Once called Sunning Hill Farm, Narwee now stands as a testament to Sydney’s evolving story. Narwee is a suburb with a name that means sun. Can you imagine the open fields and scattered farms that once defined this place?
Let’s step back in time. Picture the early 19th century. Richard Podmore a soldier turned settler receives land here in 1809. His grant along with Richard Tuckwell’s formed a large swathe of ironbark forest.
These soldiers later sold their land to Patrick Moore and Robert Gardner. Gardner an ex-convict cleared the trees. He developed what he called Sunning Hill Farm. This area was then known as Bob the Gardner’s Farm. Bushrangers could easily hide here. The forest was so thick.
Fast forward to 1931. The railway arrives. Narwee officially gets its name. Poultry farmers and market gardeners populated the area. A city florist even had a large garden near the station. The train line spurred growth. People began buying land for homes.
The Depression and World War II slowed development. But the 1950s saw Narwee flourish. Young families settled here. The post office opened in 1948 marking a new era.
Narwee High School once stood proudly. It was on the suburb’s highest point. Though it closed in 2001 its memory remains. The site is now residential housing.
Today Broadarrow Road serves as Narwee’s main street. It bustles with activity. The road connects Beverly Hills and Riverwood. It also marks the boundary between two council areas.
While banks have closed the post office endures. Narwee Hotel continues to welcome visitors near the train station.
According to the 2021 census Narwee is home to over 5000 people. A diverse community calls this place home. Many residents were born overseas in China Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Narwee Primary School stands on land that was once part of Sunning Hill Farm. It connects today’s students to the suburb’s earliest days.
Narwee Baptist Church stands as a place of worship.
So next time you’re in Narwee take a moment. Think about the Aboriginal meaning of its name. Remember the soldiers farmers and families who shaped this suburb. Consider its journey from Sunning Hill Farm to the vibrant community it is today.