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Preserving the character of Glebe (Glebe Society)
Unique IDFN-0033DescriptionThe Glebe Society commenced the function of preserving the character of Glebe in July 1969. The function includes lobbying to ensure that the policies, plans and projects of governments, developers and residents are compatible with maintaining the unique character of the area that is one of the oldest suburbs in Sydney and includes many homes and public buildings of national significance. Since this time the Society has provided input into local planning documentation such as the Leichhardt Local Environment Plan, 1979 ; knowledge of legislative, regulatory and other documents that control planning, corresponding with local and State governments concerning planning matters, and identifying projects that impact on the character of Glebe and neighbouring areas have been integral features of this function.
A major facet of the function is heritage conservation that identifies buildings and areas of special heritage value, disseminates information about the preservation of buildings essential to the heritage of Glebe; opposes developments that impact adversely on heritage, and celebrates restoration of heritage items of particular significance.
By 1972 the function embraced the protection and improvement of the local environment by working for the provision of open space both in the form of ‘pocket parks’ and major parks. Maximising public enjoyment was achieved by participating in planting native flora (such as Orphan School Creek Gully ) and working towards the development of pedestrian and cycling paths (such as that in Bicentennial and Blackwattle Bay Parks) , and playground equipment in several locations. Improving the environment also includes fostering cleanliness in streets and waterways, for example by participating in Clean Up Australia, discouraging graffiti and other defacement of buildings and public places and working towards environmentally sound means of waste disposal. The function also includes lobbying to improve air quality and opposing projects that adversely affect local air quality. From 1989- 1998 the Society was active with other interest groups in pointing the community to the challenges that would result from a third runway at Sydney Airport including aircraft noise, air pollution and decreased quality of life. Since 1999 there has been emphasis on eliminating noise pollution – where possible discouraging activities that generate noise. From 2006 another focus was on small bird hot spots including Superb Fairy-wrens. Bul buls, willy wagtails, silver eyes and other small birds in Glebe.
From 1989 the Society participated with local government, other local organisations and consultants to refurbish Glebe Point Road including repaving, improving lighting , planting trees, providing street furniture, and restoration of landmarks including the Jubilee Fountain. This project resulted in making Glebe a more attractive place to carry on business and to visit.
A major impetus of The glebe Society since its establishment since its establishment had been opposition to the proposed North Western Expressway . Preserving the character of Glebe has therefore included the study of alternatives to road transport – particularly the return of light rail to Sydney - and the Society was amongst those organisations that worked towards the reintroduction of light rail services in Sydney in 1997. In addition to participating in forums towards increased expansion of the light rail network, the function also covers the improvement of other forms of public transport – bus routes, and ferries. Other emphases in relation to traffic and transport are studying the impacts of traffic on the citizens of Glebe, the control of traffic through Glebe; discouragement of projects that introduce more traffic into and through Glebe ; the management of parking such as parking restrictions such as parking metres. The Society is also has input into local and state-wide plans for traffic management.
Encouragement of the arts comprises the preservation of buildings associated with the arts; supporting the artistic interests of members and public and community art in Glebe including drama, poetry readings and public debates in hotels and other public places. A major contribution is the Glebe Music Festival that has been conducted since 1990 mainly in venues in Glebe (especially Margaretta Cottage in Leichhardt Street) and with a predominance of artists who live and work in Glebe. The Society was also active with other members of the Community in obtaining the New Glebe Library in 1997.
Celebrating the history of Glebe is an object of the Society which promotes pride in local history, encourages research into history and supports major histories of Glebe and adjoining areas such as ‘The Architectural character of Glebe Sydney by Bernard and Kate Smith (University Co-Operative Bookshop 1973) and ‘Grandeur & Grit: a history of Glebe , by Max Solling (Halsted Press 2007)
Promoting Glebe to the local community is achieved by holding events such as anniversaries and Christmas parties; gatherings for meals; visits to local institutions; ferry, train and light rail journeys, organising other activities for members and by publication including ‘The Glebe Society Bulletin’, ‘Historical Glebe ‘ (a guide to walks around Glebe) and much material on the Society’s web site do much to point to the diversity of Glebe. Glebe’s unique place in Sydney is reinforced by conducting activities to encourage visitors to Glebe. This is accomplished by holding functions of interest to the wider community including the biennial house inspection that took place from 1977- 1998, and participation in Heritage Week organised by the National Trust, NSW .
related to Series 1167.CreationThe Glebe Society Constitution 1969 -
A major facet of the function is heritage conservation that identifies buildings and areas of special heritage value, disseminates information about the preservation of buildings essential to the heritage of Glebe; opposes developments that impact adversely on heritage, and celebrates restoration of heritage items of particular significance.
