Weston NSW: 2024

An ever-changing story...

While the history has been well documented, the story of Weston relentlessly changes with neither time nor community standing still.  With the major roadworks that have already taken place, and are still ongoing,  travel times to major centres have improved significantly. Today, Weston is just  minutes from the Hunter Expressway and is situated in one of the highest growth areas in the state of New South Wales.  Weston is also just a short drive to the famous Hunter Valley Vineyards.  Investment opportunities in Weston are numerous.  Scattered throughout Weston are many historic workers/ miners cottages; some already restored.  Others, still affordable in today's burgeoning property market, are awaiting respectful preservation. Over the decades, some of the earliest buildings in town have had shop fronts removed to become private dwellings while others have disappeared into history and been replaced, such as with Jock Stewart Park in the photographs above.  Importantly, a good number of the town's historic buildings still stand today, especially those of brick construction.  Those buildings are continuing  to write their own new chapters in Weston's story.  As additional old photos and/or further details become available, we will add them to this page.  

On the left (above) is the former Capitol Theatre situated on the corner of Station and Second Streets in Weston.  While Weston at one time had three picture theatres, many seniors still living today fondly recall the days of 'going to the pictures' at the Capitol and seeing two films, news reels and cartoons for the price of a ticket. In particular, Saturday aftenoon matinees were popular with the young folk. Unfortunately, the era of the Capitol Theatre came to a sudden end when it was severely damaged by fire in 1965.

See also: Services & Establishments.

On the right (above), like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Weston Civic Centre  was born.  Today, sections of the former Capitol Theatre walls live on in the Weston Civic Centre. Over the years many activities have been held here including receptions, meetings, discos, karate lessons etc.  Today, in 2024, this community hall is as busy as ever with dance classes, weddings, concerts, parties and other functions.

On Pension Thursdays,  the Weston Seniors Group meet in the smaller section through the right side doorway.  This 'over 55s' group have monthly bus trips provided there are sufficient numbers, and also lunches. They welcome all 'over 55s' to join them. 

The Weston Civic Centre is also a polling booth for Elections and the venue of choice whenever Council or Governments call public meetings.  The Civic Centre has an Accessible toilet and on-street parking, a stage and a kitchen. It has a capacity of 450 persons in the main hall and 70 in the Pensioners section. 

For enquiries, please contact Weston Civic Centre:  Phone 02 4937 1400.

There is a lot of local sentiment attached to this particular building and one hopes that it will always be preserved and respected. The following extracts are from John McCulloch's Blogspot where additional details on Weston Post Office can be found:

'The Weston Post Office has a rather unique claim to fame, it was one of the last of three Post Office's to be constructed by the NSW Government in 1916, the others were at Warren and Delungra. It is also interesting to note that while the Australian Postmaster-Generals Department was established at Federation, full control of the postal powers and operations  were not handed over to the Commonwealth till 1917 in NSW.

The quaint Federation Bungalow style was the chosen design for country Post Offices of the period and this is the style that was chosen for Weston. There was no hint of the 'Italianate' beauty that was a hallmark of the James Barnett period, nor neither the 'baroque' elegance of  the Walter Vernon's period, by this stage Post Office design had become standardised and functional. The halcyon days of Post Office design faded during the tenure of George McRae, as responsibility and costs were slowly transferred to the Commonwealth...

...This fine building survived in the Australia Post property portfolio for the next 80 years, becoming part of community, living through economic Depression, various wars and mine closures (Hebburn No.1 closed in 1972). As the population drifted, so did the requirement for a dedicated Post Office and so in 1996, as with many Post Offices around that time, the building was sold off and the operations transferred to LPO status.'

See also: Services & Establishments.

Today, in 2024, the building is occupied by Music 4 Life.

