WOOLLAHRA HISTORY & HERITAGE SOCIETY
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The Woollahra History and Heritage Society (WHHS) is a community group which encourages appreciation of the history of the Woollahra area, as well as the impact on the area of historical events throughout Australia. Its aim is to promote understanding and preservation of Woollahra’s rich natural and cultural heritage so they are protected for future generations.
The society was founded in 1985 and is affiliated with the Royal Australian Historical Society. Activities are arranged throughout the year, highlighting Woollahra’s heritage, and new members are welcome to join us. Click here for activities planned for the coming months and click here for information on how to join the society.
Heritage and history do not stop at municipal boundaries. While the society focuses on the present the Municipality of Woollahra, it also considers what has happened and is happening in contiguous areas.
The fascinating circumstances surrounding the establishment of the Colony of New South Wales are highly significant to this area. It was here that Governor Phillip is thought to have first landed on the shores of Sydney Harbour at Camp Cove, Watsons Bay on 21st January 1788, before establishing the settlement at Sydney Cove. Each year the society commemorates the landing with a low-key ceremony at the site.
It was also at South Head in January 1790 that the ’Lookout Post’ was set up to establish the first point of contact with shipping from the outside world. Bungaree, a local aboriginal man of the Gadigal tribe after whom Bungaree Park at Point Piper is named, would often act as pilot through the dangerous shoals to the new settlement. Between 1801 and 1803, Bungaree accompanied Flinders on the first circumnavigation of Australia.
The society was established in 1985 to minimise the erosion of heritage sites and values in Woollahra. It endeavours to have its voice heard, and try to influence relevant public bodies, whenever matters arise affecting heritage, conservation of foreshores, significant buildings or natural heritage. It is represented on committees determining policies in these areas, liaises with media and contributes to appropriate journals.
The society is affiliated with the Royal Australian Historical Society and incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984 [NSW]. Its first president was Bruce Crosson who identified and annotated with historical detail the society’s many wonderful walks.
