1990s: A woman died and 104 homes were destroyed during bushfires over five horrific days in January, 1994.
The toll also included the loss of a church and school, damage estimated at $27 million, the evacuation of 5000 residents, and 25 square kilometres of bushland being burnt out.
Jannali and Como West were the worst hit areas, with a total of 91 homes destroyed. Five houses at Bangor and nine at Alfords Point were also lost.
The Menai area was hit with further bushfire devastation three years later, with 12 homes destroyed.
1960s: Hurstville and Kogarah councils discussed building a combined St George swimming centre in 1960 after both had earlier announced plans for almost identical Olympic pools less than a mile and a half apart.
Hurstville Council’s planned pool was at the top of Penshurst Park,while Kogarah Council identified the site of an old quarry in Hurstville Road.
Discussions continued for years, but a joint project never eventuated.
1970s: Driving between Sutherland and the developing Menai area could be a harrowing experience in the 1970s, with a big increase in vehicle numbers on the narrow timber bridge at Woronora and the steep, winding approaches, known as “the bendies”.
In 1979, the council decided to build a new bridge, which was completed in 1981.
1980s: Bookmaker and organised crime figure, George David Freeman, who was named in two royal commissions in the 1980s, invited the Leader rare access to his fortress-like Yowie Bay home in a bid to project a happy family image with his second wife Georgina, whom he married in 1981, and their first son Adam.
Freeman died in 1990 at 55 from a heart attack after an asthma attack at his home.
2000s: Caringbah Oval, the home of Sutherland cricket, was renamed Glenn McGrath Oval in 2008 in honour of the Test fast bowler, who made the shire his home after moving from Narromine to play grade cricket for Sutherland.
