Property Advert of the Week: Oakdale Estate, Old Toongabbie (1965)

Below is a 1965 newspaper advertisement promoting the Oakdale Estate at Old Toongabbie. The estate, located along Old Windsor Road near Fitzwilliam Road, offered house-and-land packages from £4850 ($9700). According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, this was equivalent to spending around $165,150 today.  

Source: G. L. H. Young Pty. Ltd. 1965. "Brand New Homes" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, June 5: 28.

1986: Parramatta Stadium opened by Queen Elizabeth II

Above: The official opening of Parramatta Stadium on March 5, 1986. Full citation below.

 

The former Parramatta Stadium (1986-2016) was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on March 5 1986. 

It replaced Cumberland Oval, which by the early 1980's became run-down, and in 1981 the grandstand was burned to the ground as Parramatta fans celebrated their first NSWRL Premiership on September 27, 1981. 

Source: Jones, M. 1986. "35,000 Royalists: The Queen packs 'em in at Parramatta". The Daily Telegraph, March 6: 5. 

As for the opening itself, a crowd estimated at up to 35 000 gathered at the stadium. 

The Queen was accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Premier of NSW, Neville Wran and Federal Sports Minister (and local Federal Member) John Brown were among the political dignitaries present.

Source: Andrews, M. 1986. "But, says Sterling, little has changed:. The Daily Telegraph, March 17:2. 

The first event held at the stadium was a NSWRL (now NRL) round 2 fixture between Parramatta and St George on March 16, 1986. This featured a special pre-game ceremony. Below is a video containing highlights of the game and the pre-match ceremony, posted on the NRL's YouTube Channel. There are clippings at the start, with an overview of construction and the official opening by the Queen.  

Parramatta defeated the 1985 Grand Finalists 36-6. 

This year also marks 10 years since the stadium was closed, demolished, and rebuilt as Western Sydney Stadium. Its last event was on August 29 2016, when Parramatta and St George-Illawarra (originally St George) played in Round 25 of the regular season. These were the same teams who had played the first sporting fixture on the ground three decades earlier. Parramatta, as they did in 1986, beat St George-Illawarra 30-18.

1987: Sydney Regional Centres Feature

Source: Pelly, M. 1987. "Suburbs that spawn cities within a city". The Daily Telegraph, August 1: 20. 

The Daily Telegraph in 1987 published a feature report on commercial development in three Sydney regional centres - Bondi Junction, Chatswood and Parramatta. The 1980s saw a boom in office development in these centres, already well established due to public transport (including being located on major rail lines), and also acting as established retail and entertainment centres. 

If we fast forward four decades, Parramatta has made the most progress. Even in the 1980s, it was a major growth centre and continues to be so. It is Sydney's Second Central Business District (CBD) and planning guidelines now allow development in central Parramatta to be treated as if it were being done in central Sydney.  Under the planning blueprint - The Sydney Plan (2018), Parramatta is regarded as one of three metropolises within Greater Sydney, alongside the Sydney CBD and Bradfield. Major skyscrapers that one would normally find in Sydney's CBD have made their presence felt. The tallest tower is the 225 metre/57 storey 6 & 8 Parramatta Square.

High-rise development continued into the 1990s for Bondi Junction and Chatswood, but the decade saw greater emphasis on residential towers, and both also continued to evolve as retail centres. 

Westfield expanded their retail complexes in both centres. The redevelopment of Westfield Bondi Junction (incorporating Bondi Junction Plaza, Carousel and the Grace Bros site) in the early 2000's into a single retail complex would make it a flagship centre for the Westfield Group upon completion in 2004. This cemented Bondi Junction as a retail destination for the Eastern Suburbs, attracting luxury labels from Double Bay or Oxford Street, Paddington. 

Chatswood has benefited from the construction of the Metro North West, City and Bankstown Line and its predecessor Epping-Chatswood Rail Line. This has opened up access to those at North Ryde and North West and, in late 2026, Bankstown. 

The Metro West Line (Hunter Street, City to Westmead) will provide those travelling between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD with a faster service, relieving the existing T1 Western Line when completed in 2032. Major towers are planned for the blocks located directly above the proposed Parramatta Metro Station and will be easily connected to existing Light Rail and heavy rail lines. 

