Embedded Files
TOFS Trip 852
Thursday 6 November 2025
EXPERIMENT FARM COTTAGE
(Organised by TOFS KO)
TOFS (28): JP (27), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Michael F (108), James M (118), Phil G (154), Terry R (184), Graham L (185), Greg O (200), Ron O (231), Stuart P (264), Keith R (283), Peter M (288), Roger I (320), Peter O (348), Gregg B (365), Gary H (366), Jeffrey H (373), Paul E (380), Bill R (389), Robert E (431), David W (434), Ron B (446), Jason F (464), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Frank W (475).
The group met at Parramatta Station for bus 920, after alighting we walked through Experiment Farm Reserve over the Clay Cliff Creek and up the steps to the cottage. We were greeted by our National Trust guides Sharon, Richard and Stephen.
JAMES RUSE
In 1789, James Ruse was chosen by Governor Arthur Phillip to run an experiment to see how long it would take a man to support himself. Ruse was granted 1.5 acres of cleared land, as well as assistance for clearing an additional 5 acres. He was also provided with two sows and six hens. He was fed and clothed from the public store for 15 months, after which time he had become successfully self-sufficient and was granted an additional 30 acres.
JOHN HARRIS
In October 1793, Ruse sold his farm to surgeon John Harris, builder of the substantial colonial bungalow which exists today. Harris already owned the adjacent property. At the time Harris had many varied roles in the colony, including Magistrate, Deputy Judge Advocate, Superintendent of Police and Naval Officer. He went on to become one of the wealthiest pastoralists in the colony, owning extensive properties in New South Wales.
Harris, born in Ireland, spent at least ten years in the Navy as a surgeon's mate. While never a pauper, when he served as a surgeon's third mate in the Royal Navy in India during the 1770s and 1780s he was not affluent. Yet, by the early 1800s he was a rich man, well able to afford the elegant anchor tattoo upon his chest. In 1804 he constructed the first two storeyed verandahed house in the colony (Ultimo House) and had imported deer from India as hunt quarry. In 1814 he gave architect Francis Greenway his first private commission.
EXPERIMENT FARM COTTAGE
The cottage is in the form of the Indian Bungalow, a verandahed form Harris saw in Bengal, India from his arrival in 1782, that was used to house English officers on service there. The house's form originated in Bengal, which was the first Indian region in which the British moved on from coastal forts to occupy the interior.
Such Anglo-Indian dwellings were primarily used as a residence or a place for both living and working, with an office incorporated into the plan. Their builders used traditional Indian strategies to respond to climatic conditions, maximising ventilation and shade and protection from heavy rain while meeting European expectations of form and comfort. It emerged as a "culturally distinctive house form", the typical "up-country" dwelling for British officials. This form had its attractions for Harris in New South Wales when he not only attended outpatients but occasionally accommodated the very ill at his home.
The hot summers and cool winters of Sydney had much in common with Bengal. The tightly closed houses of Ireland, designated to minimise draughts, were not appropriate in India or New South Wales. The bungalow as adopted by the British was characterised by a pitched thatched roof, a veranda and a raised base platform. It was a free-standing single storey structure.
The property stayed in the Harris family until 1921, when the land was subdivided and the suburb of Harris Park was created.
CAMELLIA HOTEL
After a walk down some back streets we arrived at the hotel. Once it was “Sizzler” and once it was "Hooters", now it's an establishment for the more modestly clothed and is located opposite Rosehill Racecourse and near the planned but improbable Camellia town centre redevelopment. Feedback from the group was positive.
MUSIC
Being the week of Melbourne Cup and being located opposite Rosehill Racecourse we got in a horse racing mood with 'Sai Ma' (Horse Race) (2019). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaYQCOevgwY
Graham L (185)
TOFS TRIP 850
THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2025
RUSTY PENNY BREWERY, PENRITH
Organised by TOFS NM GROUP
TOFS (15): JP (27), Terry O (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Jim McD (209), Ron O (231), David M (271), Peter O (348), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Ron B (446), Les H (469), Ron C (470).
On a bright, sunny Penrith morning and after a few late call offs, 15 TOFs set out from Penrith station to the Rusty Penny Brewery.
