Gazing across the serene expanse of the Georges River, have you ever noticed that protrusion of land, Long Point? It’s a place steeped in history, a quiet sanctuary nestled within the bustling suburbs of Sydney. Long Point officially became a suburb in 1975. However, its story stretches back much further, to the early 19th century. The land was initially granted to Thomas Wills, whose sister Sarah married Dr. William Redfern of Minto. Later, Long Point became part of Redfern’s vast Campbellfield Estate. The area was known by various names – Long Point, Long Nose Point, or simply “The Point”. In the 1930s, Long Point took on a more clandestine role. It became a hideout for gangsters from Sydney’s east, seeking refuge from the law in small houses hidden amidst the bushland. Imagine these notorious figures, slipping away from the city’s grip to this secluded spot. During the Great Depression, Long Point provided a haven for a different kind of fugitive: families displaced and left homeless. They built shanties in the bush, eking out a living from the river and the land. Life here was rugged, a true frontier existence. Stock theft was a common occurrence, and the roads were so poor that bus drivers threatened to bypass the area entirely. Even into the 1960s, Long Point remained relatively isolated. Today, Long Point retains a sense of tranquility, a scenic protection area. A popular camping site accommodates up to 120 people, and a Coptic Orthodox Church serves the community. While peaceful now, the area has a more dangerous past. Locals once called it “death adder valley” due to the large population of venomous snakes. Numerous koala sightings offer a gentler side to Long Point’s wildlife. These sightings are often reported in the local newspaper, the Macarthur Advertiser, in a column aptly named “Mac Koala”. From gangsters’ hideout to scenic sanctuary, Long Point holds a unique place in Sydney’s story. It’s a reminder of the diverse lives lived along the Georges River, a testament to the resilience of both people and nature.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to