City of Rockdale explained
The City of Rockdale was a local government area in southern and St George regions of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The city centre was located south-west of the Sydney central business district, on the western shores of Botany Bay. First proclaimed on 13 January 1871, Rockdale was formerly known as the Municipality of West Botany until 1887 and the Municipality of Rockdale before being proclaimed as a City in 1995. Rockdale was amalgamated with the neighbouring City of Botany Bay on 9 September 2016 to form the new municipality of Bayside Council.
The last mayor of the City of Rockdale at amalgamation was Cr. Bill Saravinovski, a member of the Labor Party.
Suburbs and localities in the local government area
Suburbs in the City of Rockdale were:
The City of Rockdale also managed and maintained the following localities:
History
West Botany
The City of Rockdale was originally proclaimed as the "Municipal District of West Botany" on 13 January 1871 and covered 9mi2 with two Wards, West Botany Ward and Arncliffe Ward.[1] The proclamation followed a petition signed by 85 residents calling for incorporation that was published in the Government Gazette on 22 August 1870.[2] The first election was held on 8 February 1871 at the Tempe Family Hotel on Rocky Point Road.[3] The mayor of Marrickville, Charles St Julian, was appointed Returning Officer for the first election of six aldermen and two auditors, which was declared on 14 February 1871:[4]
Seat | Alderman | Notes |
---|
Arncliffe Ward | Thomas Woolacott | Freeholder, Tempe. |
William Yates | Freeholder, Rosebrook, Tempe. Elected Mayor. |
John McInnes | Publican of the "Tempe Family Hotel", Arncliffe. |
West Botany Ward | James Beehag | Freeholder, Marsh Street, West Botany. |
Elias Godfrey | Gardener, West Botany Street, West Botany. |
Charles Napper | Freeholder, West Botany. |
Auditors | Isaac Beehag | Freeholder, Beach Street, West Botany. |
John Beaumont Mills | Teacher, Arncliffe. | |
On 28 February 1871, Frederick Keene was appointed the first Clerk.[5] Thomas Willmot was appointed Clerk on 13 August 1872.[6] Thomas Leeder was appointed Clerk on 7 August 1877.[7] Percival Somerville was appointed Clerk on 23 March 1905.[8] [9] On 17 December 1886, West Botany Ward was split in two, adding Rockdale Ward and Scarborough Ward and bringing the number of Aldermen from six to nine.[10] Among the main developers during this period was Frederick Jamison Gibbes, a member of parliament whose name is perpetuated by Gibbes Street in Banksia.[11] [12] From 1872, Council met in the first Council Chambers, a small purpose-built stone building on the western side of Rocky Point Road, Arncliffe built by Christopher Bush of St Peters. It continued in use until 11 December 1888, when a new Town Hall was opened by the mayor, William George Judd, on the corner of Rocky Point Road and Bryant Street, Rockdale.[13] The old Council Chambers building was eventually sold in 1904.[14]
Rockdale Municipality
The name "Rockdale" for the West Botany area was first suggested in 1878, and that name gained more credence when the local railway station on the new Illawarra rail line, opened on 15 October 1884, was also given the name Rockdale.[15] However, by the time the neighbouring Boroughs of Botany and North Botany (Mascot from 1911) were proclaimed on 29 March 1888, it was clear that a name change was desirable. On 17 May 1888 the Parliament of New South Wales passed the Rockdale Municipality Naming Act (No.33, 1888), and West Botany became the "Municipal District of Rockdale".[16] On 31 December 1900, a fourth ward was added, Hopetoun Ward, named after the soon-to-be first Governor-General of Australia, bringing the number of aldermen to twelve.[17] The 1887 Town Hall was replaced by the current Rockdale Town Hall in 1940, and was designed by Rockdale architect Douglas Gardiner.[18]
The area of the municipality was reduced when the mouth of Cooks River was moved further south of its original position in the mid-1940s, to allow for the extension of Sydney Airport at Mascot. Under the Local Government (Areas) Act 1948, the Municipality of Bexley, which was located immediately to the West and had separated from Hurstville in 1900, became the First Ward of Rockdale Municipality.[19] Rockdale was declared a city in 1995 as the "City of Rockdale".[20] [21]
2002 corruption inquiry
During 2002, two elected officials of Rockdale City Council were at the centre of an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry. The inquiry revealed that the deputy mayor, Adam McCormick (Labor) and Councillor Andrew Smyrnis (Liberal) engaged in corrupt conduct with two property developers Con Chartofillis and Terry Andriotakis via two intermediaries, Manuel Limberis and Tony Retsos. The ICAC recommended to the New South Wales Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that charges be laid against all six individuals under the and the .[22] [23] Both councillors resigned from council and a by-election was held on 31 August 2002 to replace the two disgraced councillors.
