Scheyville National Park (28th June 2020)
Everyone seems to travel far and wide to sight see but don’t realise the little gems that are in your own backyard. We love exploring our local area and have found some really interesting places over the years, most recently Scheyville National Park, which I think is fairly unknown to most Sydneysiders. You’ll find it in Sydney’s west in an area which still consists of farms and large properties, but as seems to happen everywhere, the developments are now slowly creeping into this area.
Once inside the small park you’ll find reminders of days gone by, but with great signage to let you know what you are looking at. The signage is split into two - “Field of Memories” and “Officer Training Unit”, detailing two distinct parts of its history. The cultural significance of the park has meant that it has been placed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Over the years this land had many lives, from a cooperative farm to a migrant camp to a military training facility and an agricultural college, among others. Nowadays the public can wander around the Scheyville Camp precinct and see the ruined and restored buildings and learn all about its history.
The first cooperative farm commenced in 1893. From 1949-1964 it operated as the Scheyville Migrant Hostel. Migrants came from all parts of Europe and were given the opportunity to create a new life and community and set themselves up, until the point in time where they felt able to branch out on their own into society. The signage on the walk shows photos and tells stories of their life.
The Officer Training Unit opened in 1965 just after Australia reintroduced military conscription for young men to be sent off to fight in the Vietnam War. Signage says that only the top 4% of national conscripts were selected to go to Scheyville and of those, over 30% didn’t make it.
Once inside the small park you’ll find reminders of days gone by, but with great signage to let you know what you are looking at. The signage is split into two - “Field of Memories” and “Officer Training Unit”, detailing two distinct parts of its history. The cultural significance of the park has meant that it has been placed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Over the years this land had many lives, from a cooperative farm to a migrant camp to a military training facility and an agricultural college, among others. Nowadays the public can wander around the Scheyville Camp precinct and see the ruined and restored buildings and learn all about its history.
The first cooperative farm commenced in 1893. From 1949-1964 it operated as the Scheyville Migrant Hostel. Migrants came from all parts of Europe and were given the opportunity to create a new life and community and set themselves up, until the point in time where they felt able to branch out on their own into society. The signage on the walk shows photos and tells stories of their life.
The Officer Training Unit opened in 1965 just after Australia reintroduced military conscription for young men to be sent off to fight in the Vietnam War. Signage says that only the top 4% of national conscripts were selected to go to Scheyville and of those, over 30% didn’t make it.
