THEMATIC HISTORY FOR

HERITAGE STUDY

LIVERPOOL PLAINS SHIRE

Background history of Shire area arranged under the themes developed by the Heritage Council's History Panel.

Submitted by Dorothy Durrant A.M. (QDHS Hon. Archivist)

on behalf of Quirindi & District Historical Society Inc. June 2004.

Updated April 2005

© Dorothy Durrant 2005

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Table of Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4 Australian Theme: 1. Tracing the natural evolution of Australia. ........................... 4

NSW Theme: 1(a) Environment - naturally evolved ................................................ 4 Australian Theme: 2. Peopling Australia ....................................................................5

NSW Theme: 2(a) Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures.......... 5 NSW Theme: 2(b) Convict..................................................................................... 5 NSW Theme: 2(c) Ethnic influence................................................................ 6 NSW Theme: 2(d) Migration ................................................................................... 7

Australian Theme: 3. Developing local, regional and national economies ........... 8 NSW Theme: 3(a) Agriculture....................................................................................8 NSW Theme: 3(b) Commerce .............................................................................. 10 NSW Theme; 3(c) Communication ..........................................................................11 NSW Theme: 3(d) Environment - cultural landscape........................................... 12 NSW Theme: 3(e) Events............................................................................................12 NSW Theme: 3(f) Exploration................................................................................................................15 NSW Theme: 3(g) Fishing ................................................................................... 16 NSW Theme: 3(h) Forestry.................................................................................. 16 NSW Theme: 3(i) Health ...................................................................................... 17 NSW Theme: 3(j) Industry ................................................................................... 18 NSW Theme: 3(k) Mining .........................................................................................19 NSW Theme: 3(l) Pastoralism ................................................................................... 20 NSW Theme: 3(m) Science ....................................................................................... 22 NSW Theme: 3(n) Technology .......................................................................... 23 NSW Theme: 3(o) Transport ............................................................................. 23

Australian Theme: 4. Building settlements, towns and cities ...............................25 NSW Theme: 4(a) Towns, suburbs and villages ...............................................25 NSW Theme: 4(b) Land tenure................................................................................30 NSW Theme: 4(c) Utilities.......................................................................................... 31 NSW Theme: 4(d) Accommodation..................................................................... 34

Australian Theme: 5. Working................................................................................ 35 NSW Theme: 5(a) Labour ........................................................................................35

Australian Theme: 6. Educating................................................................................... 37 NSW Theme: 6(a) Education............................................................................... 37

Australian Theme: 7. Governing.................................................................................. 43 NSW Theme: 7(a) Defence......................................................................................43 NSW Theme: 7(b) Government and administration............................................. 46 NSW Theme: 7(c) Law and order ............................................................................47 NSW Theme: 7(d) Welfare .......................................................................................49

Australian Theme: 8. Developing Australia's cultural life ......................................51 NSW Theme: 8(a) Domestic life ................................................................................ 51 NSW Theme: 8(b) Creative endeavour ..............................................................52 NSW Theme: 8(c) Leisure.......................................................................................... 53 NSW Theme: 8(d) Religion .......................................................................................55 NSW Theme: 8(e) Social institutions............................................................... 59 NSW Theme: 8(f) Sport ............................................................................................60

Australian Theme: 9. Marking the phases of life .....................................................61 NSW Theme: 9(a) Birth and death ...................................................................... 61 NSW Theme: 9(b) Persons................................................................................ 61

Bibliography .............................................................................................................. 63 Appendix A: National, State and Local themes ....................................................... 64 Appendix B: Heritage buildings in Quirindi............................................................ 69 Appendix C: Community Heritage Committee Recommendations................... 72

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Executive Summary

April 2005 In 2003 Quirindi Shire Council began updating its Local Environment Plan, last amended in 1991. Heritage assessment and protection is a part of this process. The relevant legislation requiring the listing of heritage items is:

• Heritage Act 1977 for state items, and • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 for local items.

A community based Heritage Committee began meeting in March 2004. Nominations of heritage items¹ were sought throughout the Shire, which by this time had become the Liverpool Plains Shire with the inclusion of parts of Murrurundi and Parry Shires. The thematic history being prepared by Dorothy Durrant then had to be broadened to cover the expanded area. Bruce Baskerville of the NSW Heritage Office suggests “Thematic history is a method of researching and writing history that is most useful for heritage work”. The Heritage Council has given a list of Australian themes, linked with NSW state themes as listed in the Contents. Local themes have been identified under each state theme (see Appendix A). The Quirindi and District Historical Society Inc. (QDHS) have been active over the last 40 years in collecting and publishing the history of the Liverpool Plains area. Over 50 publications exist (see bibliography), including a complete history of the Town of Quirindi from its birth up to 1990. This and other documents available to QDHS offer a wealth of background material for the heritage study. Our thematic history uses references to existing published works. This gives future researchers the advantage of being able to follow each theme on to other related issues. Nomination forms were initially submitted by Dorothy Durrant for all buildings in Quirindi on a list compiled by former Quirindi Shire Building Inspector Tony Dodd. See Appendix B. Subsequent nomination forms were submitted for rural and village places.

Assessment by the Liverpool Plains Shire Council Heritage Study Community Advisory Committee resulted in places or items being placed on listings for (a) high level of significance and (b) local heritage significance only. See Appendix C. Items of high local heritage significance may be considered for subsequent listing on the Local Environment Plan and/or State Heritage Inventory. The information on the nomination forms has now been entered on to the Liverpool Plains Shire Heritage Inventory data base.

This study is ongoing. There will be further nominations, requiring entry to data base, and assessment of local significance. 1 Most items are buildings, but some sites and the QDHS Museum ‘collection’ are also included.

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Introduction The Quirindi district has been well served over the past 45 years by the Quirindi & District Historical Society Inc., which set out to collect, record and publish the history of the district. Most of the references below are to those published works. With that research as background, information has been selected for each of the Historical Themes listed by the NSW Heritage Office. "Themes provide the framework for identifying and assessing the remaining physical evidence for each theme on a site or within an area." [Bruce Baskerville's guidelines.] Suggested heritage areas/sites/places/items have been arranged under these themes. The summarised information here can be expanded using references given. Australian Theme: 1. Tracing the natural evolution of Australia NSW Theme: 1(a) Environment - naturally evolved Local Theme: Landform Quirindi district lies north of Liverpool Range and is watered by the rivers and creeks which flow north from that Range. Therefore erosion over time has created extensive black soil plains which have always been largely treeless. Reference:

• QDHS Journal 'Historical Notes' Vol. I No.2 Page 11 [expressed I-2-11] -Native Trees of the Quirindi District.

Interspersed with plains are sandy and gravelly ridges, on which grow valuable timbers, used in past times for housing and fencing. Droughts have caused loss of trees naturally. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Timber in original state near Wallabadah homestead. • State Forests.

Local Theme: Weather Events Droughts. See Theme 3 (c) - Events. Floods. See Theme 3 (c) - Events. Rainfall. Varies to some extent according to proximity to Ranges; usually accepted to average about 670mm (26 inches). No regular rainfall pattern. Climate. Generally hot, dry summers; frosty winters; occasional light snowfalls. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Flood marks.

