Draft Central Coast Thematic History
We are seeking the community's feedback on the Draft Central Coast Thematic History. A Thematic History provides a broad historical context for understanding the patterns and forces that shaped an area over time while identifying locally distinctive themes to structure the history. The proposed Thematic History intends to achieve this while also uniting two existing histories from the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Councils.
The objectives of the Draft Central Coast Thematic History are:
- To prepare a new thematic history to reflect the course and pattern of Aboriginal occupation, land use and the development of the Central Coast as it exists today.
- To specifically include Aboriginal occupation, history and heritage, landscape heritage, the impact of post war and modern (post- 1960) development and all other relevant aspects of cultural and natural heritage.
- To examine, identify and characterise what is unique about the Central Coast in a thematic context.
- To create specific local themes relevant to contemporary communities, that have regard to the 36 NSW State Themes.
- To explain the major factors that have influenced the history and heritage of the Central Coast and shaped its distinctive character in an engaging, ‘contemporary’ and usable format.
- To provide a thematic history that can ensure the historical development and unique character of the Central Coast can be reflected in Council’s subsequent studies recommended by the Central Coast Heritage Gap Analysis and Action Plan.
- To identify gaps in the current heritage schedule for the Central Coast, and to ensure where possible, that all identified historic themes are represented.
All relevant feedback will be considered before the Thematic History is proposed for adoption at a future Council meeting.
Have your say
Between 11 December 2023 and 11 February 2024 we sought community feedback and encouraged written submissions.
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FAQs
A thematic history provides a broad historical context for understanding the patterns and forces that shaped an area over time. It identifies locally distinctive themes to structure the history. A theme can link a variety of actions, events, functions, “people” and dates. It also helps to prevent any concentration on a particular type of item, period or event of history.
The thematic history is not intended to be a detailed chronological account of the history of an area, nor to replace histories designed to serve other purposes.
The development of the thematic history will align with the 36 New South Wales Historical Themes as defined by Heritage NSW. However as noted by Heritage NSW, ‘Not all themes are relevant throughout the state…[and] local themes will not necessarily fit neatly into the state thematic framework.’
Prior to the council merge both the former Gosford City Council and the Wyong Shire Councils had thematic histories for their respective areas. This thematic history is intended to unite the two existing histories and revise and update it to ensure identified themes are relevant, accurate and reflect major processes and factors affecting the coast.
The proposed Thematic History does not identify specific areas, places, periods, structures, sites or landscapes for inclusion in Council’s heritage schedule. The project is intended to set up the framework for subsequent heritage studies and future heritage management decisions. In particular, the Thematic History will aid the understanding of our unique heritage and history and ensure that it is well represented in our conservation works and schedules.
The thematic history is not intended to be a detailed chronological account of the history of an area, nor to replace histories designed to serve other purposes.
The thematic approach to history favours a holistic interrelated look at the movements, events, people and ideas that have shaped an area throughout time.
Consultation was undertaken in the preliminary stages of the study with Council’s Local History Librarians, Local History groups and key community stakeholders with a particular interest in the heritage of the Central Coast. Consultation was also undertaken with the Central Coast Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and Guringai Tribal Link.
The purpose of this feedback was to obtain feedback on special places, stories and historical material that contributes to the community’s understanding of the history and identity of the Central Coast.
Broader consultation is now occurring as part of the public exhibition period.