Currawong Workers' Holiday Camp

;Aboriginal land It is estimated that Aboriginal people have lived in the Sydney area for at least 40,000 years. The Pittwater area was originally the traditional lands of the Garigal and Cannagal peoples, who were part of the Guringai language group. They had a strong relationship with the water, the coast providing them with an abundant food supply. Throughout Pittwater, especially Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, there are many Aboriginal sites (although none have been identified as yet within the Currawong curtilage) . and gave it the name "Pitt Water" in honour of William Pitt the Younger, the Prime Minister of Great Britain at the time. There was also the example of the Eureka Youth League (EYL) camps in Victoria and NSW, one of the youth movements associated with left-wing unions and the Communist Party of Australia. This, he boasted, was the "First Australian Trade Union Owned and Controlled Holiday Camp". Many, who had never seen the sea, would now have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday by the sea. The Newcastle Trades Hall Council leased land at Barrington Tops for a holiday camp during the 1950s but it remained undeveloped and the land reverted to Barrington Tops National Park' (quoted in Design Plus, 2003) The Miners' Federation had Bushy Tail Caravan Park in the Shoalhaven ( 1940) and the Seamen's Union had a camp at Springwood in the 1950s. In 1949 the Federation of Combined Workers Clubs was formed and its Fingal Bay resort was an unplanned outcome of the popularity of an annual fishing competition organised by the Federation in the 1950s. This led to the lease of a couple of hectares of land at Fingal Bay from the government and eventually expansion of the Federation camps to Urunga and Sussex Inlet. Kenny was also a board member of the steamship company and must have been the key facilitator of the property transaction.".("late last year" (2010)(Manly Daily 22/3/11) Unions NSW sold Currawong to Eco Villages P/L for $15m. Eco Villages P/L's plans to redevelop the property with 25 new residences were refused by the then Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, on 28/4/2009 after a previous Planning Minister, Frank Sartor had set up and heard from an Independent Heritage Advisory Panel and extensive public submissions opposing the proposal. A revised proposal for 12 new houses on the site was lodged in September 2010 and a deemed refusal appeal lodged in the NSW Land & Environment Court in December 2010.(Sydney Morning Herald, 22/3/2011, abridged). Currawong is rare and probably unique for having operated as a union camp continuously for 60 years, with little modification. Even Camp Eureka was abandoned for a few years in the early 1970s and has been undergoing restoration in recent years (under Burra Charter principles). A site at Stanwell Tops, privately owned by a "Mr Halloran", was popular with railway workers in the 1930s, with huts being built c.1935, but most of these burned down in 1961 and the rest were soon removed (Ashley, 1992). The Canberra Tradesmen's Union Club has groups of holiday units in ten locations in NSW (and more in Queensland and Victoria) but the units in Sussex Inlet and Forster are the only ones of a similar vintage to Currawong. While they are modest, intact and for the moment still in their original use, they are both positioned in a strip on a suburban block in town and are more like an apartment block than a holiday camp; moreover both sets of units are soon to be sold. The Miner's Federation (now CFMEU) Bushy Tail camp at Wrights Beach on St George's Basin, in the Shoalhaven Council area, has operated largely as a caravan park since the 1940s with just one caretaker's cottage. It is still a holiday camp site, now run by the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation and called Broken Bay Sports & Recreation but it contains little built fabric from the 1940s era and no cabins. Of the dozen or so holiday camp sites run by this agency, only the Kosciuzsko site and the Point Wollstonecroft site (north of Wyong) contain mid-twentieth century fabric cabins. The Kosciuzsko cabins were built as workers' accommodation for the Snowy Mountains Scheme and are dissimilar to Currawong in design, layout and historical significance. The Point Wollstonecroft site retains a group of four timber cabins dating from the early 1950s which like Currawong were probably built as holiday accommodation, and are located near the sea; however as a small part of a larger contemporary fitness centre, they retain little of Currawong's backwater holiday ambience. Another genre of cabins are the weekender huts which were jerry-built on or near national park land from the 1920s and 1930s (for example at Bulgo, South Era, Burning Palms, Garie and Bonnie Vale in the Royal National Park - see Ashley, 1992). While they are comparable with Currawong for their modest scale and location within a bushland setting by the sea, they differ because they tend to be older, more vernacular in style, more associated with particular families over long periods of time rather than rented to workers, and historically linked