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Australian Theme: 2. Peopling Australia NSW Theme: 2(a) Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures Local Theme: Aboriginal Population Kamilaroi people. References:

• H. Roworth: A Kamilaroi Dreaming. A History of the Aboriginal people of the Quirindi area before 1850.

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, pp 18-21. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Sandstone grinding grooves. Bora ground. • With permission of appropriate authorities.

Local Theme: Walhallow Village Walhallow originally an Aboriginal Mission Station, now an outstanding example of a satellite community, with variety of housing and facilities including school and hall. References:

• Graecen, W.: Mission on the Mooki; unpublished thesis; copy in QDHS files, 2357 ABOR.

• Levett, W. and Baker, J.: Education at Walhallow; and The Walhallow Reserve; copy in QDHS files, 2024 SCH.

Local Theme: Nungaroo Land Council Has placed emphasis on Aboriginal housing in Quirindi. Land Council headquarters in Quirindi is corner of Station and Pryor Streets, a National Trust listed building. Possible Heritage Site:

• Headquarters building, built 1908 by Bank of NSW, former Rural Bank building. NSW Theme: 2(b) Convict Local Theme: Convicts in Labour Force Convicts formed part of labour force on early pastoral stations; e.g., on "Summer Hill" and "Weia Weia Creek" Stations (later known as "Werriston" and "Werris Creek Station") - "It is known that at this time, both John Single and John McDonald had under their charge a number of convicts and ticket-of-leave men who had been assigned to them for employment as stockmen and shepherds, so it is highly probable that our first white settlers mainly consisted of men who had not come to the colony of their own free will."

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Reference: • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek and District, p 3.

Some escaped convicts lived with Aborigines, e.g. George Clarke. (To north of our area, but traveled through this area, and familiarized others with routes.) Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 50-1. Local Theme: Convict-built Structures Do we have any convict-built structures? Sheep folds? Shepherds' huts? Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th century, p 20 - map showing stock yards, huts; p 21 - sheep yards, hut. Locations only; no

remains. NSW Theme: 2(c) Ethnic influences Local Theme: Chinese Presence Chinese became part of population, mainly after gold rushes Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-5-14 - 5000 Chinese at Nundle. Frequently became vegetable growers. Quirindi had Chinese gardeners on creek flats. Reference:

• Various newspaper references, e.g., Quirindi Magpie 7-2-1899 - court case about boys destroying vegetables in Quirindi Sow's garden; interpreter needed.

From time to time, Chinese shops in Quirindi, e.g., Wing Wah in Station St. in 1901. Reference:

• Quirindi Magpie 7-6-1901. Other well known families in the commercial life of Quirindi have been Sing Sing, Nighjoy, Gilbert Sue, and Mew Sum. Werris Creek store, Sun On Lee Co. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 87. Werris Creek had a Chinese market garden on creek near "Werriston" woolshed - Lee Cum Chean. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 69.

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Willow Tree market gardeners included one named Chang near the present rodeo ground; an ancestor of Victor Chang, heart specialist. Source:

• Earl Kelaher's information. Local Theme: Indian Stores and Hawkers A few stores known - Ramatulla in southern George Street, Quirindi, and Smiler & Co. in Willow Tree. References to Indian hawkers:

• QDHS Journal II-4-113 (Breeza) II-6-25 (Colly Blue) II-6-101 (vans) II-6-115 (Marm Dean).

See also Theme 3 (b) - Commerce. NSW Theme: 2(d) Migration Local Theme: European Migration Usual mix from U.K., Ireland. Quite a number of German migrants in 19th century, e.g., at Quipolly and Gaspard. Names such as Stenz, Gros, Leis, Grossler, Cramer (Kremer). Effect on agriculture.e.g, vineyards. Reference:

• M. Scott: The Quipolly Valley, p 25. Samples of other European migrants, usually naturalised: Savage family from Latvia. Sister Savage, survivor of Centaur sinking, a daughter of this family. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 121. George Dann, Syrian. Had store in Station St, and property just south of town. Reference:

• QDHS family records. Arthur Saady was in business in Quirindi for 32 years, from 1937. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 81. Anthoney Assef & Sons also began in the 1930s, later enlarged store. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 80.

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Greek families, often associated with cafes; e.g., Katsoolis, Aroney families (Busy Bee Café in George Street, Niagara Cafe in Station Street, Quirindi). Kepreotes family, George Fardouly in Werris Creek. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 86, 123. George Kinch, Danish. Had Cosmos photographic studio in Gazette Chambers in George St. Possible Heritage Items:

• Kinch's photographic record of Quirindi (in QDHS files). Local Theme: Post World War II Population Movements During World War II, a few Italian POWs. After War, "New Australians" (as they were called then). Some POWs came back. References:

• QDHS files - photos of naturalisation ceremonies. • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 86; naturalisation ceremonies. • M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 201; Dr and Mrs. Sarko, doctor at Premer,

Lithuanian, naturalised. Soldier settlers on subdivisions of properties brought about redistribution of population. Increase in school numbers as their families grew up. For References to Soldier Settlers, see Theme 3 (l) - Pastoralism. Australian Theme: 3. Developing local, regional and national economies NSW Theme: 3(a) Agriculture Local Theme: Selection and its Effects First rural settlement in this district was pastoral - large squattages (first no title, then leasehold, later freehold); See later under Pastoralism. Pastoral holdings did little farming. Fencing also came later. More farming came after 1861 when 'selectors' came - Selection laws of 1861 permitted 'free selection before survey'; selectors could take up between 40 and 320 acres, live on their blocks, and pay them off. Frequent amendments to land laws (mostly trying to prevent abuses and correct anomalies) make land settlement a very complicated study. Effects in this district include increase in population, growth of town and villages, farming and fencing. Selectors often had large families and they helped with the work. To make a living on small acreages, tried all sorts of enterprises - dairying, pigs, turkeys, growing small paddocks of wheat - land clearing necessary, and fences. Everything geared to the pace of the horse (or bullocks) and the amount of ploughing depended on labour force, number of horses, and how much horses can plough in a day.

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Some pastoralists accepted selectors; some tried to defeat them (e.g., "dummies"). Either way, pastoralists had to look afresh at their land title and property size and development. Many references:

• e.g.: Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 31 - the Sixties and Selection; also in QDHS Journal I-5-42, on Wallabadah.

• M. Scott: The Quipolly Valley, p 19 - settlement from 1861. • H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, references throughout. • QDHS Journal II-5-38 - Castlemountain settlers. • Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 27 - squatters and selectors. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 15-16 - not much selection at Werris

Creek. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 67-70 - selectors.

Local Theme: Changes in Machinery and Crops Changes in agriculture with coming of tractor, developments in farm machinery. References:

• QDHS Journal II-6-118 - Early Agricultural Machinery. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 72 - Introduction of Machinery.

Major changes in agriculture due to development of improved or new crops. Lucerne. Summer crops. Never thought crops could be grown on black soil plains. Revolution with discovery of underground water; irrigation. Result - broadacre farming. References:

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 241-8 - agriculture. • Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, pp 7-20 - Agricultural Revolution.

On properties unsuited to broadacre farming, benefits of improved machinery and types of crops were also felt, though farming on a smaller scale. Diversification and specialization often practiced. Reference:

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 77 - 1950 to1990 p 79 - Growth of the Pig Industry p 80-83 - New Moves to Diversification. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Settlers' homes, e.g. Baldock home near Wallabadah (owned by M. Scanlon) - timber with breezeway created by kitchen built separately from bedrooms.

