History of Woolloomooloo
Woolloomooloo developed on the shoreline of Sydney where fish markets provided food for the colony. In the 19th century Woolloomooloo was home to wealthy judges, civic leaders and rich merchants. It became a trendy area to live, being close to Government House and right on the shoreline. Gardens were built and Woolloomooloo was just a short carriage ride away from the colony.
At the end of the 19th century, as transport and roads improved, business people moved out. Factories moved closer to the ports for easier transportation of goods off ships. Sydney needed workers. So to allow the easy access of workers, big houses became boarding houses and small houses were demolished to build terrace houses. Soon cafés, local shops and drinking establishments (hotels) were built at Woolloomooloo.
Between 1911 and 1915, the Sydney Harbour Trust built the Woolloomooloo Bay Finger Wharf as a wool-shipping wharf, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. The increasing numbers of workers at the Finger Wharf created a demand for housing and was met by demolishing grand old homes to build low cost housing.
The Gunnery was built c1900 and is located at 43 – 51 Cowper Wharf Road. It is a 3-storey brick building that was erected as a bulk store for the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. During World War II, the Commonwealth Government acquired the building for defence purposes - the Royal Australian Navy used the building as a gunnery and instructional centre for trainees to practice their gunnery skills. It is now used as an Arts and Cultural centre. Trams used to run through Woolloomooloo in the early part of the 20th century. The name Woolloomooloo could be derived from Wallamullah meaning place of plenty. Wallabahmullah suggests the name could mean field of blood due to Aboriginal fights. Or it could mean Windmill as there was a windmill nearby.
Juanita Nielsen was a publisher of a small newspaper, NOW in the Darlinghurst/Woolloomooloo area. She was an active campaigner against the re-development of Woolloomooloo. Unfortunately she disappeared and was presumed murdered due to her stance on re-development of the historical terraces etc. The Juanita Nielsen Community Centre was named after her and is in Bourke Street. It houses a gym for the community as well.
At the end of the 19th century, as transport and roads improved, business people moved out. Factories moved closer to the ports for easier transportation of goods off ships. Sydney needed workers. So to allow the easy access of workers, big houses became boarding houses and small houses were demolished to build terrace houses. Soon cafés, local shops and drinking establishments (hotels) were built at Woolloomooloo.
Between 1911 and 1915, the Sydney Harbour Trust built the Woolloomooloo Bay Finger Wharf as a wool-shipping wharf, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. The increasing numbers of workers at the Finger Wharf created a demand for housing and was met by demolishing grand old homes to build low cost housing.
The Gunnery was built c1900 and is located at 43 – 51 Cowper Wharf Road. It is a 3-storey brick building that was erected as a bulk store for the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. During World War II, the Commonwealth Government acquired the building for defence purposes - the Royal Australian Navy used the building as a gunnery and instructional centre for trainees to practice their gunnery skills. It is now used as an Arts and Cultural centre. Trams used to run through Woolloomooloo in the early part of the 20th century. The name Woolloomooloo could be derived from Wallamullah meaning place of plenty. Wallabahmullah suggests the name could mean field of blood due to Aboriginal fights. Or it could mean Windmill as there was a windmill nearby.
Juanita Nielsen was a publisher of a small newspaper, NOW in the Darlinghurst/Woolloomooloo area. She was an active campaigner against the re-development of Woolloomooloo. Unfortunately she disappeared and was presumed murdered due to her stance on re-development of the historical terraces etc. The Juanita Nielsen Community Centre was named after her and is in Bourke Street. It houses a gym for the community as well.
Source: https://scratchingsydneyssurface.wordpress.com/tag/history/
Woolloomooloo Bay in the 1930s
Woolloomooloo Bay in the 1930s