History: Our SDN Penrith Hub has named rooms after past SDN centres
In a nod to SDN’s proud history, the Family Engagement Team (FET) in Penrith recently named the rooms after significant centres and leaders from the past: the Katoomba Room, Forest Lodge, and the Melanie Alexander Room.
Each space features a framed write-up about the room's history, reminding staff of the legacy they’re part of. The history of each centre is outlined below.
Melanie Alexander Nursery School, Newtown
Caption: Students observing a group at Melanie Alexander Nursery School (photograph 1962)
The Melanie Alexander Nursery school operated from 1957-2006. It was named after former SDN President and tireless fundraiser Melanie Alexander who unfortunately died suddenly in 1947.
The nursery school was built as a demonstration centre for students on the grounds of the Nursery School Teachers College (NSTC) in Newtown.
After moving to 62 Watkin Street, Newtown when Sydney University made other use of the college building, the new premises was closed due to high maintenance costs.
Katoomba Nursery School
Caption: Dignitaries at the opening of Katoomba, 5th October 1943.
Katoomba Nursery School begun in 1943. It was the first SDN centre to open outside of metropolitan Sydney.
It opened with a federal government subsidy of £430 as a great need was identified for a nursery school in the area due to the many mothers who worked at the Small Arms Factory in Lithgow during World War II.
It closed in 1963 when much of the need had dissipated.
The Day Nursery, Forest Lodge
Caption: The Day Nursery, 24 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge.
SDN Forest Lodge was one of SDN’s first day nurseries and ran from 1913-2007. It technically goes back to 1908 when the earlier day nursery at Darlington was moved to Forest Lodge.
The move was made because Forest Lodge was deemed to be a ‘more desirable location’. It was the first building owned by SDN.
It was closed for reasons including “high maintenance costs, poor physical layout of rooms and falling utilisation”.
