• 

  Flashback: The Wonder Pool at 90, North Sydney’s grand old girl.

Flashback: The Wonder Pool at 90, North Sydney’s grand old girl.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:18:13+10:00August 6, 2026|North Sydney, General, Life & Style, Local History|

North Sydney Pool is about to re-open to the public after a $122 million renovation, but the history of our "Wonder Pool" runs deep.

• 

  Slice of Wedding Cake: Seaforth’s most iconic home hits the market for the first time.

Slice of Wedding Cake: Seaforth’s most iconic home hits the market for the first time.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:18:39+10:00August 20, 2025|Property, Local History|

A three-tiered Mediterranean masterpiece - known simply as the Wedding Cake House - is now on the market for the first time.

• 

  Flashback 1965: Australian author Charmian Clift on life in Neutral Bay.

Flashback 1965: Australian author Charmian Clift on life in Neutral Bay.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:01:37+10:00July 2, 2024|Neutral Bay, Local History|

Charmian Clift was Australia’s foremost essayist of the 1960s, publishing over 200 pieces in The Sydney Morning Herald.

• 

  Brian Barry: NSW’s oldest living former NRL ref and Mosman resident turns 100.

Brian Barry: NSW’s oldest living former NRL ref and Mosman resident turns 100.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:01:59+10:00February 12, 2024|Local History|

One of NSW's most respected names in Rugby League has celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family at Balgowlah RSL.

• 

  Flashback: In 1954, a terrifying “sea monster” was caught at Balmoral Beach.

Flashback: In 1954, a terrifying “sea monster” was caught at Balmoral Beach.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:00+10:00February 2, 2024|Local History|

In June 1954, local man Keith McRae dropped a line in at Balmoral ... his catch would make headlines around the world!

• 

  Flashback 1955: Mosman teenager mauled to death in Balmoral Beach shark attack.

Flashback 1955: Mosman teenager mauled to death in Balmoral Beach shark attack.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:01+10:00January 30, 2024|Local History|

"The water was full of blood and we could see the dorsal fin of the shark slashing through the water.”

• 

  From the Archives, 1963: Fatal shark attack in Sydney Harbour kills actress Marcia Hathaway.

From the Archives, 1963: Fatal shark attack in Sydney Harbour kills actress Marcia Hathaway.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:09+10:00January 30, 2024|Local History|

Sydney actress Marcia Hathaway was fatally mauled in a terrifying shark attack at Middle Harbour in 1963.

• 

  Suitcase Baby: In 1923, a murdered infant washed up in a suitcase on a Mosman beach.

Suitcase Baby: In 1923, a murdered infant washed up in a suitcase on a Mosman beach.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:06+10:00November 16, 2023|Local History|

As they disembarked the ferry and excitedly charged up the beach, the group of young day-trippers were no doubt captivated by the magical beauty of Athol Bay.

• 

  Flashback 1983: Mosman local Marianne Lewis is crowned Miss Australia.

Flashback 1983: Mosman local Marianne Lewis is crowned Miss Australia.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:07+10:00November 10, 2023|Life & Style, Local History|

It’s been 40 years since Mosman resident Marianne Lewis captivated the nation after winning the title of Miss Australia 1984.

• 

  Flashback 1959: Big Bear Supermarket – a futuristic American phenomenon – opens in Neutral Bay.

Flashback 1959: Big Bear Supermarket – a futuristic American phenomenon – opens in Neutral Bay.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:14+10:00August 23, 2023|Neutral Bay, Local History|

Lower north shore housewives had never seen anything like it - and on Thursday, 27 August 1959, thousands rushed to experience an American phenomenon known as the "supermarket" for the first time.

• 

  Flashback: Mosman’s love affair with backyard swimming pools dates back the 1960’s. See the time warp photos!