• Buildings with slab walls, shingles (even if covered by corrugated iron). • Fencing and gates, if any early examples remain. • Farm sheds, hay sheds, woolsheds, grain sheds, dairies, stock yards, silos. • Early tractors and farm machinery. • Home-made bush furniture. • Silos: • Qdi vertical silo 1933; Qdi bulk silo 1969. • Willow Tree silo 1968. • Tamarang - first receival January 1965. • Premer silo 1968 - the "round house" with straight walls - one of only 7 of this

design in the State. The six barrel bins were built 1976.

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Werris Creek Sub-Terminal 1951; rebuilt 1973. Reference:

• S. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 151-7. NSW Theme: 3(b) Commerce Local Theme: Types of Businesses in Rural Towns Changing farming practice brought changes in villages and towns, especially in a rural service town like Quirindi. E.g., flour mills, seed and produce merchants, stock and station agents. See State Theme 4 on Towns and Villages. Flour mills were in Fortune St and Station St - no physical evidence of the mills remains. Increasing population after selection also caused increase in commerce. Travelling hawkers can also be mentioned - bringing the store to the door. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th Century, pp 48-56 - early commerce in Quirindi pp 81-6 - business expansion n in the 1880s pp 113-130 - business in the1890s.

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 22-30 - stores, business. • QDHS Journal II-5-101-106 - Willow Tree businesses. • QDHS Journal II-6-115 - hawkers, such as Marm Dean. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 88-9 - hawkers and tea agents. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 46 ff - the shops in 1896. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 84-8 - stores circa 1900.

An abattoir operated at The Gap from 1894 to 1902 - the Graziers Meat Export Company of NSW Ltd. It closed when unprofitable. Quite a settlement existed at The Gap at the time. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 51-3. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Banks. Stores. Offices. Hotels; apart from being businesses in their own right, hotels used to pro vide a sample room where commercial travellers could display their wares.

Local Theme: The Chamber of Commerce Quirindi Chamber of Commerce had an enthusiastic beginning in 1929. The Depression closed it. Began again 1951. The constant concern was encouraging people to shop in their own town. Werris Creek Chamber had special concern for railway activity, including wheat handling. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 84. • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 39, p 110-11, and p 114. • Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 33. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 153-4.

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Local Theme: Professional Services A town when large enough attracts professional people, such as doctors, pharmacists, solicitors, accountants. References:

• E. Pengilley: Community Health Care in the Quirindi District, p 78 - doctors p 88 - dentists p 92 - pharmacists

• D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, pp 83, 122-6 - doctors, chemists, dentists, solicitors.

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 66-7 (doctors), pp 79, 100 (solicitors). NSW Theme; 3(c) Communication See also NSW Theme: (o) Transport Local Theme: Mail Services and Post Offices Mail services along rural roads maybe only once or twice a week. Horseback, pack horse, sulky, later by motor car. Transport services like coach services, railway, air services, also carried mails. Railway reached Quirindi 1877, Werris Creek 1878. Quirindi had a small airfield at Braefield before the War; present airport opened 1957. Post Offices: Willow Tree - 1872. Reference: QDHS Journal II-5-96. Warrah Creek - 1916. Reference: 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 32-6. Glasston - 1877. Reference: M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 32. Bundella - 1875. Reference: M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 46. Blackville - 1875. Reference: QDHS Journal II-2-101. Yarraman - 1868. Reference: QDHS Journal II-2-93. Premer - 1924. Reference: M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 156. Colly Blue - 1875. Reference: QDHS Journal II-6-29. Spring Ridge - 1879. Reference: QDHS Journal I-2-6. Caroona - . Reference: H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 230. Pine Ridge - 1868. Reference: H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, pp 197, 214. Quirindi - 1858. Reference: D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, pp 39-41. Castlemountain - 1883. Reference: QDHS Journal I-2-35. Wallabadah - 1856. Reference: Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 13-15. Quipolly - 1874. Reference: M. Scott: The Quipolly Valley, p 76-8. Werris Creek - 1878. Reference: S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 141-6. Currabubula - 1861. Reference: S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", pp 120-26. Local Theme: Speedier Communication Telegraph. Telephone. E-mail. Radio. Before electricity reached farm houses, radios operated from batteries - one in use and one in town being charged. After World War II, importance of radio in emergency situations recognized. Radio contact in farm operations now commonplace.

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Possible Heritage Sites: • Post Office building, Quirindi, 1884. • Village post offices. • Braefield airport - site only; Quirindi Airport buildings. • Old manual telephone exchange for Werris Creek is in Quirindi Historical Cottage

Museum. Local Theme: Newspapers Quirindi Gazette 1883. Quirindi Argus 1890. Quirindi Magpie 1898. Quirindi Herald 1905. Quirindi Advocate 1925. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, pp 98-103. • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 86-9.

Werris Creek Chronicle 1912. Northern Express 1922. Werris Creek Express 1930. References:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 71, 86, 100. • Fitzpatrick, R.: Country Conscience - A History of the NSW Provincial Press,

1841-1995. NSW Theme: 3(d) Environment - cultural landscape Local Theme: National Days Local committees organize activities for Australia Day, 26 January. RSL Sub-branches organize ANZAC Day services and reunions in every community. See also Local Theme: War Memorials, under NSW Theme 7(a) Defence. See also Theme 8(b) Creative Endeavour. NSW Theme: 3(e) Events Local Theme: Floods References:

• H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 230-2 - floods covering the plain. Note: changed land usage changes river flow.

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 45-6 - floods of 1910 in Quirindi. • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 52-5 - floods of 1955 in Quirindi.

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Local Theme: Fire (bushfire and house fires). Significant town fires include Quirindi: Darlington Flour Mill (1905) Reference: Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 39

School of Arts (1912) Reference: Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 88-90 Commonwealth Arcade (1927) Reference: Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 76-9

Court House (1929) Reference: Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 73-5. Currabubula: Freezing Works (1932) Reference: Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 104-6. Some spectacular bushfires have come close to Quirindi; e.g., in 1904, after breaking of the drought, Castlemountain was on fire, and soon afterwards a fire broke out on Borah Creek Road and spread to Gaspard. Reference:

• Durrant Quirindi 1900-1919, p 44. Town Fire Brigades and Bush Fire Brigades: Quirindi: Fire Station built in Pryor St 1922. Brigade did not receive a motorized fire engine until 1926. Werris Creek: Volunteer Brigade formed 1933. Fire Station built 1934. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 92 - Quirindi Fire Brigade established. • H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 226 - Bush Fire Brigades established in Tamarang

Shire. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 105-6.

Possible Heritage Sites, for fires in Quirindi:

• The Flour Mill was not replaced. • School of Arts was re -built in 1914, and later became Quirindi Municipal Council

chambers, until amalgamation in 1980, when the newly formed Quirindi Shire Council went into the former Tamarang Shire chambers in Station St. The School of Arts building (138 George St) was sold to Mrs. Andrew Kay.

• Commonwealth Arcade (store built by J. L. Tebbutt & Co.) was replaced by the present Reilly House.

• First Court House (weatherboard) was replaced in 1931 by present structure, designed by Government Architect E. H. Rembert.