Special mention must be made of Ron B (446) who celebrated his 50th TOF’s trip, a commendable achievement since Ron has only been a member for less than 2 years. Congratulations Ron and thanks for your support of TOF’s trips. Ron celebrated by buying himself a TOF’s hat.
This small batch brewery is located in an industrial area and has been brewing since 2018.
They produce 24 different types of beer from stouts through to lager. After some persuasion we eventually got Keiran the brewer, to come and give us a brief insight into the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, he was competing with some background music which made it a bit difficult for all our group to hear what was being said. He did provide samples of barley, hops and yeast for us to examine and comment on. There were some educated questions from the group, and Keiran managed to answer all of them capably.
As well as brewing beer, they also have a canning line and they sell a lot of their product to local outlets.
The selection of beers was enjoyable, and the variety of smoked meats available ensured that no one was left hungry.
We persuaded a young lady customer to take the group photo and the group continued to “chew the fat” until it was time to make our way back to the station for the train home.
Another enjoyable TOFs day out.
David M (271)
TOFS TRIP 849
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
HISTORICAL GUIDED TOUR of the suburb of TEMPE
(Organised by TOFS SS)
TOFS (24) Vis 1: JP (27), James Mc C (118), Phil G (154), Graham L (185), Chas H (203), Paul C (207), Ron O’H (231), Paul T (233), Kenn W (243), Keith R (283), Peter McK (288) Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gary H (366), Frank C (375), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Rob E (431), David W (434), David F (441), Ron B (446) Ash B (458), Ron C (470), Wayne E (Visitor)
Twenty-four TOFS and one visitor Wayne E (welcome Wayne) gathered at Tempe Railway Station to greet our guides for the day Laurel and Bob Horton. The couple were greeted in the usual jovial TOFS manner. Laurel laid down plans for the day starting down on the river bank of Cooks River.
We casually strolled down to the river where Laurel gave us some history of the river and the distant Tempe House which is now surrounded by the high-rise apartments of Woli Creek.
Up to the highway we strolled to be greeted by the constant noise of the Princes Highway traffic and the regular plane departures overhead. Luckily Laurel had a portable PA system strapped to Bob so we were able to hear most of what she had to say. She designated Bob to hold the photo folder which was very comprehensive. She began her commentary with the history of the two pubs one of which we were returning to for lunch and various shops along the way.
It was at this point that it dawned on me we had “Skull” (aka Kerry O’Keefe) with us on this trip. Bob’s laugh was just like the previous mentioned. Past “Harry’s Café de wheels” we walked up past the giant tyre outlet “Tempe Tyres” and the old Smiths Chips factory toward what had previously been Drug Houses of Australia/ Westpac Stores a clothing outlet and Penfolds Wines. The main building is undergoing renovation to become a Bunnings outlet with the original façade to remain.
By this stage the temperature was really beginning to rise. We gathered in the shade whenever the opportunity arose. We crossed the highway once more down past the old Alandricks Timber yard and the Tatnell mechanical workshop of George Tatnell of speedway fame.
We then headed west past many old heritage homes until we reached Unwins Bridge Road. Up the hill past Tempe High school and by this time the heat was starting to suck our energy. We were starting to dream of that first beer. It was interesting to note on the tour the number of corner stores that existed in days gone by. A lot still remain but have been turned into residences.
Lunchtime awaited us at the pub and it was a welcome sight as the temperature by this time had hit 39 degrees. Personally, I was a shot duck by this time feeling really wrung out & I must thank Ron O’H, Peter McK, Ash B and Wayne E for hanging back and coaxing me along.
We had a big long table in the pub which was great for conversation. I didn’t hear anyone complain about the food which was reasonably priced. A quick survey was conducted about the possibility of doing another trip with Laurel and Bob and the reply was a resounding yes. Most of the members agreed that we should gather money and make a contribution to the historical society next time. Thanks to all the guys who attended under what were trying conditions. Hoping to see you all at the next November TOFS SS trip to Bowral.