Property Advert of the Week: Parkes Ideal Homes, Carlingford Village (1968)

In 1968, Parkes Ideal Homes sold homes that could be built on your own block of land for $7390. According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, this is equivalent to spending at least $115 100 to build your own home. 

Their display village comprised 23 homes located at Dryden Avenue, Carlingford.

Source: Parkes Ideal Homes. 1969. "expo 69" (Advertisement). The Daily Mirror, November 22: 52. 

Property Advert of the Week: 'Highpoint on the Park', Parramatta (2003)

Below is a 2003 newspaper advertisement promoting apartments for sale at 'Highpoint on the Park' in Parramatta. Two and three-bedroom apartments were on offer.

 

Source: Moxham's Real Estate Pty. Ltd. & Raine & Horne Parramatta. (2003). The Sunday Telegraph, April 27: 14 (homeowner liftout).

Remember This? Sydney Panorama from Olympic Park (2006)

In 2006, the Novotel at Sydney Olympic Park was the only high-rise building in the precinct, and for a small fee, one could visit the observation deck on level 18. It offered spectacular 360-degree views of the Sydney metropolitan area. 

I visited the observation deck that year and stitched a panorama of around 180 degrees, including Chatswood, St Leonards, North Sydney, the Sydney CBD, Burwood, and Strathfield.

Below is a close-up of the Sydney CBD with Sydney Tower perfectly positioned in the middle. 

Given the development at Sydney Olympic Park since, I am grateful that I was able to create the panorama as the views towards the city have been blocked by the high-rises. 

New Years Eve 25 Years Ago: 2000 (Centenary of Federation Fireworks)

 

Wednesday is New Year's Eve, and as the norm at this time of the year, I look back at how Sydney welcomed the new year 25 years ago.

The year of focus is 2000.

Fireworks

The launch points for the fireworks are shown below. For 2025, they have stuck to the "traditional" launch points, but with added launch sites - Off Bradfield Park, Kirribilli, Off Garden Island, a second launch site to the west of Goat Island, and a launch site to the west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to complement the barge located off Kirribilli and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The duration of the display was reduced from 25 minutes to welcome in 2000 to 16 minutes. It would settle at 12 minutes, which is expected to be the approximate length of this year's display.

Sourced from: The Daily Telegraph. 2000. "New Years Eve - Official Guide". The Daily Telegraph, December 27: 48-49.

The Bridge Effect for 2001 was an eight-pointed Commonwealth Star with each point representing either a state or territory, with a Rainbow Serpent placed above it.

Source: Westwood, S. "Serpent a star in bridge's New Year test run". The Daily Telegraph, December 22: 3. 

Transport

Revellers were encouraged to travel by public transport to both New Year's Eve and the Centenary of Federation events. Discounted rail and bus tickets with unlimited rail were available and were valid on the day of travel until 4am the next day, either on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. For $12, a combined rail/bus ticket was available, allowing for unlimited travel on Sydney Buses as well. The tickets were commemorative, as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations. 

Source: Sofios, S. 2000. "New Year party crush". The Daily Telegraph, December 23: 15.

Source: NSW Department of Transport. 2000. "Plan it right, for party time" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 22: 34. 

Unfortunately, for New Year's Eve 2025, the regular daily fare cap for public transport in Sydney will be the standard $19.30, as it is not a public holiday. If travelling during regular peak periods on the trains, e.g. 3pm-7pm, you will also pay peak-hour fares as if it were a typical day. If New Year's Eve fell on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday this year, the cap would be $9.65.

Newspaper Coverage

At the top of the entry is the front page of The Daily Telegraph dated January 1, 2001.

Below is the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald from January 1, 2001.

Two general features from The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald from January 1, 2001.

Source: Chesterton. R. 2001. "Twice the fun for New Year party's double celebration". The Daily Telegraph, January 1: 2.

Source: Stevenson, A. 2001. "Boom time in a city that never sleeps". The Sydney Morning Herald, January 1: 2.

Another highlight of the evening was the Lord Mayor's Party held at the Sydney Opera House hosted by Lord Mayor Frank Sartor.

