St Ives Progress Association

Serving the community for over 100 years

Founded in 1913, the St Ives Progress Association Inc. (SIPA) has been a vital community organisation dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the natural and built environment of St Ives, in Sydney’s Upper North Shore. 

Over the past century, SIPA has maintained an unbroken record of advocacy, striving to preserve the character of St Ives while addressing the concerns of local residents.

SIPA’s main objective is to inform and engage the community on issues affecting St Ives and the wider Ku-ring-gai area. The association works to raise awareness, encourage public participation in local affairs, and advocate for the best outcomes for the community. 

This includes making submissions to local councils and state government bodies, ensuring democratic processes are upheld and public authorities are held accountable. Additionally, SIPA collaborates with other community groups to further its goals and strengthen its impact.

As a voluntary organisation, SIPA relies heavily on the support of local residents and community organisations. It is funded by donations and membership fees, which cover operational costs and enable the association to continue its work. SIPA’s efforts focus on preserving St Ives’ unique character, particularly its natural environment and historical landmarks, while promoting the development of community assets that align with the values of Ku-ring-gai and St Ives.

One of SIPA’s core initiatives is supporting and preserving the environment. This involves advocating for the conservation of endangered ecological communities, such as the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, Blue Gum High Forest, and Duffy’s Forest. 

St Ives Progress Association: documenting history

SIPA also works to document and preserve the history of St Ives, ensuring the community remains connected to its past while adapting to new challenges brought by urban development.

In recent years, SIPA has been vocal in campaigns against developments that threaten to disrupt the suburb’s character. The association provides essential guidance to residents, helping them navigate development issues and engage with council and state government bodies. SIPA has become a trusted resource for those looking to protect St Ives’ heritage and environment.

The legacy of SIPA includes notable past members who have made significant contributions to the community. Among them was J. Maunder, a World War I veteran and promoter of the St Ives Village Green, and Annie Wyatt, the founder and first president of the National Trust Australia. 

Her son, Ivor Wyatt, contributed to the area’s development, with the Ivor Wyatt Reserve serving as a lasting tribute. Creswell O’Reilly, known as the "Tree Mayor," was another key figure who advocated for the preservation of St Ives’ green spaces.

St Ives itself has a rich history, with European exploration beginning in the late 18th century. Early settlers were timber getters and market gardeners, and much of the land was used for agriculture. By the mid-20th century, St Ives was still a semi-rural community with only around 350 residents, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that rapid development began. 

The area transitioned from orchards and market gardens to residential housing, yet it maintained its leafy charm. The introduction of urban consolidation policies in the 1990s led to greater development pressures, but SIPA remained a strong advocate for responsible growth.

Today, St Ives is a thriving suburb known for its excellent schools, open spaces, and vibrant community life. The Village Green continues to serve as a central gathering place, and residents enjoy the area’s natural beauty. SIPA continues to work to ensure that St Ives retains its unique character, advocating for responsible development that aligns with the community’s values.