Following consideration of the briefs and evidence involved, the DPP commenced action. It was successful in recording convictions, and the known determinations made by the Courts are as follows:
- Smyrnis was sentenced to two years periodic detention.[24]
- Retsos was fined $80,000 and sentenced to three years periodic detention.[25]
- McCormick, protested his innocence; with Smyrnis agreeing to testify against him.[26] McCormick was sentenced to a maximum of five years in custody for receiving $70,000 in bribes in return for delivering Labor Party support for a development application and for lying to the inquiry.[27] [28]
Amalgamation
A 2015 review of local government boundaries by the NSW Government Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal recommended that the City of Botany Bay merge with the City of Rockdale to form a new council with an area of and support a population of approximately .[29] In response to the merger proposal, Rockdale Council indicated their preference to merge with the City of Kogarah and the City of Hurstville, forming a single "St George Council".[30] [31]
With the proclamation of the majority of council amalgamations on 12 May 2016, Botany Bay Council appealed the decision in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, thereby delaying the proposed amalgamation until a decision was made by the Court. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal in early September 2016, and the Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, moved quickly to proclaim the formation of Bayside Council on 9 September 2016, with the general manager of Rockdale since 2011, Meredith Wallace, appointed as the new general manager of Bayside Council.[32] [33] [34] [35] On 9 September 2017, the first council consisting of fifteen councillors across 5 wards was elected, and the former mayor of Rockdale, Bill Saravinovski, was elected as the first mayor on 27 September.[36]
Demographics
At the 2011 Census, there were people in the Rockdale local government area, of these 49.4% were male and 50.6% were female. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 0.6% of the population. The median age of people in the City of Rockdale was 36 years. Children aged 0 – 14 years made up 17.4% of the population and people aged 65 years and over made up 15.1% of the population. Of people in the area aged 15 years and over, 50.9% were married and 10.8% were either divorced or separated.
Population growth in the City of Rockdale between the 2001 Census and the 2006 Census was 5.09%; and in the subsequent five years to the 2011 Census, population growth was 5.66%. When compared with total population growth of Australia for the same periods, being 5.78% and 8.32% respectively, population growth in the Rockdale local government area was on par with the national average. The median weekly income for residents within the City of Rockdale was on par with the national average.
The proportion of residents who stated their ancestry was Macedonian was 6.5 times the New South Wales and national averages; the proportion of households where Macedonian is spoken at home is in excess of eight times the state and national averages; and the proportion of residents who stated an affiliation with Eastern Orthodox religion was in excess of six times the state and national averages.
Selected historical census data for Rockdale local government area |
---|
Census year | 2001 | 2006 | 2011 |
---|
Population | Estimated residents on Census night | | | |
LGA rank in terms of size within New South Wales | | | |
% of New South Wales population | | | 1.41% |
% of Australian population | 0.47% | 0.46% | 0.45% |
Cultural and language diversity | | | |
---|
Ancestry, top responses | Australian | | | 12.4% |
English | | | 12.2% |
Chinese | | | 10.0% |
Greek | | | 9.2% |
Lebanese | | | 6.1% |
Language, top responses (other than English) | Greek | 9.7% | 9.4% | 9.2% |
Arabic | 8.3% | 9.0% | 9.0% |
Mandarin | 3.2% | 4.3% | 5.1% |
Macedonian | 6.3% | 5.4% | 5.0% |
Cantonese | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Religious affiliation | | | |
---|
Religious affiliation, top responses | Catholic | 25.6% | 24.2% | 23.3% |
Eastern Orthodox | 19.2% | 18.9% | 18.3% |
No religion | 9.5% | 11.2% | 13.7% |
Islam | 8.2% | 9.7% | 10.6% |
Anglican | 12.9% | 10.3% | 8.6% |
Median weekly incomes | | | |
---|
Personal income | Median weekly personal income | | 457 | 555 |
% of Australian median income | | 98.1% | 96.2% |
Family income | Median weekly family income | | A$1,035 | A$1,443 |
% of Australian median income | | 100.8% | 97.4% |
Household income | Median weekly household income | | A$1,163 | A$1,276 |
% of Australian median income | | 99.3% | 103.4% |
|
Council
Final composition and election method
Rockdale City Council was composed of fifteen councillors elected proportionally as five separate wards, each electing three councillors. All councillors were elected for a fixed four-year term of office. The mayor was elected by the councillors at the first meeting of the council. The last election was held on 8 September 2012, and the final makeup of the council was as follows:
Ward | Councillor | Party | Notes |
---|
First Ward[37] | | | Andrew Tsounis | Labor | |
