History buffs can now take advantage of a new heritage mobile app thanks to a joint effort between Western Sydney councils.
Hawkesbury, Penrith, Camden and Liverpool Councils have launched a new Colonial Heritage of Western Sydney mobile phone app thatenables residents to explore Western Sydney’s past.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett said the free app celebrates the diverse history of the Hawkesbury as well as Penrith, Camden and Liverpool Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“I am a seventh-generation direct descendant of Thomas Rose, an early pioneer from the Wilberforce area (who is) connected to Rose Cottage, and it makes me feel proud to see heritage such as this being made accessible and promoted through new technology."
- Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett
“This project has been a combined effort by all four councils and it has created further connections between the areas which will always be connected by the Hawkesbury-Nepean River,” the Mayor said.
“It is this river, of course, which has made our areas fertile enough to sustain local agriculture, helping us become a vital part of Sydney’s food bowl.”
The four LGAs feature one of the largest groups of early colonial European heritage assets in Australia, including churches, houses, bridges, roads, cemeteries and more.
Some local heritage items listed include Tebbutt’s Observatory in Windsor, former Hawkesbury Hospital and Convict Barracks in Windsor, St Albans Conservation Area, Australiana Pioneer Village in Wilberforce, and St James Anglican Church in Pitt Town.
Also featured on the app is Rose Cottage, Australia’s oldest surviving timer slab dwelling in Wilberforce.
“I am a seventh-generation direct descendant of Thomas Rose, an early pioneer from the Wilberforce area (who is) connected to Rose Cottage, and it makes me feel proud to see heritage such as this being made accessible and promoted through new technology.”
Downloaded via iTunes, Android or GooglePlay users or via this link http://www.discoverthehawkesbury.com.au/heritage/heritage-trails