Source: Chesterton, R. 2001. "Style, panache and fizz at Frank's Sydney soiree". The Daily Telegraph, January 1: 6. 

Parramatta Stadium played host to a concert that was televised on Channel Ten featuring Vanessa Amorosi, Nathan Cavaleri, Human Nature, S2S and Madison Avenue

Below is the fireworks as broadcast on the Nine Network. Video uploaded to Youtube by "SydneyCelebrates".  

Centenary of Federation  - January 1

New Year's Day saw three major events to mark the Centenary of Federation on January 1, 1901. 

State and Federal Leaders, along with Governor General Sir William Deane, gathered at Centennial Park to reenact the inauguration of the Federation of Australia on January 1, 1901. This was held in the Federation Pavilion (rebuilt in 1988).

As many as 500,000 Sydneysiders gathered to watch the Journey of a Nation parade, which ran down Macquarie Street, College Street and Oxford Street and down Anzac Parade to Moore Park.

In the evening, a concert was held at Centennial Park.

Below is a front page from The Sydney Morning Herald from January 2, 2001.

   

Finally, I'd like to wish you all a very safe and Happy New Year, and may 2026 be a year of success, prosperity and good health. 

Property Advert of the Week: Hooker Homes, Winston Hills (1969)

Below is a 1969 newspaper advertisement by Hooker Homes promoting house and land packages that were available at Winston Hills.

 

Source: Hooker Homes. 1969. "Whats New?" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, July 12: 25. 

Property Advert of the Week: Epping Land Release (1970)

Below is a 1970 newspaper advertisement promoting a land release at Epping near the Epping Aquatic and Leisure Centre. According to the information provided, the lots appeared to encompass Pembroke Street and Raymond Place, a cul-de-sac, and the map features a cul-de-sac.

Blocks were on sale from $13,000, equivalent to spending $ 184,500 today (RBA Inflation Calculator).

 

Source: L. W. Roth & Co. 1970. "Land Sale". The Sun, December 18: 58.

1997: Rydalmere as Sydney's Geographic Centre

The question will arise from time to time - Where is the geographic centre of Sydney?

The geographic centre of a city does not refer to the Central Business District (CBD) but refers to the centre point of a city based on its urban sprawl - Where can one be where the midpoint between two locations is consistently the longest based on the perimeter of the metropolitan area.

In 1997, the Geographic centre of Sydney was identified as Rydalmere. The Sunday Telegraph identified the residence where the centre was located (in the backyard). The home was located at the corner of Fallon and John Streets.

Source: Stuart, S. 1997. "Heart of the city". The Sunday Telegraph, October 5: 5. 

Sydney's Geographic Centre was most recently identified in 2018. Between 1997 and 2018, it had shifted north in a northwesterly direction, remaining within Rydalmere. At one point, it crossed to the northern side of Victoria Road as urban sprawl gravitated towards the Hills and Blacktown LGAs before it started to shift southwards in 2005. By 2018, it had settled in Dorothy Street.

Given that urban sprawl in Sydney shifted towards the southwest after 2000, the Geographic Centre of Sydney is projected to move to the southern shores of the Parramatta River. 

Additional Reading

Pike, B. 2018. "Dorothy St, Rydalmere now the heart of Sydney’s population shift" The Daily Telegraph, December 13, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dorothy-st-rydalmere-now-the-heart-of-sydneys-population-shift/news-story/8718dc8b4f9349dcaea1c89b460d80ac.

Property Advert of the Week: Winston Hills Estate (1965)

Below is a 1965 newspaper advertisement for Winston Hills. L. J. Hooker developed the suburb. The advertisement promoted what was then a new suburb in the city's north-west. 2, 200 dwellings were to be built in three neighbourhoods. 

 

Source: Hooker-Rex Pty. Ltd. 1965. "Winston Hills Estate" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, October 29:10.

Property Advert of the Week: Waratah Court, Parramatta (1995)

Below is a 1995 newspaper advertisement by Meriton Apartments to promote the Waratah Court Complex at Parramatta.

Source: Meriton Premier Apartments. 1995. "Waratah Court" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 24: 85. 