| | Peter Poulos | Liberal | Deputy Mayor 2008–2009 |
| | Mark Hanna | Independent | |
Second Ward[38] | | | Tarek Ibrahim | Labor | Elected to Bayside Mascot Ward, 2016. |
| | Nicholas Mickovski | Liberal | |
| | Michael Nagi | Independent | Deputy Mayor 2015–2016. Elected to Bayside Mascot Ward, 2016. |
Third Ward[39] | | | Petros Kalligas | Liberal | Elected to Bayside Rockdale Ward, 2016. |
| | Lydia Sedrak | Liberal | |
| | Bill Saravinovski | Labor | Mayor 2015–2016, Deputy Mayor 2005–2006 Sep-Dec 2009. Elected to Bayside Rockdale Ward, 2016.[40] |
Fourth Ward[41] | | | Liz Barlow | Independent | Deputy Mayor 2002–2004 2012–2015. Elected to Bayside Bexley Ward, 2016. |
| | Paul Sedrak | Liberal | Elected to Bayside Port Botany Ward, 2016. |
| | Joe Awada | Labor | Elected to Bayside Bexley Ward, 2016. |
Fifth Ward[42] | | | Ron Bezic | Liberal | Elected to Bayside Bexley Ward, 2016. |
| | Shane O'Brien | Labor | Mayor 2012–2015[43] [44] |
| | James Macdonald | Independent | Deputy Mayor 2010–2011. Elected to Bayside Botany Bay Ward, 2016. | |
Mayors
Mayor | Party | Term | Notes |
---|
| | William Yates | Independent | 14 February 1871 – 15 February 1872 | [45] |
| | James Beehag | Independent | 15 February 1872 – 11 February 1874 | [46] [47] |
| | Elias Godfrey | Independent | 11 February 1874 – 10 February 1875 | [48] |
| | James Beehag | Independent | 10 February 1875 – 12 February 1877 | [49] [50] |
| | James Collins | Independent | 12 February 1877 – 12 February 1878 | [51] |
| | John Bowmer | Independent | 12 February 1878 – 7 February 1885 | [52] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [59] |
| | William George Judd | Independent | 7 February 1885 – 31 July 1889 | [60] [61] [62] [63] [64] [65] |
| | Edwin Godfrey | Independent | 31 July 1889 – 12 February 1891 | [66] [67] |
| | Alfred George Carruthers | Independent | 12 February 1891 – 2 May 1892 | [68] |
| | William Taylor | Independent | 2 May 1892 – 12 February 1895 | [69] [70] [71] |
| | John Horatio Clayton | Independent | 12 February 1895 – February 1898 | [72] [73] |
| | William George Judd | Independent | February 1898 – 5 March 1900 | [74] [75] |
| | John Francis Hegerty | Independent | 5 March 1900 – 12 February 1902 | [76] [77] |
| | Joseph Henry Trevarthen | Independent | 12 February 1902 – 11 February 1904 | [78] [79] |
| | William Taylor | Independent | 11 February 1904 – February 1909 | [80] [81] [82] [83] |
| | Henry George Broe | Independent | February 1909 – 12 February 1914 | [84] [85] [86] [87] [88] [89] |
| | William Monahan | Independent | 12 February 1914 – 1 February 1917 | [90] [91] [92] [93] [94] |
| | Alfred Edward Green | Independent | 8 February 1917 – July 1918 | [95] [96] [97] |
| | Henry George Broe | Independent | July 1918 – 16 July 1920 | [98] [99] [100] |
| | George Edward Fortescue | Independent | July 1920 – December 1926 | [101] [102] [103] [104] [105] [106] [107] |
| | Edward John Gardiner | Independent | December 1926 – 6 December 1928 | [108] [109] |
| | Ernest George Barton | Independent | 6 December 1928 – 6 December 1934 | [110] [111] [112] [113] [114] |
| | Frederick William Beehag | Independent | 6 December 1934 – 27 April 1939 | [115] [116] [117] [118] [119] [120] |
| | John Banks Burrows | Independent | 4 May 1939 – 2 December 1940 | [121] [122] [123] |
| | George James McGuire | Independent | 2 December 1940 – 11 December 1941 | [124] |
| | Enoch Jones | Independent | 11 December 1941 – December 1946 | [125] [126] [127] [128] [129] |
| | Norman Cecil Guess | Independent | December 1946 – 22 December 1948 | [130] [131] |
| | Enoch Jones | Independent | 22 December 1948 – 14 December 1953 | [132] [133] [134] |
| | Ronald Thorneycroft Gosling | Independent | 14 December 1953 – December 1956 | [135] [136] [137] |
| | | – | |
| | Ronald William Rathbone | Independent | December 1968 – September 1972 | [138] [139] [140] |
| | | September 1972 – September 1980 | |
| | Ronald William Rathbone | Independent | September 1980 – September 1983 | |
| | Phil Lang | Labor | September 1983 – September 1984 | [141] |
| | | September 1984 – September 1985 | |
| | Ronald William Rathbone | Independent | September 1985 – September 1987 | [142] |
| Steve Holroyd | | September 1987 – September 1989 | [143] |
| | | September 1989 – September 1992 | |
| | Ronald William Rathbone | Independent | September 1992 – September 1993 | |
| | | September 1993 – September 1994 | |
| | Ronald William Rathbone | Independent | September 1994 – September 1995 | [144] |
| | | September 1995 – September 1996 | |
| Peter Bryant | | September 1996 – September 1997 | |
| Brian Simpson | | September 1997 – September 1998 | |
| Geoff Hedge | | September 1998 – September 1999 | [145] |
| Kent Johns | Labor | September 1999 – September 2000 | [146] [147] |
Shaoquett Moselmane | September 2000 – September 2002 | [148] |
| | Yvonne Bellamy | Independent | September 2002 – March 2004 | [149] [150] |
| | John Flowers | Liberal | April 2004 – September 2005 | [151] |
| Shaoquett Moselmane | Labor | September 2005 – September 2006 | |
Bill Saravinovski | September 2006 – September 2007 | |
| | John Flowers | Liberal | September 2007 – September 2008 | [152] |
| Bill Saravinovski | Labor | September 2008 – September 2009 | |
