We keep extensive collections at the Mascot and Rockdale Libraries.

Some of the collections can be found in the library catalogue.

We have small, thematic displays from the Local history collections at Mascot and Rockdale Libraries. 

You can donate local history material to Bayside Council by filling out our Donation of Material to Bayside Library Service form. Read our Local History Collection Policy before filling out the form.

For more information please contact us:

• via email on local_history@bayside.nsw.gov.au
• by phone on 1300 581 299.

Bayside hosts two exhibitions each year at the George Hanna Memorial Museum in Mascot Library. All exhibitions are free and visitor feedback is welcomed.

Visit the Local history exhibitions page for more information.

Local history events are held throughout the year. To view recordings of past local history events and find out about upcoming events, visit the local history events page.

The Botany Historical Trust delivers projects that preserve the history and heritage of the area. Some of our projects include:

• installing plaques at the Botany and Mascot War Memorials to honour our WW2 local servicemen, women and their families

• restoring and rededicating a memorial plinth at Arthur Park, Botany and installing a new interpretative plaque in honour of Alderman and Mayor George Valentine Arthur. George served on the Botany Municipal Council from 1938 to 1952 and was a veteran of WW1. The park was named in his honour in 1947

• renaming a pocket park in Botany and installing an interpretive plaque in recognition of Nancy Hillier, for her tireless activism and commitment to local environmental issues. Nancy was a local resident who helped form the Botany Independent Action Group and was passionately concerned about industry's impact on the environment and local community.

The Ron Rathbone Local History Competition is an annual event open to everyone in the Bayside Community.

The aim of the competition is to encourage original research into the history of the Bayside Council area, to deepen and broaden our knowledge of the history of the Bayside area, and to ensure that the results of such research are archived and made available for future researchers.

Find out more.

Established in 1994, the Botany Historical Trust preserves and promotes local history, supports the museum and provides advice on local heritage.

You can apply online to become a member of the trust.

Membership is free and open to individuals who are interested in preserving and protecting heritage. As a member you'll be invited to meetings, functions, exhibitions and activities related to local history and heritage.

The Trust collaborates with Bayside Council to produce a newsletter that highlights stories and artefacts from the area.

Read more about the Trust here.

Newsletters

Previous editions:

• June 2024
• December 2023
• May 2023
• December 2022
• June 2022
• October 2021
• April 2021
• December 2020
• August 2020
• May 2020
• December 2019
• July 2019

Bayside Council is honouring local women who made significant contributions to the WWI and WWII efforts through the display of ANZAC flags across the local area.

Learn more about the women and their stories here.

If you know a woman from the Bayside area who served during the war efforts, you can nominate them here.