2001: When Queenscliff lost its suburb status

In 2001, residents of Queenscliff were outraged when their suburb (which had been a locality since 1984) was assigned as an urban place within Harbord, meaning that those who resided there were officially residents of Harbord.

Source: Connolly, F. 2001. "Queenscliff: beautiful one day, gone the next". The Daily Telegraph, June 18: 7.

It was formally regazetted as a suburb on July 12, 2002, by the NSW Geographical Names Board, which was welcomed by residents.

Source: Skelsey, M. 2002. "Suburb recovers its lost identity". The Daily Telegraph, July 17: 4. 

Property Advert of the Week: 'The magnificent seven' by Neeta Homes (1969)

Below is a 1969 newspaper advertisement promoting seven model homes by Neeta Homes, located at "Neeta City", just off Epping Road at Marsfield.

   

Source: Neeta Homes. 1969. 'The magnificent seven' (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, June 21: 26-27.

1987: Penrith Lakes Scheme Unveiled

In 1987, the NSW Government signed an agreement with the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (a joint venture between Boral, CSR and Pioneer) to convert quarries near Penrith into recreational land.

This also included the creation of seven man-made lakes (would eventually be 12). Early plans for the land included a mix of theme parks, sports centres, heritage sites, horse-riding trails, and water-sport precincts, including a rowing course.

Source: Nicholson, L. 1987. "$183mil lake plan to rival harbour". The Daily Telegraph, August 12: 7. 

The rowing course would evolve into the Sydney International Regatta Centre, built as part of the 2000 Olympic Games and hosting Rowing, Kayaking, and Canoeing. In addition, the Sydney Whitewater Stadium hosted the Canoe and Kayak Slalom events. In addition, the Sydney International Regatta Centre can host other sporting events such as triathlons. 

Quarrying ended in 2015, and the area continues to evolve. Penrith (Pondi) Beach was opened to the public for use during the summer months in 2023 and has rapidly gained popularity among locals and Sydneysiders alike.

Most of the space will remain as open space for public access. Plans include building the Sydney Aerospace Park and Nepean Business Park, a golf course, and a waterfront precinct known as Southbank.

Click here to find out more about the development of Penrith Lakes.

Property Advert of the Week: AVJennings Cashback Offer (2001)

Below is a 2001 newspaper advertisement by AVJennings in conjunction with Long Homes. Those who purchased a model home or a house-and-land package would receive $7000 cashback, and first-home buyers would receive an additional $7000, bringing the total to $14000. The offer was available at their new estates in Beaumont Hills (then part of Kellyville), Kellyville, Glenwood, Plumpton, Prestons and Quakers Hill. Merrivale Estate (Kellyville) would later be incorporated into Kellyville Ridge in 2007.

Source: AvJennings. 2001."$7,000 cash back for ALL home buyers" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, February 17: page unknown (Homes Liftout).

1981: Opening of Herald Square, Circular Quay

In 1981, as part of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of The Sydney Morning Herald (originally known as The Sydney Herald ), the publishers of the newspaper (John Fairfax & Sons Limited) gifted the city with a new public square in Alfred Street between George Street and Alfred Street.

Source: Glascott, J. 1981. "Five pools in a fountain ... and all yours". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 17: 3.

On April 16 1981, the square was officially opened by Lord Mayor Doug Sutherland.

The Tank Stream Fountain is the focal point of the square. It was designed by sculptor Stephen Walker and was inspired by the Tank Stream, which once ran through central Sydney but is now a stormwater pipe.

Below are a few photos of the square I took in 2025. 

Property Advert of the Week: The Savoy, Sydney CBD (1981)

Below is a 1981 newspaper advertisement for "The Savoy" apartment tower at the corner of King and Kent Street in central Sydney. It was among a number of apartment towers built in central Sydney during the 1980s

One-bedroom apartments were on offer from $126 000 which is equivalent to spending $606 000 today (RBA Inflation Calculator) 

 

Source: City Living. 1981. "The Savoy" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, August 1: 13.