Shaoquett Moselmane | September 2009 – December 2009 | [153] [154] |
Bill Saravinovski | January 2010 – September 2012 | |
Shane O'Brien | September 2012 – 16 September 2015 | |
Bill Saravinovski | 16 September 2015 – 9 September 2016 | | |
Library
Rockdale first tried to establish a library service in the late 1880s, with the council appointing the first Librarian, William Henry Hardwick, on 31 October 1890.[155] The Rockdale Free Library was officially opened in the Town Hall by Sir Henry Parkes on 10 April 1893 with a modest collection of 200 books.[156] This library, however did not see much use and by 1900 the library's books were described that they would go mouldy but for the moving they get when the attendant dusts them." Rockdale Council therefore resolved to divest council of the library and move the collection to the Rockdale School of Arts.[157] [158] Despite several attempts to recreate this library service, Rockdale Council did not devote any time to the project until 1954 when it decided to start a 'Mobile Library' service as a first act to gauge the level of public interest.[159] [160]
Beginning in November 1955, the Rockdale mobile library, with five stops and 9,500 books, was funded through a special library levy on ratepayers of 25 pence in the pound. With more than 2500 borrowers registered in the first five weeks, the demand required council to increase the number of stops from five to eleven and employ two extra library staff. This demand continued to grow and Rockdale moved to re-establish a permanent library, opening the first Rockdale library in February 1958 with a stock of 8,002 books. Located behind the Town Hall, in September 1983 the library building was demolished to make way for the Rockdale Council Administration Centre and the Town Hall was refurbished for the Rockdale Central Library opened in September 1984.[161]
The Rockdale Central Library remained in the Town Hall in a northern wing dedicated for the purposed until this section was demolished to make way for a new library, designed by Brewster Hjorth Architects. The new Rockdale Library fronting the Princes Highway was officially opened on 30 July 2016 as the central library for the new Bayside Council.[162] [163]
Coat of arms
Notes: | The arms of the City of Rockdale were granted in 1971 by the College of Arms and designed by H. Ellis Tomlinson.[164] |
Motto: | "Crescit Eundo" (It thrives by progress) |
Symbolism: | The blue field and the gold wavy chief represent Botany Bay and the beaches of the municipality. The inclusion of Captain James Cook, who arrived at Botany Bay in 1770, as a supporter, and his ship the HM Bark Endeavour in the compartment is also in reference to this. The other supporter depicts the local Darug Aborigines. The Banksia flower was first seen here and named after Sir Joseph Banks, the Cook expedition's botanist. The five banksia flowers represent the five wards of the municipality in 1969 and the torch in the crest was the original seal of Rockdale. The two blue wings with stars refer to Kingsford Smith, Sydney's international airport. The compartment, with red sandstone 'rock' on a grassy 'dale' is a pun on the name of the City. |
Sister cities
- Takéo, Cambodia
- Tianjin, Tanggu, China
- Bitola, North Macedonia
- Glyfada, Greece
- Rockdale, Texas, US
- Bint Jbeil, Lebanon
- Yamatsuri, Fukushima, Japan
- Gilgandra, New South Wales, Australia[165]
External links
Notes and References
- News: Government Gazette Proclamations and Legislation . . 8 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 January 1871 . 17 March 2019 . 99 . National Library of Australia.
- News: PETITION FOR MUNICIPALITY.—MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 202 . New South Wales, Australia . 22 August 1870 . 17 March 2019 . 1807 . National Library of Australia.
- News: Government Gazette Proclamations and Legislation . New South Wales Government Gazette . 16 . New South Wales, Australia . 18 January 1871 . 17 March 2019 . 153 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY.. New South Wales Government Gazette. 37 . New South Wales, Australia . 17 February 1871 . 17 March 2019 . 382 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 53 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 March 1871 . 17 March 2019 . 558 . National Library of Australia.
- News: Private Advertisements. MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 223 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 August 1872 . 17 March 2019 . 2035 . National Library of Australia.
- News: Private Advertisements. MUNICIPALITY OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 254 . New South Wales, Australia . 7 August 1877 . 17 March 2019 . 3038 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 182 . New South Wales, Australia . 7 April 1905 . 17 March 2019 . 2502 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 425 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 August 1905 . 17 March 2019 . 5574 . National Library of Australia.
- News: Government Gazette Proclamations and Legislation . New South Wales Government Gazette . 727 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 December 1886 . 17 March 2019 . 8676 . National Library of Australia.