The Aberdare Hotel at Weston, NSW, was built by Englishman, John Champion who came to Australia at the age of 21 in 1876. In 1905, he was the first licensee of the hotel. The Aberdare Hotel was designed by James Warren Scobie, a Maitland-based architect, and cost about £3000 to build.  [Time Gents - Australian Pub Project, est. 2013; Ed Tonks]

'At the age of 48, Champion started building a grand hotel on what was then the corner of Hall and Aberdare streets at Weston. Champion completed the Aberdare Hotel at a cost about £2000- [?  £3000], opening for business in March in 1905.'  [Time Gents - Australian Pub Project, est. 2013]  

The licensee at April 17, 1906 was noted as being Alexander George Jewell.   See further information: Aberdare Hotel   See Daring Weston Safe Robbery 

'...Sadly, the Aberdare Hotel closed for business in January 2016, during major renovations.'  [Time Gents - Australian Pub Project, est. 2013]   See further information: Aberdare Hotel

Today, 2024, those extensive renovations to the Aberdare Hotel building have been completed and offer an amazing opportunity to the astute investor.   See further details and and extensive photo gallery at:

  Renovated Hotel Bespoke Business Opportunity

Tenders close Friday 16 Feb 2024.   

On 21 Dec 1903, the Maitland Daily Mercury stated that James Jones had obtained a publican’s licence.  He later constructed the Criterion Hotel (above) on his land in Weston for the sum of £1000-0-0 ($2000.00). The Criterion Hotel is recognised as one of Weston's most important architectural features. 

James Jones was a pioneer of Weston, having built the Criterion along with several stores and cottages nearby.  He died in 1908.

See also: Services & Establishments.

Today in 2024, after 120 years of trading, the historic Criterion Hotel on the corner of Cessnock Road and Station Streets  Weston is still going strong. 

The Criterion has accomodation, a bar, and a bistro that offers fine dining. They also have a beer garden and live entertainment.   

 Connect with the Criterion Hotel on their Facebook page.  

The former Olympia Picture Palace building in Station Street, Weston (above) has had a long and varied life.  It was likely built sometime between 1910 and 1914. It was already in existence at the time of  the Weston Surf Carnival 28 Nov 1914 and the March of the Wallabies through Weston in 1916. Back then it had an upper floor balcony over the footpath. In 1914, Mr Jenkins who had the Criterion Hotel also owned the Olympia.

Apart from being one of Weston's three picture theatres, this building held formal receptions and other functions.  In later years it was a clothing factory, first for Casben and then Bonds, who employed many locals. Following that chapter in the Olympia's story, Regent Renovators operated there  as an outlet for building renovation products. 

Today, in 2024, the Olympia looks grand again.  Ceil Construction (plastering and carpentry for residential and commercial clients) now occupies the Olympia and Ceiled (glass & aluminium) are next door in the former Top Billiard Room. 

Connect with Ceil Construction through their Facebook page.

The two photographs above were taken of the same site:  the corner of Station and First Streets, Weston NSW.   Ferenbachs were already operating here by 1930 as shown on the1930 Electoral Roll.  Fire Brigade records show that 'George Ferenbach's Self-Service Store' in Weston was severely damaged by fire in 1934. The Weston Brigade had recently received their new motorised pumper, (No.210 Dennis Tamini, 250 g.p.m) when this fire occurred.  The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate  reported on an Inquiry into the fire  on Friday, 14 June 1935 which stated there were no suspicious circumstances.  John C. White, husband of the owner of the premises at that time, said that the premises were insured for £1300 and he estimated damage at £350.   South British Insurance Company settled at £325.  

Conways later established their store at this same site (frequently referred to as 'Conways Corner' and operated for many years.  It is not known whether it was Ferenbachs or Conways who updated the building to its present form.

Eventually, Conways were followed into these premises by the Weston Co-op Store after the closure of their historic  premises in Cessnock Road, Weston.  Following the demise of the Co-op movement, several enterprises have occupied these buildings.

See also: Services & Establishments.

Today, in 2024, these premises operate as the Ministry Hub for the Kingdom Community Church, with an Op Shop and Foodcare sections. Previously they were known as Vineyards Christian Outreach Centre and then met in Abermain for many years before moving to Weston when they purchase these premises. 

They state  that they have a vibrant community care outreach program at the Ministry Hub run by an amazing team of volunteers. As a result they are able to minister to more than 200 people each week via their Food Care shop. They welcome everyone to visit and say hello to the team.

Kingdom Community Church FOODCARE is a food/grocery shop offering reasonably priced goods for Centrelink Concession Card holders in the wider community. According to an article by Krystal Sellars in The Advertiser dated 15 Feb 2021, Weston FoodCare was seeking more volunteers as apart from ministering to about 200 customers per week, they also provide parcels for emergency relief referrals.  Weston FoodCare works with Foodbank which sources surplus food, household and personal products from retailers and wholesalers.

