Hornsby Shire Thematic History

Thematic History

Hornsby Shire Council

Hornsby, NSW

The ancient Hornsby Shire landscape is swathed in bushland and is home to a community with a rich cultural fabric.

The large local government area in northern Sydney covers approximately 510 square kilometres extending from Brooklyn in the north, to Wisemans Ferry and Glenorie/Dural in the west, Wahroonga in the east and Beecroft/Cheltenham and West Pennant Hills in the south.

GML Heritage was commissioned by Hornsby Shire Council to update the Hornsby Thematic History prepared by Terry Kass almost 30 years ago.

We undertook an extensive review of key research collections and resources, and consulted the Hornsby Heritage Advisory Committee, Hornsby Heritage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee and local historical societies and community organisations.

The new Thematic History encompasses the following themes: Aboriginal history and heritage, Convict Life, The Bushland Shire, Transport, Health and Wellbeing, Agriculture and Horticulture, Industrial Enterprises, Belief and Faith, Leisure and Recreation, Settlement and Suburbanisation, and the Changing Face of the Shire.

The Hornsby Thematic History was endorsed by the Council at their General Meeting on 13 October 2021. The Hornsby Thematic History will inform Aboriginal, Landscape and Archaeology studies and the later LEP and DCP review, community engagement, promotion and interpretation studies.

Read the Hornsby Thematic History on the Hornsby Shire Council website.