- Book: The Book of Sydney Suburbs . Pollon, Frances . Angus & Robertson . 1990 . Australia . 0-207-14495-8.
- Book: Sands . Post Office Directories, 1880–1932/33 . 1933 .
- News: ROCKDALE TOWN HALL. . The Australian Star . 323 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 December 1888 . 17 March 2019 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE COUNCIL CHAMBERS. . The Daily Telegraph . 7836 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 July 1904 . 17 March 2019 . 10 . National Library of Australia.
- Book: Lawrence, Joan . Pictorial Memories of St. George: Rockdale, Kogarah, Hurstville . Kingsclear Books . 1996 . Australia . 0-908272-45-6 .
- News: No. XXXIII. An Act to alter the name of the Municipal District of West Botany. [Assented to, 17th May, 1888.] ]. New South Wales Government Gazette . 323 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 May 1888 . 17 March 2019 . 3505 . National Library of Australia.
- News: PROCLAMATION . New South Wales Government Gazette . 1212 . New South Wales, Australia . 31 December 1900 . 17 March 2019 . 10227 . National Library of Australia.
- News: BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION. . The Sydney Morning Herald . NSW . 16 January 1940 . 31 July 2014 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
- Web site: 3804 Municipality of Bexley. State Records Archives Investigator. State Archives and Records Authority of New South Wales. 7 October 2017.
- Book: Horne, Paul . A Century of Progress Rockdale 1871–1971 . Lane Cove . Rockdale Municipal Council .
- Book: Rockdale: its beginning and development . Geeves, Phillip . Jervis, J . 1986 . Revised .
- Book: Report into corrupt conduct associated with development proposals at Rockdale City Council . PDF . Independent Commission Against Corruption . Moss AO, Irene . Irene Moss . July 2002 . 1-920726-12-8 . 1–2 . 8 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110405154932/http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/documents/doc_download/3390-report-into-corrupt-conduct-associated-with-development-proposals-at-rockdale-city-council-operation-trophy-9-july-2002 . 5 April 2011 . dead .
- News: Rockdale corruption scandal claims six scalps . transcript . 9 July 2002 . 8 October 2012 . PM (ABC Radio) . Australia . Santow, Simon .
- News: Plot and counter-plot . Davies, Anne . The Sydney Morning Herald . 4 February 2005 . 8 October 2012 .
- News: Career switch saves Face from prison . Jacobsen, Geesche . Wallace, Natasha . The Sydney Morning Herald . 24 December 2004 . 8 October 2012 .
- News: Armed man was not asking for a donation, court told . Jacobsen, Geesche . The Sydney Morning Herald . 27 October 2005 . 8 October 2012 .
- News: Councillor tried to persuade accused to change his tune . Jacobsen, Geesche . The Sydney Morning Herald . 7 April 2005 . 8 October 2012 .
- News: Corrupt Rockdale councillor jailed . ABC News . Australia . 16 December 2005 . 8 October 2012 .
- Web site: Merger proposal: City of Botany Bay Council, Rockdale City Council . . January 2016 . 2 March 2016 . 7 .
- News: Galinovic. Maria. Kogarah and Hurstville Council amalgamation talks continue. 25 September 2017. St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. 3 February 2016.
- News: Bliss. Raylene. BOTANY BAY, ROCKDALE, KOGARAH AND HURSTVILLE CALL FOR MINISTER TO QUASH AIRPORT COUNCIL MERGER PROPOSAL. 25 September 2017. Southern Courier. 8 March 2016.
- Web site: Local Government (Bayside) Proclamation 2016 [NSW]]. Parliament of New South Wales. 28 September 2017. 9 September 2016.
- News: Rebecca. Franks. Botany Bay Council and Rockdale are merged together, Local Government Minister announces. Southern Courier. 9 September 2016. 17 December 2016.
- News: Franks . Rebecca . A "fresh start" for Botany Bay as Bayside Council takes centre stage . 14 March 2019 . Southern Courier . 13 September 2016.
- News: Beichert. Kahlia. Bayside Council general manager on her road from library assistant to leader. 28 September 2017. St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. 22 June 2017.
- News: Franks . Rebecca . Bayside Council election results finalised following pre-poll and preferences count . 15 March 2019 . Southern Courier . 15 September 2017.
- Web site: Rockdale City Council – First Ward . Local Government Elections 2012 . Electoral Commission of New South Wales . 15 September 2012 . 20 September 2012 .
- Web site: Rockdale City Council – Second Ward . Local Government Elections 2012 . Electoral Commission of New South Wales . 15 September 2012 . 20 September 2012 .
- Web site: Rockdale City Council – Third Ward . Local Government Elections 2012 . Electoral Commission of New South Wales . 15 September 2012 . 20 September 2012 .
- News: Beichert . Kahlia . Rockdale Mayor's community focus . 16 March 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 23 September 2015.