to depression-era housing rather than Postwar Reconstruction holidays for workers. There are also many groups of modest, privately built, mid-twentieth century holiday cottages still to be found along the NSW coast, such as "The Springs" at Swan Haven, 'Don Hearn's cabins' at Cunjurong Point on Lake Conjola and the "Green Cabins" at HHyams Beach, all located in the Shoalhaven local government area. Investigating the extent and intactness of this possibly widespread genre of buildings in NSW was outside the scope of research for this assessment. Although physically similar, this genre lacks the public and organisational context of union-backing that enhances Currawong's heritage value. In this overview Currawong is the most intact union-established mid-twentieth century holiday camp in NSW and probably Australia (Design Plus, 2003 supplemented with HO internet research). It also stands out for having been established by the NSW Labor Council, the peak representative body of unions in NSW. == Description ==

The area known as Currawong is located on the western foreshores of Pittwater between Coasters Retreat and Great Mackerel Beach and on the eastern side of the Lamberton Peninsula. It has a total area of . The eastern extent of the property is Currawong Beach, a gently sloping sandy beach. on sandstones; moderately deep () Brown Podzolic Soils (Db1.11), Red Podzolic Soils (Dr2.21) and Gleyed Podzolic Soils (Dg2.21) on shales. Land in the Watagan Soil Landscape Grouping is generally not capable of urban development, regular cultivation or grazing. Soils on sandstone crests and very steep side slopes in these areas are likely to have moderate erodibility but an extreme erosion hazard for both non-concentrated and concentrated flows. Topsoil and subsoil losses arising from urban development are likely to be high. Large variations in soil properties occur over short distances, requiring detailed assessment of surface movement potential. and pale Siliceous Sands (Uc1.2) on sandy rises. Limitations for this soil landscape grouping are given as localised flooding and run-on, high water tables and highly permeable soil. Land in these areas has a generally low to moderate capability for urban development, with localised swampy areas not capable of urban development. The photographic record and site investigations for Currawong indicate frequent swampy areas on the flats. Drier areas are generally capable of regular cultivation and grazing. The historic record for Currawong suggests that in the 19th century and during the Stiles period of occupation the flats area was used for grazing of dairy cattle and growing of some food crops for domestic consumption. Soils on the flats are likely to have low erodibility and a low erosion hazard for non-concentrated flows, moderate to high erosion hazard for concentrated flows and low to moderate hazard for wind erosion. on beaches, Siliceous Sands and occasional compressed sands on foredunes. Limitations include extreme wind and wave erosion hazard, non-cohesive soil, very low soil fertility and high soil permeability. The site displays a high degree of integrity. The natural areas are relatively intact since pre-European settlement. Some evidence remains from the early settlement and farming of the site, including one of the original farmhouses, Midholme. The use of the site as holiday cabins for NSW Labor Union members continues to this day. While buildings has been altered and modified, the holiday camp maintains high integrity in its built structure with the cabins much the same as when they were built. == Heritage listing ==

As at 30 April 2009, Currawong is of State historical significance as an intact remaining example of a mid-twentieth century, union-organised workers' holiday camp in NSW, designed for workers "to get away from crowded industrial areas and enjoy places normally frequented by richer people". The establishment of the holiday camp was a response to the social and work place reforms taking place in NSW in the post World War II period, following the introduction of annual leave in 1944 and the 40-hour week in 1947. Currawong is then a physical symbol of the social reform movements of mid-twentieth century Australia, and more specifically celebrates the increased leisure time legislated for workers at that time. Its significance is enhanced by the fact that the camp was established by the NSW Labor Council (now known as Unions NSW), the peak representative body of unions in NSW. The establishment of the holiday camp was a response to the social and work place reforms taking place in NSW in the post World War II period, with the introduction of annual leave in 1944 and the 40-hour week in 1947. Currawong is then a symbol of the social reform movements of mid-twentieth century Australia, and more specifically celebrates the increased leisure time legislated for workers at that time. Its significance is enhanced by the fact that the camp was established by the NSW Labor Council, the peak representative body of unions in NSW. Due to the deprivations arising from the war, development of the camp was initially reliant on donated building materials and the volunteer labour