The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill

Did the land itself whisper secrets to the early settlers of Hunters Hill? The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill stands as a testament to the vision and resilience of those who carved a community out of this picturesque peninsula. The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill, established in 1861, encompasses not only Hunters Hill but also Woolwich, Huntleys Point, Tarban, Henley, and a part of Gladesville. Its story intertwines with tales of shady characters, astute businesspeople, and European settlers who shaped its unique identity. The area, first charted by Captain John Hunter in 1788, was originally home to the Wallumategal Aboriginal people. Their presence is still echoed in the axe-grinding grooves and rock engravings found throughout the area. The early settlers were a colorful bunch. Among them was Mary Reibey, an emancipist and savvy businesswoman, who established Figtree Farm in the 1830s. This farm, later purchased by Frenchman Didier Joubert, became a hub of development and the heart of what some called a “French settlement.” The Joubert brothers, Didier and Jules, along with other French settlers, played a significant role in shaping the suburb’s architecture and character. Their influence is still visible in the elegant sandstone villas that dot the landscape. The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill itself played a crucial role in the suburb’s evolution. The Jouberts and another prominent settler, Charles Jeanneret, served as early mayors and aldermen. They prioritized improving transport links to Sydney, expanding ferry services and advocating for the construction of bridges over the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers. The Council’s forward-thinking approach also extended to the environment. In 1870, they implemented a tree policy, leading to the tree-lined streets that Hunters Hill is renowned for today. The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill has also been at the forefront of conservation efforts. From the 1960s onwards, residents rallied against high-density development, forming the Hunters Hill Trust to protect the suburb’s heritage. Their efforts, along with groups like the “Battlers for Kelly’s Bush,” have preserved the area’s unique character, including saving significant landmarks like The Garibaldi hotel. The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill represents not just a local governing body but a symbol of community activism. They continue to oversee the preservation of over 1,200 heritage elements, ensuring Hunters Hill remains a “sanctuary within the city.”