Flashback: Mosman’s love affair with backyard swimming pools dates back the 1960’s. See the time warp photos!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:15+10:00August 9, 2023|Local History|

“I have memories of eating ice blocks in the water, having hand stand competitions with my mates – and underwater races to see how many laps of the pool we could do on one breath.”

• 

  Flashback: In the 1890s, destitute Sydneysiders built a “tin town” in Mosman.

Flashback: In the 1890s, destitute Sydneysiders built a “tin town” in Mosman.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:16+10:00August 2, 2023|Local History|

Tin Towns were synonymous with the Great Depression, which began in 1929. But many were built decades before – during a property market downturn in the 1890's.

• 

  Flashback 1952: Runaway Mosman tram crashes into Sydney Harbour at 100km/h.

Flashback 1952: Runaway Mosman tram crashes into Sydney Harbour at 100km/h.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:16+10:00July 20, 2023|Local History|

A out of control runaway tram - travelling at almost 100km/h - veered off Bradleys Head Rd and into Sydney Harbour in 1952. See the incredible photos just uncovered!

• 

  Mosman home in original condition and owned by ONE FAMILY for 70 years is on the market – but you’d better be quick!

Mosman home in original condition and owned by ONE FAMILY for 70 years is on the market – but you’d better be quick!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:20+10:00July 12, 2023|Local History|

One of Mosman’s original Californian bungalows owned by the same family for more than 70 years has attracted hordes of potential young buyers looking for a freestanding home to renovate.

• 

  Bob and Dolly Dyer: Australian television pioneers, Pick-a-Box presenters and one-time Mosman locals.

Bob and Dolly Dyer: Australian television pioneers, Pick-a-Box presenters and one-time Mosman locals.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:17+10:00June 29, 2023|Local History|

Bob Dyer had much more than a face for radio. He was one of few contemporaries to make the smooth transition from radio to television.

• 

  Flashback 1988: Looking for late night love – in all the wrong places – at Bevy’s Wine Bar in Mosman!

Flashback 1988: Looking for late night love – in all the wrong places – at Bevy’s Wine Bar in Mosman!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:22+10:00June 22, 2023|Local History|

If you were looking for late-night love in the 1980s, Bevy’s Wine Bar on Military Rd was the place to be.

• 

  Times Gone By: New Mosman history book set to thrill lower north shore readers.

Times Gone By: New Mosman history book set to thrill lower north shore readers.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:20+10:00May 11, 2023|Local History|

The early days of Mosman’s European settlement have been richly detailed in a new book, Mosman: Times Gone By.

• 

  This Week in History: May 1 – May 8.

This Week in History: May 1 – May 8.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:21+10:00May 4, 2023|Local History|

Our new weekly column from local journalist Kathryn Barton turns back time to meet the people and witness the events that shaped life on the lower north shore.

• 

  This Week in History: April 23 – April 29.

This Week in History: April 23 – April 29.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:22+10:00April 27, 2023|Local History|

Our new weekly column from local journalist Kathryn Barton turns back the clock to meet the people and witness the events that shaped life on the lower north shore in years gone by.

• 

  Myra Taylor-Farrell: The “odd duck” Mosman mum who became Australia’s most prolific female inventor.

Myra Taylor-Farrell: The “odd duck” Mosman mum who became Australia’s most prolific female inventor.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:30+10:00April 19, 2023|Local History|

It was Australia's entry into WWI that saw a young widow, Myra Taylor, brace herself as she stood at North Head on a windy night in 1915. There she tested her rayless, light-throwing device to see if it might benefit the Allies.

• 

  The history behind Mosman’s Urunga – the iconic harbourside home that just sold for $20 million.

The history behind Mosman’s Urunga – the iconic harbourside home that just sold for $20 million.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:22+10:00March 30, 2023|Property, Local History|

Interest rates may be rising, but the Reserve Bank's hikes have had little effect on Mosman's resilient property market.

• 

  Flashback 1872: The Holtermann nugget and its fascinating connection to North Sydney.