of unionists. The State and federal governments were working together to establish Postwar Reconstruction and housing programs in response to the critical shortages, leading to the development of labour saving construction methods and the industrial manufacture of cost effective building materials. This new approach and the resource constraints of that historical period are embodied in the modest 1950s fibro cabins. Currawong is of local heritage significance for its historical values as a colonial farm turned workers' holiday "paradise". One of the early land grants in the Pittwater area, the Currawong property retains nearly half of the original grant of 1836, with much of the original grant boundary still legible in the landscape. '''The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.''' Currawong is of State significance for its historical associations with the post-war union movement in NSW. It is associated with Jim Kenny, Assistant Secretary of the Labor Council of NSW, who was passionate about providing an affordable holiday for workers and their families. It is equally strongly associated with the NSW Labor Council and a great many union members who have holidayed there over half a century. It is also associated with Labor premiers Jim McGirr (who was committed to improving the conditions of workers and post-war reconstruction) and Neville Wran (who visited during his term as Premier of NSW and advocated buying the property so that it could be absorbed into Ku-Ring-Gai National Park). There is also a strong association with the industrial building manufacturers, Vandyke Brothers, demonstrated in the two extant Sectionit holiday cabins. The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales. Currawong is of State significance for its landmark value as a workers' holiday camp located amongst bushland and surrounded by national park on a magnificent Sydney waterfront (described by Governor Phillip in 1788 as "the finest piece of water which I ever saw". . . ). The Currawong site has high scenic quality derived from the striking sandstone escarpment, forested slopes and beach. Currawong presents an unspoilt natural landscape which sits well with the heritage fabric remaining from its farming phase (1830s-1942 - represented by the c.1916 homestead Midholme, some exotic trees and remnant pasture land), and from its union holiday camp phase (1949–present - represented by the intact holiday cabins and facilities). Both periods of use are readily distinguishable with the later use not obscuring the former use or dominating over the natural environmental values. The modest nature of the existing development has enabled the site to retain a high degree of visual integrity compared with other less sensitive developments such as Great Mackerel Beach. Workers cottages 1 and 3 in the union holiday camp are likely to be of State significance for their technical innovation as examples of "Sectionit" prefabricated cabins especially adapted to this site by the manufacturer. The Sectionit prefabricated house system was developed by Christopher Vandyke in the 1930s to reduce production costs of the family home by industrialising building construction, and was adopted by the State Government in an attempt to provide fast and cost effective housing at the end of the Second World War. Vandyke's ideas were innovative for his time and were informed by modernist ideals. The Currawong Vandyke cabins were individually adapted for the Labor Council camp and are indicative of the close relationship between innovative industrialists, Postwar Reconstruction ideals of social economy and the union movement. The historic cottage of Midholme is of local aesthetic significance as a now rare example of a farmhouse in the Pittwater region. Built of timber frame with half weatherboard, half fibro, it is one of the earliest remaining examples of fibro construction in the district. The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. Currawong is long associated with the occupation and ownership by clans of the indigenous Guringai people. Currawong is of State heritage significance for its associations with union members and their families from all over the state who have holidayed there (as well as non-unionists allowed to rent the cottages in off-peak periods), some now returning as third generation visitors. Since its establishment in 1949, Currawong has continued to provide an affordable holiday and is strong in the collective memories of many families. Extensive oral and photographic records provide evidence to this and enhance the long term understanding of the importance of Currawong to many people. Some oral histories have been reproduced in the publication "The Halcyon Days of Summer on Pittwater" (1991) by Audrey Sheperd. A collection of oral histories about Currawong are kept in the Local Studies Collection at Mona Vale Library, including interviews with Bernard Stiles, Flora Webster, the Wells family (who had been visiting Currawong since the mid-1950s), those associated with the trade union movement, a former manager at Currawong and the current caretaker, Barry Kirkman. Currawong also features in the Labor Council Oral