GREYSTANES, NEW SOUTH WALES

'Greystanes' is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Greystanes is part of Holroyd council and is close to Merrylands, Parramatta, Pemulwuy, Woodpark, Smithfield, Toongabbie, Prospect, Pendle Hill and Wetherill Park. The major arterial Roads Cumberland Highway, Great Western Highway and M4 Motorway serve Greystanes.

Contents

History

Culture

History

Greystanes takes its name from a historical home on Prospect Hill, built by Nelson Lawson, third child of Lieutenant William Lawson.
The name "Grey Stanes", given by Nelson Simmons Lawson, came from the outcrops of basalt on Prospect Hill- "Grey" being its colour and "Stanes" being the Scottish word for stones.
The land was originally granted to William Cummings in 1799, before being acquired by William Lawson in approximately 1810. It was from this land that William Lawson, Gregory Blaxland and William Charles Wentworth set out on their successful crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813 and discovered the Bathurst Plains. The Lawson family crypt still exists today at St Bartholomew's Church, Prospect.
Greystanes is one of the newer suburbs of the City. Historically, the area was first established as farms, particularly poultry farms.

Culture

It has long been recognised as a residential centre for Maltese-Australians and their descendants. As well as being associated with the Maltese people, Greystanes is home to an array of different nationalities and cultures. The Maltese affiliation with Greystanes can be seen in the suburb's Catholic Church, Our Lady Queen of Peace. The church hosts a 'Festa' once every year which is organised by the Maltese community. The 'Festa' has its origins in the religious festivals held annually in each village of Malta, celebrating the patron saint of the village.