Liverpool is set to take a captivating walk down memory lane with the opening of a free unique exhibition that shines a spotlight on the city’s rich history through the lens of historic newspaper photographs.
Titled “I read the news today, oh boy”, this extraordinary showcase features over 700 photographs captured by Fairfax Media photographers, documenting Liverpool’s transformation from the 1960s to the 1990s. From moments of joy and triumph to the quirky and unexpected, the exhibition offers a vivid snapshot of a city undergoing profound social and cultural change.
1. Warwick Farm Racecourse, 1982 ‘Exclusive…. Raincoat can also be used to wrap Fish & Chips. Mr David Prior of Edgecliffe [sic] uses a newspaper to shelter from rain at races.’Photographer: Gerrit Fokkema Publication: Unknown Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media) 2. Frankenstein’s Theatre Restaurant, Liverpool, 1994Tom McDonald right and John Brownrigg dressed as Frankensteins [sic] outside the theatre in Memorial Avenue Liverpool.Photographer: Unknown Publication: Sydney Morning Herald Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media) 3. Kids on strike, Adventureland,1972 Kids between the age of nine and fifteen years old at the Adventureland Animal Park at Lepington [sic] went on strike today for higher pay.Three of the strikers Anthony Seabrook, 14, Lawrie Smallwood, 14, and Mark Rookes, 12, outside the Adventureland entrance.Photographer: Ton Linsen Publication: Daily Sun Copyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media) 4. Hawke & Frazer Avenue, Casula,1983 It’s a sign of change. It changed in Canberra as Hawke replaced Fraser and it changed in a quiet Casula street late Saturday night. Residents there found Frazer Ave had been mysteriously changed to Hawke Ave. The victory smiles of the local residents (pictured) did not last long though. Liverpool Council workers arrived at 11am yesterday to remove illegal street sign and Frazer regained his street. Photographer: Trevor Dallen Publication: Daily SunCopyright Fairfax Media (Nine Media)
The exhibition captures thrilling scenes such as action-packed races at Warwick Farm and Liverpool Speedway, alongside significant milestones like the development of Liverpool Hospital and Holsworthy Army Base. It highlights the federal government’s investment in the region and showcases moments of civic and cultural importance that shaped the community.
Liverpool has always been a city of progress, and this exhibition offers residents and visitors a rare chance to reconnect with the people, stories, and everyday life that defined the city over the decades. From the serious to the lighthearted, the photographs reveal the heart and soul of Liverpool, inviting everyone to rediscover what makes this community so special.
The journey to preserve and display these photographs is a story in itself. Originally part of the Fairfax Media photographic archive, the collection faced the risk of being lost forever when it was sent to a U.S. company for digitisation in 2013. After the company went bankrupt, the archive was left in jeopardy. Thanks to the efforts of the Duncan Miller Gallery in California, over 700 images from Liverpool were successfully repatriated to Australia in 2020. Now, for the first time, these photographs are being displayed collectively as part of Liverpool City Council’s Heritage Collection.
The exhibition opens on 8 April at the Liverpool Regional Museum and runs until 5 September 2025. Entry is free, making it an unmissable opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore the rich tapestry of Liverpool’s past.
Exhibition Details:
Location: Liverpool Regional Museum, Cnr Congressional Drive and Hume Highway, Liverpool
Dates: 8 April – 5 September 2025
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry: Free
Liverpool residents are encouraged to come and experience this remarkable collection, which celebrates the stories and moments that have shaped the city into the vibrant community it is today. Don’t miss your chance to connect with the history that made Liverpool what it is today.
