Drawn to Liverpool’s south-western edge in Sydney? Then prepare to discover the suburb named Cartwright. This place, officially declared a suburb in 1972, holds a story rooted in history and community.
Cartwright wasn’t always Cartwright. It began as part of the Green Valley Housing Estate. The NSW Housing Commission developed this estate in the 1960s. Its goal was to provide homes for around 30,000 people. The first sod was turned in 1961.
But who was Cartwright? The suburb owes its name to Reverend Robert Cartwright. He was the first rector of St Luke’s Church in Liverpool. He received a land grant in the area. This cemented his place in local history.
Robert Cartwright’s story is interesting. He arrived in Australia in 1810. Initially, he served in the Hawkesbury district. In 1819, he was appointed to Liverpool. He remained there until 1836. Besides his church duties, he taught at the Male Orphan School between 1825 and 1829. Governor Macquarie established this orphanage in 1818. It housed and educated destitute boys until they turned 15.
When Reverend Cartwright first arrived in Liverpool, he lived in the rectory. It stood at the corner of Elizabeth and Macquarie Streets. Today, Westfield shopping centre occupies that site. Later, he moved to his farm named Maryvale. It is believed to have been located on part of the present-day suburb of Cartwright.
Maria Lock’s story is intertwined with Cartwright’s history. She was an Aboriginal woman who challenged societal norms. In 1824, Maria married Robert Lock. This was the colony’s first marriage between an Aboriginal woman and a white man.
Maria’s early life was marked by resilience. Born near Richmond around 1808, she was the daughter of Yarranundi. In 1814, she became the first child placed in the Native Institution. By 1819, she may have won the top academic prize. She competed against 100 European and 20 other Aboriginal children.
Maria met Robert Lock when he worked as a convict carpenter at the Native Institution. They married and were given four acres at Blacktown. In 1825, they moved to Reverend Cartwright’s farm in Liverpool. Robert worked for Cartwright. Later, Maria petitioned for land. She fought for her rights, even against Cartwright. She eventually secured 30 acres next to his farm.
Maria Lock’s life challenges the traditional narrative of assimilation. She negotiated a middle ground. She embraced settler society’s expectations. Yet she maintained her Aboriginal identity. She used her skills to bring her family back to Blacktown.
Today, Cartwright is a vibrant community. It is bordered by Cabramatta Creek and Hoxton Park Road. It has a diverse population. According to the 2021 census, many residents were born in Australia. Significant numbers came from Iraq, Vietnam, and Lebanon.
Cartwright Public School opened in 1967. It continues to serve the community. The suburb is connected by bus services. These include the T80 along the T-Way. The nearest rail station is Liverpool.
So, as you explore Cartwright, remember its layers of history. Think of Reverend Robert Cartwright and Maria Lock. Consider the Green Valley Housing Estate. Visualize the dreams and struggles that shaped this Sydney suburb.