Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths - Oral History Project

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Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths

We're continuing to work with the community on the future of the tidal pool on Woodford Bay - Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths.

Background

The Baths, in Dunois Street, Longueville, are in a state of disrepair and access is currently limited due to safety concerns.

Originally built by the residents of the area for use as private baths in the 1920’s, the Baths operated under a lease between the residents and the Maritime Services Board (now Transport for NSW) until 1992 when the lease was transferred across to Council. The Baths were reconstructed by the community members in 1968 and in 1987. Since the transfer of the lease Council has undertaken works and maintenance repairs to the structure.

The Baths are a local heritage item and are listed with the National Trust. It is one of the only three remaining examples of timber paling harbourside baths left in Sydney.

The site has been closed and unusable since 2023 due to advanced structural deterioration. It has now reached its end of life and there are ongoing safety and navigational risks. There are also financial, physical and safety limitations on recreating the Baths in their original form.

Council at its meeting of 19 February 2026 resolved to endorse a revised strategic direction for the site which is focused on foreshore rewilding and removal of the baths structure. Whilst it was originally intended to rebuild the Baths, further investigation demonstrated that this was no longer viable.

A Development Application has recently been submitted to Council for these works.

The development of a heritage interpretation and oral history project for the site is proposed.

Oral History Project – Memories of the Baths

Council is now pursuing an oral history project which is intended to capture, conserve and interpret the cultural and social heritage of these Baths. This project will focus on oral histories possibly leading to a digital heritage archive and some on-site interpretation.

The project responds to the strong and ongoing community concern that the stories, memories and physical traces of the Baths may be lost. Through heritage storytelling and conservation, the projects ensure that this rare, community-built harbour baths remains embedded in Longueville’s identity.

We are seeking people who:

  • used the Baths at all stages of life;
  • lived near the Baths or regularly visited the area;
  • were involved in the Bath’s construction and/or Cooperative society
  • have family stories, photographs or memories of the Baths;
  • were involved in events or activities connected with the Baths; or
  • have other stories or recollections about the baths and their place in the local community.

What is involved?

Selected participants will be invited to take part in a recorded oral-history interview where we will endeavour to interview members of the community to record their recollections.

The process involves a semi structured interview where the individual is interviewed in a one-on-one situation by a professional interviewer.

With participants' permission, recordings and transcripts may be preserved as part of the local history collection and used for future research, exhibitions, publications, electronic media or other community heritage activities relating to the Baths.

You don't need to be a historian or have detailed information about the baths. We are interested in your personal memories and experiences.

Have your say

If you, a family member or someone you know has memories of the former baths, we would love to hear from you.

To respond, please provide your name, contact details and a brief description of your connection with or memories of the baths including the relevant time period.

It is anticipated that the project will commence in early 2027.

  • Provide your feedback by participating in the survey below.
  • Alternatively, you can lodge a written expression of interest to Council by quoting SU8705 by:
  • Email: service@lanecove.nsw.gov.au(External link) or
  • Post: Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595

Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths

We're continuing to work with the community on the future of the tidal pool on Woodford Bay - Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths.

Background

The Baths, in Dunois Street, Longueville, are in a state of disrepair and access is currently limited due to safety concerns.

Originally built by the residents of the area for use as private baths in the 1920’s, the Baths operated under a lease between the residents and the Maritime Services Board (now Transport for NSW) until 1992 when the lease was transferred across to Council. The Baths were reconstructed by the community members in 1968 and in 1987. Since the transfer of the lease Council has undertaken works and maintenance repairs to the structure.

The Baths are a local heritage item and are listed with the National Trust. It is one of the only three remaining examples of timber paling harbourside baths left in Sydney.

The site has been closed and unusable since 2023 due to advanced structural deterioration. It has now reached its end of life and there are ongoing safety and navigational risks. There are also financial, physical and safety limitations on recreating the Baths in their original form.

Council at its meeting of 19 February 2026 resolved to endorse a revised strategic direction for the site which is focused on foreshore rewilding and removal of the baths structure. Whilst it was originally intended to rebuild the Baths, further investigation demonstrated that this was no longer viable.

A Development Application has recently been submitted to Council for these works.

The development of a heritage interpretation and oral history project for the site is proposed.

Oral History Project – Memories of the Baths

Council is now pursuing an oral history project which is intended to capture, conserve and interpret the cultural and social heritage of these Baths. This project will focus on oral histories possibly leading to a digital heritage archive and some on-site interpretation.

The project responds to the strong and ongoing community concern that the stories, memories and physical traces of the Baths may be lost. Through heritage storytelling and conservation, the projects ensure that this rare, community-built harbour baths remains embedded in Longueville’s identity.

We are seeking people who:

  • used the Baths at all stages of life;
  • lived near the Baths or regularly visited the area;
  • were involved in the Bath’s construction and/or Cooperative society
  • have family stories, photographs or memories of the Baths;
  • were involved in events or activities connected with the Baths; or
  • have other stories or recollections about the baths and their place in the local community.

What is involved?

Selected participants will be invited to take part in a recorded oral-history interview where we will endeavour to interview members of the community to record their recollections.

The process involves a semi structured interview where the individual is interviewed in a one-on-one situation by a professional interviewer.

With participants' permission, recordings and transcripts may be preserved as part of the local history collection and used for future research, exhibitions, publications, electronic media or other community heritage activities relating to the Baths.

You don't need to be a historian or have detailed information about the baths. We are interested in your personal memories and experiences.

Have your say

If you, a family member or someone you know has memories of the former baths, we would love to hear from you.

To respond, please provide your name, contact details and a brief description of your connection with or memories of the baths including the relevant time period.

It is anticipated that the project will commence in early 2027.

  • Provide your feedback by participating in the survey below.
  • Alternatively, you can lodge a written expression of interest to Council by quoting SU8705 by:
  • Email: service@lanecove.nsw.gov.au(External link) or
  • Post: Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595

  • Test

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths Community Input

    Our most recent community consultation on the future of the Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths found that 80% of the community was in favour of rebuilding the baths. 

     In May 2023 Council resolved that, in addition to proceeding with the approvals needed to rebuild the Baths, that the community be asked how they could be involved in the project. 

     This survey asks the community for this feedback. Please read the background information on the Have Your Say website prior to completing this survey. 

    This short survey is open until 12noon Monday 8 January 2024.

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Page last updated: 13 Oct 2026, 01:59 PM