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.