Flashback 1872: The Holtermann nugget and its fascinating connection to North Sydney.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:48+10:00October 19, 2022|North Sydney, Local History|

This week marks the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the Holtermann Nugget, the world’s largest gold specimen, but do you know of its connection to Sydney’s lower north shore?

• 

  Flashback: The fascinating history of a landmark Cremorne Point building called “The Ritz”.

Flashback: The fascinating history of a landmark Cremorne Point building called “The Ritz”.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:28+10:00October 13, 2022|Local History|

When it opened to the public in 1913, “The Ritz” at Cremorne Point was described as Sydney’s finest private hotel, with 140 rooms, electric lights - and a lift!

• 

  Flashback 1970: North Sydney Travelodge thrills Aussie holiday makers looking for luxury accommodation.

Flashback 1970: North Sydney Travelodge thrills Aussie holiday makers looking for luxury accommodation.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:50+10:00October 6, 2022|North Sydney, Local History|

Crescent shaped to take advantage of Sydney’s harbour views, the 14-storey Travelodge contained 224 self-contained suites in alternating shades of blue and olive, each with its own private bathroom and television set!

• 

  The day I met Queen Elizabeth: Mosman Collective readers relive their brushes with Royalty.

The day I met Queen Elizabeth: Mosman Collective readers relive their brushes with Royalty.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:29+10:00September 14, 2022|Local History|

From chance encounters to more formal audiences in Australia and overseas, our readers are sharing their treasured, often fleeting, moments with Queen Elizabeth.

• 

  True Crime: In 1940, a young Mosman woman was strangled to death with a pair of silk stockings.

True Crime: In 1940, a young Mosman woman was strangled to death with a pair of silk stockings.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:02:53+10:00September 6, 2022|Local History|

The shocking death of a young Mosman woman remains a baffling cold case, more than 80 years after she was strangled with a pair of silk stockings at Clifton Gardens.

• 

  Flashback 1991: Mosman Cache heralds a new era in lower north shore shopping.

Flashback 1991: Mosman Cache heralds a new era in lower north shore shopping.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:31+10:00September 1, 2022|Local History|

When it opened to the public in March 1991, Mosman Cache heralded a new era in shopping on the lower north shore.

• 

  True Crime: In 1948, an outraged Mosman father loses control, murdering a forbidden lover caught in his daughter’s bedroom.

True Crime: In 1948, an outraged Mosman father loses control, murdering a forbidden lover caught in his daughter’s bedroom.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:31+10:00August 24, 2022|Local History|

In 1948, 61-year-old Mosman man Frederick Audsley committed the most heinous of crimes, shooting his daughter's boyfriend dead after he was caught in the girls Bray St bedroom.

• 

  Flashback 1926: Milson’s Point homes and businesses demolished for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Flashback 1926: Milson’s Point homes and businesses demolished for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:03:02+10:00July 27, 2022|Local History|

Mosman Collective has uncovered an incredible set of images documenting the last days of Alfred St in Milsons Point before many of its homes and businesses were demolished to make way for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

• 

  MLC building in North Sydney loses its heritage status – so is this the end for the iconic tower?

MLC building in North Sydney loses its heritage status – so is this the end for the iconic tower?

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:35+10:00July 20, 2022|North Sydney, Local History|

The future of the landmark MLC Building in North Sydney is in jeopardy, after the removal of its prized state heritage listing.

• 

  Flashback: In 1963, this grand Mosman mansion was bulldozed to make way for a bland block of flats.

Flashback: In 1963, this grand Mosman mansion was bulldozed to make way for a bland block of flats.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:36+10:00June 30, 2022|Local History|

Built in 1908 by William Wells Robinson and his wife Charlotte, “Trafalgar” was one of Australia’s finest homes.

• 

  From the Archives, 1966: Assassination attempt on ALP Leader Arthur Calwell in Mosman.

