Here at Moorebank Reservoir, have you paused to consider the suburb’s fascinating story? Moorebank, a blend of residential and industrial spaces, holds a unique place in Sydney’s history. Moorebank sits 27 kilometers southwest of Sydney’s central business district. It falls within the local government area of Liverpool.
The story of Moorebank begins with Thomas Moore. He was an early settler who lent his name to the suburb. Moore arrived in Sydney in 1792. He worked as a carpenter on the Brittania. In 1796, he chose to stay. Governor Hunter then appointed him Master Boat-Builder for the colony.
Moore received a land grant of 190 hectares at Petersham in 1799. He expanded it in 1803. In December 1805, he received another grant of 300 hectares on the Tucoreah-Georges River. He resigned as Master Boat-Builder in 1809. Moore then moved to his property on the Tucoreah-Georges River. He named it Moore Bank. He was the first European citizen of Liverpool.
Moore Bank Estate stretched along the right bank of the Tucoreah-Georges River. It went to the junction of Bunbury Curran Creek. This was the southern boundary of James Meehan’s grant. It was across the river from Macquarie Field. The land supported horses, cattle, and other farm stock. Trees originally covered the area. The method for clearing the land for cultivation was by felling and burning trees.
Moore was appointed Magistrate for the local area in May 1810. He was known as ‘the King of Liverpool’. He oversaw major public works in Liverpool’s early years. Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth visited Moore on November 7, 1810. They had breakfast at his two-story brick home. Then they crossed the river to survey land. Governor Macquarie approved that land that day for the site of Liverpool. Moore eventually moved to Liverpool. He leased out Moore Bank. He had increased its size by purchasing the farms around it.
Moore died in 1840. He left all 2800 hectares of his property to the Church of England. The church established Moore Theological College in his name in 1856. It was under Bishop Barker. The landholding was sold after 30 years in the 1880s. It was subdivided into small farms. Thomas Moore and his wife Rachel are buried in Liverpool Pioneers’ Memorial Park.
Moore Theological College was one of Australia’s first tertiary institutions. Thomas Moore left his house and fortune. It was for the Church of England to use for a training college for priests. His dream was realized in 1856. Moore Theological College opened then. Some of the most important early Protestant clergy in the country trained there. Training for priests moved to a new Moore Theological College. It was erected near Sydney University in 1889. The buildings at Liverpool closed in 1890. They were demolished around 1926.
Lord Kitchener visited New South Wales in 1910. He inspected Australia’s military forces. In Moorebank, Kitchener chose a vineyard homestead. It is now known as Kitchener Cottage. It is on Moorebank Avenue. It served as headquarters for his military training and inspections. Later, the Commonwealth Government acquired a large part of Moorebank and Holsworthy. It became a military site. Thousands of troops have trained here since World War I.
Moorebank Library opened on November 25, 1987. It became one of the first public libraries in NSW to offer public Internet in September 1995.
Moorebank has several churches. These include St Thomas Anglican, St Joseph Catholic, and Freedom City Church. Moorebank is home to many local sporting teams. They use Hammondville Park as their home ground. The Moorebank Magpies Australian Football team is prominent. It plays in the second division of the Sydney AFL competition.
Now, as you stand here at Moorebank Reservoir, remember the rich tapestry of history. It has shaped this unique suburb. From its origins with Thomas Moore to its role in military training and community life, Moorebank has a story to tell.