When my irrigation system comes on there is no pressure. What should I do?

Find the reticulation connection to the water mains. You will find a solenoid valve that has isolated the system from the mains. The valve has failed internally and is not opening fully. We recommend hiring an expert to replace it. If you have a bore, the pump or bore needs to be fixed by an expert.

What is better for a retaining wall, timber sleepers or blocks?

Treated timber is approved for in ground use and has a reasonable service life, however block retaining walls and concrete sleeper retaining walls are more durable having a greater life expectancy. This is based on suitable footings & good drainage. Both Blocks and concrete sleepers come in a wide range of colours, sizes and styles to create a more aesthetic landscape. Common styles of retainers walls to consider are timber sleep retaining walls, link wall or link block retaining walls and concrete sleeper walls

Should I pave or concrete?

While concrete certainly has its benefits, pavers give a more aesthetic finish to a landscape area. Pavers area available in range of colours, texture, styles and sizes. Larger format, 400mm and 500mm pavers have become increasingly popular with modern and contemporary landscape designs. Pavers are also commonly used for garden borders and edges for their straight line finish which is widely desired in modern landscape construction.

How do I maintain artificial grass?

Very little maintenance is required. Just sweep off any leaves or gently use a leaf blower. You can hose off any spills or pet messes. For pet solids, you just scoop up in the traditional way. You can hose or wipe down with cold water if required. To lift the fibres just use a broom to sweep in the opposite direction to your view point.

Do I need landscape design plans before I get a construction quote?

Yes. A landscape design will allow us to discuss the project with enough detail to allow for an accurate price estimate. This design process will also determine whether council approvals are required, which can impact cost and timing.

Gardener Abbotsford

Looking for a proficient gardener in Abbotsford? All Green Gardening and Landscaping offers expert gardening and landscaping services. We provide services ranging from mulching, weeding, garden maintenance, and turfing to rubbish removal. As a leading gardening contractor in your area, we’ve earned a five-star reputation for our exceptional services.

Our garden services are executed by seasoned experts. Attention to detail is our top focus and we consistently offer superior gardening services.

Call 0410 196 069

Image describes garderner Sydney and gardener near you

Best Gardening Services Abbotsford Wide

Get a straightforward written estimate upfront for Abbotsford gardening services, no strings attached. We usually will need to view the garden before we can provide an accurate estimate of the price. Before quoting, we evaluate the garden’s size, and state, and align with your preferences and budget.

If you need a little help deciding, or your garden’s gone rogue and you don’t know where to start, then we’ll come to the rescue with a plan of execution. We don’t invoice for call-outs, and payment is linked to your happiness with our service! We bill you solely for hours worked, with no time-padding to match the estimate.

For guidance on garden care, turn to our well-trained Abbotsford team, always here to assist you. Our All Green Gardening and Landscaping crew understands these aspects, and you can rely on them for additional support or guidance as needed.

Looking for a Gardener Near Me in Abbotsford?

Need a dependable local gardener? Explore top-notch lawn care, maintenance, and landscaping services online. Booking garden care with us gives you flexibility, not only regarding the large service variety that we offer but also the scheduling options and the fact that no garden is too large or overgrown for us! Whether a compact garden needs tidying or a vast lawn seeks revival, trust us. Need garden refinement or lawn revival? We’re your team.

If you crave time for other activities over garden work, contact All Green Gardening. We’re enthusiastic about managing gardens for all types of clients. It thrills us to see a garden neat, green, and pristine!

Professional Gardener Services in Abbotsford

When designing a garden, it’s useful to know what plants will enjoy the soil and climate conditions, what width and height they will grow to, what water and nutrient needs they have, how much sun they will need, what pests will show up and how to deal with them if/when they do, bird and insect attraction, etc.

With knowledge and experience, we design gardens tailored to your desires. Your garden goals and maintenance readiness guide our design process. Our design detail promises you can trust every gardening service we offer. With years of experience, countless clients rely on our annual services. Reach out today or visit our Contact Us page for garden care assistance in Abbotsford.

Garden Care Abbotsford

Endless dedication crafts the most vibrant and beautiful gardens. Regular care is the foundation of that flawless aesthetic. Tending to tasks from fertilising to mowing ensures prime garden health. It‘s a dominant challenge for numerous homeowners today. They wish for perfect green spaces but time constraints hold them back.

