Almost two centuries ago Thomas Chalder owned a block of reclaimed swamp land in Sydney’s west.
The lot, named Marrick after Mr Chalder’ English home, was subdivided in 1855 to lay down the foundations of the Marrickville village.
On Saturday Marrickville Council celebrates 150 years since the birth of the Marrickville Municipality in 1861.
The Council will celebrate the anniversary tomorrow night with a free concert by the 80 year old Marrickville Symphony Orchestra.
“This is a suitably festive way to celebrate Council’s very significant anniversary this year. One hundred and fifty years is certainly a huge milestone. This Council is one of the oldest in Australia, but we always remain focused on building a better future for all our residents,” Mayor of Marrickville Council Morris Hanna said.
The concert will include various music from the last 150 years and a Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ installed into the Marrickville Town Hall.
Along with the concert Marrickville Libraries and History Services will display a collection of posters which tell the story of the area’s history.
“Marrickville Council is committed to serving and supporting our local community’s needs, and being a socially, culturally and economically inclusive organisation. I hope many of our residents come along to this free concert and enjoy some of the best that the local area has to offer,” Mr Hanna said.
The Marrickville area was originally occupied by the Cadigal clan of the Eora nation. Artefacts found near the Cooks Riverand Alexandra Canal suggest the area has been occupied for at least 7000 years.
Other events surrounding the celebration include a house history workshop with Marrickville Council’s Archivist Ben Arnfield on Wednesday, a talk and art exhibition from the first World War on Friday November 11.
