Dural and District Historical Society

"The past is all about us and within."

Banjo Paterson

Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson, CBE (1864–1941)
Australian bush poet, journalist, and author known for many classic and famous iconic ballads and poems.

DDHS EVENTS

Next Event

Saturday, October 11, 2025 2:00 PM

Come along with your own family treasures and tell their stories. This is always a popular annual occasion where we hold a brief AGM and then turn to our members and visitors to hear about and see their amazing treasures and mementoes. We always uncover some fascinating family artefacts.

The Dural & District Historical Society warmly invites members and guests to its upcoming Annual General Meeting, a gathering that celebrates both reflection and discovery. Following the formal proceedings, we’ll be hosting a lively Show-and-Tell session, where attendees are encouraged to bring along a personal item, photo, or story that connects to our region’s rich past. Whether it’s a treasured heirloom, a curious artifact, or a tale passed down through generations, this is a wonderful opportunity to share and learn from one another.

Come for the business, stay for the stories—let’s keep history alive, together.

Saturday, March 8, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm, March 8 – Judy Horton-John Peter Russell-The Forgotten Impressionist. Picture 1 Cruach en Mer.

Saturday, October 11, 2025 2:00 PM

Annual General Meeting – Show and Tell

Saturday, November 8, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm November 8 – Ron McIntosh- The Lost Boys.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm September 13 – Bob Ifield-The Ifield Family. Picture 7 Bob Ifield (right) with brothers David (left) and Frank (centre).

Saturday, August 9, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm August 9 – The June Roughley Memorial Lecture, Ian Hemphill – My Spicy Life. Picture 6 Herbie in his Spicery

Saturday, July 12, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm July 12 – Michael Bell- Galston Gorge Archaeology and geology. Picture 5 Old stone water trough in Galston Gorge.

Saturday, June 14, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm June 14 – Rod Best- The Best Family. Picture 4 Rod Best

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm, May 10 – Carolyn Broadhead- Carolyn’s French Connection. Picture 3 Descendants of lacemakers who came to Australia in 1848.

Saturday, April 12, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm, April 12 – Vern Sotter-The Fagans and Fagan Park.

Saturday, April 13, 2024 2:00 PM

Ken Bradley – Hellfire Pass on Thai-Burma Railway

Saturday, February 8, 2025 2:00 PM

2pm 8 February Don Napper – Nikola Tesla

Saturday, November 9, 2024 2:00 PM

David Jehan – Hudson with an ‘H’

Saturday, September 14, 2024 2:00 PM

Pamela Melocco – Family contribution to Sydney architecture

Saturday, August 10, 2024 2:00 PM

June Roughley – Memorial Lecture Dr Grace Karskens Research on people of the Hawkesbury

Saturday, July 13, 2024 2:00 PM

Mal Johnston – Cattai Creek

Monday, July 8, 2024 2:00 PM

Susan Gray – Banana Cabana

Saturday, May 11, 2024 2:00 PM

Judith Dunn – Parramatta history followed by tour of Parramatta 28 May

DDHS Newsletters and Reports

04/10/2024

DDHS newsletter February 2025

04/10/2024

DDHS newsletter November 2024

04/10/2024

DDHS newsletter October 2024

04/10/2024

DDHS newsletter September 2024

04/04/2024

DDHS newsletter April 2024

01/03/2024

DDHS Newsletter March 2024

16/12/2023

DDHS Presidents Report 2023

01/11/2023

DDHS Newsletter November 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Our mission is to research, preserve, and promote the history and heritage of Dural and its surrounding districts, fostering community awareness and appreciation of our local history.

Membership is open to anyone interested in the history of Dural and its surrounding areas. Benefits include access to our archives and library, invitations to special events and lectures, and the opportunity to participate in preservation projects.

Membership fees are:

Household – $45
Single member – $30

Any donations are most welcome as the Society is self funded.

We collect and preserve a wide range of materials, including photographs, documents, artifacts, and oral histories related to the history of Dural and its surround areas.

Yes, the public can access our archives and resources by appointment. We welcome researchers, students, and anyone with an interest in local history to explore our collections.

We engage with the local community through a variety of means, including hosting public lectures, historical walks, exhibitions, and participating in local events. We also work with schools and other organizations to promote the understanding and appreciation of our local heritage.

Yes, we offer a range of volunteer opportunities, including archival work, event organization, and community outreach. To get involved, please contact us through our website or visit our office for more information on how you can contribute to preserving our community’s history.

We are also self-funded so any donations financial or otherwise is greatly appreciated.

We will gratefully accept donations of items with historical significance to Dural and its surrounding areas. If you have photographs, documents, or artifacts you wish to donate, please contact us to discuss.

DDHS yearly membership: $30 single, $45 household.

You can renew or join at the meeting, send a cheque to:

DDHS
PO Box 3218
Dural NSW 2158

or, if you prefer to pay by direct bank transfer, send the appropriate amount to our DDHS Bendigo Bank Account:

BSB: 633000 Acc: 116651258

Please put your surname as reference and contact our treasurer Rod Taylor to let him know you have renewed.

Find out more..

About Us

The Society was founded in 1984. Its aims are to encourage the study of the history of Dural and compile authentic records relating to Dural; to acquire by purchase or donation and preserve books, manuscripts, photographs etc; and to promote the interchange of information amongst members by lectures, tours etc. 

The Society has an extensive display of old local photographs which can be viewed by appointment at the ‘History Cottage’, 412x Galston Road, Galston, NSW Australia.

History Cottage on Galston Road can also be visited by appointment at a time convenient to you.

Membership fees are:

Household – $45
Single member – $30

Any donations are most welcome as the Society is self funded.