Everyone has a story. Listen to the memories of local residents as they recount their experiences of living in the Helensburgh, Otford, and Stanwell Tops areas.
Click on the residents’ names or photos for more information and to listen to their stories.
Jan Horrell
Otford
Jan Horrell grew up on a property called Noah’s Orchard in Otford and tells of her life there and the history of her family including her father Norbert Charles Godwin Oliver who was killed in World War II in 1941.
Listen to Jan’s story here.
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Dawn Crowther
Clifton
Dawn Crowther shares her experiences about growing up in Clifton, her family has a rich history in the Clifton community and she has published books about Clifton and the Clifton school of Arts.
Listen to Dawn’s story here.
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Waterfall / Garrawarra Sanatorium & Cemetery
Waterfall General Cemetery, also known as Garrawarra Cemetery, was used as a burial site for more than 2000 tuberculosis patients between 1909 and 1949. Located in isolated bushland north-west of Helensburgh, the cemetery was created as part of the nearby Waterfall Sanatorium, which was a hospital for people with tuberculosis and operates today as the Garrawarra Centre for Aged Care.
Listen to the Waterfall / Garrawarra Sanatorium & Cemetery stories here.
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Beryl Tolhurst
Lilyvale Village
Beryl gives a description of life in Lilyvale village and its surrounding areas where she grew up in the years between 1936 and 1954.
Listen to Beryl’s story here.
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Roscoe Taylor
Coalcliff
Roscoe grew up in Coalcliff and enjoyed the ocean and bush from a young age. He was very involved in the Coalcliff Surf Club.
Listen to Roscoe’s story here.
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Jo-Anne Fahey
Darkes Forest – Glenbernie Orchard
Jo-Anne talks about the history of Glenbernie Orchard, which has been owned by her husband’s family for four generations.
Listen to Jo-Anne’s story here.
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Dorothy Rook
Otford
Dorothy talks about her family’s connections to the Illawarra, often through Baptist or Presbyterian Churches, as well as her work on the Otford Public School Centenary.
Listen to Dorothy’s story here.
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Neville Little
Otford
Neville recounts his experiences of living in Otford since 1969 and speaks about the birds and animals of the area.
Listen to Neville’s story here
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Jim Powell
Helensburgh
Jim talks us through his parents’ life, his childhood in Helensburgh, as well as his role in the community as a firefighter, surf life saver and conservationist.
Listen to Jim’s stories here.
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This is an ongoing project and we welcome your contribution. If you are interested in sharing your recollections of Helensburgh, Otford, and Stanewll Tops please contact us.
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