Property Advert of the Week: Wattle Bowl Estate, Carlingford (1968)

This is our last Property Advert of the Week for 2022. Below is an advertisement for the Wattle Bowl Estate at Carlingford with six blocks on offer for $4000.

According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, this would equate to $52 208 in today's money.

Source: Parkes Developments Pty. Ltd. 1968. "Wattle Bowl Estate" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, June 1: 35. 

Property Advert of the Week: Wentworthville Land Release (1962)

Below is a 1962 newspaper advertisement promoting a land release at Wentworthville. A ten pound deposit ($20) secured your block of land. Albert & Co. Pty. Ltd (subsidiary of Stocks and Holdings) were the agents associated with land sales.

   

Source: Albert & Co. Pty. Ltd. 1962. "Wentworthville Delightful Land..." (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, April 14: 47. 

Property Advert of the Week: Red Gum Estate, Northmead (1968)

A few weeks go, I shared a  1966 newspaper advertisement by Parkes Developments for a land release at Northmead. This week, I stick to the same suburb but fast forward two years to 1968 and HookerRex were offering homesites for a $100 deposit on the Red Gum Estate. 

 

Source: Hooker-Rex Pty. Ltd. 1968. "Northmead Homesites" (Advertisement). The Daily Mirror, April 5: 48. 

Property Advert of the Week: Northmead Land Release (1966)

Our Property Advert of the Week is from 1966. Parkes Developments were promoting a land release at Northmead. Published two days before the changeover to decimal currency, a £25 deposit secured your block of land.

Going by the map, the lots encompassed an area bounded by Reillys Road and Barnetts Road, incorporating Kelvin Grove and Stephenson Street. 

  

Source: Parkes Developments. 1966. "Land First Release Northmead" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, February 12: 43. 

Property Advert of the Week: Museum Gardens, Parramatta (1995)

Below is a 1995 newspaper advertisement for Museum Gardens, Parramatta which was built and marketed by Meriton Apartments. It is located on the northern banks of the Parramatta River. 

In 1995, David Jones was still located in Church Street, but one year later, relocated to Westfield Parramatta. During the 2010's, Meriton redeveloped the site as Altitude Parramatta which was completed in 2017.  

Source: Meriton Premier Apartments. 1995. "Museum Gardens" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 24: 95. 

1998: Sydney CBD-Parramatta Fast Train Proposal

In 1998, Lend Lease proposed to build a fast train line that would have enabled commuters to travel from the Sydney CBD to Parramatta in only 12 minutes. This would be nearly 50 % faster than the proposed Western Sydney metro connecting the two centres or would shave at least fifteen minutes off a standard rail trip. It also proposed that the line would also go through to Penrith. For those commuting from Penrith to Sydney, travel time would be reduced by two thirds to just 22 minutes. 

In addition, it was planned that either a light rail line or monorail line would link Parramatta with Castle Hill in just ten minutes.

 

Source: Humphries, D. & Doherty, L. "City to Parramatta in 10 minutes: transport for a fast track future". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 5: 4. 

While it did not eventuate, the issue of fast rail has lasted through to the present day. Note that there is a possible option of connecting the Western Sydney Airport with Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It is not off the table altogether.

Property Advert of the Week: Seven Hills & Toongabbie House and Land Packages (1968)

In 1968, Philip York were offering house and land packages in Seven Hills and Toongabbie from $9975.

According to the RBA Inflation Calculator this would equate to the equivalent of $126 500 today.  

Source: Philip York Pty. Ltd. 1968. Untitled (Advertisement). The Sun, June 28: 52.

Property Advert of the Week: Oakdale Estate - Winston Hills (Old Toongabbie) - 1966

Below is a 1966 newspaper advertisement for new homes at what was advertised as Winston Hills. Currently the estate is located in Old Toongabbie located off Old Windsor Road. Deposits of 1000 pounds ($2000) were being accepted.

 

Source: G. L. H. Young Pty. Ltd. 1966. "Winston Hills. New Oakdale Estate". The Daily Telegraph, March 26: 40. 

Note: Advertising in pounds, shillings and pence was permitted for two years following the introduction of decimal currency in 1966.