Sawtell Historical Museum Inc.

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.

06/05/2026

CLOSED TODAY: Thursday 7th May.

We will re-open on Tuesday 12th May at 10.00am.
Look for the pram out the front, see you then!

06/05/2026

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

29/04/2026

OLD SAWTELL:

Happy campers: Bill Johnston collecting a load of passengers from the railway camp at Sawtell in 1926. The camp was located about where the Sawtell Swimming Pool is today.

Brian Newling said his Grandfather Bill was just 14 at the time he was the driver and the police allowed him to drive into Coffs Harbour as far as the Fitzroy Hotel.

Photograph courtesy Brian Newling

24/04/2026

ANZAC DAY 2026 - SAWTELL COMMEMORATIONS

6.00am Dawn Service at Lyle Rose RSL Memorial Park

11.00am March commences followed by the main service at
Lyle Rose Memorial Park

Sawtell RSL Club will be streaming the service live for our community

LEST WE FORGET

Send a message to learn more

15/04/2026

BIRTHDAY:
Wishing our enthusiastic member Marie Davey the happiest Birthday today 💐🥳🎉

11/04/2026

OLD SAWTELL:
Lil Cockbain, centre, is snapped on Court One at the newly built Sawtell Tennis Club in 1927. Note the tennis outfits of the day and also the transitional flat-top raquet.

01/04/2026

OLD SAWTELL:

Sawtell's First Avenue under construction - building the centre plot with the Amusu Theatre and Finch's Shops in the background. Note the small scale of the construction equipment involved. Road building was more hands-on in the early years of the 20th century than it is today.

24/02/2026

SAWTELL GIRL GUIDES turn 70 🥳

Guiding began in Sawtell in 1956 with Mrs Batterham being the Guider. The second guide company was formed in 1980 with Mrs Harding as leader.

The Sawtell Girl Guide movement went into recess in 1968, then restarted with Mrs Walsh, the local policeman’s wife, as leader.

The success of the guide movement in Sawtell was a tribute to the dedicated efforts of many including four early District Commissioners- the first, Vi Adams in 1963, followed by Pam Worland, Patricia Jeff & Annette Saunders.

In 1997 the current Guide Hall was built in Minorie Drive. Pam Worland was District Commissioner.

Girl Guides Sawtell