What started out as a labor of love soon turns into an obligation you just don’t have time to fulfill. And the longer you postpone taking care of a garden or lawn, the more time you will have to spend fixing it up. This is a situation where people fail to make the most of their outdoor space. Our Abbotsford gardening brigade, with its extensive experience, understands the trade. From creating splendid gardens to pest combat, All Green Gardening and Landscaping approaches with a smile. Landscape creation, plant health, or lawn care, our experience stands out.

Garden Maintenance Abbotsford

Maintaining a beautiful garden is not an easy task. The process demands frequent care, hard work, and a time investment not all can offer. Every garden is unique, so we provide bespoke gardening services. We utilise your garden’s natural strengths, keeping our services reasonably priced. Every technician we collaborate with has the right tools for the job.

We’re experts in nurturing various grasses in Abbotsford, NSW 2046. Specialising in commercial mowing and acreage care, we bring both expertise and top-tier equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Identify the water mains’ reticulation connection. The solenoid valve, disconnecting the system, isn’t opening due to an internal issue. We advocate for expert intervention with bores or pumps.

Treated timber is fit for ground use, yet block and concrete walls last longer. Achieve a more aesthetic landscape with blocks and sleepers’ varied offerings. Timber sleep, link block, and concrete sleeper are favoured retaining wall styles.

While concrete certainly has its benefits, pavers give a more aesthetic finish to a landscape area.

For easy upkeep, minimal effort is needed—sweeping or using a leaf blower does the trick. For spills or pet solids, it’s a straightforward process – hose or scoop, no hassle. Enhance fiber height by sweeping against your viewpoint with a broom.

Certainly. A landscape design enables a thorough project discussion, leading to an accurate price estimate. Our design phase includes checking if council approvals are mandatory, potentially affecting project budget and timeframe.

Current Job Postings

Interested in joining the All Green Gardening & Landscaping Team? Let us know your Job Interest via email. We have immediate openings for local landscapers and gardeners in Sydney.

jobs@allgreen-gardening-landscaping.com.au

Abbotsford Tram Terminus
Abbotsford NSW.