Kingdom Community Church OPSHOP is a second hand clothing and furniture store offering low cost and quality secondhand goods. Run entirely by volunteers the OPSHOP reaches out to many people from the local community on a weekly basis.

To connect with Kingdom Community Church phone: 0404 090 725

The Weston branch of the Kurri Kurri Co-op Society opened in 1912. 

During the 1900s the population of the Kurri Kurri to Cessnock area, or the Coalfields, as it became popularly known, increased by twelve thousand, and by 1925, it had again doubled, by which time the new coalfield was producing nearly seventy percent of the northern districts total output.

The first area to experience this mining boom was Kurri Kurri and nearby Weston and Abermain where five new collieries were established between 1900 and 1906. Townships rapidly grew around the mines and by 1910 they contained over nine thousand residents…

The first co-operative society to be formed in this new Coalfields area began operations at Kurri Kurri in 1904. At this time Kurri Kurri was still very much a raw frontier town with many crude bag and canvas dwellings, few made-up streets, no schools or churches and not even a permanent post office. By mid-1904, the Kurri Kurri Co-operative Society was already established, with sixty one members and a share capital of £161. This was used to purchase a horse and cart and to rent and stock a store in Cessnock Street (Lang Street) which opened for business on 26 July 1904.  [D. Patricia Hampton, RETAIL CO-OPERATIVES IN THE LOWER HUNTER VALLEY, 1986, p.31].

See detailed history:  Weston Co-op Store

After the Co-op left to continue trading on the corner of Station and First Streets in Weston, several businesses later occupied these premises. Recollections may vary on the order of occupation but the following all worked from this building over time:  Casey's clothing factory made men's football shorts, swimwear and jackets. Following Casey's, Water Lily operated their swimwear factory here in the 1970s and then Depict Fashions worked from these premises for a period along with their other factories at Weston and Kurri Kurri. World of Curtains also operated from this building and last came  Millers Sales Store, a factory outlet that remained for several decades.

Today, 2024, it appears that new life is being breathed back into this historic old building.  As shown in the photo at right (above) courtesy of Les Bender, builders security fencing and tape enclose the site. The community buzz is that the premises will once again be associated with food!

This building was constructed by Mena Vartholomaios and opened in 1911. Mena immigrated to Australia from the Greek island of Kasos in 1898 and changed his surname to Casos when he became an Australian citizen some years later. 

In about 1916, this shop was purchased by the Zantiotis brothers: Peter, Jack and Tony, who immigrated to Australia from the Greek island of Kythera.  Peter Zantiotis bought out his brothers in 1922. Directly next to this shop was a billiard room also owned by the family and somewhere nearby, a gymnasium.   [Barbara Zantiotis]

By 1947 this building had become the Weston Miners' Hall and by the 1950's was the Weston Ambulance Station.   Sometime between 1947 and when the Ambulance Station was operating, the upper floor balcony was enclosed.  See also: Services & Establishments.

Today, 2024, and possibly for about the past fifty years, these premises have operated as a liquor outlet. 

~ Yoga Tea House

Above:  Interior of the Yoga Tea House, 33 Station St., Weston NSW - August 2023

~ Julie Frame Falk

Thus far, we have not located an old photograph of this block of three historic shops, 31-35 Station Street Weston, built in 1925 by Zantiotis Brothers.  One would imagine, though, that these Zantiotis Brothers were of the same family associated with the Weston Fruit Palace in 1916 - see previous photographs.  See also: Services & Establishments.   The Yoga Tea House is the middle shop of the three. It has stained glass transom lighting  above the entry.

Today, in 2024, a delightful experience awaits those visiting the Yoga Tea House.  The renovation of the interior of this old building is truly inspiring and  the mood warm and relaxed.  Apart from hosting functions with delicious food and teas,  the Yoga Tea house provides yoga classes suitable for all ages and stages of life from the young to the elderly. Their vision is to bring well-being to their community.  

Connect with the Yoga Tea House on their Facebook page.

An old photograph has not yet been located for this wonderful old building in Cessnock Road, Weston NSW.  It is situated near the Criterion Hotel and was likely built during the 1920s-1930s.  The beautiful stained glass transom light above the door and windows is still intact.  

