Garry Darby has won the 2015 Ron Rathbone Local History Prize for his piece on Rocky Point Road.
Entrants in the prize, which has run since 2006, were asked to submit a piece of research on Rockdale’s history, buildings, organisations, people, parks, natural features or events.
The prize is named after former mayor, councillor and historian Ron Rathbone, OAM.
The $5000 top prize this year went to Dr Darby who spent two years researching the first 50 years of Rocky Point Road. (Mr Darby has also written books on Baths & Boatsheds — The Waterfront Community at Sans Souci, 1895-1965 and The Enigmatic 'Dolls Point Digger' Memorial, The History of a Statue.)
The road started its life in 1839 and for the first 15 years was no more than a single track.
Convict labour was used to mark out and establish the road whose residents even back them complained about its state.
The piece was a first for Dr Darby who entered the competition after retiring from his job as a university lecturer. He is an art historian and lectured at the University of Sydney, University of NSW and the University of Western Sydney.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to enter but I just never had the time,’’ he said.
‘‘I have lived in Sans Souci for my entire life so it was a natural fit.
‘‘It took me two years and I wouldn’t say it was easy. You find things out and try to fit them together like a jigsaw.’’
The winner of the 2015 Junior Local History Prize was Eric Rong for his piece on the development of Bexley.
Ron Rathbone Local HIstory Prize submissions can be read at www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/RonRathbonePrize.
Read more in Thursday’s Leader.
