About The Oaks
Preserving Victorian heritage, fostering community connection, and nurturing living arts in Western Sydney.
Living History in Western Sydney
Built in 1884, The Oaks is a heritage Victorian estate with a rich historical legacy. Set across three acres of tranquil grounds and parkland, the property stands as a magnificent example of 19th-century architecture in Western Sydney, featuring authentic period interiors, wrap-around verandahs, and a historic cottage.
Rather than remaining a static historical monument, The Oaks is dedicated to preserving living history—opening its doors as a welcoming home where historic surroundings and contemporary creative practice meet.
Sir Trevor Garland & His Vision
Currently functioning as the private residence of Sir Trevor Garland, the estate reflects a lifetime dedicated to humanitarian service, international diplomacy, and cultural enrichment. A renowned philanthropist and former Consul General to the Solomon Islands, Sir Trevor has long championed initiatives that uplift communities through social welfare, education, and the arts.
His inspired vision for The Oaks has transformed the historic estate into an active creative haven. Recognizing the scarcity of accessible spaces for emerging artists, Sir Trevor opened the property for live recitals, educational workshops, organ tutelage, and creative production. His enterprise has created a sanctuary where emerging talent can experiment, local youth can discover music, and the broader community can come together in a warm, welcoming environment.
Current Day Use: A Community Cultural Hub
The Oaks serves as a dynamic, non-formal incubator for arts, culture, and learning across the region.
Musical Incubator
Providing entry-level and emerging performers with accessible, intimate indoor and outdoor spaces to test new work, host showcases, and share performances free from the rigidity of traditional concert halls.
Heritage Education
Offering hands-on access for school excursions and student organists to study, practice, and experience rare historical assets firsthand.
Film & Screen Location
Serving as a versatile 1880s backdrop for film, television, and media projects, featuring authentic period architecture, expansive outdoor grounds, and practical production amenities.
Securing the Legacy: Transition to a Non-Profit Trust
To ensure the long-term protection and public accessibility of the estate, active work is underway to transfer The Oaks to an established charitable non-profit trust.
A dedicated committee of arts, legal, and accounting professionals is currently driving the governance framework for this transition. Led by key cultural figures, this trust framework will secure the ongoing preservation of the house, grounds, and instruments—ensuring The Oaks remains an open, accessible cultural asset for social, educational, and artistic purposes for generations to come.