From the Archives, 1966: Assassination attempt on ALP Leader Arthur Calwell in Mosman.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:36+10:00June 22, 2022|Local History|

At the start of 1966, the Liberal-Country party coalition had governed Australia for sixteen years. Robert Menzies retired in January, paving the way for debonair treasurer Harold Holt.

• 

  In 1943, Neutral Bay actor George Blackshaw shocked a nation in the most brutal act of his career.

In 1943, Neutral Bay actor George Blackshaw shocked a nation in the most brutal act of his career.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:03:11+10:00May 18, 2022|Neutral Bay, Local History|

Before the arrival of television, Australian radio ruled the airwaves with programs like Dad and Dave, Blue Hills and ‘Calling the Stars’.

• 

  Mosman’s fascinating political history you’ll want to share at the pub this weekend!

Mosman’s fascinating political history you’ll want to share at the pub this weekend!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:40+10:00May 12, 2022|Local History|

We've uncovered some incredible local political trivia to wow your friends and family this weekend. It's a must read!

• 

  Flashback 2008: Bradleys Head claims six young lives in horror boat crash.

Flashback 2008: Bradleys Head claims six young lives in horror boat crash.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:41+10:00May 4, 2022|Local History|

A carefree night out. A split-second decision. Young lives tragically changed forever.

• 

  In 1988, a floating Chinese Restaurant with room for 500 diners outraged lower north shore locals.

In 1988, a floating Chinese Restaurant with room for 500 diners outraged lower north shore locals.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:42+10:00April 6, 2022|Local History|

Today we’re taking you back to those golden years of the 1980s – when hair was big, clothes were loud, and power ballads were super-charged with emotion.

• 

  True Crime: In 1901, a desperate young mother committed an unthinkable crime on Balmoral Beach.

True Crime: In 1901, a desperate young mother committed an unthinkable crime on Balmoral Beach.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:03:54+10:00March 31, 2022|Local History|

Sydney was no place for an unwed, pregnant young woman in the early 1900s, but 18-year-old Mary Hutchison had nowhere else to go.

• 

  Greenway Flats: “If I won the Lottery seven times over, I wouldn’t leave here. This will do me!”

Greenway Flats: “If I won the Lottery seven times over, I wouldn’t leave here. This will do me!”

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:43+10:00March 23, 2022|Local History|

When it officially opened on Sunday, 28 March 1954, "Greenway" was Australia's largest communal social housing complex.

• 

  After slaughtering his wife and child, a Mosman maniac turned the gun on himself.

After slaughtering his wife and child, a Mosman maniac turned the gun on himself.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:04:22+10:00March 10, 2022|Local History|

Mosman teenager Alma Plaister was never absent from school. But on Monday 18 July 1932, the brilliant and popular 13-year-old was missing from morning roll call at North Sydney Girls High.

• 

  Flashback 1968: Bula! A three-storey Fijian mecca opens in Mosman.

Flashback 1968: Bula! A three-storey Fijian mecca opens in Mosman.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:04:30+10:00February 22, 2022|Local History|

On the busy corner of Ourimbah and Spit Rd, a commercial building known as Island Centre opened to fascinated locals in July 1968.

• 

  80 years ago, local woman Nancy Harris was marched into the ocean and murdered.

80 years ago, local woman Nancy Harris was marched into the ocean and murdered.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:46+10:00February 15, 2022|Local History|

“When we were waist-deep in the surf, they opened up a murderous fire,” Sister Vivien Bullwinkle recalled after the Bangka Island Massacre of WWII, "mowing us down like a scene I saw in a film as a child.”

• 

  TRUE CRIME: In December 1907, five Mosman teenagers committed an unthinkable crime.

TRUE CRIME: In December 1907, five Mosman teenagers committed an unthinkable crime.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:04:41+10:00February 8, 2022|Local History|

In our new series, Mosman Collective unlocks historic local crime case files, revealing new images and details of the lower north shore’s most shocking stories.

