Willem Paling and the villas ‘Woerden’ and ‘The Lodge’ in Stanmore, Sydney.
One of the first known Dutch immigrants to Australia was Willem Paling, born in Woerden. He arrived in Sydney in 1853 and established a famous music and entertainment business along the East Coast. His story is told here. He also became an Alderman in Petersham and its Mayor in 1881. Read more…