- Web site: Rockdale City Council – Fourth Ward . Local Government Elections 2012 . Electoral Commission of New South Wales . 15 September 2012 . 20 September 2012 .
- Web site: Rockdale City Council – Fifth Ward . Local Government Elections 2012 . Electoral Commission of New South Wales . 15 September 2012 . 20 September 2012 .
- News: Carr . Kate . O'Brien back as Rockdale mayor . 16 March 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 19 September 2013.
- News: Beichert . Kahlia . Councillor Shane O'Brien has been elected as the Mayor of Rockdale . 16 March 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 18 September 2014.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 37 . New South Wales, Australia . 17 February 1871 . 17 March 2019 . 383 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 51 . New South Wales, Australia . 20 February 1872 . 17 March 2019 . 467 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette. 37 . New South Wales, Australia . 18 February 1873 . 17 March 2019 . 509 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 39 . New South Wales, Australia . 20 February 1874 . 17 March 2019 . 544 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 34 . New South Wales, Australia . 12 February 1875 . 17 March 2019 . 447 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 67 . New South Wales, Australia . 29 February 1876 . 17 March 2019 . 903 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette. 59 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 February 1877 . 17 March 2019 . 653 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 53 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 February 1878 . 17 March 2019 . 718 . National Library of Australia.
- News: WEST BOTANY MUNICIPALITY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 14 February 1879 . 17 March 2019 . 699 . National Library of Australia.
- News: WEST BOTANY MUNICIPALITY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 54 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 February 1880 . 17 March 2019 . 683 . National Library of Australia.
- News: WEST BOTANY MUNICIPALITY. . New South Wales Government Gazette. 57 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 February 1881 . 17 March 2019 . 886 . National Library of Australia.
- News: WEST BOTANY MUNICIPALITY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 76 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 February 1882 . 17 March 2019 . 1024 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 59 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 February 1883 . 17 March 2019 . 916 . National Library of Australia.
- News: WEST BOTANY MUNICIPALITY. . New South Wales Government Gazette. 77 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 February 1884 . 17 March 2019 . 1214 . National Library of Australia.
- News: THE LATE MR. JOHN BOWMER, J.P. . The Sydney Morning Herald. 20,521 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 December 1903 . 17 March 2019 . 12 . National Library of Australia.
- News: WEST BOTANY MUNICIPALITY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 61 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 February 1885 . 17 March 2019 . 1130 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 92 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 February 1886 . 17 March 2019 . 1129 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 91 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 February 1887 . 17 March 2019 . 1120 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF WEST BOTANY. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 117 . New South Wales, Australia . 17 February 1888 . 17 March 2019 . 1330 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 104 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 February 1889 . 17 March 2019 . 1285 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL NOTES. . The Sydney Morning Herald . 16,021 . New South Wales, Australia . 31 July 1889 . 17 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette. 397 . New South Wales, Australia . 6 August 1889 . 17 March 2019 . 5305 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 82 . New South Wales, Australia . 14 February 1890 . 17 March 2019 . 1361 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 113 . New South Wales, Australia . 17 February 1891 . 17 March 2019 . 1395 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 351 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 May 1892 . 17 March 2019 . 3994 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 114 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 February 1893 . 17 March 2019 . 1517 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 108 . New South Wales, Australia . 20 February 1894 . 17 March 2019 . 1179 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 184 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 March 1895 . 17 March 2019 . 1849 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 283 . New South Wales, Australia . 9 April 1897 . 17 March 2019 . 2599 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 153 . New South Wales, Australia . 22 February 1898 . 17 March 2019 . 1388 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 175 . New South Wales, Australia . 28 February 1899 . 17 March 2019 . 1728 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . . 210 . New South Wales, Australia . 9 March 1900 . 17 March 2019 . 1974 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales. 122 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 February 1901 . 17 March 2019 . 1183 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 141 . New South Wales, Australia . 18 February 1902 . 17 March 2019 . 1397 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 77 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 February 1903 . 17 March 2019 . 1218 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPALITY OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 93 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 February 1904 . 17 March 2019 . 1395 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 94 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 February 1905 . 17 March 2019 . 1238 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales . 103 . New South Wales, Australia . 23 February 1906 . 17 March 2019 . 1323 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE REPORTS. . The St George Call . V. 6 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 February 1908 . 17 March 2019 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE REPORTS. . The St George Call . VI . 5 . New South Wales, Australia . 6 February 1909 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS. . The Sydney Morning Herald . 22,488 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 February 1910 . 17 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: NEW MAYORS. . Evening News . 13,632 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 February 1911 . 17 March 2019 . 9 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MEN WE KNOW . The St George Call . IX . 9 . New South Wales, Australia . 2 March 1912 . 17 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTION. . The St George Call . X . 6 . New South Wales, Australia . 8 February 1913 . 17 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ALD. HENRY G. BROE . The St George Call. X . 10 . New South Wales, Australia . 8 March 1913 . 17 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE MAYORAL ELECTION. . The St George Call . XI . 7 . New South Wales, Australia . 14 February 1914 . 17 March 2019 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