• 

  History: We uncover incredible time warp photos of a Coles store in Mosman!

History: We uncover incredible time warp photos of a Coles store in Mosman!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:04:46+10:00February 1, 2022|Local History|

On 21 November 1934, Coles came to Mosman, opening the doors of 22 Spit Rd at 9:30am. Goods on sale included seven-piece fruit sets, toys, cotton reels, ladies’ aprons, hats dresses and nickel torches.

• 

  Real Estate Rewind 1986: Historic cottage with sweeping harbour views for $700,000.

Real Estate Rewind 1986: Historic cottage with sweeping harbour views for $700,000.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:48+10:00December 2, 2021|Local History|

Described as “an old colonial home”, Victoria Cottage on Clanalpine St was marketed with stunning views, a formal garden, extensive library, and a swimming pool by local agent James S. Lindsay in August 1986.

• 

  Real Estate Rewind: Mosman home prices crash during crippling 1980s recession.

Real Estate Rewind: Mosman home prices crash during crippling 1980s recession.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:05:14+10:00November 25, 2021|Local History|

Not even Mosman was spared during Australia’s deepest post-war recession in the early 1980s.

• 

  Flashback 1936: The battle of Balmoral’s ‘Freak Floaters’.

Flashback 1936: The battle of Balmoral’s ‘Freak Floaters’.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:05:16+10:00November 24, 2021|Local History|

Australian competitions aren’t limited to just sport and spelling bees. From yabby races to bed making, prawn peeling to whip cracking, we love nothing more than a good-humoured match-up.

• 

  Local Flashback: Remembering the halcyon days of Sizzler in Mosman.

Local Flashback: Remembering the halcyon days of Sizzler in Mosman.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:05:21+10:00November 16, 2021|Local History|

Kids of the 80s and ’90s will remember family dinners at Sizzler, the iconic chain famous for its all-you-can-eat salad bar, unlimited ice cream and complimentary cheese toast.

• 

  May Gibbs’ character Little Obelia celebrates 100 years with new Nutcote exhibition.

May Gibbs’ character Little Obelia celebrates 100 years with new Nutcote exhibition.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:05:24+10:00November 10, 2021|Local History|

It has been 100 years since children’s author May Gibbs brought the ocean to life in a book featuring an underwater creature called Little Obelia.

• 

  Nutcote Cottage in Neutral Bay claims first heritage blue plaque.

Nutcote Cottage in Neutral Bay claims first heritage blue plaque.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:50+10:00October 26, 2021|Neutral Bay, Local History|

Lower north shore locations and identities with stories to celebrate have a chance to become recognised with the universally known heritage symbol – a blue plaque.

• 

  Real Estate Rewind: In 1999, you could buy a Golden Triangle house for $2 million!

Real Estate Rewind: In 1999, you could buy a Golden Triangle house for $2 million!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:51+10:00October 13, 2021|Local History|

“Welcome to Paradise” was the line agent Rob Simeon used when marketing the Golden Triangle property known as “Heachem”, in 1999.

• 

  In 1916, hundreds of animals were moved across Sydney Harbour to their new home at Taronga Zoo.

In 1916, hundreds of animals were moved across Sydney Harbour to their new home at Taronga Zoo.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:05:52+10:00October 11, 2021|Local History|

Over the course of six months, an entire zoo population of native and exotic animals was moved from cramped quarters in Moore Park to an idyllic paradise known as Taronga Park.

• 

  Council votes to keep Neutral Bay’s Ben Boyd Road.

Council votes to keep Neutral Bay’s Ben Boyd Road.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:51+10:00September 28, 2021|Neutral Bay, Local History|

North Sydney Council has voted to retain the legacy of Benjamin Boyd, a colonial entrepreneur who lived in Neutral Bay in the 1840s.

• 

  Flashback: ‘Big 20’ Burger Bar – 566 Military Rd, Mosman.