History Project. The Carey family were staying in Northend the night it collapsed and the daughter Gabrielle Carey included descriptions of Currawong in her novel "Puberty Blues", which she co-authored with Kathy Lette in 1979. A documentary on the maritime communities of Pittwater, "The Water Dwellers", made by the Australian Commonwealth Film unit in 1967 included reference to Currawong. The social significance of the site is also demonstrated by public protests and media debates over the several proposals for its redevelopment since the 1970s. The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. Currawong has at least local research potential given that it has been almost continuously occupied in several distinct phases, first by Aboriginal people, then by early settlers and farmers, and most recently be leisure-seekers. A study of the site's importance to the Aboriginal community has not been undertaken but it is likely that there may be sites within the Currawong property that are important to indigenous culture. There is also likely to be archaeological evidence from the farming phase of occupation. Currawong also has scientific research potential based on the natural environment, being adjacent to and part of an inter-related landscape with Ku-ring-gai National Park, which is listed on the National Heritage Register. The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. Currawong is of State significance as the most intact, mid-twentieth century, union-based holiday camp remaining in NSW, and probably in Australia. The conservation plan for Camp Eureka, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, states that 'Camp Eureka is one of only two "workers" holiday camps' from the 1940s and 50s remaining in their original form; the other being Camp Currawong at Little Mackerell Beach on Pittwater outside Sydney'. Currawong is rare for having operated as a union camp continuously for 60 years, with little modification. By comparison, Camp Eureka was abandoned for several decades from the 1970s and has been substantially restored. The other comparable early union-based holiday camp was the Australian Railways Union Camp near Sussex Inlet, which was opened with some fanfare by Premier McGirr in 1948 (and it is technically located in the ACT, being on Jarvis Bay Territory land). Now known as the New Generation Holiday Camp, it is still union-run (now by the Rail Bus and Tram Union) but was substantially refurbished with new cabins in the 1980s. The Canberra Tradesmen's Union Club has holiday units in 10 locations in NSW (and more in Queensland and Victoria) but the units in Sussex Inlet and Forster are the only ones of a similar vintage to Currawong. While they are modest, intact and still in their original use, the CTUC units are positioned in a strip on a suburban block in town and are more like an apartment block than a holiday camp; moreover both sets of units are planned to be sold in 2007. Currawong is one of few intact groupings of 1950s holiday cabins remaining in NSW, whether union-based or private, and as such demonstrates a modest mid-twentieth century family vacation style and practice that is in danger of being lost. Two of the holiday cottages at Currawong (known as No.1 or "Kookaburra" and No.3 or 'Platypus'), are significant as examples of intact Sectionit holiday cabins. This was a pre-fabricated house system developed by the Vandyke Brothers to reduce production costs and patented in 1936. Sectionit prefabricated houses were built extensively for the Housing Commission and many examples remain. However the design was especially adapted by Christopher Vandyke for Currawong and no other examples of holiday cabins of this kind are known to exist. The historic homestead Midholme () is of local significance as a rare example of a farmhouse in the Pittwater region. It is thought to be one of the earliest uses of manufactured fibro, with asbestos cement sheeting first manufactured in Australia in 1916 (imported since 1910). The natural landscape and low-impact development that characterises the appearance of Currawong is increasingly uncommon in Pittwater especially when compared to the adjacent Greater Mackerel Beach area (which formed part of the original land grant for Currawong). The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales. Currawong is of State significance as the most intact remaining example of a mid-twentieth century, union-based workers' holiday camp in NSW. This significance is enhanced by the fact that the camp was established by the Labor Council, the peak representative body of unions in NSW, and it was hoped that Currawong would act as the prototype for a network of union-based holiday camps, although this plan never eventuated. The place is representative of a modest mid-twentieth century family vacation style and practice that is in danger of being lost. Currawong is representative of the Pittwater region's natural environment, retaining many examples of endangered flora and fauna. The majority of the Currawong estate is remnant bushland and provides habitat for Lyre birds, bandicoot, curlew, honeyeater, giant dragon flies and possibly koalas. == See also ==