“Abbotsford House”, 2 Abbotsford Cove Drive, Abbotsford, NSW, later part of Nestle’s chocolate factory
Abbotsford House is located in the Sydney suburb of Abbotsford. It was one of several Victorian mansions built on the subdivision of the Five Dock Estate when the area was used for housing the gentry and market gardens. It was built in 1877 for the physician, philanthropist and politician, Arthur Renwick (1837-1908) (later Sir Arthur). Arthur was born in Glasgow, and arrived in Sydney at the age of four years with his parents who were bounty immigrants on board the “Helen”. His father was a master plasterer, a skilled modeller in clay and Redfern’s first mayor. Arthur was said to have been permanently lame from an accident on the goldfields but despite this setback was amongst the third cohort of students at the new University of Sydney. He graduated with an Arts degree in 1857 and years later went on to sit as a fellow of the University’s Senate from 1877 to 1908, and for a number of years was its Vice-Chancellor. Arthur subsequently studied Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and returned to Sydney in 1862. Six years later, in 1868, he married Elizabeth Saunders, daughter of the Rev. John Saunders, the first minister of the Bathurst Street Baptist Church. They had six sons and a daughter. Arthur established a growing medical practice and in 1876 acquired land at present-day Abbotsford from Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. The following year he had this large, two-storey mansion of stuccoed and painted stone erected overlooking the Parramatta River with two-storey verandahs on the front and part of the side. Arthur called his mansion Abbotsford House, after the home of the Scottish historical novelist, Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) author of “Ivanhoe” and “Rob Roy”. Scott’s works enjoyed great popularity in the nineteenth century and he was said to have been Arthur’s favourite author. The surrounding suburb was subsequently called Abbotsford. Abbotsford House features magnificent plaster ceilings by Arthur’s father, George. The Renwick family crest and initials “A E R” (for Arthur and Elizabeth Renwick) are in glass above the front door and in plaster on the capped towers. It also displays the motto “fidelis ad mortem” Latin for “And Faithful to Death”. It is not known whether Arthur had any heraldic right to its use, but the same motto is used by the Police Department of the City of New York. Either way, the inclusion of the owners’ initials in the house’s fabric was a popular Victorian convention in nineteenth century Sydney mansions. Also of note are the gas lamp statues on the stair landing and the fine cedar work around the windows and doors. The gardens were decorated with statues, and five young women in classical attire and two crouching lions still survive. The statues of women were made in Germany in 1888 by Villeroy and Boch, who also supplied statues for Sydney’s Centennial Park when it opened in 1888. The lions were manufactured by E. March and Sons of Charlottenburg, near Berlin, who were said to have been among the leading classical garden statuary makers in the 19th century. Also erected in the bush on Arthur’s Estate was a small timber Presbyterian Mission church, 40 feet (12.19 m) x 25 feet (7.62 m) and capable of seating 150 worshipers. Arthur was not only a leading physician but undertook much charitable work on various boards and hospitals. He spent some time as the visiting medical officer of the Benevolent Society of New South Wales, honorary physician and later director of the Sydney Infirmary and Dispensary, and honorary surgeon to the New South Wales Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, now the Institute Building at the University of Sydney. He was an examiner in medicine, several times acting dean of the Faculty of Medicine and also undertook a career in politics, being Secretary for Mines in the early 1880s and Minister for Public Instruction in the late 1880s. In 1894 Arthur was knighted and went on to have dealings with various commercial enterprises, reputedly amassing a large fortune. Unfortunately, he suffered great losses from mining ventures in 1904 and his estate and fine library at Abbotsford House had to be sacrificed. Arthur’s estate was mortgaged to the Mutual Life and Citizens’ Assurance Co. Ltd who exercised their power of sale under the mortgage and took possession of the property in 1905. Three years later Sir Arthur died of heart disease at his home, “Woodstock”, in Church Street, Burwood, now used as the Woodstock Community Centre. The Abbotsford Estate comprised about 90 acres with 4,000 feet of deep-water frontage on the Parramatta River. It was subdivided into 300 lots with 76 acres of thick bush being advertised to be cleared by contractors and the timber to be sold. The Estate was put up for auction in 1905 and the newspaper notice for it described the mansion as a 20-room house with an entrance hall and verandahs with balconies nearly all the way around. There were two long separate rear wings with detached buildings behind each one. The grounds included a large “bush house”, well laid out gardens and an orchard. Its five-room gatehouse lodge was on the corner of the Great North Road and Blackwall Point Road, Abbotsford, and the entrance gates were said to have been some distance away. It was noted that the estate was well served by ferries and trams with cheap fares. The little Presbyterian church on the estate was jacked up and hauled through the bush by eight horses to a more central location on the new Uhr Park Estate on the Great North Road. To cross the road to its allotment, tramway workers had to raise the electric tram wires for the church to pass under. The house and 80 acres of land was purchased in 1906 by Peter McIntosh but quickly sold the following year to Albert Edward Grace (c. 1863-1938) who acquired the mansion and 16 acres around it for his family home. Albert was one of the founders of the department store chain, Grace Brothers. Albert Edward Grace and his brother, Joseph Neal Grace, migrated from England in the 1880s and sold goods door-to-door. In 1885, they opened their first small shop at 203 George Street West, Sydney, and were its only salesmen. By 1906, they had opened their flagship department store at Broadway (now the site of the Broadway Shopping Centre). In 1905 Albert married Isabella “Belle” Gross, formerly a member of J.C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company, at Christ Church, Enmore. The happy couple then spent a considerable amount of time travelling “on the Continent and in the East” before settling down at Abbotsford House. In fact, in July 1908 they celebrated their combined third wedding anniversary with a housewarming dance for 80 guests. Their mansion was decorated inside with palms and bunting while outside was lit with “innumerable lights outlining the avenues and paths” giving a “fairy-like aspect to the grounds and shrubberies”. Albert did not forget his staff and on the Monday of the 1908 October long weekend he made Abbotsford House grounds available for the Grace Brothers’ Recreation Club, of which Albert was the President. Some 200 staff members and friends played cricket and tennis, went rowing, ate lunch in a marquee, listened to music on the lawn and competed in foot and sack races, one of which was called the Broadway handicap. During Albert’s ownership of the Abbotsford Estate a garden pavilion was added. In 1917 Albert sold Abbotsford House and its adjoining block which together comprised 24 acres (10 ha), to the Nestle’s chocolate company. The firm had been established in Switzerland in 1867 by Henri Nestle and merged with the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co. in 1905. An office was opened in Sydney in 1908 to import condensed milk and other products. Then, in 1911, the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co. (Australasia) had a condensed milk plant erected at Dennington, Victoria, followed by the chocolate factory at Abbotsford, begun in 1918. The factory buildings covered some 10 acres, and the company was said to employ 1200 men, women and girls, manufacturing all the Nestle’s chocolates consumed within Australia. The Nestle’s factory was regarded as a model factory and provided amenities for staff including a ladies’ rowing (sculls) club, especially since the site was right on the water, overlooking Fig Tree Bay. The garden pavilion was converted for use as the Nestle’s bowling club. In 1921 “The Daily Telegraph” reported on the factory’s lawns, flowers, “fine statuary”, and ornamental trees. One progressive initiative was the “wildflower reservation” where flannel flowers “and other favourites of the bush thrive and display their beauty”. The factory had its own power station with a 150 foot (45.72 m) chimney and a light railway transported coal from a bunker on the harbour-end of the company’s wharf to the power station boiler house. In front of the mansion was the word “Nestle’s” spelt out in large letters of white stone while playing fields for cricket and football were constructed on the water’s edge. In 1927 the grounds and foreshore of the factory were used in the filming of the silent classic, “For the Term of His Natural Life”; the popular milk additive, Milo, “the tonic food fortified with vitamin concentrates” was made there from 1934; and during WWII chocolate and cocoa for ration packs were manufactured for the Army’s needs. Following the closure of the plant on 18 December 1991, the factory buildings were demolished. In 1996 the garden pavilion was moved to 497 Great North Road and has been reused as The Cove Dining café. The site redeveloped by IPM into 460 medium density residential apartments and townhouses known as Abbotsford Cove and was completed in 2000. Today (2022) Abbotsford House stands with a tiny remnant of its once impressive garden, an island amongst the apartments that now almost engulf it on three sides. It has been preserved, even with its original garden statues of classical ladies and crouching lions. The building is a private home once again and still retains its unimpeded view overlooking the Parramatta River. Major References Powell, Carol, “A River Revived: the Parramatta”, 1987. A PICTURESQUE FACTORY (1921, October 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239716020 Russell, E. Drummoyne: A Western Suburbs’ History”, 1971. Simpson, Margaret, “Old Sydney Buildings Vol. II”, unpublished manuscript SOCIAL NEWS (1908, July 12). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126741842

