Collection SummaryCharles McAlister was elected to the first council of 1907. He was a pioneer of the Engadine area.BiographyCharles McAlister arrived in Australia from Ireland at the age of 22 in 1866. He established a grocery business in Sydney but was later attracted to the pearl fishing industry of the Thursday Island area located in Torres Strait. Due perhaps to the success of these interests McAlister purchased land in the Heathcote district around 1887 no doubt eager to engage in the investment opportunties made possible by numerous crown land sales after the opening of the Illawarra railway line in 1886. He had recently married Christina Ballantine in 1885 and they both decided to build a small cottage on the Old Illawarra Road at what would become Woronora Road in the township of Engadine. This was named Sunbeam Cottage. After later extensions to the property it was renamed Holmlea. The couple were community minded and when Charles decided to successfully stand for the first local government elections he was supported by his wife Christina. They were very interested in the early development of Engadine pioneering its beginnings. Charles died in 1916 leaving his estate to his wife. She retired to their Cronulla property some years later. Both made significant bequests to charitable organistations.