By 1972 the function embraced the protection and improvement of the local environment by working for the provision of open space both in the form of ‘pocket parks’ and major parks. Maximising public enjoyment was achieved by participating in planting native flora (such as Orphan School Creek Gully ) and working towards the development of pedestrian and cycling paths (such as that in Bicentennial and Blackwattle Bay Parks) , and playground equipment in several locations. Improving the environment also includes fostering cleanliness in streets and waterways, for example by participating in Clean Up Australia, discouraging graffiti and other defacement of buildings and public places and working towards environmentally sound means of waste disposal. The function also includes lobbying to improve air quality and opposing projects that adversely affect local air quality. From 1989- 1998 the Society was active with other interest groups in pointing the community to the challenges that would result from a third runway at Sydney Airport including aircraft noise, air pollution and decreased quality of life. Since 1999 there has been emphasis on eliminating noise pollution – where possible discouraging activities that generate noise. From 2006 another focus was on small bird hot spots including Superb Fairy-wrens. Bul buls, willy wagtails, silver eyes and other small birds in Glebe.
From 1989 the Society participated with local government, other local organisations and consultants to refurbish Glebe Point Road including repaving, improving lighting , planting trees, providing street furniture, and restoration of landmarks including the Jubilee Fountain. This project resulted in making Glebe a more attractive place to carry on business and to visit.
A major impetus of The glebe Society since its establishment since its establishment had been opposition to the proposed North Western Expressway . Preserving the character of Glebe has therefore included the study of alternatives to road transport – particularly the return of light rail to Sydney - and the Society was amongst those organisations that worked towards the reintroduction of light rail services in Sydney in 1997. In addition to participating in forums towards increased expansion of the light rail network, the function also covers the improvement of other forms of public transport – bus routes, and ferries. Other emphases in relation to traffic and transport are studying the impacts of traffic on the citizens of Glebe, the control of traffic through Glebe; discouragement of projects that introduce more traffic into and through Glebe ; the management of parking such as parking restrictions such as parking metres. The Society is also has input into local and state-wide plans for traffic management.
Encouragement of the arts comprises the preservation of buildings associated with the arts; supporting the artistic interests of members and public and community art in Glebe including drama, poetry readings and public debates in hotels and other public places. A major contribution is the Glebe Music Festival that has been conducted since 1990 mainly in venues in Glebe (especially Margaretta Cottage in Leichhardt Street) and with a predominance of artists who live and work in Glebe. The Society was also active with other members of the Community in obtaining the New Glebe Library in 1997.
Celebrating the history of Glebe is an object of the Society which promotes pride in local history, encourages research into history and supports major histories of Glebe and adjoining areas such as ‘The Architectural character of Glebe Sydney by Bernard and Kate Smith (University Co-Operative Bookshop 1973) and ‘Grandeur & Grit: a history of Glebe , by Max Solling (Halsted Press 2007)
Promoting Glebe to the local community is achieved by holding events such as anniversaries and Christmas parties; gatherings for meals; visits to local institutions; ferry, train and light rail journeys, organising other activities for members and by publication including ‘The Glebe Society Bulletin’, ‘Historical Glebe ‘ (a guide to walks around Glebe) and much material on the Society’s web site do much to point to the diversity of Glebe. Glebe’s unique place in Sydney is reinforced by conducting activities to encourage visitors to Glebe. This is accomplished by holding functions of interest to the wider community including the biennial house inspection that took place from 1977- 1998, and participation in Heritage Week organised by the National Trust, NSW .
related to Series 1167.CreationThe Glebe Society Constitution 1969 -
![Improving the amenity of Glebe. [Glebe Society]](/img/placeholder.gif?1711502802 "Improving the amenity of Glebe. [Glebe Society]")
Description
Start date7th January 1969
Identification
Source system ID33
Preserving the character of Glebe (Glebe Society) [FN-0033]. City of Sydney Archives, accessed 10 Jun 2024, https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/62756