Cheers Kenn W (243 TOFS SS Tour Organiser)
TOFS TRIP 848
TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2025
AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM SYDNEY
(Organised by CC-TOFS)
TOFS (13): Paul E (380), Robert E (431), Peter B (32), Les H (469), James Mc (118), Ron O’H (231), Phil B (345), John P (27), Anthony T (420), Craig Mc D (445), Lyle W (386), Ted A (306), Frank W (475).
After arriving at Central we meet up with the other groups at the appointed meeting place on the Old Grand Concourse, minus 2 who had missed the train.
After the usual greeting we move on to the suburban platforms and caught the train to Museum and walked across Hyde Park to the Museum. We had a coffee at the Café while we waited for the other 2 to catch up. When they arrive, we went to level 2 for the very impressive Bird Collection of hundreds of birds from Australia.
We then moved into the Dinosaur display with many full size Dinosaurs including a close-up dissected model of Tyrannosaurus Rex and fossilised bones.
Down on the next level was the Garrigarrang Sea Country exhibition of Aboriginal Culture in the Sydney basin and artefacts. Also on this level was the Wild Planet collection of Animals from around the World.
As Part of the new extension on the upper ground floor level we viewed the Museum’s new Mineral Collection. Minerals from around the world and Australia.
I was very pleased to see this collection had been revived as I was involved in moving the Collection to the Dept of Mineral Resources Londonderry core facility when the Government closed the Minerology Centre at the Quay in the 90’s. We also viewed the new Treasures galley of 200 famous Australians.
We met out the front and enjoyed a walk back across the Park to Museum Station and caught the train to The Southern Bar for refreshment’s and lunch.
Peter B JP 32
16 October 2025.
TOFS TRIP 847
Wednesday 8 October 2025
Breakfast Point Then & Now
(Organised by TOFS WW Sub-group)
TOFS [25]: JP (27), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), James McC (118), Terry O’H (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Jim O’H (170), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Jim McD (209), Ron O’H (231), Kenn W (243), Chris R (251), Peter M (288), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gary H (366), Jeffrey H (373), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Rob E (431), Ron B (446), Ron C (470), Frank W (475)
VISITOR [1] Peter O’H (for lunch)
25 TOFS members learnt something even before boarding our ferry, Frances Bodkin, for the trip to Cabarita.
Frances Bodkin is an Australian botanist, author of “Encyclopaedia Botanica: The Essential Guide to Native and Exotic Plants in Australia”. She was honoured in March 2024 with the naming of the first Parramatta-class ferry after her.
Follow me for more riveting snippets.
Cabarita was sparkling when we alighted, and the vista across Kendall Bay to Breakfast Point did not need explanations.
The recently proclaimed suburb is a magnificent example of the regeneration of a former industrial site.
In this case, the former owner since 1883 had been AGL, who built there the largest gasworks in the Southern Hemisphere at the time. They extracted gas from coal, all of which was transported from Newcastle, until 1971 when natural gas came along. The plant then served to ‘odourise’ the natural gas to make it safer for domestic use, and AGL distributed it through their vast network.
The gasworks closed down in 1990.
Beginning in about 1998, the 52 hectare site has been developed by the Rose Group, and now boasts 2650 residences, by way of 63 Apartment buildings, 83 Townhouses and 40 free-standing houses.
And to their credit, nearly one third of the site has been retained and developed as open greenspace, landscaped gardens and community facilities.
From our initial vantage point, the Breakfast Point Country Club was prominent. Proudly sitting on a ‘grassy knoll’ the magnificent building and its surrounds provides swimming facilities for laps, a family-friendly lagoon pool, a spa, five tennis courts, a sauna and steam room and all of the internal spaces you need for small social gatherings, larger and more formal groups, or quiet areas like the library where you can sit back and read, say, a TOFS Tour Report.
And of course, there are dining and bar facilities.
But to enjoy all that the Country Club offers, you need to be an owner or tenant within Breakfast Point. I wasn’t bold enough to seek entry for just a glimpse, or, heaven forbid, a drink.
Moving along, we skirted Kendall Bay, and heard the almost epic tale of unloading coal for the gasworks before mechanical help arrived in 1937, and then dallied on the point where John Hunter had come face-to-face with some local Aboriginals as he cooked breakfast during his survey of Port Jackson in February 1788.
Therein lies the origin of the name, Breakfast Point.
