History Centre

In a precautionary measure that considers the current public health situation, we are temporarily closing the History Centre to the public.

We encourage you to follow our social media channels for further updates.

We are very grateful for the understanding of the community and wish everyone well during this time.

The Holdfast Bay History Centre aims to promote an awareness of our City’s history and heritage. History Centre volunteers are on hand to assist with your research needs including; family history, property history and historic burial enquiries at both St Jude’s Cemetery and North Brighton Cemetery.

The Centre collects and preserves material relating to the Holdfast Bay area with a strong focus on the people, buildings and events of the area. Items from the collection including objects, photographs and documents are regularly on display at the Bay Discovery Centre. You can browse items within the collection through the Library Catalogue.

Small school or group tours, talks and information sessions are available upon request.

Copies of high resolution images from our catalogue can be purchased at a cost of $15.00 per image. A processing time of up to ten working days can apply. Contact the History Centre Coordinator for further information.

Copies of high resolution images from our catalogue can be purchased at a cost of $15.00 per image. A processing time of up to ten working days can apply. Contact the History Centre Coordinator for further information.

The majority of the Centre’s objects, photographs and documents have been donated by people who wished to see their precious items preserved for future generations to enjoy. The Centre will consider donations of material that increase the depth and range of our collections. We only accept donations that relate to the City of Holdfast Bay. Contact the History Centre Coordinator for further information.

Location: Garden between Ringwood House and the Brighton Library - 20 Jetty Road, Brighton.

The City of Holdfast Bay commissioned sculptor Meliesa Judge to create the bronze bust of Susan Grace Benny as a lasting tribute to the first Australian woman to enter into Local Government. Susan become a member of Brighton Council (now City of Holdfast Bay) in 1919.

An unsung hero of the women's movement Susan was reported to be a cheerful, energetic and a courageous woman.

For more information on Susan Grace Benny visit the Australian Dictionary of Biography or contact the Holdfast Bay History Centre.

Don't miss our poster series celebrating Holdfast Bay women, on now outside the Brighton Library.

Founded in 1983 the Society aims to enthuse people about the history of Brighton; to record the changing character of Brighton and to work closely with the Holdfast Bay History Centre.


All upcoming meetings have been cancelled until further notice.

2020 Program

7.30pm, Kingston Room, City of Holdfast Bay
24 Jetty Road, BRIGHTON

• Thursday 2 April - Linda Haines, Home Food Production & Preservation, Adelaide Post WWII

For further information or to become a member, please contact Jill Golley at the Holdfast Bay History Centre.