Flashback: ‘Big 20’ Burger Bar – 566 Military Rd, Mosman.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:51+10:00September 27, 2021|Local History|

The "Big 20" remains one of Mosman's fondly remembered cafés. And, just like 'Arnold's diner in Happy Days, it boasted a regular cast of colourful characters.

• 

  Special Report: The cult movies and TV shows filmed on Sydney’s lower north shore.

Special Report: The cult movies and TV shows filmed on Sydney’s lower north shore.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:52+10:00September 14, 2021|Local History|

Some of the lower north shore’s best backdrops have appeared in scores of blockbuster movies and TV shows.

• 

  Remember when Mosman had a KFC? Step back in time with our EXCLUSIVE pics!

Remember when Mosman had a KFC? Step back in time with our EXCLUSIVE pics!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:53+10:00September 10, 2021|Local History|

If you’ve been around long enough, you’ll remember when Mosman boasted a range of fast-food options including Sizzler, the Black Stump and even a Subway.

• 

  The legend of Mosman’s most famous mongrel dog lives on – more than 40 years after his death.

The legend of Mosman’s most famous mongrel dog lives on – more than 40 years after his death.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:53+10:00September 6, 2021|Local History|

In a suburb known for its high concentration of Groodles, Cavoodles, Labradoodles and Schnoodles, there once lived an old, ugly, battle-scarred mongrel dog with arthritis in all four legs who was almost totally deaf.

• 

  Local History: 100 years ago, Clifton Gardens was the site of Sydney’s most popular hotel.

Local History: 100 years ago, Clifton Gardens was the site of Sydney’s most popular hotel.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:06:33+10:00September 4, 2021|Local History|

Mosman Collective writer MICK ROBERTS has travelled back more than a century, to reveal the fascinating history behind former Sydney landmark, the Clifton Gardens Hotel.

• 

  Local History: On this day 29 June 1958, Mosman takes its last tram ride.

Local History: On this day 29 June 1958, Mosman takes its last tram ride.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:54+10:00June 29, 2021|Mosman, Local History|

It was 1.17am on Saturday 29 June 1958, when passengers crammed onto the last tram from Mosman, to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

• 

  Is Ben Boyd Rd about to become Barangaroo Rd? Residents asked to have their say.

Is Ben Boyd Rd about to become Barangaroo Rd? Residents asked to have their say.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:55+10:00June 19, 2021|Local History|

Local residents are invited to have their say on the proposed renaming of Ben Boyd Rd in Neutral Bay.

• 

  Portal to the Past: We uncover incredible images of 1940s Mosman “Milko”!

Portal to the Past: We uncover incredible images of 1940s Mosman “Milko”!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:55+10:00June 17, 2021|Local History|

There was a time, long before UberEats and Menulog, when most Australian households used home delivery as an essential service.

• 

  Amazing photos of Hotel Mosman revealed for the first time. See inside the landmark building!

Amazing photos of Hotel Mosman revealed for the first time. See inside the landmark building!

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:55+10:00June 8, 2021|Local History|

FOR more than a century, dominating the corner of Military Road and Vista Street, the Hotel Mosman was one of Sydney's favourite pubs.

• 

  Attack on Sydney Harbour: In 1942, Japanese submarines brought WWII to Mosman’s doorstep.

Attack on Sydney Harbour: In 1942, Japanese submarines brought WWII to Mosman’s doorstep.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:56+10:00May 31, 2021|Local History|

Nobody ever expected Mosman to become the front line of World War Two. But on a crisp Autumn evening in 1942, as the sun dipped west behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the final stage of an audacious plan to invade Australia's largest city was almost complete.

• 

  One million Australians wanted to win this Mosman “Dream Home” raffle prize in 1942.

One million Australians wanted to win this Mosman “Dream Home” raffle prize in 1942.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:57+10:00May 25, 2021|Local History|

With war on our doorstep and mainland Australia preparing for a Japanese attack, Mosman was a suburb of fear and unease in 1942.