Some buildings from the AGL era had been slated for retention for heritage reasons, and we got to see two of them. The Blacksmiths Workshop, built in 1891, can be called a remarkably ‘handsome’ building when you consider its original purpose. When renovated it served as the Display and Sales office for the whole of the Breakfast Point development. When that responsibility was over, the property was offered for sale, with suggestions that it was ideal for commercial, showroom or office use. It was sold in 2020 for $7.3 million to a local family, and is now their residence.
Not that shabby for 3,133 sq metres of land with permanent river views.
We also saw the former Plumbers Workshop, built in 1915, that now houses 14 loft Apartments.
At this juncture we moved out of Breakfast Point into Mortlake. The first reveal was the site of the original but apparently little-known Palace Hotel. To quote the Canada Bay Historical Society:
“The original Palace was a grand three-storey late Victorian structure, complete with central tower and enveloped by sweeping verandas where one might expect ladies in crinolines and gentlemen with top hats to promenade. The building was completed in 1886……”.
Situated near to the banks of the Parramatta River, the hotel and its gardens catered for the huge crowds that attended regular rowing regattas, or just enjoyed picnicking there.
For reasons unknown, the hotel was demolished in the 1920’s.
What turned out to be the final stop on our tour, was what has now been dedicated as Wangal Reserve.
The whole of the peninsula at Mortlake, having been acquired by emergency wartime regulations in 1942, was developed into Green Point Naval Boatyard.
At that time, its prime function was to assemble Fairmile Motor Launches for use by the Royal Australian Navy in coastal waters and around nearby Pacific islands.
The interesting thing about Fairmiles is that most of the components were made off site, initially in the UK from where the design emanated, and the task here was to assemble the pieces, and where necessary, to have parts manufactured locally.
Green Point Naval Boatyard boasted six slipways, and in a production-line type of environment, the slipways at any point in time would house hulls in progressively more advanced states of completion.
The fitting of engineering and mechanical components, and artillery, was undertaken at adjacent wharves when a hull was ready.
This production line approach saw the commissioning of the required 20 of these 34 metre vessels in just 12 months.
It appeared that nothing remained in Wangal Reserve to remind us of the contribution that the area had made to our war effort until, during our tour, Jim O’H (yes, the Navy man) came across a plaque unveiled in August 1995 which presented a history of the Navy’s presence in Mortlake during the war years. Thanks Jim, you completed my story.
Lunch was had at the ‘new’ Palace Hotel (anything opened in 1926 can still be new), and hopefully everyone was happy with the food on offer. We welcomed to the lunch yet another O’Hara! Peter this time. When will this end?
Finally, an abrupt end to our Trip forestalled what was to be my final comment before lunch.
I quote now, directly from my Tour Notes:
‘I am told, because I have not had occasion to visit it, that the Palace Hotel’s most striking feature is the size of its men’s toilet.
“Big enough to hold a dance in” quip the locals.
The feature is apparently a constant reminder of the huge volumes of beer served while the gasworks operated’.
Thanks for getting me through the day, but I must ask now: Did you see it?
Rex M (179)
TOFS Trip 846
Thursday 2 October 2025
JAPANESE BOMB SITES, EASTERN SUBURBS
(Organised by TOFS KO)
TOFS (39): JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Gary C (75), Michael F (108), Phil K (123), Terry O (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Graham L (185), Keith A (195), Jim M (209), Ron O (231), Kenn W (243), Colin C (291), Chris H (298), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gregg B (365), Gary H (366), Steve M (374), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Denis P (430), Robert E (431), David W (434), Bob S (444), Craig M (445), Ron B (446), Ted B (451), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Ken C (474), Alastair L (471), John B (473), Frank W (475).
Nostradamus (1505 – 1566) wrote: “When documents and iron are enclosed in a fish, out of it will come a man who will then make war.”
Our tour concerned the events around Sydney Harbour in 1942.
We met at Town Hall steps and then all 39 of us stormed the 324 bus to the consternation of the driver and regular passengers. In due course we alighted at Rose Bay to begin our tour.
The first section of the information dealt with the mini-subs attack of May 1942.