- News: NEW MAYORS. . The St George Call . XII . 7 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 February 1915 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ELECTION OF MAYORS AND PRESIDENTS. . The Daily Telegraph . 11462 . New South Wales, Australia . 4 February 1916 . 17 March 2019 . 8 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR RESIGNS. . The St George Call . XIV . 5 . New South Wales, Australia . 3 February 1917 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: LATE W. MONAHAN, K.C. . The St George Call . XXXX . 31 . New South Wales, Australia . 4 August 1944 . 17 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S NEW MAYOR. . The St George Call . XIV . 6 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 February 1917 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE MAYORAL ELECTION. . The St George Call . XIV . 28 . New South Wales, Australia . 14 July 1917 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: TROUBLE IN ROCKDALE COUNCIL. . The St George Call . XV . 28 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 July 1918 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS. . The St George Call . XVI . 6 . New South Wales, Australia . 8 February 1919 . 17 March 2019 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ALD. HENRY BROE DIES . Evening News . 16,563 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 July 1920 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ALDERMAN H. G. BROE. . The Sydney Morning Herald . 25,753 . New South Wales, Australia . 20 July 1920 . 17 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: NEWS IN BRIEF. . The Propeller . X . 491 . New South Wales, Australia . 30 July 1920 . 23 March 2019 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS. . The St George Call . XVII . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 December 1920 . 23 March 2019 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
- News: OUR MAYORS. . The St George Call . XVIII . 52B . New South Wales, Australia . 30 December 1921 . 23 March 2019 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S NEW MAYOR. . The St George Call . XIX . 49 . New South Wales, Australia . 8 December 1922 . 23 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR. . The St George Call . XX . 43 . New South Wales, Australia . 14 December 1923 . 23 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MR. GEORGE FORTESCUE . The Daily Telegraph . 14,058 . New South Wales, Australia . 29 December 1924 . 23 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: NEW MAYORS . The Daily Telegraph . 14,356 . New South Wales, Australia . 12 December 1925 . 23 March 2019 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ELECTING ROCKDALE'S MAYOR . The Propeller . XVI . 823 . New South Wales, Australia . 17 December 1926 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORS ELECTED . Evening News . 18869 . New South Wales, Australia . 14 December 1927 . 23 March 2019 . 20 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE COUNCIL . The St George Call . XXV . 49 . New South Wales, Australia . 7 December 1928 . 23 March 2019 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR. . The St George Call. XXVI . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 13 December 1929 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE MAYOR. . The St George Call . XXVII . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 12 December 1930 . 23 March 2019 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR IS RE-ELECTED . The Labor Daily . 2807 . New South Wales, Australia . 2 December 1932 . 23 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR. . The Propeller . XXIII . 1188 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 December 1933 . 23 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE MAYOR. . The St George Call . XXXI . 49 . New South Wales, Australia . 7 December 1934 . 23 March 2019 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS. . The Propeller . 1291 . XXV . New South Wales, Australia . 5 December 1935 . 23 March 2019 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR. . The Propeller . XXVI . 1344 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 December 1936 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYOR OF ROCKDALE. . The Propeller . XXVII . 1397 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 December 1937 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYOR OF ROCKDALE . The St George Call . XXXV . 49 . New South Wales, Australia . 9 December 1938 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR RESIGNS. . The Propeller . XXIX . 1469 . New South Wales, Australia . 4 May 1939 . 23 March 2019 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S NEW MAYOR. . The Propeller . XXIX . 1470 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 May 1939 . 23 March 2019 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYOR OF ROCKDALE. . The Propeller . XXIX . 1500 . New South Wales, Australia . 7 December 1939 . 23 March 2019 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
- News: DEATH OF ALD. J. B. BURROWS . The Propeller . XXXI . 1592 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 September 1941 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ELECTION OF MAYORS. . The Propeller . XXX . 1552 . New South Wales, Australia . 5 December 1940 . 23 March 2019 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
- News: NEW MAYORS ELECTED. . The Propeller . XXXI . 1606 . New South Wales, Australia . 18 December 1941 . 23 March 2019 . 8 . National Library of Australia.
- News: POPULAR MAYOR. . The St George Call . XXXIX . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 December 1942 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYOR OF ROCKDALE. . The St George Call . XXXIX . 49 . New South Wales, Australia . 10 December 1943 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYOR OF ROCKDALE. . The St George Call . XXXX . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 15 December 1944 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S CHIEF CITIZENS. . The St George Call . XLI . 49 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 December 1945 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: SUBURBAN MAYORS . The Sydney Morning Herald . 33,995 . New South Wales, Australia . 6 December 1946 . 23 March 2019 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE MAYOR RE-ELECTED . The St George Call . XLIII . 50 . New South Wales, Australia . 12 December 1947 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE COUNCIL. . The Propeller . XXXVIII . 1970 . New South Wales, Australia . 23 December 1948 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE'S MAYOR. . The Propeller . XLI . 2125 . New South Wales, Australia . 20 December 1951 . 23 March 2019 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS . The Propeller . XLII . 2176 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 December 1952 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS . The Propeller . XLIII . 2230 . New South Wales, Australia . 24 December 1953 . 24 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: MAYORAL ELECTIONS . The Propeller . XLIV . 2281 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 December 1954 . 23 March 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- Web site: Alderman Ronald Thorneycroft GOSLING – The Order of the British Empire – Member (Civil) (Imperial) . It's an Honour database . Australian Government . 23 March 2019 . 8 June 1968 . QB 1968: In recognition of service as Mayor of Rockdale, NSW.
