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Welcome to Weston NSW!
To avoid confusion with other places named Weston, our NSW postcode is 2326. Heritage is a vital link to our past, serving as a foundation for understanding who we are and where we come from. In Weston, we preserve this legacy through our pictorial website, showcasing our town’s history with treasured photographs and historical newspaper articles. By documenting these stories of our coal-mining past, we hope to inspire the safeguarding of this rich heritage to enable future generations to connect with their roots and draw meaning from the experiences of those who came before.
Weston NSW History & Heritage
This is a not-for-profit website established in conjunction with the Coalfields Local History Association Inc., and the Facebook page: I grew up in Weston. Several articles on our pages have been transcribed from the late Brian J. Andrews's series, Pioneering Days of the Coalfields. Many snippets on our Timeline pages were gathered from the publication, Kurri Kurri Centenary Edition 1902-2002. Interspersed throughout our pages are transcriptions of historical newspaper articles from Trove. The compilation of this website is a continual work in progress, with additions, deletions, corrections etc., always ongoing. Many individuals have contributed photographs and other content over the years and we are immensely grateful to them all.
Why Sawyers Gully and Loxford?
The Weston NSW History & Heritage website proudly includes some early history of Sawyers Gully and Loxford (formerly Weston Soldiers’ Settlement) as integral parts of our region’s story. Tucked away alongside Weston, Sawyers Gully shares a pioneering and coal-mining heritage, from the Edwards family’s 1894 vineyard and Old Edwards Wine Saloon in Weston to the iconic Sawyers Gully Memorial Gates. Many locals still fondly call it 'out the gully.' Its name? Sawyers Gully was named for the gully where sawyers cut logs, one atop and one below, pulling the saw to slice them lengthways [Ean Smith]. Loxford, established as the Weston Soldiers Settlement for returned servicemen, retains unbreakable post-war ties to Weston despite its original settlement fading and its renaming. Weston's postcode is 2326 and these neighbouring localities, distinct yet intertwined with Weston through shared history and enduring community bonds, are essential to our heritage. Cessnock City Council Community Profile groups them within Neath, Abermain, Weston and Surrounds, alongside parts of Bishops Bridge and Lochinvar, reflecting their regional unity.
Over the decades, Weston saw its sons go off to war, residents lose their livelihood with strikes and coal mine closures, and face the usual ups and downs of commerce and industry. Given the inevitable circle of life, new families have come to settle in Weston and others have departed, but for those of us who descend from our town's pioneers, Weston will always be 'home'.
From our coal-mining past to today, Weston residents are proud of our story and excited for what comes next. Nestled in the Hunter Valley, just minutes from the vineyards and with affordable homes, young families enjoy our beautiful parks, schools and village vibe. Opportunities abound! If you encounter any broken links from recent updates, or have information to share, please contact the site admin .
Explore our History!
Explore our History!
In the late 19th century, Scots and Geordies from northern England arrived in Weston, drawn by the promise of work in the Hebburn Collieries and other mines in the South Maitland Coalfields. With little more than determination, these pioneers had to build a place to live, and transformed rugged bushland and dusty tracks into a thriving Australian town. In the first decade, they built homes, schools, shops and two iconic hotels. Their first year's progress alone, was quite remarkable; likewise their commitment to serve when faced with War. Click the buttons below to follow their journey. Explore the 'More' menu for additional stories of the grit and glory of our proud Australian past!
The Photo Gallery button below takes you to more recent photos of our Weston community. Enjoy!
The Wineries
The Hunter Valley in NSW is renowned for its wines worldwide and Weston is historically connected to that industry. It was the Edwards family who pioneered grape-growing here: 'in 1894, they went out into the hilly and heavily timbered country at Sawyer's Gully, and commenced clearing the forest in preparation for the planting of a vineyard. They were the first residents of that district.' See:
The Weston township is situated about 20km from Pokolbin, the heart of the Hunter Valley vineyards. Pokolbin is renowned for its high concentration of wineries, award winning restaurants and stunning countryside. Weston's story is ever-evolving, yet deeply rooted in its rich coal mining history and heritage. This charming village radiates a timeless warmth, where the echoes of its industrious past blend seamlessly with a hopeful future. With its close-knit community and quaint character, Weston holds fast to its unique identity, promising to preserve its cherished traditions and welcoming spirit for generations to come.
Accomodation in Weston is available at our two historic hotels: The Criterion Hotel (top left) and the Aberdare Hotel, just perfect for a weekend getaway to the Vineyards. Let it be your Hunter Valley hideaway! Weston's future is full of promise: Affordable homes, a growing population of young families, wonderful schools and a prime spot near the Hunter Expressway. Explore historic miners' cottages, grab a coffee or stroll our beautiful parks!
Read more about these historic hotels on our Middies & Memories page.
Above: Weston Workers Club - 2024
Weston Workers Club is still going strong 80 years after that first historic meeting:
Seeking options for food and entertainment? Visit the Weston Workers' Club! 'WWC' remains a cornerstone of the community, providing affordable membership benefits, dining, and entertainment options while maintaining its historical ties to the region’s coal-mining heritage. Weston Workers Club offers a welcoming atmosphere with a bistro, café, and sports lounge featuring a 100-inch high-definition TV for sports enthusiasts. The club hosts regular events like bingo and supports local initiatives through sponsorships, fostering community engagement. Its Miner’s Lamp Restaurant is known for Australian and Asian cuisine, and recent refurbishments have enhanced its bistro, earning high praise for quality and service.
Weston Workers Club committee has always looked to the future as their history illustrates, and now big changes are planned in the club precinct over the coming year. The community looks forward to the next chapter!
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