Surveillance
Flights by Japanese ‘glen’ planes launched from the submarine I-25 had been conducted by pilot Fujita in February 1942, to view the ships in the harbour. Later pilot Ito flew over and circled Garden Island and Cockatoo Island, largely unnoticed. These planes were from the Japanese navy’s Eastern Attack Group along with submarines I-21, I-22, I-24, I-27, I-28 and I-29.
Mini submarines, launched from some of these larger vessels, were used at Pearl Harbour, then Sydney Harbour, Diego Suarez, and Guadalcanal. The mini subs were not suicide vessels; the order was to come back alive.
Mini Sub Attack (May 1942)
Boom gates and ‘loops’ (ship detectors) were installed but not yet completed. The USS Chicago was in port and on that Sunday evening the captain had been invited to dinner ashore by the harbour commander.
Submarines located offshore launched three mini subs – each with a crew of two, and under the command of Chuman, Matsuo and Ban.
1. Chuman entered the harbour first, getting through the ‘loop’ by tailing the Manly ferry – hence nobody noticed the second blip. While maneuvering this mini sub it got tangled in a boom net. Jimmy Cargill, Maritime Services Board watchman, rumoured to have boasted an anchor tattoo on his chest like many marine men, saw the mini-sub and reported it to the Navy, who wanted nothing to do with it, sneering that it was likely naval junk caught in the net. Chuman detonated a scuttling charge and both crewmen died.
2. Matsuo’s mini sub was detected and depth charges used, the mini sub sank in Taylors Bay (just east of Bradleys Head). Matsuo shot his crewman then shot himself in the head.
3. Ban entered the harbour and fired two torpedoes towards the USS Chicago, they both hit Garden Island. The second torpedo hit very close to and ricocheted to sink the Kuttabul, with the loss of 21 sailors’ lives. Ban then escaped the harbour and his sub was not found until November 2006, off a reef at Newport. The fate of the crewmen is unknown and the site remains undisturbed.
On 1 June 1942 (the morning after the attack) there was no mention of the attack in newspapers or on the radio. Riverview college boys had seen searchlights and heard explosions, along with a large number of harbourside residents. Japanese radio announced that the attack occurred, but no mini sub crew were recovered. One mini sub has been recreated in the war museum in Canberra.
Clynt S (69) recalled his family’s experiences, having lived in the area at the time. Despite being a restless sleeper, young Clynt was noted to have slept particularly well that night when the capital of New South Wales was under hostile bombardment.
The Submarine Attack (June 1942)
While the I-21 sat outside Newcastle Harbour, the I-24 lurked outside Sydney Heads, from where it launched its attack on Monday 8 June 1942. The first shell was fired just after midnight, the attack lasted 4 minutes after which the submarine submerged and left the area. It had launched 10 shells, 6 of which failed to explode.
These four bomb sites were in Rose Bay:
1. 26 Manion Avenue – unexploded but with the kinetic force of a 38kg projectile. A point of interest is that Jim O (170) previously lived at the next-door address without ever knowing that number 26 was a place of such naval notoriety.
2. Iluka St & Manion Ave – a shell penetrated through the double brick wall of Grantham Flats, injuring a young man. A photo was provided of the Grantham Flats but the building is no longer in evidence at this intersection. Presented with this mystery, sleuthing TOFS provided the answer – the building burnt down in the 1950’s under strange circumstances.
3. 67 Balfour Road – a shell exploded and left a hole in the road outside. Oh well we’re all used to the odd pothole in Sydney.
4. 3 Plumer Road – an explosion outside Yallambee Flats destroyed a section of a house, injuring a sleeping woman. Photographic evidence of the impact is available, and two pictures of the damage were provided for the members to view.
The news on 8 June was uncensored, and the shelling overnight dominated the newspapers.
Real Estate
An urban myth has long existed that real estate sales prices dropped as a result of the bombing – some residents did leave the area temporarily, but sales were unaffected. Rental prices did, however, record a drop of 25%. Also, in early June 1942 the Battle of Midway occurred. The Americans broke the Japanese communication codes and tricked the enemy’s navy. Four Japanese carriers were hit, set ablaze and abandoned. Military historian John Keegan called the Battle of Midway “the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare.” As a result of that historic battle, any threat to the Eastern Suburbs quickly evaporated.