US Army WT85 (Protrude) on new Elvina Bay Pittwater Mooring 14th Oct 2020 after tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle. With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020. Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done. Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater. The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way. While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay. Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight. In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine at Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.

US Army WT85 (Protrude) on new Elvina Bay Pittwater Mooring 14th Oct 2020 with Popped Plank after tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle. With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020. Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done. Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater. The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way. While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay. Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight. In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.

Dolphin Escort out of Sydney Heads - US Army WT85 (Protrude) under Tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle. With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020. Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done. Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater. The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way. While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay. Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight. In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.

US Army WT85 (Protrude) under Tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle. With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020. Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done. Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater. The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way. While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay. Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight. In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.

Viability of the Rudder Concern - US Army WT85 (Protrude) under Tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle. With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020. Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done. Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater. The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way. While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay. Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight. In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.

St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
81 Byrne Ave, Abbotsford, NSW.

Former Tram Shelter, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Great North Rd, Abbotsford, NSW.

Ex Shop, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
449 Great North Rd, Abbotsford, NSW.

Ex Tram Line at Terminus, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Great Northern Road, Abbotsford, NSW.

Tram Shelter, Great North Rd, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Great Northern Road, Abbotsford, NSW.

Cake, Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
613 Great Northern Rd, Abbotsford, NSW.

Chicken Parmigiana, Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
613 Great Northern Rd, Abbotsford, NSW.

James Boags Pure, Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
613 Great Northern Rd, Abbotsford, NSW.