Local Theme: Depressions Depression in 1840s affected pastoralists' fortunes. Depression 1893 affected town as well as rural businesses. E.g., Aust. Joint Stock Bank closed (bank building on corner of George and Henry Streets, built 1890). Reference:

• Durrant Quirindi in 19th cent., p 95. Great Depression, 1929, had an effect on all lives, and businesses; bank reorganization. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 90-5. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Banks.

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Local Theme: Drought The drought of 1902 was really a culmination of several years of dry seasons, made worse by following the depression of the early 1890s. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 170. Rainfall, not just how much in a year, but how it falls (e.g., little amounts evaporate - no lasting good), affect farmers' profits and purchasing power, with flow-on effect on town's businesses, but market prices (often influenced by world events) also affect them. And interest rates. Fuel prices. Government policies - e.g., removal of subsidies. Rural Survival Day - farmers in Canberra, 1 July 1985. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 133 ff. Local Theme: Wars Shift in population - mobility among young men and women. Effect on those left behind, coping with food production. Rationing. Shortages. References:

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision, pp 116-121. • Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, whole book. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 79, 108-12. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 108.

Local Theme: Festivals Events could also mean man-made events affecting the town or district's economy, e.g., festivals. Mayor W. W. Corbould and Council tried hard in 1960s to establish a Spring Festival to publicize Quirindi, with further aim of attracting investment, industrial development. Spring Festivals - Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, pp 103-9. Industrial land offered with inducements - Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 36. Local Theme: Sporting Events There are also sporting events which draw people to the district and have an economic effect, e.g., Wallabadah annual race meeting. Reference:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 122-5.

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QJC race meetings. School sporting competitions. P.A. & H. Association annual show. After two earlier showgrounds, it was combined with racecourse in 1950. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, pp 166-9 - first showground • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 53-9 - second showground • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 57-60 - racecourse and third showground;

pp 104-7 Pavilion. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Wallabadah racecourse. • Quirindi racecourse. Grandstand. • Site of Loder St Showground (now Rose Lee Park). • Site of Henry St showground (now sporting ovals). Pavilion. • Recreation grounds at Willow Tree, Quipolly, Werris Creek, Currabubula.

NSW Theme: 3(f) Exploration Local Theme: Exploration by Squatters Apart from "official" explorers, e.g., John Oxley 1818, Allan Cunningham 1823, 1827, Sir Thomas Mitchell 1831, much exploration was done unofficially, say by squatters seeking more pasture. The Quirindi district was just outside the "Nineteen Counties" (northern boundary of which was the Liverpool Range) within which the Governor of the Colony hoped to restrain settlement. Vain hope! Once the pastoralists got wind of good pasture in the Liverpool Plains (after Oxley's journey through them in 1818) they were looking for ways to cross the Liverpool Range. Henry Dangar found a way over in 1824, but was repulsed by hostile aborigines; he came back over another route in 1825 (about the route of the present New England Highway). Aboriginal people were sometimes friendly, and showed the white men ways over the Range. This area was being explored by squatters and they were taking up runs in the 1820s. They had no legal title until 1836, when the Governor bowed to the inevitable and instigated annual squatting licenses. Initially exploration followed surface water. The 1820s were a dry time. References:

• H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, pp 3-9 - attack on Dangar's party. • QDHS Journal II-4-12, unofficial explorers. • QDHS Journal II-4-12, disputes amongst squatters. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 1 ff - unauthorized occupation by

squatters. • S.H. Ware:"Carrabobbila",p 50 - George Clarke, escaped convict, knew the area.

pp 52-6 - Thomas Mitchell's route. See also NSW Theme 4 (b) Land tenure

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NSW Theme: 3(g) Fishing Local Theme: Aboriginal Food Sources Quipolly means "waterholes containing fish". Reference:

• To Aboriginal foods - H. Roworth: A Kamilaroi Dreaming, p 20. Local Theme: State Trawled Fish An interesting little story concerns an attempt to bring fish into the diet of people inland, when after World War I the Department of State Trawled Fish organised to bring fish to Quirindi. Housewives had to bring their own wrapping and have the exact money. Worked quite well in the winter, but alas! our hot weather was the killer of the scheme. Refrigeration not the best in 1921. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 98. Local Theme: Recreational Fishing Regulations apply to fishing inland waterways. Local Theme: Aquaculture There has been some interest in stocking farm dams. NSW Theme: 3(h) Forestry Local Theme: State Forests State Forests - Trinkey, Spring Ridge, Pine Ridge, Wallabadah. Local Theme: Sawmills Sawmill development. Pit -sawing in early building construction. Sawmills in Quirindi (Lawrence, Gillespie, Austin) Austin's still operating. McVicar development. References:

• QDHS Journal II-6-12 - pit-sawing at Colly Blue. • QDHS Journal I-2-6 - Lawrence mill at Spring Ridge. • Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 126 - sawmills. • Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, p 61 - Austin's mill; also Quirindi 1950-1966, p 41. • H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, pp 212-4 - sawmill at Pine Ridge; Reuben Austin.

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Possible Heritage Sites: • State Forests. Sawmills.

NSW Theme: 3(i) Health Local Theme: Health Care Reference:

• E. Pengilley: Community Health Care in the Quirindi District covers all aspects. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 66 - medical practitioners; p 112 -

hospital. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 57-61 - CWA Baby Health Clinic, 1956. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 125 - CWA Baby Health Clinic, 1957.

Local Theme: Hospitals Quirindi Cottage Hospital built 1900. Quirindi also had private hospitals - really maternity homes - though some advertised to receive surgical cases. Maternity nurses also visited women in their own homes. Florence Cottage, Nurse Price, Loder St. Nurse Sweeney's Private Hospital, Allnutt St. The Poplars, Nurse Kinch, Church Ave. Vena Hospital, Nurse Porter, Abbott St. Shirley, Hamilton sisters, North St. Bought by District Hospital in 1944 for its maternity section. Werris Creek Hospital built 1943. Dlua Private Hospital, 112 Dewhurst St, Werris Creek, 1923. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, pp 151-7 - Quirindi Hospital. • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 80 - Quirindi Hospital. • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 81 - Florence Cottage. • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 81 - Nurse Sweeney. • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 82-3 - The Poplars. • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 46 - Vena Hospital. • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 45-6 - Shirley. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 86, 135 - Dlua Private Hospital (Nurse

L. Auld). • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 112 - Hospital, 1943. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 178 - Hospital Auxiliary.

Local Theme: The Aging Population Retirement industry in Quirindi See Theme 7(d) - Welfare. Nursing Home. Elmswood. Villa Units. Cunningham Court. The Gables. Ingall Day Centre.

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Possible Heritage Sites. • Quirindi Hospital - oldest section remaining is former nurses' home, built 1912. • Florence Cottage, Loder St - only part remains. • Nurse Sweeney's Hospital, Allnutt St - a private house. • The Poplars, Church Ave - a private house. • Vena Hospital - site only - now part of Quirindi High School grounds, about

where assembly hall stands. • Ambulance Station, Dalley St - built 1958. • Ambulance Residence, Station St - formerly QMC Chambers - built 1912. • Shirley Hospital - two locations in North Ave; first now a private home, second

now flats; first "Shirley" opened in 1931, second in 1936. • Leisure room at The Gables was formerly stables for CBC Bank. • CWA Baby Health Clinic, which is also World War II Memorial.

