windang island vista

windang island vista, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Windang is an aboriginal word meaning "scene of a fight". Windang is said to have been "founded" by William Turnbull. Turnbull purchased some land in the area in 1920 and erected a two story building called "Wyndang House". In 1926 the Post Office attached to this house was officially named Windang Post Office following a submission from Turnbull to have the name changed from the unofficial Lake Illawarra Post Office. The request was granted on the proviso that "the correct spelling be adopted namely Windang, which is that of the Island and Trigonometrical Station thereon in the vicinity

Windang Island

Parish of Wollongong County of Camden

The native name for Windang Island was "Kauyanggang" (Kanyangang) which meant "saved by the big bear who pulled the Island into its present position". The Island was called Windang Island as far back as 1848 when it was described in William Henry Wells' Geographical Dictionary as "an island situated at the entrance of Lake Illawarra, in the county of Camden, NSW".

(Source: http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/windangnames.asp )

Windang Island Archaeological Relics

In the late 1890s, the Illawarra Harbour and Land Corporation commenced work on a tie-wall as part of a scheme to open the entrance for ships for coal export. The project however was abandoned in the early 1900s. The project included quarrying rock from Windang Island. Today remains of rails, bogey wheels, axels and grab are still visible, either partially buried in the entrance are, or on the Island. In accordance with advice from the NSW Heritage Office, the Authority proposes to carry out an archaeological report and condition assessment to determine if any of the relics are recoverable for display purposes."

(Source: www.lia.nsw.gov.au/about/liarep2004.pdf )