Written by passionate volunteer researchers, our library of articles (below) include comprehensive biographies and entertaining yarns. Some are informed by folk stories, tall tales and hearsay. Others draw on archival newspapers and reliable, first-hand accounts.
Cockatoo Island’s Powerhouse, built in 1918, was the largest open-fronted DC generating plant in Australia and powered the island’s operations for decades. A significant heritage site, it holds a rare collection of early Australian electrical and hydraulic equipment and was added to the Commonwealth Heritage Register in 2004.
In this article, volunteer researcher Michele Harper details the crucial role Florence played in establishing the Women’s Emergency Signalling Corps (WESC) and how her advocacy led to the formation of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS).
In this article, volunteer researcher, Michele Harper reflects on Kerr’s life, including his three-year stint as the principal of ASOPA and his controversial tenure as Governor-General.
In this article, volunteer researcher Michele Harper canvasses Owen’s remarkable career, including his tenure as the first commanding officer of HMAS Platypus, and traces it back to a childhood passion for the sea.
In this article, volunteer researcher, Michele Harper details Wedgewood’s career, including her advocacy for social justice and her work with the Australia School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA) – a former tertiary institution on Sydney Harbour that operated on land that is today managed by the Harbour Trust.
Commander Sandy Coulson CSM RAN rtd was a trailblazer for women in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), achieving many firsts. Notably, she was the first female Executive Officer of the RAN submarine base HMAS Platypus (now known as Sub Base Platypus) in North Sydney. Further, she was the first female member of the Directing Staff for the RAN Staff College when it operated out of HMAS Penguin at Balmain.
Professor Richard Leplastrier is an acclaimed Australian architect with a distinct architectural style that melds tradition and innovation. In this article, Volunteer researcher Reto Oechslin, delves into Leplastrier's early career, award-winning designs – including Georges Head Lookout at Georges Heights, Mosman – and his lasting passion for preserving Australian architectural heritage.
From a young age, John Kinsela OAM – a proud Wiradjuri and Jawoyn descendent – showed immense talent in wrestling and went on to represent Australia in two Olympics. However, his journey didn’t end there. In this article, volunteer researcher, Michele Harper, details Kinsela’s decorated career as a Vietnam veteran training at North Head in Manly as well as his remarkable passion for social justice with the youth community.
Sir Charles FitzRoy was a prominent figure in New South Wales during a time of rapid transformation. From his early military achievements to his appointment as Governor-in-Chief, FitzRoy faced significant challenges. Volunteer researcher Michele Harper delves into the conflicts Fitzroy faced, his popularity as a governor, the tragic events and scandals that marked his tenure and a historic landmark that speaks to his enduring legacy: Fitzroy Dock at Cockatoo Island.
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