NSW Theme: 3 (j) Industry Local Theme: Primary Industry The basis of the district's economy. Originally pastoral, later agriculture, mixed farming being the norm, then with the development of suitable crops and underground water, some properties given entirely to farming. Some specialist enterprises such as haymaking and the horse industry. Some intensive enterprises like turkeys, chickens, pigs. Some enterprises like dairying, vineyards, declined when uneconomic. Related factories like creameries and butter factories went with them. Ardglen quarry, still operational selling ballast for railways and gravel. References:

• See also under Agriculture and Pastoralism. • QDHS Journals I-1-34 and I-2-23 - dairy farming in Quirindi district, including

location of creameries and butter factories. • Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 7-20 - agricultural revolution.

Local Theme: Secondary Industry In early days, blacksmiths sometimes manufactured machinery, or were coachbuilders and wheelwrights (examples are John Johns in Whittaker St and Cullen Bros in Station St). The flour mills became uneconomic. Cordial factories now gone. Butter factories closed as dairying declined. Freezing works operated at Quirindi, Werris Creek and Currabubula. Rabbit industry. Meat works at The Gap, Werris Creek (1894-1902). For a brief time after World War II there was a clothing factory in Station St, Quirindi (in the present squash court complex, formerly PCYC). The turkey factory (a former butter factory converted) closed when the industry was re -structured (local ownership sold out). Light engineering seems the only secondary industry to survive; e.g. Fletcher in Whittaker St, Love in Centre St, Tamarang Engineering in Station St, Holland in Spring Ridge. Attempts at decentralization disappointing. Industrial land in Centre St, Quirindi, and now at south of town, aimed at attracting industry. Werris Creek Industrial Development Committee 1959.

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Grain storage is important in an agricultural area; grain handling can be considered tertiary industry. References:

• QDHS Journal II-6-105 - blacksmithing. • Durrant: Quirindi in 19th Century, p 72 - Cullen Bros - coachbuilders and

wheelwrights p 74 - John Johns and D. Moffat in Whittaker St p 117-8 - flour mills.

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 99 - 'delve' built by J. Johns. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 36 - Industry in Quirindi (cordial factories and

freezing works). • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 71, 85 - cordial factory. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 99 - Quirindi Co-operative Dairy Co. (factory

buildings). • QDHS Journal II-1-14 - The Rabbit Industry in Quirindi. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 71 - The Rabbit Industry. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 103 - rabbit market, Davis Export Co.

freezing works. p 106 - works redundant 1936. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 104-6 - Currabubula Freezing Works. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 102-3 - decentralization in the 1960s. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 37 - Sunny Ridge Turkey Farm pp 36, 146 - industrial estate. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 126 - Industrial Development Committee

1959. Local Theme: Tertiary Industry. Service industries: Farm machinery and tool suppliers, garages, tyre firms (re -tread firm gone), seed cleaning, fertilizer, aerial spreading and weed spraying. Note courier services now deliver machinery parts, instead of firms holding these stocks locally. Carrying, transport (stock, grain, goods). Tourism. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 14 - Secombe's Seed Service, incl. seed cleaning. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 84-8 - Carrying; p 87 - the Howard family.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Horseshoe frontage in Webster's Trading Post, Whittaker St - originally J. Johns.

• Butter Factory/ turkey processing plant, Smith St. • Silos.

NSW Theme: 3(k) Mining There is not gold within this Shire, but rush to the gold diggings affected this district, as it did the Australian economy generally -labour shortage, for one thing. Goldfields at Nundle and Hillgrove near Armidale had most local effect. More traffic to goldfields saw roads developing. Bushrangers. Chinese on goldfields led to their integration into the mainly European population - already mentioned in. State Theme 2(d) Migration

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Local Theme: Coal Coal layer dips under Liverpool Range from Hunter Valley to Liverpool Plains. Mining has occurred at Gunnedah, Curlewis, and nearer at Breeza's Wilga Coal & Coke Co. and Werris Creek's Preston Iron Coal & Coke Mining Co. References:

• S. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 89, 92, 107. • W. Bayley: Hills of Gold. • QDHS Journal II-4-11 and II-4-102 - Breeza.

Local Theme: Temi Shale Mine Shale was mined at Temi and transported by overhead conveyor to Murrurundi for treatment. Reference:

• Murrurundi and District Historical Society, 2001: A Big Undertaking. A history of the shale oil industry in Murrurundi. In QDHS file 2813 MURR.

Local Theme: Zeolite Castle Mountain Zeolites - established by the Heath family. Zeolite Australia Ltd, Escott Rd, Werris Creek. NSW Theme: 3(l) Pastoralism See also Theme: 3(a) Agriculture Local Theme: Australian Agricultural Company The A. A. Co. is a special case in land settlement. Created by Act of Parliament, it received a grant of one million acres at Port Stephens, half a million of which were later exchanged for grants at Goonoo Goonoo and Warrah. "Warrah Station" was a rectangle 30 miles by 13 miles, containing 249,600 acres. It was occupied in 1833, before any land title was available beyond the Nineteen Counties, that is, in this area, north of the Liverpool Range. There were, however, some 'squatters' running stock on the Liverpool Plains illegally, including on "Warrah" land. They were moved off. Annual licenses for pasturing stock on the Liverpool Plains commenced in 1836. Subdivisions on "Warrah" land occurred in -1908 - A. A. Co. offered for auction 7,700 acres near Willow Tree Railway Station, keeping access land for the Company on west of the railway station. Ref: QDHS Journal II-5-99. -1912 - Closer Settlement Purchase Area (proclaimed 1910) provided 84 farms on "Warrah", balloted for in 1912. Ref: 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 13. -1914 - 38,000 acres in a semi -circle around the 1908 subdivision. -1923 - Nearly 42,000 acres in West Warrah were divided into 17 lots.Ref: M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 36 ff. -1935 - Nearly 11,000 acres in west, Ref: M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 51 ff, 104, and 11,000 acres on northern side sold in two separate sales in January 1935.

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Maps of these subdivisions are on display at Quirindi Historical Cottage Museum. Soldier Settlement in 1956 removed a further 18,000 acres. Reference:

• M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 105 ff. With the sale of the "Warrah" homestead block and "Windy" (the western end of the original grant), the A. A. Co. ceased its presence in this area. Reference:

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 8. • M. Powell: Between Creeks, pp 90-104 - "Windy".

Local Theme: Pastoral Runs Land settlement began in this district as pastoral - large squatting runs. No title until 1836, when leasehold permitted, then occupiers was spurred towards converting to freehold by selection laws of 1861 (Crown Lands Alienation Act and Crown Lands Occupation Act, allowing "free selection before survey"). For information on Selection, see State Theme 3(a) - Agriculture. Many references to large holdings, e.g.,

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, pp 15-44 - Premer/Bundella area. • QDHS Journal II-3-2, "Walhallow" - a huge property, before subdivision. • H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, "4D", "Mooki Springs", "Kickerbell", etc. • M. Binnie: Pages of the Past ("Bundella") and More Pages of the Past ("4D"). • H. Bettington: Colly Creek Estate. • Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 9-10, 31, 35. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 2-3, 7-8, 13-15 - "Werris Creek Station"

and "Werriston". • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", pp 57-62 - "Cu rrabubula Run" (Eales).

