The volunteer group known as the Friends Of Fagan Park was started in the 1980’s by former Hornsby Mayor Ron Payne, Shire Clerk Keith Woodward and Ken Watson, local council associate.
This group was formed due to the grant of the Fagan farm 55 hectares or 140 acres by Bruce and Ida Fagan (brother and sister) to the people of New South Wales via a deed of gift with the Hornsby Council as trustees on 23 January 1980. Item “C” of the deed states, “the lands be preserved indefinitely for the cultural, recreational, educational and historical use of the public”. Hence the need for a group to care for and preserve the heritage area of the Fagan’s buildings upon that land.
The Friends Of Fagan Park meet every Tuesday from 8 am till 4 pm where we do our work. We also guide school groups and various social groups like Rotary, historical societies, Probus clubs and Retirement Villages.
We are open every second Sunday from 1pm to 4pm when we act as guides and caretakers in the museums. We have three major open days each year: Australia Day, Anzac Day and September Heritage Day, where we have hands-on displays and a grand parade.
We need you! Over time our volunteer numbers have declined. We welcome both ladies and gentlemen to join the camaraderie of our group, and you can choose the area you are most interested in. We value the contribution of volunteers and understand that each comes with skill sets and interests, and we welcome their knowledge and expertise.
On the flip side, we also share our experiences with others. Our roles and duties include maintaining the agricultural and mechanical museums, dairy, blacksmiths shop, history room, the old home, and of course Netherby Homestead, which is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the beautiful Fagan’s home circa 1901. Along with enthusiastic members to help with tours and maintenance, we also need a competent computer operator who can help with archiving.
We are caring for something we part-own as citizens and is truly unique in NSW …YOU CAN BE PART OF THAT .
If you would like to come visit, have a chat and look around please call Vern on 0405 703 413
