History of Bonny Hills

REAL ESTATE IN BONNY HILLS, 2445

What's behind the name? 

The village of Bonny Hills, NSW, was initially known by locals as Green Hills  (also, Greenhills) but in 1947 the Postmaster General refused to make this official because the name was already taken. 

The Grants Head Progress Association at that time had preferred the name Grants Head as it was on all maps, and so a meeting was called to discuss a name change. “A woman visiting from Armidale, Ellie Young (nee Adamson) suggested ‘Bonny’ and this was adopted by the majority at the meeting. The name submitted to the Postal Department and accepted. So, Green Hills was renamed Bonny Hills on November 1, 1948. 

Bonny Hills was popular with the residents of nearby Wauchope (25kms inland). They would visit the area for picnics, weekend camping and longer stays to escape the heat and humidity of the hinterland, 

The Wauchope-Bonny Hills SLS Club was formed on 8 October 1958. The Club patrolled Little Beach (now Bartlett’s Beach) until 1960 when it was decided, after much debate, to relocate to Big Beach (now Rainbow Beach). The relocation was necessary due to the lack of space to run surf carnivals. After much community fundraising the new surf club was commenced in 1962. That surf club building served the members well for 50 years when it was demolished to make way for the present building. This was opened in 2010 largely due to a generous $2.88 million dollar government grant.  Today it is known as The Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club. https://www.wbhslsc.org.au

Bonny Hills today. 

According to the 2021 census: Bonny Hills, NSW (postcode 2445) is a coastal village with a population of 3,045 residents. The population has seen a slight increase since the 2016 census, with a 2.5% growth.  The town is part of the Port Macquarie-Hastings  who in a recent Community engagement report noted the following:

“Bonny Hills is a coastal village of approximately 3000 people, 25 km south of Port Macquarie. Located on Birpai land, it was originally timbered with heath-covered hills rolling down to the ocean, but was opened for farming and cattle in the early 20th Century. Eventually it became a seaside get-away for residents of Wauchope. Now Bonny Hills residents are an urban mix of young families, business people, retirees and holiday makers. Distinguishing features are a seaside village atmosphere; substantial areas of native flora and open space; businesses dispersed throughout; and a strong community spirit with many active community organisations including a significant surfing fraternity. 

The beautiful natural environment and the village atmosphere are the overwhelming reasons why Bonny Hills people love their place. Within these, the beach and a caring, collaborative community stand out as elements to be preserved at all costs. Undoubtedly, these are also the main features that draw many holidaymakers here. 

Bonny Hills, NSW, is expected to see continued population growth, particularly in the coastal area between Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills. The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council anticipates this growth, driven by the area's natural coastal attractions and proximity to Port Macquarie. The council's strategy also includes enhancing community infrastructure and facilities in Bonny Hills, including the Bonny Hills Reserves Master Plan and the Lake Cathie Foreshore Master Plan. “

No wonder postcode 2445 is a such a thriving community. 

For all things real estate in Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie (2445) contact award-winning Licensed Real Estate Agent – Debbi Phillips 0435 677 256   debbi@lcbhre.com.au

Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Real Estate - selling and leasing homes in postcode 2445 since 2003.

Sources:

https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/re-writing-the-history-of-how-bonny-hills-got-its-name

PMHC https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/document-files/your-council/publications/plans/communityplans/bonny-hills-community-plan-a4_0.17.pdf