Heritage Festival: Extreme Housekeeping: Behind the Scenes of Conservation

Learn How Conservators Protect and Transform Community History.

Join us for Extreme Housekeeping: Behind the Scenes of Conservation! As part of the Australian Heritage Festival 2026, enjoy exclusive access to items from the Georges River Libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery collections and discover the behind‑the‑scenes conservation work that keeps them safe.

Featuring items from our collection conservation and rehousing project, expect red rot books, iron gall ink letters, insect-eaten covers, crumbling pages and fading ink, alongside the humble tools we use to slow the damage down.

About the Event:

The evening begins at 6pm where our expert staff will share the stories behind local treasures that are quietly changing with time, and the conservation work that keeps them safe.

Then the exclusive main event begins. For this night only, original collection items and conservation tools will be set out for up close viewing, with a selection available to touch, giving you rare access to objects that are usually kept safely out of reach.

This event is for curious minds aged 10+ and adults, and takes place in the foyer of Clive James Library, Kogarah. The exhibition runs for the duration of the festival, but original items will appear for one night only.

Free but bookings are essential. Places are limited to please book to reserve your place.

About the Research & Community History Team

Our Research & Community History Team support the preservation and promotion of the Georges River Council through the research and collection of local historical materials such as maps, photographs and newspapers to gain a deeper understanding of our history, culture, and community.

The team also coordinates Georges River Council’s Historical Markers Program which launched in 2018. The program recognises people and places of historical and cultural importance, as recommended by the local community. Each year Council will fund and install up to five new historical markers and invites the community to submit nominations.

Is there a historic person, or place in Georges River you would like to nominate? Visit Georges River Council - Historical Markers for more information. Nominations are open until 18 May 2026.

About the Australian Heritage Festival

The Australian Heritage Festival runs from Saturday 18 April – Monday 18 May. This year’s theme is Change, inviting communities across the country to reflect on how history has shaped us, and how we, in turn, continue to shape history.

About This Event:

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

Cost: Free.

Age: Children aged 10+ and Adults.

Experience: No experience necessary.

Equipment: No equipment necessary.

Accessibility Information:

Georges River Libraries is committed to providing inclusive library services and programs. Please email library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or note down your requirements or support needs in your event registration.

Disclaimer:

• This event includes the supervised handling of fragile historical materials. All participants must follow staff instructions at all times to ensure the safety of the objects and themselves.
• Information shared during this event about conservation and preservation practices is general in nature and provided to the best of staff knowledge at the time. Georges River Council accepts no responsibility for any damage to personal items resulting from the application of advice or techniques discussed during the program

Terms and conditions:

• For participants under the age of 16, parent and/or guardian contact details must be provided at the time of booking.
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the advertised start time and there are people in the standby queue, your ticket may be allocated to the standby queue.
• If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration at least 3 hours prior to the event. As Library Programs have limited spaces, repeated failure to notify staff of cancellations may result in bookings being refused in the future.
• The library does not endorse or promote any products which may be used in the workshop.