Dictionary of Sydney
I’ve been sharing stories about Sydney’s past as a guest historian for the Dictionary of Sydney on 2SER Breakfast radio since 2014. Check out my latest segments.
Posters, ghost signs and billboards
We’ve had our share of memorable advertising and the recent use of the Sydney Opera House as a ‘billboard’ is without a doubt one of the most controversial.
The island laboratory
Picturesque Sydney Harbour has 13 islands, each with its own fascinating history. One of them, Rodd Island, was once converted into a laboratory in the late 19th century.
Historic Sydenham pub gutted by fire
On Monday we heard that the 86-year-old General Gordon Hotel in Sydenham had been gutted by a ferocious fire. I spoke about it’s history on 2SER.
Women Trailblazers: Pearl Gibbs
The exhibition, Blaze, features fascinating stories of women trailblazers including that of the Aboriginal activist, Pearl Gibbs.
Sydney’s wining and dining evolution
Today any bar or restaurant in Sydney offers an extensive wine list and array of scrumptious dishes from around the world. But it hasn’t always been so.
Waverley Cemetery’s burlesque star
Waverley Cemetery is the resting place of many well known people, but one person has largely been forgotten in the history books – Maggie Oliver.
Colonial neighbours: Reynolds’ cottages
Reynolds’ cottages on Harrington Street, The Rocks have survived for 187 years! I spoke about them on 2SER for the Dictionary of Sydney.
“I challenge you sir!” – Duelling in colonial Sydney
Did you know a duel took place in a field in Homebush one morning in March 1827? I spoke about duelling in colonial Sydney this morning on 2SER Breakfast.
NAIDOC 2016 – Sydney’s Aboriginal people
NAIDOC 2016 is in full swing and the Dictionary of Sydney recently published new articles about two interesting characters from Sydney’s Aboriginal past – Carangarang and Willemering.
Kate Leigh: ‘the Sly-Grog Queen’
The Dictionary of Sydney has some fascinating new articles including one on the famous ‘the Sly-Grog Queen’ and ‘worst woman in Sydney’ – Kate Leigh.
Nicole Cama
Historian
I’m a professional historian who specialises in social and public history, as well as cultural collections and heritage research and interpretation. I have worked on numerous projects for the City of Sydney, Dictionary of Sydney, IP Australia and more.