Bardwell Valley, New South Wales

Prior to European settlement, Bardwell Valley was a significant part of the lands of the Cadigal people. Bardwell Valley was originally the name used to describe the land beside Bardwell Creek in the suburb of Bardwell Park. The suburb was formed in 1996 from parts of Arncliffe that bordered the valley and creek.

Bardwell Park was named after free settler Thomas Hill Bardwell who owned land in this area. Thomas Hill Bardwell was a wealthy pastoralist from southern New South Wales who bought the land in December 1853.[2]

After much development had taken place in the Arncliffe and Bardwell Park areas during the early 1900s, Bardwell Valley was the last remaining area with any significant cover of natural vegetation. As early as 1945, it had been suggested that the area would be the ideal location for a golf course.

The City of Rockdale established an olive grove in Silver Jubilee Park, commemorating the contribution of the Australian Greek community in the development of the City of Rockdale.[3]

According to the 2016 census of Population, there were 2,323 residents in Bardwell Valley. 61.8% of people were born in Australia. The next most common country of birth was Lebanon at 5.2%. 50.2% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Arabic 13.9% and Greek 8.2%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 22.3%, No Religion 17.9%, Islam 16.6% and Eastern Orthodox 16.5%.[1]

Bardwell Valley Golf Course sits beside the banks of Bardwell Creek. The Bardwell Valley Golf Club is located in Hillcrest Avenue. Silver Jubilee Park is located beside the golf course on Lorraine Avenue. Coolibah Reserve, Shepherd Reserve and Favell Picnic Area sit beside Bardwell Creek.