Kelly's Bush

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s set, cast, cross up to partner's place facing out; 1s+2s turn on side (1M+2L RH, 1L+2M LH), 1s end BtoB in centre 2nd place facing opposite sides
9-16 RSh reels of 4 across. Bar 16: 1s do not pass LSh but ½ turn LH to face each other between 2s
17-24 1s set, petronella turn to face up/down, set advancing and ¾ turn RH to 2nd place own sides (2s step up 23-24)
25-32 2s+1s dance R&L. 2 1

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

Covering approximately 4.8 hectares along the Parramatta River, it represents one of the few remaining natural bushland areas in Sydney's metropolitan region. The park is home to diverse vegetation communities, including eucalyptus forests and heathlands, which support a variety of native flora and fauna.

Historically, the land was inhabited by the Wallumettagal clan, who utilised the area's resources for fishing, hunting, and gathering. In the late 19th century, part of the site was developed for industrial purposes, notably housing a smelting works. Following the closure of these operations in the mid-20th century, proposals emerged to develop the land for residential use.

In the early 1970s, local residents, particularly a group of women known as the "Battlers for Kelly's Bush", campaigned to preserve the bushland from development. They enlisted the support of the Builders Labourers Federation, leading to Australia's first "green ban", a form of strike action taken to protect the environment. This movement was instrumental in conserving the area as public bushland.

In 1983, the New South Wales government officially designated Kellys Bush Park as a public reserve, ensuring its protection and accessibility for future generations. Today, the park offers walking trails that allow visitors to experience its natural beauty and provides a habitat for native wildlife, contributing to the region's biodiversity.

Kellys Bush, Hunters Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2018

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