Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

[richardhallford]

Hi all. On a trip up to Sydney on 12th Sept, I paid a visit to the old site and to my surprise, it is now being turned into a housing estate. Knowing that it was only a question of time before this happened, I was never the less overwhelmed by a sense of loss. I was fortunate in my timing, as they are just putting in new roads now and was able to get some photos. In a very short while it will be almost impossible to pick where East Hills Hostel used to be. Therefore I am putting up this Panorama view of the area, taken just inside the old entrance to the Hostel.
As a point of reference, you can see three power poles to the right of the photo. I believe that these are the original poles which were on the verge of Sirius Rd, where it made a sharp bend. The power runs from these and they are rarely if ever moved (perhaps replaced in the same position). The third pole in the far distance is where Sirius road straightens up and goes up to the infamous footbridge. There is also another photo of the flooding in the early 1960's from others which shows these power poles in situ.
The weather was shocking, which actually allowed me to take the photos without interference. Thanks to the site foreman who allowed this. I have some more material which I will post at a later stage, due to other commitments. Enjoy:-


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East Hills Hostel Aug 1966 to 1968. Nissen Huts 81 and 83d

[Phyl]

It tugged at my heart strings to Richard because I couldn't see my tree
So many memories wrapped up in the place.
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Kind regards,
Phyl

[richardhallford]

In an effort to provide a clearer reference, I have attached a photo during a flood in early 1960's. The Photo shows a Morris Minor coming around the sharp bend, towards Heathcote Hostel.
East Hills Hostel is on the left, just down the small bank where the children are. Clearly seen is the power poles which are seen in the previous Panoram photo. This road is of course Sirius road, which led up to the Footbridge.
The road goes up for some 100 metres, then drops into a dip, where the also infamous water markers are. In the very distance, you can see Sirius road rising to the top of the hill, which went down to the Footbridge.
Interestingly, there has been terraformed, a small lake, surrounded by water reeds and plants. As we all know, this is a notorius potentil flood area. I hope they put in big drains and bigger pumps.More later.


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East Hills Hostel Aug 1966 to 1968. Nissen Huts 81 and 83d

[Bluebird]

Thank you for sharing these photos, Richard.

[chrisnic]

Thanks for the update Richard. I certainly remember the flood, and the footbridge under water, but that photo is new to me.