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“It is quite time that our children were taught a little more about their country, for shame's sake.” - Henry Lawson
History Week: A Celebration
of Henry Lawson
Friday 2 September, 2 - 3pm
Did you know Henry Lawson is buried in Waverley Cemetery? And that his grave is still one of the most visited to date? Help us celebrate this Australian icon who contributed greatly to literature, poetry and song. The celebration will include stories, poems, song and prose of Australia’s literary prodigy whose writings have stood the test of time and remain relevant today.
Image: William Johnson, c. 1915, National Portrait Gallery
History Week Events
Aches, Pains and Leeches: Introducing Medieval Medicine Wednesday 7 September, 6.30 - 7.30 pm From healing crystals to medicinal herbs, ointments made of bear fat and surgery without anaesthetic. The Medieval approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sickness is full of surprises! This fascinating talk by Dr Carmel Bendon will cover many ‘weird and wonderful’ aspects of historical medicine. |
Film Screenings: FrantzFriday 9 September, 10 - 11.50am In 1919, Anna, a young German woman grieving over the death of her fiancé, Frantz, leaves flowers at his grave. She sees fresh flowers and discovers that Adrien, a young Frenchman, has done the same. Adrien goes to the home of Frantz's parents and they tell Adrien that a Frenchman killed their son during World War I. Adrien exclaims, "You are right. I am a murderer". |
Harlem Nights: The Secret History of Australia’s Jazz Age
Thursday 29 September, 6.30 - 8pm
In this vibrant and imaginative study, Historian Deirdre O’Connell tells the untold story of Australia’s Jazz Age. Focusing on William Rogers Campbell "Sonny" Clay, an African American jazz pianist, who represented the type of modernism that cosmopolitan Australians craved — and the champions of White Australia feared.
Hands-On History with Koori Kinnections Monday 5 September, 3.30 - 4.30pm Koori Kinnections will be holding an amazing Indigenous hands-on history activity for primary school aged kids. In this afterschool program we will be handling some Indigenous artefacts, playing traditional games and learning about our First Nations people's way of life. |
Down by the Sea Swing by the Children's Library this week for a seaside themed storytime at 11am Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Whilst you are there, enjoy our history display of the Waverley community enjoying the beach from the past. There will also be colouring-in and activity sheets available. |
History Collection Highlights
It’s History Week and to celebrate we are highlighting some of the excellent graphic memoirs we have in our collection. From living through wars to finding your identity, the visual artform of story and place is best told through the incredible medium of graphic novels. |
Waverley Library’s collection is always updating! This History Week, why not come into the library to grab one of 2022’s best Australian history books. Explore the relationship that rum had to the growing colony, representations of Bondi beach through the 20th century or meet some of the roughest and toughest women that Australia has ever produced in the Waverley Library non-fiction collection. |
Local Studies
Image: Ground level excavation
Hands on History
Nothing says hands on history like rediscovering a buried gun fort! Built in the 1890s, the gun fort at Ben Buckler was part of the coastal defense ring of the colony and was designed to protect the city from naval bombardment. Used right up to WWII, the gun was decommissioned but a buyer was unable to be found for the scrap metal. Buried under sand and grass in the 1950s, the fort was gradually forgotten about until Sydney Water Authority unearthed it again during trenchworks in 1984. Now a State Heritage listed site, the gun fort remains buried beneath Hugh Bamford Reserve at North Bondi.
Exhibitions
Bronte - a changing community Aug 26 - Sep 21 Join the Waverley Historical Society to mark the latest exhibition, Bronte-A changing community. This exhibition shows Brontes many transformations from the past to recent histories. Visitors will see how Bronte came to be known as a family area with Bronte Park, beach, swimming clubs and a famous Surf Life Saving Club. |
Exhibition Opening: Before Now - Janine Hall Thursday 1 September, 6 - 8pm Janine Hall is drawn to historic images of our local environment. She is compelled to re-imagine them in colour. In the words of Janine: “when we look at old black and white photos, we can be tricked into believing that life was dull and ‘lived in black and white’. This body of work reminds the viewer that colour has always been present, even ‘Before Now'. |
Children's Library
Author Talk: Nathan Luff and Victoria Mackinlay (4 – 8 years) Saturday 27 August, 10 - 11am Nathan Luff, author of the Nerd Herd series, and Victoria Mackinlay author of Ribbit Rabbit Robot, The Bark Book, The Lion who Came to Stay will be hosting a fun and interactive morning of storytelling and discussion. |
Literary Playground
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Our popular School Holiday program will be released at 9am Monday 29 August.
What's On
BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival is taking place from 8-10 September, and they are generously giving away a complimentary ticket to 3 events, either face to face or Zoom, for one lucky winner. To go into the draw please email library_enquiries@waverley.nsw.gov.au with BAD TIX in the subject line as well as your name and mobile number. Draw closes September 2.
Library Services
Get free help with your tax return at Waverley Library
Fridays, 26 August - 30 September
Are you eligible for free Tax Help? A Tax Help volunteer will be available at the library to help people lodge on-the-spot myTax returns. Simply check if you are eligible and what you need to bring. Book your appointment online or call 9083 8733.
In the community
Introduction to reusable sanitary products Saturday 3 September, 12 - 1pm Always wanted to try reusable sanitary products but not sure where to start? In this free workshop learn about the variety of products available and find the one that suits your needs. |
Living Connections Join Living Connections and receive help to create a habitat garden that contributes to a cool green neighbourhood where wildlife can thrive. Receive free native seedlings and resources to get you started. If you live in a Waverley habitat corridor area, additional support may be available to you. |
Get in touch
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