Linnwood

The Friends of Linnwood

The Friends of Linnwood Inc formed in 2002 after a community led campaign was successful in saving the Linnwood Estate from being sold and redeveloped. The Friends hold regular Open Days to raise money for continued restoration and conservation work on the house. The Friends are all volunteers, working together to promote Linnwood throughout the local and wider community.

Contact us here.                                                                                                                                  

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LINNWOOD IS UNDER THREAT - AGAIN!

                                                                                          Once again, the Linnwood Estate is under threat.

• Some years ago, a local Aboriginal Land Council ‘claimed’ McCredie Cottage at the front of the estate with the intention of renovating and using the building for Indigenous War Veterans (Vietnam War etc.) This then changed to ALL veterans of that era. Then it changed again, claiming more land for ‘parking’ and in January 2026, a subdivision plan was registered, excising 1 ha of land from the estate.

• In recent times we were made aware that the remainder of the estate had been claimed by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.

• Claims by Land Councils can be made on Crown Land deemed as not being used.

• The Friends of Linnwood Inc. are now involved in a court case against this claim.

• Our response is to show that the buildings and the land ARE being used – by the Friends of Linnwood Inc. for Open Days, Tour Groups and curating and displaying donations throughout the house and also as a repository for local history research and artefacts. Sunnyfield: Intellectual Disability Services are on site 5 days per week using Faulds House, the Dormitory Building and the surrounding grounds, providing day respite care for approximately 50 adult clients.

• A second proposal has been submitted by the Land Council which would allow the Friends of Linnwood Inc. and Sunnyfield to use the 3 buildings and the driveway ONLY, with a small parking area for staff on the north side of the Dormitory.

• The rest of the property would be used for future development over the beautiful front lawn and also the rear of the property fronting Tamplin Road. The loss of not only the land, but the trees and bird life over the estate will be irreplaceable.

• We find this proposal unacceptable as it would deny both the Friends and Sunnyfield of any open space or outlook. The Friends would not be able to continue holding Open Days or Group Tours due to the lack of open space for car clubs, community stalls and parking for visitors, and Sunnyfield will no longer have any open space during the week for their clients’ activities.

We find it unacceptable that a State Heritage Listed property, such as the Linnwood Estate can be ‘claimed’ and redeveloped in this way.

All of this has been done very quietly without the knowledge and input of the local and wider community.

We hope to hold a public meeting in the near future and will advise the date, time and location shortly.

If interested or have any queries, please contact us by email at:

                                friendsoflinnwood@gmail.com

Part of Linnwood's State Heritage Listing on the NSW Heritage Office website:

Statement of Significance (copied in part)

https://www.hms.heritage.nsw.gov.au/App/Item/ViewItem...

Linnwood, including its associated buildings and landscape, is of state significance as a welfare site that was in operation and use for over 80 years. Since 1917, the site was continually adapted and developed specifically for various welfare uses such as housing and educating state wards. Of particular significance is the use of Linnwood as the first and only Truant School that was in existence in NSW between 1917 and 1936 and was later used by the Department of Welfare as a Girls Home Science Domestic School for state wards.

Linnwood is also significant as an example of a prominent and wealthy city businessman's country retreat that was constructed on a large estate beyond the then outskirts of Sydney. The size and fine detail of this late Victorian residence demonstrates the wealth, aspirations and lifestyle of this class in society.

Specifically, Linnwood is in part representative of its original designer and occupier George McCredie. George McCredie was prominent for a time in the local community through his involvement in the political arena and in community activities. On a broader level George McCredie is known historically for his role in conducting the cleansing of The Rocks following the outbreak of the bubonic plague in 1900, and the building activities of his family firm A.L. & G. McCredie and Sons. The remnant of Linwood estate can still demonstrate by its scale within its urban setting the former extent of the land holdings of Susan McCredie, who was also a prominent local figure in her own right. (City Plan and Heritage Office)

*** OTHER NEWS***

     Dear Friends,   

We are taking bookings for Group Tours, so if you have a group of friends (minimum 15 people), or belong to a community group (Probus, Historical Society, Church Group etc.)  who would like to visit in 2025, please contact us.

Cost is $15.00 per person and includes Devonshire Tea, presentation on the history of Linnwood and tour through the house.

Payment by Card or Cash.

We hope to see you at Linnwood in the near future.

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OUR NEXT EVENT

Sunday 12th July 2026 - Open Day at Linnwood

10.00am - 3.00pm - $5 admission (children under 12yrs admitted free)