• 

  High Tea Party is Over: Boronia House closes abruptly, so what’s planned for the historic Mosman landmark?

High Tea Party is Over: Boronia House closes abruptly, so what’s planned for the historic Mosman landmark?

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:57+10:00May 13, 2021|Local History|

Landmark heritage venue Boronia House has closed after long term tenant Mosman Catering pulled out of its 10-year contract. The historic home, built in 1885, is owned by Mosman Council which agreed to terminate the lease five years early, after agreeing the hospitality business was “no longer viable”.

• 

  We say farewell to one of Mosman Collective’s most avid local history contributors.

We say farewell to one of Mosman Collective’s most avid local history contributors.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:19:58+10:00May 3, 2021|Local History|

Irene Ferguson, a member of the popular “Mosman Memories” Facebook group, regularly contributed personal stories and photographs right up until last Monday, April 26, when she slipped away quietly on the Sunshine Coast.

• 

  Last Chance: Grab your togs people! North Sydney Olympic Pool to close this weekend until 2023.

Last Chance: Grab your togs people! North Sydney Olympic Pool to close this weekend until 2023.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:07:55+10:00February 26, 2021|North Sydney, Local History|

The lower north shore’s obsession with North Sydney Olympic Pool runs deep. A national icon and local landmark, the aquatic playground has played a pivotal part in our lives for generations.

• 

  Police Rescue chopper crashes in front of horrified swimmers on Balmoral Beach after engine explodes.

Police Rescue chopper crashes in front of horrified swimmers on Balmoral Beach after engine explodes.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:01+10:00January 21, 2021|Local History|

It’s just before 7:20 am when NSW Police pilot Peter Leslie climbs into the cockpit of PolAir 4 with crewmates Alan Keane and Steve Southey, to rescue a couple of ocean swimmers in trouble off Curl Curl beach.

• 

  The Cremorne streets named after Aussie test cricketers who gave birth to the Ashes legend.

The Cremorne streets named after Aussie test cricketers who gave birth to the Ashes legend.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:08:09+10:00January 8, 2021|Local History|

Australia and England first met in test match cricket in 1877, but the legend of the Ashes, the symbolic trophy the two teams play for, began on August 29, 1882, after the on-field antics of English captain W.G. Grace so incensed Australian spinner Fred Spofforth, it produced a bowling spell that scorched the oval.

• 

  What a difference a century makes! Historic subdivision plans for Mosman and the lower north shore now online.

What a difference a century makes! Historic subdivision plans for Mosman and the lower north shore now online.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:31+10:00August 19, 2020|Local History|

The State Library has released 40,000 subdivision maps, providing a valuable insight into the lives of New South Wales residents from 1860 to the 1930s, illustrating the spread of suburbs across Sydney and regional areas.

• 

  Mosman History: The Murder of Heart Surgeon Dr. Victor Chang, the man named as “Australian of the Century”.

Mosman History: The Murder of Heart Surgeon Dr. Victor Chang, the man named as “Australian of the Century”.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:33+10:00July 3, 2020|Local History|

It’s Thursday, 4 July 1991, when Dr. Victor Chang climbs into his new Mercedes 500SL and pulls out of his Clontarf driveway, bound for St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst. The pioneer heart surgeon is running late, after sharing breakfast with his wife, Ann.

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  Cashed Up Car Lover? This iconic Holden is predicted to sell for more than $1 million this weekend.

Cashed Up Car Lover? This iconic Holden is predicted to sell for more than $1 million this weekend.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:09:13+10:00June 24, 2020|Local History|

The very first factory-built race car to bear a Holden badge is predicted to double the previous record for a Holden vehicle sold at auction.

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  Calls to rename National Park honouring controversial colonialist Benjamin Boyd. So, what does this mean for Neutral Bay?