Arthur George Johnston NX 22104
Service Record Name - JOHNSTON, ARTHUR GEORGE Service - Australian Army Service Number - NX22104 Date of Birth -23 Feb 1912 Place of Birth -BOULDER, WA Date of Enlistment - 28 May 1940 Locality on Enlistment -ABBOTSFORD, NSW Place of Enlistment - PADDINGTON, NSW Next of Kin - JOHNSTON, ADELAIDE Date of Discharge - 29 Nov 1945 Rank - Private Posting at Discharge - 2/9 Field Regiment

Signs, Schoolground, Abbotsford, NSW, Australia
38503027860_34d08cbde4_b

'Nordic' (Circa 1947 - 1990)
Postcard (Circa 1960's) depicting the fishing trawler 'Nordic' moored at her wharf at Forster NSW, with unidentified vessel in front. Details : Name: Nordic - renamed Nordic Star circa 1990 Type: Fishing Boat Length: 37 ft (originally) Beam: 13 ft Draft: 4.4 ft Engine: Originally fitted with a Lister diesel then a 4SA 6Cy. Ford diesel Builder: Believed to have been built by Bill Fisher in Sydney. Launched: Botany Bay NSW, circa 1947 L.F.B: 3489 Owners: Note this list is incomplete Circa 1947 - 1950: Unknown Circa 1950 - 1990?: Norman Grant (Senior) Fisherman Forster NSW. Unknown: Roger Kyle (Abbotsford Boat Shed, Abbotsford NSW) Circa 1990 -2003: Ben Oscerson [Oscarson?] (Cameron’s Marina, Balmain NSW) Circa 2003 - 2009: Neil Oaks (Cameron’s Marina, Balmain NSW) 2009 - 2016: Greg Flavel & Annabelle Warren (Northbridge Marina, NSW) Construction - Carvel Planked: Kauri, Oregon, Hardwood and Jarrah. - Ribs and Stringers: Spotted Gum. - Engine beds and floor timbers: Hardwood. - Decks: Planked. Design - Two port lights each side of forward raised deck - Round Bilge - Counter Stern - Straight Stem - One mast - Single screw - Bilge keels fitted (latter) History Circa 1950 Purchased in Sydney by Forster fisherman, Norman Grant and operated out of the port of Tuncurry – Forster as a trap boat (leather jackets, snapper and lobsters - among others.) 1954 FISHING BOAT'S NIGHT AT SEA OFF FORSTER. The Nordic, a 35 ft [37 ft] fishing launch, owned by Nordic Fisheries, spent Tuesday night sheltering under the lee of Cape Hawke because of the dangerous condition of the bar. Earlier in the day the little vessel had some equipment washed overboard when crossing out to sea. Arriving at the Forster entrance late in the afternoon on the return journey the Nordic’s crew, consisting of N. Grant and N. Peters, found that conditions on the bar were too perilous for a crossing to be attempted. They decided to spend the night at sea, where they dropped anchor. They spent an unpleasant period in choppy conditions, but were able to negotiate the bar and proceed to their Forster anchorage on Wednesday. GRIM EXPERIENCES In the past few days several fishing boats have had rather grim experiences at this entrance. Early in the week the Irene III was aground on the bar for 15 minutes, but after some manoeuvering was carried clear of the breaker. On Tuesday the Robin Lee had a similar experience, but got a lucky break when a large wave lifted her clear of the shoal. Experienced seamen say that fortune cannot continue to favour boats working the crossing when the tides are low, and that the responsibility of a wreck occurring is not remote. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Districts of New South Wales, Friday 22nd January 1954. Rescue - 1960s One evening after dusk, the fishing trawler Isabella Star became grounded on a sand bank outside the entrance to the harbour. The alarm being raised, the Nordic was called upon to head out across the notorious bar and rescue the stranded crew. As the conditions were too rough to position the Nordic close enough to take off the crew, Norm Grant (Senior) swam around a 900 metres, individually rescuing the crew of three from the vessel. For his efforts, Norm was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bravery Award, and on a separate occasion was awarded the Maritime Medal for accumulated rescues over his lifetime. Major Transformation - circa 1970 To keep up with the ever changing methods of sustainable fishing, and the continuous state of the bar, being unsuitable for smaller craft, it became necessary to modify the Nordic to suit these conditions. The Nordic underwent a major refit, turning her into a Danish seine trawler. This meant fitting rope wells behind the newly enlarged cabin (to accommodate about 2 km of 2.5 inch sisal rope), new winch with drums and coilers, and a deck motor. An additional section was built by the well known local boat builder Alf Jahnsen, and bolted on to the stern, extending the length of the Nordic to 42.5 ft. Also added were bilge keels (rolling chocks), to “calm her down” when setting down, coming off a big swell due to her round bilge. Circa 