The Glenorie Probus Club launched on a mid-winter bus tour to Morpeth in July, uncovering the layered history of one of the Hunter region’s most significant early settlements. Once known as Illalaung—meaning “green hills” to the Wannarua people—the area carries a deep Indigenous heritage long preceding European arrival.
Morpeth, formally established in the 1830s, was named after its English counterpart in Northumberland. The town was shaped by Edward Charles Close, a former British Army officer who developed the river port and designed the township along the southern banks of the Hunter River. During its peak, Morpeth thrived as a major trade and agricultural centre, becoming Australia’s second-busiest port after Sydney. It was also the birthplace of two well-known Australian enterprises: Arnott Biscuits and Soul Pattinson Pharmaceuticals. Today, visitors can explore an impressive display of Arnott’s memorabilia at the Morpeth Museum.
One of the town’s most recognisable landmarks, the Morpeth Bridge, spans 250 metres across the Hunter River. Built between 1896 and 1898 by Samual McGill to a design by engineer Percy Allan, the timber truss bridge is heritage-listed and recognised for its national significance. Morpeth’s commercial prominence declined with the arrival of the railway and Newcastle’s rise as the region’s dominant port, but its well-preserved sandstone and weatherboard buildings now make it a popular destination for history-minded tourists.
During the club’s July meeting, local historian and Hornsby Shire Councillor Nathan Tilbury delivered an engaging presentation on the history of Fagan Park in Galston. Originally settled in the 1850s by the Fagan family, the 55-hectare property operated as both a citrus orchard and dairy farm for generations. In 1980, the last surviving family members, Bruce and Ida Fagan, gifted the land to the NSW Department of Lands for public recreation.
Hornsby Shire Council later developed the site as its Bicentennial Project, officially opening Fagan Park in 1988. Today, it is celebrated as one of Sydney’s hidden gems, offering expansive gardens, picnic areas, walking tracks, playgrounds, an eco-garden, and the popular Gardens of the World. The original Fagan homestead, Netherby, now houses a Rural Museum managed by volunteers known as the Friends of Fagan Park.
Closer to home, the club’s monthly coffee group gathered once again at the Galston High School Café, continuing what has become a relaxed and enjoyable social tradition.
The Glenorie Probus Club meets at 11:00am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Glenorie RSL. New members are warmly welcomed.
For enquiries, contact Wendy Black on 9653 1022 or email wendyireneblack@yahoo.com.au.
