Parramatta historian Brian Powyer dies, aged 71
A fierce advocate for Parramatta’s rich heritage has died, aged 71.
Parramatta
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Parramatta and the nation has lost a champion of heritage after historian Brian Powyer died after a heart attack on Tuesday.
The Northmead resident was the National Trust’s NSW president and fought to preserve history in his own community, including the Roxy Theatre at Parramatta, and Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace from making way for the Powerhouse Museum.
Mr Powyer’s knowledge and insight into the community’s history was evident in his regular Parramatta Advertiser column, Times Past, and at events where he would often get into character and channel figures such as NSW’s first governor, Arthur Phillip.
Mr Powyer’s daughter Alicia Powyer said her dad adored Parramatta and was dedicated to educating others about heritage beyond The Rocks.
“He was so passionate and just loved Parramatta,’’ she said.
“He was just so proud of the history of Parramatta and its beautiful history and said it really mattered to how Sydney came about, and that it was not only in The Rocks, and there was so much more in the western suburbs.
“He was such an advocate for heritage and for everything that Parramatta had and he really dedicated the end part of his life to making sure people, especially young people, were aware of that and that progress didn’t get in the way of history.’’
Mr Powyer was born in Bathurst and studied at teachers’ college in Wagga Wagga before moving to the western suburbs and settling in Northmead where he and his wife of 48 years, Lorenza, raised Alicia, 40, and her brother Nathan, 42.
He taught at primary schools in the Liverpool area and West Ryde before he was appointed principal at Winston Hills Public School.
Mr Powyer was also an assistant director of curriculum at the Education Department until his retirement 10 years ago when he could throw more energy into campaigns such as saving the Roxy from being redeveloped into a $96 million tower.
“He probably worked harder when he retired,’’ Miss Powyer said.
“He was recently super proud he saved the Roxy and chuffed that he had a victory there and he loved the whole concept of Parramatta Park so there was no encroaching buildings and it was generally a space for the people.
“He liked progress. He was happy with the light rail - he just wanted it done in a way to preserve the heritage.”
He also fought to save, albeit unsuccessfully, the bulldozers from Parramatta Pools to make way for Bankwest Stadium.
On principle, he did not watch the Parramatta Eels’ first game there in April, but as per Powyer family tradition, watched his beloved team play on their new homeground at later fixtures.
He also loved gardening and attending shows at the Riverside Theatres.
Parramatta and District Historical Society vice president Ken Smith paid tribute to Mr Powyer’s contribution to the community.
“He was a person who was really dedicated to Parramatta’s history and heritage and he was a great advocate fro the retention of heritage buildings in Parramatta,’’ he said.
Mr Powyer’s death was sudden after a heart attack on Sunday. He was taken to Westmead Hospital and died on Tuesday.
NSW National Trust chief executive officer Debbie Mills said the organisation was deeply saddened by Brian’s death.
“He was so respected for his leadership and knowledge, and so loved for his optimism, warmth, authenticity and kindness,’’ she said.
“He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said Mr Powyer’s dedication to preserving and promoting Parramatta’s dynamic history would be sorely missed by the council and the broader community.
“His involvement in many organisations in Parramatta and NSW ran deep, including as an enthusiastic member of council’s own heritage advisory committee and as the inaugural secretary and past president of the Parramatta and District Historical Society since its inception in 1976,’’ he said.
As well as his wife and two children, Mr Powyer is survived by two granddaughters.
His funeral will be held at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium on Tuesday at 2pm.