Calls to rename National Park honouring controversial colonialist Benjamin Boyd. So, what does this mean for Neutral Bay?

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:09:17+10:00June 23, 2020|Neutral Bay, Local History|

lls for the NSW State Government to erase the name of Ben Boyd from a national park have raised a question mark over the Neutral Bay road named after the Scottish entrepreneur and adventurer.

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  Local History: The unsolved mystery of the deadly Ghost Train inferno at Luna Park still haunts Sydney – more than 40 years later.

Local History: The unsolved mystery of the deadly Ghost Train inferno at Luna Park still haunts Sydney – more than 40 years later.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:33+10:00June 11, 2020|Milsons Point, Local History|

It was winter 1979 when a young family from far west NSW travelled to Sydney for the holiday of a lifetime. Dad John, mum Jenny and their two young children Damien and Craig enjoyed a week in the ‘big smoke’, before spending their final day sight-seeing on the lower north shore.

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  Anzac Day 2019: Acclaimed author Patrick Lindsay on 100 years since the end of World War One.

Anzac Day 2019: Acclaimed author Patrick Lindsay on 100 years since the end of World War One.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:10:09+10:00April 24, 2019|Local History|

Over the last four years, year by year and battle by battle, we’ve commemorated the centenary of World War One. 2019 marks the Centenary of the Great Homecoming - the start of the aftermath of that war - the realisation of the cataclysmic damage that it caused.

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  Walkley Award winning journalist and acclaimed historian Gavin Souter shares his memories of seven decades in Mosman.

Walkley Award winning journalist and acclaimed historian Gavin Souter shares his memories of seven decades in Mosman.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:10:14+10:00February 28, 2019|Local History|

Not everyone wins Australian journalism’s highest honour, a Walkley Award. And not everyone can say they’ve been commissioned by the Federal Government, to write the narrative history of our nations Parliament. But Gavin Souter can.

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  Mosman’s famous Federation “Merchant Mansions” – and the men who built them.

Mosman’s famous Federation “Merchant Mansions” – and the men who built them.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:39+10:00February 9, 2019|Local History|

Our local history series continues, with Robert Simeon taking a look back at the life and times of local builders Smith & Cabban, who rose to fame in the early 1900’s with their landmark Mosman “Merchant Mansions”.

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  Exclusive: We uncover never before seen images of Chalwin Castle – and reveal the famous faces who partied there.

Exclusive: We uncover never before seen images of Chalwin Castle – and reveal the famous faces who partied there.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:40+10:00October 17, 2018|Local History|

Chalwin Castle in Cremorne was a lifelong project that took Vivian Chalwin 30 years to complete and from the 1960’s, it hosted thousands of guests at private gatherings.

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  A lifetime of memories: This Cremorne home is on the market for the first time in 70 years.

A lifetime of memories: This Cremorne home is on the market for the first time in 70 years.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:40+10:00September 4, 2018|Local History|

This classic Cremorne home has been owned by one family for more than half a century – and since 1949, the much loved residence has seen it all… from first steps, to first birthdays, to first days of school.

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  Local Insider: Mosman’s century of cinematic history and its golden era of the silver screen.

Local Insider: Mosman’s century of cinematic history and its golden era of the silver screen.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:20:41+10:00August 17, 2018|Local History|

Rat Milland, Florence Desmond, Greta Garbo and Humphrey Bogart. These were just some of the stars that graced the screens of Mosman during its cinematic heyday.

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  Mosman Insider: Our reporter takes a step back in time and unlocks secrets from the past.

Mosman Insider: Our reporter takes a step back in time and unlocks secrets from the past.

Anna Usher2026-08-12T21:10:25+10:00August 8, 2018|Local History|

At the turn of the 20th century, picture postcards of Mosman were fashionable way for local residents to share news with family and friends. Mosman collective delves into these windows of our past, to uncover long forgotten moments in our suburb’s history.