Liverpool puts historic news archive on show
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Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun is proud to announce the opening of a news exclusive exhibition that offers a rare glimpse into the city’s past through the lens of historic newspaper photographs. |
Titled “I read the news today, oh boy”, the exhibition features over 700 photographs that document life in Liverpool from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Captured by the photographers of Fairfax Media, these images offer a powerful snapshot of the transformation and growth of Liverpool during a time of major social and cultural change.
From the serious to the silly, the exhibition reveals the everyday moments and monumental events that have shaped the city, providing a unique opportunity for both new and long-time residents to reconnect with the past.
“This collection is a treasure trove of memories,” said Mayor Mannoun.
“It brings to life the Liverpool region’s history, from iconic moments in sports, business, and leisure to significant community developments like the Green Valley housing project and the opening of Westfield Shoppingtown.
“These photographs are moments frozen in time, telling the stories of the people, places, and events that made Liverpool what it is today,” Mayor Mannoun added.
Photographs include thrilling action at Warwick Farm Racing and Liverpool Speedway and the development of key local institutions like Liverpool Hospital and Holsworthy Army Base, highlighting the federal government’s investment in the region, and other moments of civic and cultural importance.
Liverpool has long been a city on the move, and this exhibition offers a chance to revisit the dynamic transformation that has taken place over the past few decades. Visitors will not only be able to see the development of the city but will also experience the people, stories, and everyday life that have defined Liverpool through the years.
“I read the news today, oh boy” exhibition opens to the public on 8 April, and Liverpool residents and visitors are encouraged to come and explore the rich history of their community through this unique collection of photographs.
Exhibition Details:
Location: Liverpool Regional Museum, Cnr Congressional Drive and Hume Highway Liverpool
Dates: 8 April – 5 September 2025 Entry: Free
Media Contact:
Alan Gale communications@liverpool.nsw.gov.au 0492 087 403
Background
The photographs were originally part of the Fairfax Media photographic archive and almost faced the risk of being lost forever. In 2013, the archive was sent to a U.S. company for digitisation.
However, the company went bankrupt, leaving the collection in jeopardy. It wasn’t until 2020 that a significant portion of the archive, including over 700 images from the Liverpool area, was successfully repatriated to Australia through the efforts of the Duncan Miller Gallery in California.
The exhibition, opening at the Liverpool Regional Museum, marks the first time these photographs of Liverpool have been displayed collectively as a curated collection. As part of Liverpool City Council’s Heritage Collection, this exhibition showcases a preserved legacy of the past, offering insight into the social and cultural fabric of the area as it was shaped by global and national events.
Warwick Farm Racecourse, 1982
‘Exclusive…. Raincoat can also be used to wrap Fish & Chips. Mr David Prior of Edgecliffe [sic] uses a newspaper to shelter from rain at races.’
Photographer: Gerrit Fokkema Publication: Unknown Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media)
Hawke & Frazer Avenue, Casula,1983
It’s a sign of change. It changed in Canberra as Hawke replaced Fraser and it changed in a quiet Casula street late Saturday night.
Residents there found Frazer Ave had been mysteriously changed to Hawke Ave. The victory smiles of the local residents (pictured) did not last long though. Liverpool Council workers arrived at 11am yesterday to remove illegal street sign and Frazer regained his street.
Photographer: Trevor Dallen
Publication: Daily Sun
Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media)
Kids on strike, Adventureland,1972
Kids between the age of nine and fifteen years old at the Adventureland Animal Park at Lepington [sic] went on strike today for higher pay.
Three of the strikers Anthony Seabrook, 14, Lawrie Smallwood, 14, and Mark Rookes, 12, outside the Adventureland entrance.
Photographer: Ton Linsen Publication: Daily Sun Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media)
Frankenstein’s Theatre Restaurant, Liverpool, 1994
Tom McDonald right and John Brownrigg dressed as Frankensteins [sic] outside the theatre in Memorial Avenue Liverpool.
Photographer: Unknown Publication: Sydney Morning Herald Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media)
