Rhodes

Tucked between Bray Bay and Homebush Bay, Rhodes in Sydney has a captivating story to tell. Rhodes sits on the Parramatta River, just a short distance from Sydney Olympic Park. The suburb’s name originates from the home of Thomas Walker, an early resident. He named his property “Rhodes” after his grandmother’s home, Rhodes Hall, in Leeds, England. This once picturesque and heavily forested peninsula saw industry arrive in 1911. G & C. Hoskins established a foundry, specializing in cast iron pipes. Later, chemical manufacturers like Berger Paints, CSR Chemicals, Union Carbide, and Allied Feeds occupied the western part of Rhodes. This industrial activity, unfortunately, left a legacy of contamination. The area underwent major remediation efforts, including the removal of dioxins and other harmful chemicals from the soil and sediments. Today, Rhodes is a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre offers a diverse range of stores, including IKEA and Reading Cinemas. The former Tulloch Limited Phoenix Iron Works, once a prominent feature of Rhodes, is now the site of Hewlett-Packard offices. Rhodes also boasts a modern community center, housed in the former Rhodes Public School buildings. A Coptic Orthodox church stands on the site of a previous church. Rhodes railway station, part of the Sydney Trains network, connects the suburb to the city center. The Bennelong Bridge provides access to Wentworth Point for pedestrians, cyclists, and buses. Rhodes continues to evolve, balancing its industrial past with its modern development. The story of Rhodes is one of transformation, resilience, and community.