Details of the original owner and the shop's purpose are not yet known.  Locals have recalled numerous establishments working from here over the years including  it being a mower shop, planning service, real estate agent and printing service.  However, most older folk remember it being a  hairdressers salon back in the 1950-60s; first with Miss Madsen and later, Mrs Margaret Farnham.

Today, in 2024,  Tempest Bicycles operate from this building.  They advertise bicycle retail, repair and coffee shop.  They also have a custom frame building workshop and framebuilding school.

Connect with Tempest Bicycles via their Facebook.

Above left:  Three shops were already in existence on this site by c.1910. From left to right they were: a Fruiterer & Confectioner; a Draper and a Butcher. 

E. Wilkinson was likely the first butcher in these premises and was followed by Hectors who remained there for many decades.

See also: Services & Establishments.

By about the 1960s, the three shops from L-R were: Tindalls Sports Shop; Margaret Foster's Fish & Chip Shop and Hectors Butchery.

Above right: Today, in 2024, this solid old building still stands but is now without a full awning across the front of the shops.   Only No.34, next to the lane, appears to be occupied and operates as: Belle Collective, Hair, Face & Body.

Construction of the double fronted building above was possibly sometime during the 1920s-1940s era. Thus far, the original owner has not been determined.  The photograph (left) above was taken about 1970s-80s. 

The earliest recollections of some Weston folk are that the shop on the left of the two (No.74) was McIntosh's Pharmacy prior to them moving around to Station Street, Weston.

The  shop on the right (No.76) was Bailey's Meats.   Butcher, William Harris 'Bill' Bailey, was already operating here by 1947. He died in Kurri Kurri in 1972 and his son Ron continued on in the butchery until his retirement.  

See also: Services & Establishments.

Today, in 2024, as in recent decades, a hairdressers' salon has operated at No.74 while the butchery at No.76 became a bakery.  Today, the bakery is known as 'Simply Bliss Bakehouse'.

The image (above left) shows Kirkwood's Groceries and Produce operating from 52 Station Street, Weston in 1965. This is an old building possibly built sometime between the two world wars.  The Kirkwoods traded here for many years until the building was sold by auction in December 1973. It has changed hands several times since then.

Today, in 2024,  the image (above right) shows that the former Kirkwoods Produce Store has been demolished.  These premises currently operate as Paws Mobile Vet. 

This building at 37-39 Station Street is quite substantial and may have been built in the period 1920s-1940s.  For decades, Mrs Phyllis Meadows operated these premises for ladieswear.  The small section on the left was once Ruygrok's famous Dutch Cake Shop before they moved to larges premises in High Street, Maitland.  As can be noted, when the 2008 Google image was taken, the Weston Fruit & Vegetable Market was at the left facing First Street.  

Today, in 2024, Tori's Pet Grooming is  operating in the large section of the building and has done so for several years.  In the small section is Thai Massage.  As can be seen to the left in the more recent photo, Weston Medical Centre has now replaced the Fruit & Vegetable Market.

While not easily viewable on the white-painted parapet wall, it states: 'Zantiotis Brothers Buildings 1925'- next year marks their 100th anniversary.  The Zantiotis brothers purchased 50 Cessnock Rd., Weston in 1916 when it was the Weston Fruit Palace. As noted above for 50 Cessnock Road:  In about 1916, this shop was purchased by the Zantiotis brothers: Peter, Jack and Tony, who immigrated to Australia from the Greek island of Kythera.  Peter Zantiotis bought out his brothers in 1922. Directly next to this shop was a billiard room also owned by the family and somewhere nearby, a gymnasium.   [Barbara Zantiotis]

It seems reasonable to consider that the gymnasium was in this building at 31-35 Station Street Weston.  An article relating to Stephen Zantiotis, born in Weston and the son of Peter Zantiotis, can be found here. 

Going back some decades, those three shops were:  L-R: No.35, a Supermarket; No.33, Meadows Menswear; and No.31, McIntosh's Pharmacy.

Today, in 2024, they are, L-R: No.35, Gleam Support Services;  No.33, The Yoga Tea House (featured previously); and No.31, Jay M's Place (Pop Culture Collectables). 

Thus far, we have not acquired an old photograph of this historic building.