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Homesteads. Gardens. • Woolsheds and other farm buildings, e.g., haysheds, stables, stockyards.

Fencing, gates. Local Theme: Subdivision of Large Properties After selection got under way after 1861, the size of pastoral holdings became smaller, but pressure mounted to cut them up still further by subdivision. Quirindi was "land-locked" by large properties - this was one argument for closer settlement. A Closer Settlement League was formed. A popular vote- winner. Some properties subdivided voluntarily, some were resumed by government intervention. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 166 - John Perry and the Closer Settlement League.

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 47-50 - John Perry and the Closer Settlement League.

• H. Bettington: Colly Creek Estate, pp 51, 71. • H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, pp 102, 130, 134, 136 - "Mooki Springs"

subdivisions. • M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 29 - Premer.

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Local Theme: Soldier Settler Blocks After the World Wars came soldier settlement. It has not had a generally successful outcome in Australia - not a lot of original soldier settler families remained on the properties. What was considered a "living area" did not always remain so in changed economic conditions. "Get big or get out" was the catch cry not so very long ago, and many smaller properties were amalgamated into larger sized holdings. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, pp 61-6 - soldier blocks in Tamarang Shire. • Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 37, 139 - blocks taken from "Wallabadah

Station". • M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 105 - 18 blocks from "Windy" for Soldier Settlement

Lease. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 15, 120 - 6,000 acres to five returned

servicemen; p 116 - "Werris Creek Station". The type of country determines what can be done on it; whether grazing or farming. Most Quirindi properties tend to be mixed. Increased stocking rates and crop yields in recent times because of pasture improvement, soil conservation works, better methods of fertilizer application, improved water supplies (dams, bores, irrigation). Supplementary feeding commonplace. Feedlots a fairly modern development either commercial or small scale on the farm. NSW Theme: 3(m) Science Local Theme: Research with Practical Applications for Farmers and Graziers Improved stocking rates (carrying capacity). Animal health. Improved yield in crops. Experimental plots. Field days. Fertilizers. Field days. Soil testing. Pest control. Weed control. (Central Northern Weeds County Council) Improved management practices. Soil conservation methods; contour banks prevent erosion. Minimum till; zero till. Burning stubble a thing of the past. Weather modelling. References:

• e.g., Soil Conservation Service journals. • Department of Agriculture publications. • QDHS records.

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NSW Theme: 3(n) Technology Local Theme: Technological Changes Affecting Rural Life Improved machinery. Laser leveling of paddocks. Improved communications - telephone, walkie -talkie, radio contact, internet. How TV has affected life; e.g., Landline programmes. Weather. Speedier transport. Loading equipment. Weighing of stock. Office equipment, e.g., shopkeepers keep record of stock-in-trade by computer. NSW Theme: 3(o) Transport Local Theme: Transport at the Pace of the Horse Bullocks and horses. Waggons, drays, carts, sulkies, buggies, pack horse. Coach services. References:

• QDHS Journal II-6-80 - Horse Power II-6-84 - Teams and Teamsters II-6-94 - Transportation. II-6-96 - Three major coach services through this area.

Local Theme: State of Roads All early travellers and teamsters at mercy of rainfall on un-made roads; black soil and sand dunes. Notes of interest are "corduroy" underlay of pine poles under black soil roads on the plains, and beginnings of tar in Quirindi in 1920s. References:

• H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 222 - corduroy base. • QDHS Journal II-6-24 - corduroy in Tugenbone Lane. • QDHS Journal II-6-88 to 91 - black soil, sand, spewy soils. • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 5-6 - tar in Quirindi. • Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 15 - making tracks

p 33 - coach travel; first bridge 1872 p 34 - bushrangers.

• H. R Carter: Upper Mooki, pp 217-24 - roads. Local Theme: Carriers Essential part of rural economy. Moved produce to market; brought supplies of every sort. References:

• QDHS Journal II-6-23 - Teamsters at Colly Blue. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 84 - Carrying; becoming motorized. • QDHS Journal II-5-105 - Howard family at Willow Tree.

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Local Theme: Stock Routes Stock routes crossed the countryside in the days when droving was the only way to move livestock. Some have been closed and sold. Those that remain are frequently used as a drought strategy. A major stock route known locally as the Cattle Lane crossed through this area; enabled stock from as far as Queensland to end up in the Flemington Markets in Sydney. It passed through Pine Ridge. References:

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 181-2; map on p 13. • M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 13-15; map on p xxvi.

Local Theme: Toll Gates Money collected went towards road maintenance. They were let by tender annually. One was at Kangaroo Creek south of Wallabadah. Reference:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 12. A part of this tollgate is in the Quirindi Historical Cottage Museum.

Another toll collection point was near Willow Tree. Reference:

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 220. Local Theme: Bridges Originally wooden structures. Most replaced. Suspension bridge at Pittsford St, Quirindi, of interest. First built 1902; replaced after flood 1955. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 107 - suspension bridge Quirindi 1950-1966, p 54 - suspension bridge

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 63 - Young St Bridge 1968 Austin's Bridge 1968

Pryor St Bridge 1973 Henry St east 1979

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 6-7 - Henry St west 1929 Whittaker St 1935

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 12, 135 - Wallabadah bridges • H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 221 - Pine Ridge bridge

p 223 - Caroona bridge • M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 109 - nine creeks to bridge in this area;

Big Jacks Creek 1962 Little Jacks Creek 1962 Phillips Creek 1976.

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 68 - Original bridge over Werries Creek replaced 1910; p 138 - concrete bridge.

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Local Theme: Motorized Transport Cars. Garages. Dealerships. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 71-7 - the revolution in transport. • Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 30 - garages. • QDHS Journal II-5-106 - garages in Willow Tree.

Local Theme: Railway Passenger and freight. Steam. Diesel. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, pp 42-7. • M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 174 - changes brought by railway. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 18 - railway junction gave rise to town;

p 27 ff - railway development. Local Theme: Airports Braefield 1939; Quirindi Airport 1957. References:

• H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 224 - Quirindi Airport. • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 110-5 - Braefield.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Bridges. Suspension bridge. • Quirindi Railway Station and Stationmaster's Residence. • Werris Creek Railway Station and workshops. • Willow Tree Railway Station. • Sites of platforms at Ardglen, Braefield, Quipolly, Warrigundi, Currabubula. • Quirindi Airport. • Site of Braefield Airport.

Australian Theme: 4. Building settlements, towns and cities NSW Theme: 4(a) Towns, suburbs and villages Local Theme: Reasons for Sites of Settlements Why do settlements develop in one area and not another? Surface water an early consideration; e.g., Quirindi at junction of two creeks; good camping site. Reserves were set aside for possible village development at good watering places, to prevent people buying the choice spots and in effect controlling the surrounding land.

