Finding out more about Heritage

Heritage Happenings Newsletters

Heritage Fact Sheets

The following fact sheets answer some commonly asked questions concerning heritage listing and provide advice as to how you can conduct heritage research. They are particularly useful for owners of heritage listed properties and applicants in understanding the meaning of heritage listing and what information should be submitted with a development application. These fact sheets should be read in conjunction with Council's Local Environmental Plan and The Hills Shire Development Control Plan Part D Section 5 - Heritage.

Fact Sheet 1 - What Does Heritage Listing Mean Fact Sheet (854.96kB)
Fact Sheet 2 - Researching Your Homes Heritage (1,003.40kB)

The Hills Hills Shire Libraries

The Hills Shire Heritage Bibliography (42.52kB)

All of the local libraries within the Shire contain resources that detail the history of the Shire, its suburbs, development and important persons and families. Castle Hill branch has the most comprehensive collection with smaller holdings at Rouse Hill, Baulkham Hills, Carlingford and Dural.

Local studies resources include books, reports, local newspapers, pamphlet files, aerial photos and maps. Many of these items are unique, fragile, often out of print and therefore irreplaceable. As a result they can only be used in the library.

Each branch holds copies of the main items relevant to its area but the main collection is held at Castle Hill. Some duplicate copies may be found in the Lending Collection.

http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Local-Studies.html

Holdings of The Hills District Historical Society Inc. are included in the catalogue. Consult the on-line catalogue or ask staff for assistance. For in-depth enquiries contact the Development Officer - Local Studies - phone 9761-4525, Monday - Friday or email Council-library@thehills.nsw.gov.au

Further resources on The Hills Shire and surrounding areas may be viewed at http://www.westernsydneylibraries.nsw.gov.au/. Other public libraries bordering the Shire such as Parramatta, Blacktown, Hawkesbury or Hornsby may also contain historical reference material related to the development of those areas at the interface between The Hills Shire and adjoining Council areas.

Castle Hill Library Cnr Pennant Street & Castle Street, Castle Hill Ph: 9761 4510	Baulkham Hills Library Railway Street, Baulkham Hills Ph: 9639 4874
Carlingford Library Lloyds Avenue, Carlingford Ph: 9871 5922	Dural Library Pellitt Lane, Dural Ph: 9651 2627
Vinegar Hill Memorial Library 29 Main Street, Rouse Hill Ph:8889 5200

Local Historical Societies and other Contacts

A number of Historical Societies operate within or adjoining The Hills Shire providing an invaluable source of historical information including details on the area's history, photographs and collections.

The Hills District Historical Society
PO Box 48
Castle Hill NSW 1765
email: thehdhs@gmail.com

website:http://sites.google.com/site/hillsdistricthistoricalsociety/

Dharug & Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society
PO Box Wisemans Ferry NSW 2255
Ph: 4566 4465

Riverstone & District Historical Society
81 Garfield Road
Riverstone NSW 2765
Ph: 9627 4478
Hours: 1st Sunday of the month 11am 3pm
For Box Hill, Nelson, Rouse Hill

Dural & District Historical Society
History Cottage, Galston Park
412 Galston Road
Galston NSW 2159
Hours:
Sundays - 10am to 4pm
Wednesdays - 10am to 4pm

Parramatta Heritage Centre

346a Church Street (opposite the Riverside Theatres)
Parramatta NSW 2150
www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/library
Ph: 9683 6922
Hours: 10am - 5pm daily (except public holidays and Christmas period)

NSW Heritage Office Website

The NSW Heritage Office website explains the role of the Office and contains a comprehensive list of helpful publications, many of which can be downloaded. They relate to methods of conservation, the maintenance or repair of heritage buildings, guidelines for new work, heritage consultant lists, assessing heritage significance, and preparing Heritage Impact Statements and Conservation Management Plans.

The website also contains the State Heritage Inventory which includes information on numerous heritage sites within The Hills Shire, and other local government areas. The State Heritage Register can also be accessed via their website http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/

Sydney Hills Heritage Trail

The Sydney Hills Heritage Trail brochure highlights and promotes heritage landmarks and The Hills Shire’s colourful history. Explore the extensive self-drive touring route focusing on the historic places within the Shire, using the brochure to learn about the history of the sites along the way. Most sites on The Sydney Hills Heritage Trail Brochure are accessible to the public. Printed copies of the brochure are available from the Sydney Hills Tourist Information Centre, 656a Old Northern Road Dural and other local tourist outlets.

Sydney Hills Heritage Trail - 2,215 KB

The Convict Trail Project

The Convict Trail Project is a community based project with an interest and role in the conservation, management and promotion of the Great North Road extending from Gladesville in the south to the Hunter Valley in the north. The road was built by convict labour in the early 1800s and forms Council's eastern boundary (known as Old Northern Road) for more than 50km. The roadway contains numerous historically significant engineering works and relics.

The Project enjoys the support of a number of community groups and government organisations along its length including The Hills Shire Council.

Further information on the Convict Trail can be accessed via http://www.convicttrail.org/.

Baulkham Hills Heritage Trail

The Baulkham Hills Heritage Trail is an interpretative self-guided walking trail that delves into the history of Baulkham Hills. The 6km trail begins at Alfred Henry Whaling Reserve and finishes at Mackillop Reserve meandering through Crestwood Reserve and others along the way.

Council has produced a brochure detailing where the trail is and the type of information that can be found at each interpretative point.

Heritage Trail Brochure Baulkham Hills - 239 KB

Virtual Tour and History of the Baulkham Hills Heritage Trail

Aberdour Village Heritage Trail

Take a walk around the historic village of Aberdour on Council's northern heritage trail. The trail, commencing at the rural property of Aberdoon, links the Rouse Hill Cemetery (where many early settlers are buried), Buchan Square (the original 1830's park) and Connie Lowe Reserve (named after a local identity).

The self guided walk is an easy stroll with information panels at key locations.