The Poets Village
Before Europeans arrived in what is now Kendall and district it was the home of the Biripi people who lived in villages along the river banks and around the lakes. The first detailed European record of the area was made in 1818 by surveyor and explorer John Oxley. He names the Camden Haven Ricer after the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, John Jeffreys Pratt Camden. Oxley also noted the excellent timber stands of the area. It was those chasing 'red gold' or ceder who first arrived and by 1856 cedar was being cut and exported. Bullock teams took the timber to the coast for export by sailing ships that braved the unpredictable bar at the mouth of the Camden haven. The cedar getters were followed by those seeking other timber and the first mill was established int he town that was originally called Camden Haven in the 1860's.
This was followed by several others, including that of the Fagan Brothers.
It was with them that Australia's first major native born poet, Henry Kendall, accepted a clerical position in 1875. He grew to love the area and wrote some of his best poetry here. In 1891 the village was renamed in his honour and he is commemorated in a number of ways in the town.
The coming of the northern railway and the opening of a local station in 1915 heralded a period of new prosperity with the timber industry and a growing dairy industry. A local butter factory was established adjacent to the railway crossing. The railway also brought social change and growth, which continued for 50 years. However with the decline of both industries the area has had to look to new opportunities. A community always known for its enterprise and initiative has now gained a reputation for the arts, community events and a lifestyle the envy of many. This rich heritage makes Kendall the perfect place to visit.
Miss Nellies and is a Kendall icon.. you can enjoy a relaxing coffee or tea
with scones, cakes and light savoury options .. inside and on the verandah of this newly
renovated cafe. Inside you will find a poignant pictorial reminder of the destruction suffered
by Miss Nellies' Cafe during the floods in 2021.
Open 5 days 9am - 4pm (closed Wednesday and Thursday) 33 River Street
02 6559 0085
Every Thursday at the Kendall Community Centre you will find a plethora of
market stalls, selling everything from home made gift cards to fresh locally grown
vegetables. There is also a community garden, tended by volunteers, with bush foods and herbs on sale.
You can also enjoy freshly brewed barista coffee with home made cakes and slices. at
the Meeting Place Cafe. Thursdays from 9am to 12 noon.
Style Country Hairdressing(0438 594 459) with Kerry, and Opel Tipper Hair with Opel,(0428 785 588)are also in the Community Centre
Before you cross the main railway line travel south 200 metres along Railway Street to the
Kendall Craft Co-Operative. Housed in the restored Kendall Railway Station this craft
centre displays the work of many local artisans Open daily 10am - 4pm Phone: 02 6559 4644
Across the road, Kendall Community Pre-School has been part of the local community for
almost 30 years. Seen as a leader in quality Early Childhood Education Services, the preschool
provides a unique educational environment for 3-5 year olds.
BOOKENDS is a second-hand book store and book exchange. It relies on book donations
and is run entirely by volunteers. All profits go to the upkeep of the Community Centre.
Bookend's hours are Mon-Fri 10am to 2pm, Sat. 10am-noon.
Henry Kendall's musings and those of other local poets can be found on power poles along
The Poets Walk through the township. There are 30 in all. You can also pick up a map of
the Historic Walking Tour that takes in 16 heritage buildings including Kendall School (1874)
the Post Office (1895) and the Kendall School of Arts (1910)
These and others are all in walking distance in the heart of Kendall.
Kendall Village is lucky to have its own Beautician at Simply Beauty who has opened
this newly built facility at 4 Comboyne St Kendall.
The shop is owned and run by local resident Genevieve. phone 0410 742 774
Should you need to cool off after your walk then there is no better place than the
25 metre Kendall Community Swimming Pool Open September to April,
1 Orara St. Call for specific opening times Phone 02 6559 0151
Kendall Tennis club is one of Australia's most awarded tennis clubs winning NSW
Country Club of the year and Australia's Best Tennis Community. A must see
is the club's newly built facility in Orara Street with the large Kendall
sign on the centre court area. A new Club House with commercial kitchen was
been opened in 2017.
With a membership of over 400 the club offers a large range of programs and
competitions.
The Club has its own ballsquad which services the ATP Cup in Sydney.
Pickleball is also available at the Tennis Club
phone 0419 634 848 with any enquiries
Nestled on the banks of the Camden Haven River, the Kendall Services &
Citizens Club offers the ideal place to relax and unwind over a sensational
coffee, light ale or delicious meal provided by FUSIONS restaurant.
It provides an ideal meeting place and has
the perfect backdrop when planning a function.
Open 7 Days, 4 Graham St Kendall Phone 02 6559 4207
Tactile Arts Group at Kendall Inc
If you're feeling creative and like to get your hands dirty, The Tactile Arts Group at
Kendall always welcomes new members.
TAG@Kendall runs a continually changing program of workshops, including
pottery, sculpture, mosaics, hypertufa pots and other messy arts in its studio
at the Kendall Showgrounds.
Contact Karen on 6559 7534 to find out more about joining up to explore your
creative interests in like minded company.
KENDALL SHOWGROUND.. Batar Creek Road, Kendall.
website www.camdenhavenshow.org.au
email kendallshowground@bigpond.com
phone 02 6559 4463
This showground was established in 1948 and is one of the few privately owned showgrounds in Australia.
The Kendall Showground is the venue for the Annual Camden Haven Show, held usually over the third weekend each October.
Limited powered and unpowered camping spots are available (except during the show)
The showground facilities are home to the following community groups ...
Camden haven Pastoral Agricultural Horticultural and Industrial Society Inc (CHPAH & I )
Camden Haven Pony Club
Camden Haven Boxing team
Kendall Mens' Shed
Kendall Blues Rugby League Football Club
TAG @ Kendall-Tactile Arts Group.
Have time on your Hands?
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