2026 Rex Stubbs Commemorative History Symposium

Please join us for the 2026 Dr Rex Stubbs OAM Commemorative History Symposium. This year's theme Water explores how the Hawkesbury’s rivers, creeks and waterways have shaped the region’s story. Speakers from archaeology, environmental history, Aboriginal history, and historical fiction will offer fresh perspectives on the waterways that have long sustained and defined the Hawkesbury.

This free symposium will include:

• 3 talks from keynote speakers
• Project updates Hawkesbury City Council's Arts and Culture Team
• Updates from historical societies and groups
• Networking opportunities
• Light lunch
• Optional Historical Site Tour of Deerubbin Centre grounds including the Old Hawkesbury Hospital Mortuary ($10 per person)

Speaker 1: Julie Janson

Julie Janson is a Burruberongal woman of Darug nation. She was born on the Lane Cove River but her father was a Hawkesbury River Indigenous man. She is an acclaimed poet, playwright and award winning novelist. Her latest historical novel ‘Compassion’ was shortlisted for the 2025 Miles Franklin Award.

Julie Janson will present a discussion about researching Hawkesbury River history to write historical fiction set from 1810 to 1860.

Speaker 2: Benjamin Wharton

Benjamin Wharton is a maritime archaeologist working at the Australian National Maritime Museum who is currently specialising on research of early colonial boat building practices

In this session, Benjamin Wharton will discuss a recent development of Sydney’s modern transport infrastructure, which uncovered two colonial-era boats during archaeological works. These impressive survivors have provided a rare insight into the beginnings of early Sydney region’s rivers and port.

Speaker 3: Andy Macqueen

Andy Macqueen is a wilderness historian interested in writing, history, the bush, archival research and has a passion for the environment. He has written six books mainly to do with the cultural and environmental history of the Blue Mountains, and produced five peer-reviewed history papers, several family history monographs and numerous other papers and articles.

In this talk, Andy Macqueen will discuss the discovery and exploration of Grose and Colo wilderness river valleys.

Who was Rex Stubbs?

The free event recognises Dr Stubbs’ commitment to the Hawkesbury community and aims to promote interest in the unique history of the area. The Rex Stubbs Symposium is named in commemoration of Emeritus Mayor, Dr Rex Stubbs OAM, who was first elected to Hawkesbury City Council in 1983. He held office for nearly 27 years and was our longest serving Councillor.

For more information see: RexStubbsSymposium

Terms and Conditions:

• SMILE! Your attendance at events supported by Hawkesbury City Council may be digitally recorded through photographs. Images may be used for promotional purposes on council's websites, publications, social media or by newspapers. By attending this session you agree to these terms. If you do not wish your image (or the image of your child) to be published, please notify staff before the event.

• By registering and attending this event, you are agreeing to comply with the Hawkesbury Library Service Patron Code Of Conduct.

• Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult to all Library activities.

• If you are unable to attend please cancel your tickets as soon as possible. This will enable others to participate in the programme.

• Paid tickets are not transferable.

• If you are feeling unwell please do not attend.

Info: Please arrive on time to sign in, secure your seat and enjoy tea or coffee in the Stan Stevens Room.

Info: Welcome to Country; greetings from Clr Les Sheather, Mayor Hawkesbury City Council; and event introduction from MC Elissa Blair, Manager Arts & Cultre.

Info: Julie Janson is a Burruberongal woman of Darug nation. She was born on the Lane Cove River but her father was a Hawkesbury River Indigenous man. She is an acclaimed poet, playwright and award winning novelist. Her latest historical novel ‘Compassion’ was shortlisted for the 2025 Miles Franklin Award.
Julie Janson will present a discussion about researching Hawkesbury River history to write historical fiction set from 1810 to 1860.

Info: Benjamin Wharton is a maritime archaeologist working at the Australian National Maritime Museum who is currently specialising on research of early colonial boat building practices
In this session, Benjamin Wharton will discuss a recent development of Sydney’s modern transport infrastructure, which uncovered two colonial-era boats during archaeological works. These impressive survivors have provided a rare insight into the beginnings of early Sydney region’s rivers and port.

Info: Hear project updates from Hawkesbury City Council's Arts & Culture team.

Info: Enjoy complimentary lunch and refreshments in the Stan Stevens Room.

Info: Andy Macqueen is a wilderness historian interested in writing, history, the bush, archival research and has a passion for the environment. He has written six books mainly to do with the cultural and environmental history of the Blue Mountains, and produced five peer-reviewed history papers, several family history monographs and numerous other papers and articles.
In this talk, Andy Macqueen will discuss the discovery and exploration of Grose and Colo wilderness river valleys.

Info: Enjoy a guided tour through the Deerubbin Centre grounds including the Old Hawkesbury Hospital Mortuary. Bookings required - select $10 ticket add-on at checkout.

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Host or Publisher Hawkesbury Library Service