Bayside Council is hosting a local history talk by author and historian Dr Mark St Leon to complement the current Our A - Z History exhibition at Mascot Library and George Hanna Memorial Museum.
Dr Mark St Leon's engaging local history talk will explore the rise and fall of Beaumont & Waller's Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Dr Mark St Leon has extensively researched the history of Australia's first zoo and popular resort destination, located at the old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel in Botany.
Dr Mark St Leon descends directly from the St Leons, Australia's earliest family of entertainers. In 1991, Mark launched Australia's first national conference of circus people, the Circus Summit. He is the author of Circus: The Australian Story.
This historical talk will focus on Botany's history and heritage offering residents a chance to learn more about the area they live in.
This talk is presented in partnership with the Botany Historical Trust.
Zoology in Bayside: A Local History Uncovered
Saturday 4 October 2025, 10 - 11 am
Mascot Library and George Hanna Memorial Museum,
2 Hatfield Street Mascot