- Web site: Ghaly . Maria . Ronald William Rathbone . Rockdale Library . 16 March 2019 . 2010.
- Web site: Centenary of the Proclamation of Rockdale . Monument Australia . 16 March 2019.
- News: New mayors . The Sydney Morning Herald . 24 September 1971 . 8 . Rockdale: Alderman R. W. Rathbone re-elected mayor (third term)..
- Web site: George Thompson . George Thompson (Australian politician) . Mr Phil Lang Community Service . Legislative Assembly Hansard . Parliament of New South Wales . 16 March 2019 . 9 November 1999.
- Web site: Alderman Ronald William RATHBONE – Medal of the Order of Australia . It's an Honour database . Australian Government . 16 March 2019 . 8 June 1987 . OAM QB 1987. FOR SERVICE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
- Web site: Councillor Steve Holroyd . About Rockdale City Council . Rockdale City Council . 16 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20020822052658/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/docs/about_council/about_councillors_holroyd.html . 22 August 2002.
- Web site: Mr Ronald William RATHBONE – Centenary Medal . It's an Honour database . Australian Government . 16 March 2019 . 1 January 2001 . For service to the community through local government.
- Web site: Vale Geoff Hedge . Bayside Council News . Bayside Council . 16 March 2019 . Summer 2017.
- News: Owens . Jared . Martin . Sarah . Defector Kent Johns knows all about factions . 16 March 2019 . The Australian . 20 January 2016.
- News: Kent Johns nominated for Emeritus Mayor . 16 March 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 7 October 2015.
- Web site: Mayor Shaoquett Moselmane . About Rockdale City Council . Rockdale City Council . 16 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20020811194926/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/docs/about_council/about_councillors_moselmane.html . 11 August 2002.
- Web site: Rockdale City Council 2002–2003 Annual Report . Rockdale City Council . 16 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040212032700/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/images/pdf/Rockdale%20City%20Council%202002-2003%20Annual%20Report.pdf . 12 February 2004.
- News: Carr . Kate . Councillors bow out at Rockdale . 16 March 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 9 August 2012.
- Web site: 2005–06 Statutory Annual Report . Rockdale City Council . 16 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130427025011/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Pages/pdf/AboutCouncil/2005-06_Statutory_Annual_Report.pdf . 27 April 2013.
- Web site: Annual Report 2008/09 . Rockdale City Council . 16 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120322085246/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Pages/pdf/AboutCouncil/AR-08-09-section1.pdf . 22 March 2012.
- Web site: Statutory Annual Report 2010–11 . Rockdale City Council . 16 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130427024614/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Pages/pdf/AboutCouncil/AR2010-11.pdf . 27 April 2013.
- News: Papadakis . Marianna . Moselmane to resign from Rockdale Council . 16 March 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 3 May 2012.
- News: MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ROCKDALE. . New South Wales Government Gazette . 625 . New South Wales, Australia . 4 November 1890 . 12 September 2019 . 8623 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE FREE LIBRARY. . The Sydney Morning Herald . 17,178 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 April 1893 . 12 September 2019 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY. . The Australian Star . 3914 . New South Wales, Australia . 31 August 1900 . 12 September 2019 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE FREE PUBLIC LIBUARY. . The Sydney Morning Herald . 19,500 . New South Wales, Australia . 11 September 1900 . 12 September 2019 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
- News: ROCKDALE LIBRARIES. . . XXXVI . 19 . New South Wales, Australia . 12 May 1939 . 12 September 2019 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
- News: Mobile library for Rockdale . The Daily Telegraph . XIX . 239 . New South Wales, Australia . 27 December 1954 . 12 September 2019 . 14 . National Library of Australia.
- News: Beichert . Kahlia . Looking back on the history of Rockdale Library . 12 September 2019 . St George and Sutherland Shire Leader . 20 July 2016.
- Web site: Rockdale Civic Centre and Library . Brewster Hjorth Architects . 12 September 2019.
- Web site: Rockdale City Library . Kane Constructions Pty Ltd . 12 September 2019.
- Book: Lawrence. Joan. St George Pictorial Memories: Rockdale, Kogarah, Hurstville. 1996. Kingsclear Books Pty Ltd. Hurstville, NSW. 27.
- Web site: Sister Cities . About Rockdale . Rockdale City Council . 2012 . 8 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20160615063015/http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Rockdale_Sister_Cities.aspx . 15 June 2016.