The Crewmen
All six mini sub crewmen probably perished but only four bodies were retrieved – two from Chuman’s mini sub and two from Matsuo’s mini sub. Ban’s mini sub lies undisturbed. The four were given a funeral service at Rookwood with full military honours, cremated and returned to Japan via the Swiss consul.
A Sad Final Touch
In May 1968, Mrs Matsue Matsuo, the aged mother of Lieutenant Kieu Matsuo, visited Australia. Over the waters of Taylors Bay, she scattered cherry blossoms at the spot where her son's submarine had sunk. In Canberra, she met the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. John Gorton, but undoubtedly the emotional high point of her visit came when on 1 May 1968 she visited the Australian War Memorial, almost 26 years after her son had met his death. At the Memorial, escorted by a naval officer and her daughter, Fujie, she walked down to the midget submarine on display at that time outside the Memorial. Inside the smashed control room of the vessel, she placed a wreath and a bowl of sake as she chanted a poem-prayer, written by herself, to the memory of her son. She claimed she heard Kieu's voice calling to her and to his father.
Much of the information for this tour was from an autographed copy of the book “A Very Rude Awakening” by Peter Grose (Allen & Unwin 2007), available from Abbeys Bookshop.
The Lord Dudley
The Lord Dudley Hotel is one of Sydney's oldest and most loved family run English pubs since 1889 with a loyal clientele. The Lord Dudley is named after William Ward, the 2nd Earl of Dudley, who also served as the fourth Governor-General of Australia in the early 20th century. He was an Irish-born Earl. But not the Duke of Earl.
Music
The iconic sound of the talented but tragic Kyu Sakamoto singing ‘Shina No Yoru’ (1963).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaqBIDuQFrA
Kyu Sakamoto died aged 43 on 12 August 1985 in the crash of Japan Air Lines Flight 123, along with 519 others on board, making him a casualty of the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history. Only four people on board survived the crash. Sakamoto left a wife and two young daughters.
Graham L (185)
TOFS Trip 845
Friday 26th September 2025
Pacific Ocean Brewery
(Organised by TOFS MC)
TOFS (9): Dave T (351) Alan J (416) Bob B (418) Graham S (377) Ian C (376) Chris T (456) Garry S (322) Peter W (354) Alan M (228).
The Pacific Ocean Brewery, a hidden gem located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Tuncurry Industrial Area, was the destination for our Friday, 26 September, trip. Nine members boarded the Shores Express Coach, with our regular driver Dave T (351) at the wheel, at 10:30am for the short trip to Darawank for coffee without our leadership group – retired Liaison Officer John M (70) who is very unwell at this time, Tour Organiser Malc S (359), who is recuperating from recent surgery, and Treasurer Norm MS (307), who is out-of-town.
First stop was the Café Brass Bell – on the river, at Darawank, where the great coffees and cakes (for some) helped us kill an hour or so. The outdoor area overlooking a broad bend in the Wallamba River proved to be the perfect spot for some verbal collaboration.
With perfect timing by our driver, we arrived at the Pacific Ocean Brewery at 9 Norfolk Close, Tuncurry, on the dot at 12noon. After being shown to our table in the outdoor area, the extensive range of boutique beers was first to attract our attention. Ten alcoholic beverages were available on tap, from, Ocean Haze and the Long Mile, to the gold medal winner, St James Gate.
Having made our drink selections, the food menu was next on the list. Armed with our choices, we proceeded to the counter where our orders were taken by two very helpful assistants, Tammy being one of them. As well as enjoying our food and beers, the vocal interaction was beyond belief, coming close to but not quite solving the insurmountable issues in the area.
TOFS MC is a social grouping of men based at Black Head who meet monthly for an outing to one of the many interesting destinations in our region. In addition to Mid-north Coast (MC), there are branches in Central Coast, Ku-ring-gai, Greater Sydney, Sutherland/St George and Nepean/Blue Mountains.
Ian C (376).
