History Centre

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.

Library Catalogue search instructions

Opening Hours

• Monday 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Tuesday 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Wednesday 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Thursday 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm

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.

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.

Next Meeting:
Robert Pitt
History of the West Terrace Cemetery

November 7, 7.30pm
Kingston Room, City Of Holdfast Bay Civic Centre

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