Claymore

Initially named Badgally Claymore’s story begins with a name change. Concerns about the word “Bad” led to a replacement. Claymore a suburb of Sydney was chosen instead. This name derived from a local property. It’s a name with little historical connection to the area. The streets though tell a different story. They’re named after Australian artists. Think Sir William Dobell Arthur Streeton. Even Albert Namatjira is represented though his street moved to Eagle Vale later. Claymore’s public housing development began in the 1970s. The Housing Commission of New South Wales was behind the project. The first residents arrived in 1978. Among them were members of a Yiddish-speaking organization from Airds. They were part of the local Bench Club. Claymore’s population is young. The median age is 28 much younger than the national average. The suburb faces challenges. Poverty is prevalent. High unemployment and low school retention rates are also issues. A Four Corners report highlighted these struggles. It revealed the links between poverty hopelessness and family tensions. Claymore’s history includes a Radburn-style development. This design placed houses close together. This unfortunately exacerbated social tensions. The lack of adequate services initially further complicated matters. The area has seen attempts at urban renewal. Demolition and rebuilding were proposed. The goal was to create a mixed social housing development. However progress has been slow and costly. The project faces ongoing financial challenges. Claymore’s story is one of contrasts. It’s a place with open spaces and wide streets yet it struggles with poverty and disadvantage. It’s a story of a community striving to overcome its challenges. Its future remains uncertain yet hope persists.