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Second, how far a horse or horse drawn vehicle can go in one stage. Wayside shanties or inns appeared to service horse-dependent travellers, and sometimes a village arose around such inns. Wallabadah began as stables for John Gill's mail coaches. Wallabadah was more important than Quirindi when the main northern road passed through it, but the siting of the railway through Quirindi in 1877 gave it the advantage and Wallabadah declined. Wallabadah even had a Court House earlier than Quirindi. It was proclaimed a village on 18-2-1854 and a town on 19-12-1890. Quirindi’s town plan was drawn in 1856; proclaimed a town 19-2-1884; proclamation of a Municipality 29-12-1890. References:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 11 - early northern roads. • Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 15 - making tracks

p 17 - genesis of a village p 42 - coming of the railway. Gaspard, Castlemountain, Quipolly, Borambil, Braefield - these were too close to develop - they remained localities, though they had schools and in some cases churches and halls. Willow Tree was subdivided out of "Warrah" Station. The Australian Agricultural Company released this corner of its grant in 1908 to service the railway. Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-5-99. Werris Creek was also created because of the railway - being the junction of lines determined that a town would develop. It was part of Tamarang Shire until 1922, when it was transferred to Peel Shire (this transfer was gazetted 4 August 1922), then came under Parry Shire when Parry Shire was created on 1January. 1976. Werris Creek was never gazetted a town; an urban area was proclaimed 14 February 1964. Reference:

• S. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 18-19, 23-5 - railway junction determined town; p. 44 - George Single subdivided "Summer Hill" for private town development 1882; p 85 - transfer to Peel Shire, 1922.

Currabubula developed around John Davis's inn at a camping spot in the pass through the hills; again, surface water a consideration. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 59-61 - John Davis's public house, 1838 p 63 - Water & Camping Reserve, 1851 p 78 - proclaimed a town 20 March 1885.

Pine Ridge started as a camping area. Reference:

• H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, pp 181-202. Blackville: Earlier settlement was at Black Creek Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-2-46.

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Proclamation of Blackville as a village 28-4-1888 Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-2-48. Yarraman had a small settlement including a store owned by Alexander Pyke, the first President of Tamarang Shire Council (1907-10); he also had a hall called 'Pyke's Academy Hall'. Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-2-67. The Bundella village boundaries were notified in 1885. Reference:

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 44-8. Premer village was originally part of "Premer Station". When the Binnaway line of railway went through, H. McMaster was happy to subdivide for a village in 1924. Reference:

• M. McGavin, op.cit. p 144. Colly Blue village was proclaimed in 1904. Reference

• QDHS Journal II-6-10. Spring Ridge village was proclaimed on 22 October 1926. Reference:

• QDHS Journal I-2-5 - Early Days at Spring Ridge. Caroona: Village on opposite side of Mooki River from "Walhallow Station" homestead, but was on Station land; again subdivision occurred after railway line went through. Caroona notified 21 July 1922; modified 17 October 1924. Reference

• QDHS Journal II-3-5. Local Theme: Decline of Settlements As speed of transport increased, more distance was covered in a shorter time. Necessity for small settlements a day's travel apart (for horses) declined. Isolated inns and stores closed. Changes in population, e.g., school population declining, led to closure of schools. Churches too. Examples are Bundella and Colly Blue, once active villages. A good summary of this trend is in S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 116.

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Local Theme: Street Names Street names in towns and villages can be interesting, often reflecting local property names and families. In Quirindi, nearly all Mayors of the town are recorded in street names. One extension of the town boundaries in 1885 resulted in a subdivision with political names of the day: Stuart, Dalley and Abbott Streets (Premier, Attorney-General and local Member). Reference:

• Collins & Durrant: Quirindi 2000. Werris Creek street names have connection with the private subdivision in 1882 by George Single of "Summer Hill Station", e.g., Single Street, Poole Street (after railway engineer W. J. Poole) and Dewhurst Street ( after surveyor Arthur Dewhurst). Reference:

• S. H Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 44-5. Premer streets have property names, e.g., Rockgedgiel, Merrigala. Reference:

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 146. Local Theme: Town Beautification Since incorporation in 1890, Quirindi Municipality considered street beautification from time to time. Trees were planted; a fence erected along the eastern side of George Street between street and railway. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, p 108. More recently, Tidy Towns competitions have harnessed community spirit. Example: Wallabadah in 1988. Reference:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 129. Local Theme: Civic Centres Civic leaders in Quirindi have from time to time cherished ideas of having a Town Hall or Civic Centre for important occasions. For example, P. G. Pryor (Town Clerk for 42 years) would have liked to have something better than "a tin shed" (the pavilion) when Quirindi received visiting dignitaries. Nearest the town came was after World War II when a war memorial was being considered. References:

• D. Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 57-81 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 65-7.

Other towns have centred community functions on their local halls. Werris Creek's Railway Institute has served this purpose. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 92.

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Currabubula's hall dates from 1912 (built as School of Arts); the frontage built 1955 and the hall becoming a War Memorial Hall. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 94-5. Likewise Willow Tee hall became a War Memorial Hall in 1928. Oldest hall in Willow Tree was near the school. It was moved and built 1914 next to the present hall. It received a brick frontage in 1928 when it became the War Memorial Hall. The present hall was built next to it after World War II by the RSL. For a time there were two halls side by side at Willow Tree before the older one was removed. Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-5-101. Borambil (1912) added an Honour Roll of local people serving in World War 11. Cattle Creek (1951) is a War Memorial Hall with Honour Roll. At Spring Ridge (1925) the RSL added an annex after World War II, with Honour Roll. The H. and J.W. McMaster Hall at Premer dates from 1935. Hugh McMaster (President of Tamarang Shire) died in 1932 and his son John Wallace had died in 1918 in the First World War. The McMaster Family gave a significant portion of the money required to build it, but it was not free of debt until 1950. Reference:

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 163-6. Pine Ridge Hall was built 1931, and the supper room some years later. Reference:

• H.R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 190. Wallabadah Hall was built 1933. Stages, dressing rooms, supper room, toilet block, playground, ticket box improvements, have enhanced it. References:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 115. • The Quirindi Advocate, May 19, 2004.

Other halls in smaller localities include Big Jacks Creek (1918), Warrah Creek (1920), Blackville (1923), Bundella (1929), Cattle Creek (1951), and Caroona (1955). References:

• Historical Notes on Area of Borambil, p 28. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 110 – Warrah Creek Hall. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, pp 99, 113 – Big Jacks Creek. • M Powell: Between Creeks, p 55 – Cattle Creek or Mount Parry Hall.

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NSW Theme: 4(b) Land tenure Local Theme: Land Ownership in Urban Areas By Order in Council in 1851 an innkeeper was allowed to lease land from the Crown for twelve months, during which time he could pre-empt (purchase) the land. Ben Nelson, innkeeper of the Squatters' Home, bought just over 6 acres in 1854, the first land sale in Quirindi, two years before a town plan was drawn. The street where his inn stood was shown as Nelson Street on the map. The town plan was approximately a square, 100 by 100 chains, or 1000 acres. The northern boundary was North Street (now called Pryor St). After reserves for churches, school, pound, market, etc., it was subdivided into 35 building lots and another 6-acre block. First auction: twenty-six allotments put up for sale in Murrurundi on 22-12-1856. References:

• QDHS Journal I-6-9 ff - details of land sales. • Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 19 ff.

