HISTORY

A visit to Sydney would not be complete without a visit to Leichhardt. Originally a working class suburb, by the early fifties many of the older residents had moved to the new Housing Commission areas on the outskirts of Sydney. They left behind houses that were in a very bad state of repair, having been rented at low rates  by landlords who received such low income from the properties that they refused to do any repairs. Leaking roofs, sub-standard bathrooms were common. By the time the vast numbers of immigrants arrived in the late 40s and early 50s the houses were ripe for renovation. Migrants often worked two and three jobs in the post-war boom to get together enough money to buy these dilapidated houses. Italian migrants made up the bulk of these new residents and they soon began to set up green grocery shops, food shops and restaurants to cater to the newcomers. This changed the face of Leichhardt.

	During the 1930s boxing was a favourite spectator sport of the locals. Boxing matches were held every Friday and Saturday nights at the Leichhardt Stadium The post war era saw the end of the working class lifestyle and the beginning of the cafe latte society.
	The 1950s saw the arrival of Italian migrants Circular Quay to be greeted by welcoming relatives who had already settled in Leichhardt.

| Home  |  La Perouse  |  Manly  | Leichhardt  |