TOFS Trip 842
Thursday 11th September 2025
Tour of Joan Sutherland Theatre, Penrith
(Organised by TOFS NM)
TOFS (20): Ron O’ (231), Ken H (48), Chas H (203), Ray H (191), Stuart P (264), Lyle W (386), Terry O’ (147), David C (467), Ken C (474), Phil B (345), Peter M (155), Keith A (195), Jim M (209), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Les H (272), David M (271), Bill R (389), Chris R (251), Frank B (472).
For lunch only Peter C (391).
The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts centre – aka, The Joan – welcomed us this morning through its guides for the day; Events Manager, Ms Neige Mainwaring and Technical Services Manager, Josh Guiliano. Neige explained the origin of the building and its primary features. It has four performance areas in the centre:
a) the concert hall (550 seats);
b) the drama theatre (376 seats);
c) the Mullins Studio (seating for 90);
d) the Borland Foyer.
The centre was opened in 1990 with the Richard Bonynge Concert Hall as the main attraction as well as the more intimate, adjacent Allan Mullins Studio. Later development of the centre’s facilities in 2005 accommodated the Q Theatre at the eastern end and the Malcolm Borland Foyer at the western end with its full height glazed wall. Both Malcolm Borland and Alan Mullins are qualified surgeons and patrons of the Arts.
Our tour began in the Concert Hall. Our first impression upon entering is the all-black interior colour scheme – said to be more conducive to performers and audience alike! This hall is equipped with a state-of-art light and sound control systems. All illumination is by LED lamps, thereby providing optimum control features as well as reliability and efficient use of electric power.
Moving to the western end of the building, we entered a tall space known as the Malcolm Borland Foyer. This is an informal area where impromptu entertainment and the occasional conference events are held. It’s dominated by two tall semi-circular masonry towers jutting into the floor area. These architectural features initially provided space for cloaking and/or refreshment service but have since been re-purposed.
On our way to see the Q-Theatre at the eastern end of the building we paused at a small auditorium – the Alan Mullins Studio. Then, continuing through the side the curtains, came to the stage area of a large auditorium ... we were now in the Q Theatre. This is a purpose-made venue for live performances and training in stagecraft. Josh held the floor and gave us a description of operational activities required for a live production. He then took us up to the light and sound desks set high behind the back seats. These two systems are program-driven with optional manual over-rides and provide the console engineers with a high level of flexibility to enhance the stage performances. All very impressive to us!
We understand there are also smaller studios upstairs intended for musical tuition, but time constraints meant we weren’t able to see these during our tour.
Moving to the outdoors we posed for a group photograph with our guides, then shuffled off to our lunch destination at the Penrith Bowling Club. Good tucker, cold grog and fair prices. This was a well organised interesting tour, and thanks go to Chas H (203) for arranging it. Well done that man.
Compiled: Les H (272); Photograph: Chas H (203)
TOFS Trip 837
Thursday 21 August 2025
Annual General Meeting
(Organised by TOFS HQ)
TOFS (44): Hal M (6), JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Dave E (94), Peter W (101), Michael F (108), James M (118), Lloyd S (138), Terry O (147), Jeff J (153), Philip G (154), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Jim M (209), Ron O (231), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Peter M (288), James B (293), Richard B (296), Ted A (306), Roly B (325), Dennis R (332), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Dave E (380), Don N (400), Robert E (431), Bob S (444), Bobby T (448), Bill M (459), John R (463), David C (467), Ron C (470), Frank B (472), Bill R (389), Geoff R (305), Gary H (366), Ron B (446), Jeffrey H (373).
For the first time the Glass Room at Souths Juniors was the venue for our AGM. The trivia was a challenge to us all and the standard of the catering was well received. There were 44 members at the AGM this year. Comparing to previous years - 43 members in 2017, 54 members in 2018, 45 members in 2019, 47 members in 2020, and 48 members in 2021, nil in 2022 due to Covid, 55 members in 2023 and 50 members in 2024. What was achieved: • The minutes of the Thirteenth AGM (2024) were confirmed. • The reports on the association’s activities were accepted. • The financial report for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 was accepted. • The office bearers were confirmed for the 2025/2026 year: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Membership Co-ordinator Tour Co-ordinator Webmaster Ordinary Committee Member Here’s hoping for a year of great tours ahead!
Graham L (185) Secretary
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