Sawtell Historical Museum Inc.

27/08/2026

OUR 40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TODAY !!!

In honour of our 40th anniversary, we thank every volunteer past and present for your unwavering commitment and service

The first official meeting of the Sawtell Historical Society was held on this day 40 years ago at the Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club
with Phyllis Johnston, President; Kim Taylor, Secretary and Pam Worland, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer.

Pam Worland who is now 92 years old, our first "life member" who still volunteers her time and shares her knowledge of old Sawtell and surrounds every Wednesday.

We officially became the Sawtell Historical Museum Inc. on
1st July 2024.

The Society's primary goal was and still is the preservation and recording of local history before it is lost.

Our collection includes oral and written histories of Sawtell pioneers, early photographs and memorabilia, household and toiletry items, old books (some of which are more than 100 years old), magazines and newspapers and information about Aboriginal life in the area.

Photographed at a very early meeting of the "Society" at the Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club in 1986:
Melva Bailey, Doug Bailey, Joyce Rogan, Marjorie Leitch, Alison Gavin, Win Hulbert, Violet Adams, Millie Pearce, Daphne Mackie, Ida Worland.

Current volunteers

25/08/2026

Christian Camp - Sawtell Reserve 1970’s

24/08/2026

Year ? - Apologies for clarity - Sawtell NSW

20/08/2026

Surf Life Saving Carnival - 1970's

19/08/2026

We are delighted to share some vintage footage of Sawtell & surrounds from the 1970's that has been generously donated to us.

Unfortunately there is no audio but we hope you enjoy watching these scenes from the past.

First up: Sawtell Street Parade - 1970's

05/08/2026

Our life member Pam Worland turned 92 on Sunday and had a lovely visit at the Museum today from her lifelong friend who is also 92 years old Meg Simpson and her son John. A great morning catching up and hearing stories of Sawtell back when they were girls.

01/07/2026

25/06/2026

You can pick up your copy of the Bonville Reserve book from the Museum on Tuesday's, Wednesday's 10.00 - 12.00 &
Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am.
Just $15 - cash only.

10/06/2026

Today Mayor Nikki Williams was given the honour of unveiling the memorial plaque for Private Vincent Passlow in the grounds of the Sawtell Beach Holiday Park.

Private Vincent Passlow came from Snare Brook, near Valery, and enlisted in 1916. He was killed in action during the Ypres Salient Campaign, 30 April 1917 during the First World War.
His sister Eileen, planted the Norfolk Pine tree beside their home on the reserve in his memory.

The pine tree grew and was heritage listed. Unfortunately, last year it developed a disease and had to be removed from the caravan park due to safety concerns.

To quote Mayor Williams today "Suddenly, it wasn’t just a tree. It was a sister’s tribute to a brother she would never see again. A living memorial that had stood for more than a century, quietly carrying his memory through generations."

Thank you for your service Sir.

Lest we forget

27/05/2026

OFFICIAL UNVEILING OF THE PLAQUE FOR
THE "PASSLOW" PINE

Mayor Williams will officially unveil the plaque for the "Passlow" pine on:

Wednesday 10th June at 10.30am at the pine location within the BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park.

See our previous posts from July last year regarding the significance of the tree which was planted by Eileen Passlow in memory of her brother Vincent. It was planted next to the family home on Sawtell Reserve.

Private Vincent Passlow - Service No: 1929
was killed in action during the Flanders Ypres Salient Campaign, Belgium, 30 April 1917.