Tales from the city’s ‘halcyon years’

Published on 29 March 2021

• Neville Bent with a picture of his younger self circa 1964. 

Well-known local businessman Neville Bent will speak on the Silver City's 'halcyon years' at the John Reid Memorial Heritage Awards and dinner this week.

The three-course dinner and award ceremony forms part of Heritage Festival celebrations, and will be held in the historic Old Brewery on Saturday, April 3.

Mr Bent was born in Broken Hill in 1946 and attended Central School and Broken Hill High School before serving nine years on the mine as a boilermaker.

However he is arguably best known to locals for his 43 years working out of his Bent & Bennetts store.

Mr Bent said he would keep his Awards address 'light and a bit humorous' and chat about his experiences in the city and his friendship with John Reid.

"I grew up at the bottom of Billy Goat Hill at the top end of Argent Street, there was always a lot of action there," he said.

"There was a heck of a lot of migrants moving in back then as well, escaping from Europe and from bombed Malta.

"Those really were the city's halcyon days back in the 50s and 60s.

"I'm really looking forward to the night and I'm pleased to be able to help promote our heritage."

Those wishing to buy a ticket to the dinner can do so here.

The Heritage Festival programme kicks off from 7pm on Thursday April 1, with the ever-popular Heritage Highlights display at the rear of the iconic Town Hall Facade.

For more details of what's on during the festival please click here.