Walking along the path from Toronto shopping centre to Fennel Bay railway station, you will encounter an old railway bridge known as Stoney Creek Bridge. It was here that the Stoney Creek Amateur Swimming Club was established in 1930 and where this flag, in the club colours of blue and gold, was proudly flown. The […]
Would you think twice before plunging into a murky creek at night? When the Stoney Creek Amateur Swimming Club (established in 1930) announced in 1934 that it would hold night races at Stoney Creek, near Toronto, Lake Macquarie, the young William ‘Bill’ Walker (1913-1975) probably had no reservations. This silver trophy was one of two […]
With slightly sandy shoes, a professional photographer returned to his studio one day in 1959 and developed a roll of film. It was these two photographs that stood out among the images he had captured that day, which were suitable for the commission he had received from the Swansea-Caves Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. After printing […]
One Saturday evening in May 1935, the Blackalls Park Hall near the banks of Lake Macquarie was buzzing with excitement. It was the end of the swimming season, and the champions of the Stoney Creek Swimming Club were there to receive their trophies. The unbeatable men’s champion, Bill Walker, knew the hall well. He had […]
When the Lake Macquarie swimming champion Bill Walker heard his name called, and he stepped up to receive his award for the Senior Point Score of 1935-6, he might have had a chuckle at being handed this silver-plated teapot trophy. That fresh winter evening in June 1936, at the Blackalls Park Hall near the banks […]
One Sunday in early February 1933, Bill Walker splashed out of the murky water and up the sandy bank of Stoney Creek near Toronto, Lake Macquarie. Puffing from swimming the 200-yard (183-metre) race, the 20-year-old was in fine form – beating his competitors in the very respectable time of 2 minutes and 46 seconds. That […]
Museums & Galleries of NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands that comprise the state now known as NSW.
We pay respect to them as First Nations people with a continuing connection to land, place, waters and community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this site contains stories, images, voices, and video of people who have died.
Some material may contain terms that reflect common usage of the period in which it was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. Such terms do not reflect the views of Museums and Galleries of NSW and are provided only to reflect historical context.