Thursday 5 July 2012

2768 Glenwood

Glenwood is my suburb... my place! Interestingly it wasn't recognised as a suburb until 1996. Glenwood used to be an agricultural centre with orchards, dairy farms and market gardens... and not too many people! The population of the Glenwood/Parklea/Kellyville area combined was only 1109 in 1996; it took a while to establish itself. But when it grew, it flourished at an amazing pace. In last  year's census 15325 people called Glenwood home!

SO WHERE IS EVERYONE???  You rarely see huge crowds of people around (except perhaps at 3pm by the school gates). We seem to be a busy lot, but busy elsewhere! Or we're enjoying the comfort of our 'McMansions'. Hmmm yes, a term that is frequently used in a derogatory way to describe where we live, but a label I'll gladly wear as I sit back and enjoy all the 'mod cons' of a home in the growing urban sprawl.

My photographic journey through Glenwood has been a gradual collection of images over time, much like the development of this area from early settlement to thriving residential area. It's an area of endangered environmental communities, heritage listed buildings, colour and variety. A place that I'm proud to call home.



The Dharug people who traditionally lived in this area would have survived on the plant and animal life within the Cumberland Plain Woodland. It originally covered 30% of the Sydney basin. but now only 6% of that woodland remains. Luckily, residents help to preserve and care for it through bush care groups. This small area of woodland is 50 metres from my front door and within it grow two trees that my girls planted shortly after we moved here. It's a great way for the next generation to be involved and also made aware of the possibility of it's disappearance if it's not looked after.
Exeter Farm c1820 


This small unassuming property was derelict, vandalised and rattling with termites until it's recent restoration through the Endangered Houses Fund. At one point after restoration it was the oldest property for sale on the Australian market, but now it belongs to the Historic Houses trust. It's a very rare timber-slab, early settlers cottage that stands confidently alongside the solar panelled, brick rendered properties of a new century. You wouldn't guess from these pictures but it's surrounded by 'McMansions'!
Glenwood Park house c1850
This has been home to a number of families over the years and has had almost as many name changes. It's last name , Glenwood Park House, is the one  from which Glenwood the suburb gets it's name.
If you love your football then Valentine Sports Park is the place to be, home of Football NSW and the soon-to-be training ground of the new A League team Western Sydney Wanderers FC. There were no other major changes or developments in Glenwood until the park was opened in 1986 and still it remained fairly quiet until...
... the building boom of the mid to late 90's! And still it goes on, although I'm not sure how much space is left here! This piece of farmland behind the rusty milk churn mail box will only be green for a little longer, as it has now been subdivided and the lots have been sold. I think I'll rather miss seeing the cows grazing as I drive past.
... the building of the Sikh Gurdwara (1998)


A place of community and contemplation


... the building of the 'village' shopping centre (2000)
... the building of schools (Caddies Creek Public School 2003)




... and the creation of spaces and places to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that still surrounds us in this suburb of rapid growth and change.

12 comments:

  1. Just beautiful. I feel like I am there in Glenwood, just with a more observant perspective than normal

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    1. Thanks Gam :) When you really start looking it's amazing what you find in your own neighbourhood.

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  2. You have stepped your photography up to a whole new level. Beautiful perspectives in both words and pictures. You've captured a story here. Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Abi. Each place has it's story, even if it's (what appears from the outside) a 'new' development in the burbs!

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  3. Fantastic Arpana, really enjoyed the photographs as well as the history. Love how you have your signature at the bottom of the photographs.

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    1. Thanks Andrea. A timeline seemed to be the best approach for Glenwood. LOL about the signature... but it's as close as I can get with the available fonts!

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  4. Wow! Love to visit when we come over- no no date as yet but we will -prob 2013-14 xmas

    Annie ( ps - can't remember my log in name

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    1. LOL!!!!!!!! I'm glad you signed your name then. I thought a complete stranger was inviting themselves over for a minute!! Would love to see you and definitely come and stay with us :) xx

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  5. Michael Pillay7 July 2012 at 02:58

    Another great set of photo's my dear...and don't we often forget how varied and beautiful it actually is around here.

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    1. I think we do forget. Very important to look past the lego and not cry about it! lol We made a good choice xxx

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  6. Well congratulations, you have captured your very own piece of Sydney. I like the way you have built your Glenwood folio just like the suburb its-self "gradually overtime". I think that is the best approach, to savour and explore home.
    The old farm house is looking hauntingly at me with those thick grey background clouds. I love the action packed football shots. The new houses for sale image contrasts the vintage milk can letterbox shot perfectly. The little girl looking at you quizzically is just timed beautifully. Is she wearing a hoodie or a head scarf? The next shot of kaleidoscope scarves is my favourite. And who can top the repetition of trolleys lined up ready for retail battle. Great job, I love it all. Looking forward to sing what we can capture today, even in the wet.

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  7. I thought it was going to be difficult to photograph Glenwood but in the end you have to look with different eyes... not the 'obvious eyes'. That little girl is wearing a hoody which on reflection I thought was just perfect as the new generations come in (I didn't see it at the time as I was too busy capturing the shot); even the woman in the bandana is a step away from the traditional chunni (headscarf). I like the 'kaleidoscope effect too :)

    Can't wait for today's little excursion... and I think I can see the sun peeking! :)

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