The historical people of Sydney

Georges Heights

Brigadier Gallasch: Barrier-breaking Serviceperson

Brigadier Dianne Gallasch has the distinction of being one of the final graduates of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) School at Georges Heights in Mosman. In fact, Gallasch came first in her class and, in 2013, became the first female commandant of Duntroon, which had at one time prohibited women.

Cockatoo Island

Hannah Taylor: Tragedy Befalls Gaoler’s Family

Hannah Taylor was one of six children fathered by Charles Ormsby, the superintendent of Cockatoo Island’s penal establishment from 1841 to 1859. In this article, Harbour Trust volunteer researcher Ross shares the tragic tale of how Hannah became the first European woman to die on Cockatoo Island.

Woolwich Dock and Parklands

James Thomson: Pontoon Pioneer

In the late 1800s, James Thomson helped install an innovative pontoon dock at Clarke’s Point, Woolwich when the area hosted the Atlas Engineering Company’s shipbuilding yard. In this article, Harbour Trust volunteer researcher Reto introduces readers to the talented Australian engineer and inventor.

Cockatoo Island

Gother Kerr Mann: Colonial engineer

One of the nation’s foremost engineers during the 19th century, Gother Kerr Mann played an instrumental role in the development of Cockatoo Island’s penal establishment. Today, the remnant convict structures, including Fitzroy Dock, are a testament to his enduring impact. This article, jointly written by volunteers Michelle Harper and Fay Jubb, shows the civic-minded engineer was a man who wore many hats well.

Cockatoo Island

Sir George Gipps: Ninth Governor of NSW

During his eight-year term as the Governor of New South Wales (1838-1846), Sir George Gipps withstood criticism to make a principled stand against ‘squattocracy’. He was also instrumental in the establishment of a prison at Cockatoo Island. In this article, volunteer researcher Michele Harper canvasses the life of the statesman who possessed “a fine sense of justice” but was not always popular.

Harbour Trust

Voices of our Volunteers

"I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have served as Harbour Trust Volunteer Manager since 2003 and have witnessed or played a part in a number of great initiatives. Many of these undertakings would not have been possible without our amazing team of volunteers. The Harbour Trust has benefitted greatly from their unique perspectives, special skillsets and length of service. This article shares the stories of some of the volunteers we’ve been privileged to work with." – Volunteer Manager

Cockatoo Island

Joseph William Melrose: The Sobraon Boy

Between 1871 and 1911, Cockatoo Island hosted two nautical school ships: first the ‘Vernon’ and later the ‘Sobraon’. These ships operated as industrial schools for wayward, neglected, and homeless boys. One of the boys enrolled with the Sobraon was Joseph William Melrose. In this article, written with the help of Joseph’s surviving family members, we offer insights into his time aboard the Sobraon as well as his later years.

Harbour Trust

Sandra Hall: Veteran volunteer

In the 20 years since the Harbour Trust was established, our heritage sites have emerged as rich sources of intrigue and exploration, beloved by many Australians. For their contribution, we owe a debt of gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who have generously shared their time, knowledge and passion. In this article, veteran volunteer Sandra Hall reflects on her journey with the Harbour Trust and celebrates the diversity of our volunteer team.

Cockatoo Island

Captain Thunderbolt: Legendary bushranger

The most famous figure from Cockatoo Island’s convict era (1839 to 1869) is arguably Fredrick Wordsworth Ward. A convicted horse thief, Ward cemented his place in Australian folklore when he escaped Cockatoo Island and embarked on a bushranging spree that culminated in his death. In this article, volunteer Michele Harper examines the life and the legend of the ‘currency lad’ turned bushranger better known as ‘Captain Thunderbolt’.

What are you searching for?

Historical people

Brigadier Gallasch: Barrier-breaking Serviceperson

Hannah Taylor: Tragedy Befalls Gaoler’s Family

James Thomson: Pontoon Pioneer

Gother Kerr Mann: Colonial engineer

Sir George Gipps: Ninth Governor of NSW

Voices of our Volunteers

Joseph William Melrose: The Sobraon Boy

Sandra Hall: Veteran volunteer

Captain Thunderbolt: Legendary bushranger