Boolaroo Bulletin

BOOLAROO is celebrating in 1998 a Centenary of Business - since TC Frith opened his doors for business in Boolaroo in 1898.

This special edition of the Boolaroo Bulletin will feature history, stories from past and present, local characters & legends; and a vision for future economic growth from the Boolaroo-Speers Point Chamber of Commerce in the promotion and marketing of both towns.

His Worship The Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Cr John Kilpatrick OAM and Mayoress Ellen Kilpatrick, local residents of Speers Point for over 27 years.

"THIS year a number of communities around lake Macquarie have celebrated special milestones and the recognition of 100 years of business in Boolaroo is yet another special occasion. Boolaroo has a proud history of achievement, with it's links with the Sulphide, Hawkins Transport, the Council and the first shop in Boolaroo.
Ellen and I have lived locally for many years, and indeed Ellen went to school at Boolaroo, and we have seen some of the times of hardship, as well as the good times. And in all the highs and lows that Boolaroo has experienced, there has always been very strong and loyal community support. The determination and the desire of the business people of Boolaroo to continue to meet the needs of the local community is to be commended and worthy of our on-going support.
I am delighted to commend this special Centenary edition of the Boolaroo Bulletin and Ellen and I extend best wishes to the Boolaroo Community. Happy birthday and well done."

BOOLAROO and Speers Point are two separate entities. The township of Boolaroo is unique, there are the local personalities that brighten your day when they smile and greet you in the street; retailers are warm and friendly with many focusing on the needs of the customer and businesses that are proud of their own associations with Boolaroo proving business sustainability with decades of operation in the area. Boolaroo has also history with mining and industry and commercial developments on the towns' outskirts. Pasminco Cockle Creek Smelter recently celebrated 100 years of operation in 1997, and two major employers Pasminco and Lake Macquarie City Council and Council's Depot utilising services and local contractors from the area. The Lake Cinema attracts people to Boolaroo from far and wide to take part in nostalgia from a bygone era with weekend bookings made well in advance. There are many other interesting landmarks with two historic hotels, the Commercial Hotel and Boolaroo Hotel (ex Shinny's). The Boolaroo Bowling Club has it's own history established in 1927 and there are many sporting clubs and groups that utilise local sporting ovals from archery to rugby, soccer & more. Revitalisation of Boolaroo will evolve from the Main Street Heritage Study recommendations with funding currently being sourced through Lake Macquarie City Council and the Department of State & Regional Development. Boolaroo offers many local services for the community and is fortunate to have a large supermarket, Festival, to offer shopping within walking distance to resident's homes. Boolaroo - atmosphere, character and that good ol' fashioned customer service - a must to visit!

Speers Point offers beautiful views of Lake Macquarie as the town is nestled along the Lakes' shoreline and up on the hills overlooking the Lake. Together with the historic and very popular Speers Point Park, there is a new cycleway and walking path which offers tourists and local residents and visitors, Lake Macquarie City Councils theme "a quality lifestyle". Speers Point is the locatian of Lake Macquarie City Council Chambers and Administration Building. There are many sporting and cultural facilities and activities including a Sailing Club, Speers Point Library, Speers Point Swimming Pool, wonderful places to dine out, Pippy's Restaurant in the historic Speers Point Hotel and Five Islands Restaurant, at the Speers Point RSL which is located on another historic landmark; a Picture Theatre established in 1924. Speers Point Primary is the home of Puppets In Motion and Freewheels Theatre is located near the Council Chambers.

There are new businesses relocating to the Boolaroo/Speers Point areas and it is imperative that the local community retain services for the future development of both areas. Shopping locally on a daily or weekly basis assists retaining employment and encouraging growth in the business sector. As you browse through the following pages we can only reflect and admire the pioneers of yesteryear and have fresh hope as we head towards 2000 and the Bi-Centenary of Lake Macquarie.