Steam Train Terminus 1887-1937
In the 1880s, the Sans Souci Tramway League campaigned for a tramway from Kogarah Railway Station to Sans Souci, which was approved by State Parliament and construction began in 1886. The service ran from Kogarah Station to Sans Souci along Rocky Point Road, providing access to the beach and Moorefield Racecourse. These noisy, coal-powered steam trams, operated by motormen, had a significant impact on Kogarah’s growth, stimulating local business and housing development. The tram platforms were conveniently located next to Kogarah train station, making commuting easier.
However, the tramway’s legacy was marred by several fatal accidents. In 1918, 69-year-old Walter Targett, a former MLA, was killed after slipping under a tram at Kogarah. This tragic event was followed by more deaths and injuries over the years, including the fatal 1925 accidents at Sandringham terminus and in 1937 on the Princes Highway. Despite these incidents, the tramway remained in operation until 4 July 1937, when it was replaced by a trolley-bus service. The final journey of the Kogarah steam tram was witnessed by a crowd of up to 90,000, marking the end of an era in local transport.
The Historical Marker reads:
Steam Tram Terminus 1887 - 1937.
The tram ran from Kogarah Station to Sans Souci along Rocky Point Road, providing access to the beach and Moorefield Racecourse.
Location of Historical Marker:
Kogarah Station.
Railway Parade, Kogarah.
Location on Google Maps.
The Nethery Family
The Nethery family has lived in the vicinity of Anglo Square for over 100 years, since Edward and Mary Ann Nethery moved to 27 Westbourne Street (later renamed Anglo Square) in 1917. Edward, a dedicated teacher, and Mary raised eight children who made significant contributions to the community, particularly in sport and education. Three of their children, Ted, Frank, and Mary, followed in their father’s footsteps and became teachers.
Opposite their home was a park where the Nethery children spent their time kicking footballs and playing cricket with local kids. Ted excelled in rugby, captaining the first XV team at Hurlstone and later the Armidale Teachers’ College 1st XV. Frank played first-grade rugby league for Sydney University, while Cyril played both first-grade rugby league and rugby union for St George and was a member of the Australian Combined Services Rugby Union Team during World War II. John, Greg, Robert, and Septimus also played grade rugby union for St George, including first grade.
All seven of the Nethery sons served in World War II, with remarkable experiences including Cyril’s dangerous role as a bomber pilot over Germany and others enduring the challenges of tropical diseases in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. Fortunately, all returned safely home. The family home, “Yeronga,” became a hub for the Nethery family and was a place of love, laughter, and connection for five generations. The family’s legacy continues to be celebrated, with descendants gathering at the home for milestones such as anniversaries and ANZAC Day.
The Historical Marker reads:
The Nethery Family.
The family has lived in the vicinity of this park for more than 100 years since the arrival of Edward and Mary Ann Nethery in 1917. Their eight children made outstanding contributions to the community through sport, education and the service of seven sons during WWII.
Location of Historical Marker:
Anglo Square, Carlton.
Location on Google Maps.
Edith Blake (1885-1918)
Nurse Edith Blake was the only Australian nurse to die in WWI as a direct result of enemy action, when the hospital ship HMHS Glenart Castle was torpedoed off the English coast on 26 February 1918. Born in Redfern, Edith was raised at Sans Souci, the eldest daughter of Charles and Catherine Blake of 9 Vista Street. She trained at the Coast Hospital in Little Bay, where she was Sister for about four years.
After the outbreak of war, Edith was among a group of 130 nurses who sailed to London to enlist with Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. Her wartime service began in Egypt at No 1 Australian General Hospital in Alexandria, where she treated wounded soldiers from Gallipoli. She then served in France before spending a year nursing German prisoners of war at Belmont, Surrey, a duty that was considered by many to be unpopular.
On 26 February 1918, Edith sailed from Cardiff aboard the hospital ship Glenart Castle, bound for Brest, France, to pick up patients for treatment in Britain. The ship was torpedoed by a German submarine, and she drowned, along with 160 others. She was 32 years old.
The Historical Marker reads:
Edith Blake. 1885-1918.
The only Australian nurse to die in WWI as a direct result of enemy action, when the hospital ship HMHS Glenart Castle was torpedoed off the English coast on 26 February 1918.
Location of Historical Marker:
Edith Blake Reserve.
61A Montgomery Street, Kogarah.
Location on Google Maps.
Isaac Peake's Farm
Isaac Peake, after whom the suburb of Peakhurst was named, lived at this homestead where he raised his family and contributed significantly to the development of the area. His farm was in the north-west part of what is now Olds Park, Penshurst.
In the 1880s, Isaac’s farm was situated adjacent to his brother Jacob’s, near Stoney Creek Road and in 1887, Hurstville Council invited Isaac and Jacob to open up a road 66 feet (20 metres) wide through their properties, connecting Broad Arrow Road at its intersection with Penshurst Road to Forest Road near its junction with Bauman’s Road. The brothers generously agreed to this request. Isaac was awarded the contract to fence the road, and this project ultimately allowed Stoney Creek Road to run from Penshurst Street to Forest Road, significantly shaping local infrastructure.
Isaac’s contributions extended beyond farming, as he became a prominent figure in the area’s development, acquiring land, and serving as a trustee of Penshurst Park. His legacy continues to be celebrated, with his farm’s location serving as a symbol of the Peake family’s vital role in Peakhurst’s history.
The Historical Marker reads:
The homestead of Isaac Peake (1838-1920), after whose family the suburb of Peakhurst was named, was located in this vicinity, with the farm occupying the north-west part of what is now Olds Park.
The Historical Marker is located:
Olds Park.
Forest Road, Penshurst.
Location on Google Maps.
No.52 Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery c.1942-1945
During WWII, the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) operated an anti-aircraft searchlight in Oatley to detect and illuminate enemy aircraft. Searchlight batteries were established across Sydney, including Ramsgate, Moorefield Racecourse, and Oatley.
The Oatley battery is believed to have been near present-day 27–29 Baker Street, with a 1943 aerial photograph showing a cleared area suitable for its operation. It was coordinated with another searchlight on Gungah Bay Road, where the Scout Hall now stands. A nearby lane was informally signposted as ‘Searchlight Lane’ in recognition of this history.
Former AWAS Gunner Phyllis Smith recalled the demanding nature of searchlight duty, with servicewomen working in shifts throughout the night to identify aircraft by sound and track them with searchlights. They handled all aspects of operations, including maintenance and cooking, with no male personnel on site.
The AWAS women of No. 52 Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery took great pride in their role. Phyllis Smith’s full interview, offering further insight into their experiences, is available at the Australians at War Film Archive.
The Historical Marker reads:
No.52 Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery c.1942 - 1945.
During WWII, the Australian Wonen's Army Service, operated an anti-aircraft searchlight located in this area which was intended to detect and illuminate enemy aircraft.
The Historical Marker is located:
Corner of Baker Street and Lansdowne Parade, Oatley.
Location on Google Maps.
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