain Watch House
No bookings required
- Behind the Scenes: Trinity Grammar
A walking tour to learn more about the history of the site, from the early days when its seventeen acres of land were used to teach agriculture.
Saturday, 18 May, Trinity Grammar School, Summer Hill
Register
- Behind the Scenes: Newington College
A walking tour with Newington’s archivist David Roberts, who will give insight into the building’s history.
Saturday, 27 April, Newington College, Stanmore
Register
- Haberfield Association Presents Yasmar Garden and St David’s Open Day
Enjoy an afternoon visiting two of Haberfield’s charming historic buildings. At 12pm there is a special guest talk by Gina Plate, Heritage and Horticultural Consultant, on Yasmar House veranda.
Saturday, 11 May
Yasmar Garden open 11am-3pm
St David’s Uniting Church open 12pm-4pm
Bookings essential by emailing vacrow@hotmail.com
- Haberfield Celebration of Gardens Walk
View a selection of prize winning gardens from the 2019 Haberfield Celebration of Gardens Competition on this walking tour.
Saturday, 27 April, 1.30pm-4pm
Bookings essential with Russell Perrott on 0414 529 483.
Cost: $5 for Haberfield Association members and family, $10 for non-members.
Meeting point: St. David’s Uniting Church
- Hunter Baillie Memorial Presbyterian Church Open day and guided history walk
Enjoy an afternoon of organ recitals and church history talks. Devonshire tea will be available in the church hall.
Sunday, 5 May, 12-4pm (organ recitals and talks at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm)
FREE
No bookings required
Join Marghanita da Cruz for her popular guided walk of Annandale taking you through the rich history of the ‘60s - the 1860s and the 1960s.
2pm-3pm
Register
Cost: $20 includes Devonshire tea before or after the walk. Proceeds go to conservation appeal.
- Where Millionaires and Paupers Lay
A fact filled walking tour with Patrick Callaghan of the history of our streets both above and below the ground.
Saturday, 11 May, 10am-12pm
FREE
Register
- Leadlight at Twilight in Haberfield
An evening stroll along the streets of Haberfield to admire the many colourful leadlight windows and doors in the Federation style homes.
Sunday, 5 May, 5pm-8pm
Cost: $5 Haberfield Association members, $10 non-members.
Bookings essential with Gordon Hill on 0421 821 010.
Meeting point: Robson Park, corner Boomerang Street and Mortley Avenue
- Tour of Neglect and Vision
Walking tour of Callan Park, once neglected but full of opportunity.
Sunday, 5 May, 2-4pm
Callan Park
Bookings essential at https://www.trybooking.com/BAPKM
Cost: $20 per person (children under 12 free)
Meeting point: Main gates of Callan Park, intersection of Cecily Street and Balmain Road, Rozelle