Unlocking the past 2022

Elsa Stralia

Soprano songbird wows Cessnock audiences

William Kearsley: the miners’ friend

William Joseph (Bill) Lane

Cessnock’s early stone mason and Councillor

Ellalong earthquake

Earthquake tremors in the Hunter Valley are surprisingly common. Records compiled since European settlement have reports of earthquakes as far back as 1842.

One of the most picturesque parts of our local government area is Chinamans Hollow and Maybury Peace Park. The site is not just a natural green hollow connecting Weston with Abermain; it also holds a deep and rich history.

Up the hill

Looking up from the streets of Cessnock the impressive Bridges Hill dominates the natural landscape.

End of the line

At the southern end of Vincent Street stands the Railway Hotel, its name now the only visible reminder of the Cessnock Railway Station which used to stand opposite the hotel

Ivy Curtis

A campaigner for peace and social justice.

The majestic Regent Theatre

Cinemas once dotted our region. The ‘picture show’ brought the magic of the movies to everyone.

Heddon Greta’s forgotten race course

The Heddon Greta speedway is part of our racing history, with the site once one of NSW’s top speedway circuits. What is lesser known is that the track was originally founded for a different kind of racing - horse racing.

It’s our birthday: the Library turns 70!

In November 1951 Cessnock Municipal Council adopted the Library Act. A year later our first free public Library was set up, situated in a meeting room within Council Chambers on Wollombi Road, near Cessnock swimming pool.

Andrews Corner, Vincent Street Cessnock

The corner of Vincent Street and Wollombi Road has always been a gateway site, now into the city of Cessnock.