1970-1990 After the modifications the Nordic became one the biggest producers of fish species such as flathead, whiting, and other trawled species to the port. With the change of nets the Nordic would also trawl for the large boils of prawns that would get washed out of the lake and river systems, ending up along the Tuncurry beach. On occasions there would be anything up to seven or eight trawlers working up and down, north of the breakwall, just outside the shore break (and sometimes just in it). CLOSE CALL ON THE BAR The bar was a place to be treated with great respect, even to the most experienced skippers, as these words from Norm Grant (Jnr) reflects. “We weathered the Forster bar for many years with many close calls. I have been aboard when we buried the bow all the way to the (new) wheel house and with the water bubbling over the windows momentarily; and one dark morning even turned around mid-way over the bar when a big set hit us (out of the black) and dad didn’t think she would take another one over the top. In doing that we copped one broad side that almost put the mast in the water and skidded us on our side for about 20 metres. She came back up as always, and we surfed the next one back in”. DECK HANDS A number of different deck hands worked on the Nordic out of Cape Hawke Harbour at different times including: N. Peters, Bob Bramble, Trevor Trotter, Jim Geale, Jock Sutherland, Ewan Sutherland, Barry Monns, Jeff Smith, John Cross and Norm Grant (Junior ). 1987 20th October the Nordic took in tow the newly launched hull of the fishing vessel Mildred Joyce Sutherland at the Tuncurry slipway, NSW. Circa 1990 SOLD After a successful life of over 40 years, Norman Grant senior, retired from the fishing industry due to a potentially serious accident which saw him get his fingers caught up in the rope as it went onto the drum (lucky to survive). The Nordic was sold and went to Sydney, NSW. Circa 1990 – 2003 UNPAID MOORING FEES - OWNED BY BOATSHED The Nordic, sank at her moorings at the Abbotsford boat shed on the Parramatta River, and due to unpaid mooring fees became the property of the boat shed. RENAMED THE NORDIC STAR Cameron’s Marina Sydney: Converted from a trawler to a harbour picnic boat and renamed the Nordic Star. She was purchased in a very poor condition, still with huge twin cylinder diesel engine for hauling, bilge full of nets, and decking in a deteriorated state. With the assistance of a shipwright the major works carried out: - replaced the old main engine with a second hand Ford diesel, from another vessel (apparently the old engine from the Nordic is still in the water at the end of Cameron’s Marina, as it accidentally fell off the boat during the conversion process) - removed the old deck winches and derrick. - replaced decking with ply sheeting. - added two new stainless steel fuel tanks. - installed new railings - replaced some ribs and planks - installed new 12v electrical system. 2009 Cameron’s Marina Sydney: Operated as a harbour boat. July 2009 – Surveyed for sale. 2009 – 2016 The Nordic Star now operates pretty much as a private picnic boat on Sydney (Middle) Harbour. Image Source: Postcard - Pat Jones Collection Acknowledgements: The assistance of Norman Grant (Jnr) & Greg Flavel for providing details of the history of the Nordic / Nordic Star . The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated. All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval. GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index --> Boat builders Index --> Tags List

Instagram Image from @beliefmedia, 18th May 2017 4:16am
View of the Nestle factory, Abbotsford, NSW, in the early 1920s showing the wharf on Parramatta River. Nestle, then known as the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, purchased Abbotsford House and its grounds in 1917 to build the 'largest chocolate factory in the Southern Hemisphere'. Abbotsford House was retained for use as offices, while the factory was constructed on three sides of the house. . #history #concord #concordwest #abbotsford #nestle #sydney #canadabay #parramattariver #drummoyne fat.ly/3sMvf

Instagram Image from @beliefmedia, 28th April 2017 3:58pm
Abbotsford House, Abbotsford, NSW, at the time of construction of the Nestle factory in 1918. Nestle, then known as the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, purchased Abbotsford House and its grounds in 1917 to build the "largest chocolate factory in the Southern Hemisphere". Abbotsford House was retained for use as offices, while the factory was constructed on three sides of the house. . #sydney #history #nestle #abbotsford #abbotsfordhouse #canadabay #concord #concordwest fat.ly/3sybl