Aerial photography has always been used to record the development of Leigh Creek – both the mining operations and the township. This collection spans the life of the old township from the 1940s to the 1980s.

 

An early aerial photograph of Leigh Creek coalfield dated 14 March 1945

1950s

Circa 1950 - with tent city in the foreground

1950 - Telford Workshops and railway siding

(Below) 1954 - The new Post Office was completed in 1954 but the concrete formwork for the swimming pool wasn't done until 1955. You will note that the Adelaide Co-operative store and Beal's Garage are yet to be constructed.

(Below) 1958 - St Luke's church was moved from Copley in 1958 and reconstructed on the northeast corner of First Avenue and Fourth Street. It was dedicated later in 1961. The new Canteen was completed in December 1958. Note that construction of houses on the southern side of Sixth Street did not commence until 1960.

1958 - Before the Canteen was constructed .Note also that the RSL on the corner of Second Avenue and Centre Way is still a Nissen Hut. The new RSL was not constructed until 1961.

1960s

1964 (Donna Read)

(Below) 1964 - The Inter-Church was moved from Radium Hill and constructed in 1964 but the Youth Club next to the playground was not constructed until 1965.

(Below) 1967 - Between when the shops were built on First Avenue in 1966 and the new girls toilet block was built near the school gate in 1968.

1970s

1979

(Below) 1972 - Note the Library was added to the LCAS in 1971.

(Below) 1979 - Just prior to construction of the new workshops in 1980.

1980s

 

Looking down the tree lined Second Avenue in 1980 after the workshop expansion was completed. Haulage road overpass on Copley road evident.

 

Circa 1963