First meeting of the Council
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Hours
| Monday: | 9am-8pm |
| Tuesday: | 9am-8pm |
| Wednesday: | 9am-8pm |
| Thursday: | 9am-8pm |
| Friday: | 9am-8pm |
| Saturday: | 10am-4pm |
| Sunday: | 10am-4pm |
| Closed on public holidays | |
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Level 1, 451 New South Head Road
Double Bay NSW 2028
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| Monday: | 9:30am-6pm |
| Tuesday: | 9:30am-6pm |
| Wednesday: | 12pm-8pm |
| Thursday: | 9:30am-6pm |
| Friday: | 9:30am-6pm |
| Saturday: | 10am-4pm |
| Sunday: | 10am-4pm |
| Closed on public holidays | |
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Paddington Library
Paddington Town Hall
247 Oxford Street,
Paddington NSW 2021
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| Monday: | 2pm-5pm |
| Tuesday: | 9:30am-5pm |
| Wednesday: | 12pm-7pm |
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Watsons Bay Library
The Tea Gardens
8 Marine Parade
Watsons Bay NSW 2030
The first minute book of Woollahra Council
On 6 June 1860, one week after the successful candidates were announced in the first poll of Woollahra electors, seven of the nine newly endorsed representatives held the first meeting of Woollahra Council. This gathering, in the city offices of the solicitor Councillor Richard Holdsworth, represents the beginnings of municipal administration in our area, and the minutes, handwritten on page 1 of the first velum-bound minute book, still survive in the archives of council.
The councillor voted to the chair for the purposes of the meeting was Frederick Oatley, who enjoyed the distinction of having received the greatest number of votes (88) in the first poll. Woollahra’s first chairman was then elected by his fellow councillors – in his absence. George Thornton, a resident of Darling Point, had already served on the City Council, so brought to this role some experience of civic procedures and functions. The other absent member on 6 June was D B Hughes, who served on council only until February 1861.
The following is a transcription of the minutes of the first meeting.
Present: Councillors
- Oatley
- Trickett
- Bowden
- Gorman
- Edwards
- Thompson
- Holdsworth
It was proposed by Councillors Trickett and seconded by Councillor Thompson that Councillor Oatley take the Chair.
It was proposed by Councillor Gorman that Councillor Thornton be the first Chairman of the Council of the said Municipality.
Councillor Bowden having seconded the motion the question was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.
The first minute book of Woollahra Council