Quirindi Reserve: As railway approached the town, an area between North St and present day Nowland Street was reserved in 1876 from sale or lease. By 1880s most suburban land had been sold; town boundary was extended into the reserve, north to Abbott Street. All allotments in this new section sold at auction in 1886. Two blocks reserved on corner of Dalley and Station Streets for Town Hall and Council Chambers. Rest of the reserve not sold until 1910. Private sales: James Milner purchased 200 acres in 1866 as a selector (Crown Lands Alienation Act) in Milner Parade, Pollock St area, and was buying 300 acres more (Young St, Allnutt St). Richard Young was administrator of Milner estate. Private subdivisions and sales followed, including one to R. H. V. Allnutt, first CPS in Quirindi (appointed 1884). Hawker, Allnutt and Young Street sections of town not included in town until 1910, when northern boundary was extended as far north as Railway (now Perkins) Street. An area north from Perkins St was surveyed for suburban holdings in 1910 but remained in Tamarang Shire until 19-12-1958, when it was transferred to the Municipality along with the Common (now Golf Course and Rifle Range). In Wallabadah, a village was proclaimed on 18-2-1854 and first sale of allotments was held at Tamworth on 21-6-1854. Town Common was 328 acres. Recreation Ground also Crown Land. Note: Cemeteries came under control and maintenance of Shire in 1967. Willow Tree Subdivision by the Australian Agricultural Company was offered for auction on 18 November 1908 at Quirindi - 37 farms and over 100 township allotments Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-5-99. Werris Creek subdivision of "Summer Hill" by George Single 1882 - 50 acres surveyed into six street blocks and 90 building allotments. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 44-5.

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Currabubula Reserve was surveyed 1851, proclaimed 8 March 1858. Proclaimed a town 20 March 1885. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", pp 63, 78. NSW Theme: 4(c) Utilities Local Theme: Water Quirindi Municipal Council adopted a scheme in 1909 for a well in Henry St and a reservoir at top of Abbott Street, and scheme commenced 1912. Thinking to overcome Quirindi’s hard water, a water softening plant was installed alongside the reservoir; it did not succeed; it was converted to another reservoir in 1929. The first houses connected to water were "Fairholme" (corner of Hill and Abbott Streets) and "Winona" (in Pryor Street - now a vet's quarters). Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 43, 92. Dams on Quirindi Creek have been considered from time to time. Other Reservoirs: The reservoir in north Quirindi dates from 1955. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, p 48; • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 56.

Who'-a-Thought-It Hill reservoir built 1968. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 63-4. Water augmentation necessary in 1980s. Borambil basin to be future source, 1981. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 125-7. Village supplies: Pine Ridge School water supply, 1965. Ref: H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 186. Wallabadah, 1967. Ref: Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 137. Blackville, 1968. Ref: QDHS Journal II-2-52. Premer, 1968. Ref: M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 206. Spring Ridge water supply opened by Sir Roden Cutler 21 June 1968. Caroona, 2 March 1980. Werris Creek supply: Quipolly dams, 1932, 1956. References:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 101, 113, 124. • M. Scott: The Quipolly Valley, p 63.

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Town water also supplied from well near "Werriston". Reference:

• S. H. Ware, op cit, pp 87, 113. The Gap dam used for railway purposes. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Reservoirs. Pump Station. Quipolly dams. Local Theme: Sewerage QMC was incorporated in 1890. From beginning, sewerage and health a great worry. The unsavoury night cart - hours of discussion. Council officer called the Inspector of Nuisances a busy man. One good thing from the Great Depression was some relief money spent on labour, and schemes such as sewerage benefitted. Western side of Quirindi serviced. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 106 • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 43.

Extensions to recreation area 1950s. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 65. Augmentation 1967 to east and south of town - 92% of municipality connected. In 1980s the age of drains, and efficiency of treatment works, of concern. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, pp 64-5, 127. In Werris Creek sewerage was installed throughout town 14 February 1966. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 132. Local Theme: Electricity "Country people originally relied on candles, often home made, a lamp consisting of a tin of fat with a stick in it and a bit of rag around the stick; then came kerosene lamps; then some had electricity from home lighting plants; finally came electricity 'from the mains’.” Reference:

• From QDHS Journal II-2-51. Before electricity - open fires, wood stoves, flat irons, Koolgardie safes.

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Big debate in Quirindi whether to have electricity. Mayor W. Pollock printed pamphlets before the referendum. Result affirmative; Quirindi had power station 1919. Power flowed from 21 August 1920. QMC responsible for installations, appliances, accounts - another job for the Town Clerk. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 53, 55. • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 9-12.

Possible Heritage Site:

• Power Station. Site only, near baths. Quirindi linked to Tamworth bulk supply 1941. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, p 47. Street lighting an interesting sub-topic: Lamplighter in the early days. So few lights by later standards. Experiments with different technology for street lights, e.g. acetylene gas. Extensions of lines to rural areas. Extension to Willow Tree 1935. Line to Wallabadah 1949, including Castlemountain, Wallabadah Station, Woodton, Fairview. Premer had no electricity until 1954. Reference: M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 200. Blackville 1957. Reference: QDHS Journal II-2-51. Pine Ridge 1958. Reference: H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 183. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, pp 44-7 - electricity extension. Case study: "At Gaspard, we received power in early 1960s. Line was pegged by PCCC from the Quirindi/Wallabadah road. Local residents cleared the line with cross-cut saws. We paid a property levy based on acreage, to pay for the poles and transformer. A further amount was added to the quarterly electricity account as line rental, to be paid for the next 20 years. Strangely enough, line rental was removed 20 years later by Act of Parliament! Any additional extensions to the main line requested by landholder, e.g., to woolsheds, workshops, were paid for by him per pole and per transformer." At Werris Creek, the railway generated electricity, and this was extended to a few street lights. Power from Tamworth 1931. Currabubula also received electricity 1931, from the transmission line from Tamworth to Werris Creek. References:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 78, 99, 124. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 107.

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Peel Valley County Council was set up 1956. Cunningham County Council set up 1955; enlarged to become Peel Cunningham County Council in 1960. Constituent Local Government Councils sent a representative Councillor. State Government created “North Power" (1995), taking over assets. Enlarged again to "county energy" 2001. Next step privatization? PCCC was a profitable organisation, also trained many apprentices, also employed local people to repair breakdowns rapidly, and also had a repair shop for appliances at their headquarters in Tamworth. The State Government took over cash and fixed assets worth many millions of dollars, including the HQ building. The PCCC site in George St, Quirindi, included a purpose-built shed for repair of cabling, works office and shop front. (Site of proposed supermarket). All this reorganization has of course resulted in dearer power. NSW Theme: 4(d) Accommodation Local Theme: Types of Housing The earliest housing was very basic - huts with slab walls, roofs of bark, or shingle. Later iron used for both walls and roofing. Local timber was used for housing and fencing. Quirindi was a place of scrub and timber, before clearing. Sawmills. References:

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 212 - pit-saws; sawmill at Pine Ridge p 213 - Reuben Austin and sawmilling p 214 - Lawrence brothers' sawmill at Spring Ridge.

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 67 - sawmill 1908 p 126 - sawmill 1959.

Quirindi also had bricks from the 1870s. Price's brickworks were near Lennox St. Some examples: Railway Station (1876), ground floor of Commercial Hotel (1877), Historical Cottage (1887 - a home and shop combined, as was the custom), and the Price home on corner of Lennox and Church Streets. References:

• D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, p 43-4 - Price's brickworks. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 58 - three kilns in different sites. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", 83 - brickyard near recreation ground.

Stone quarries have permitted some sandstone constructions. Quarry at Floras Pond provided stone for Marshal McMahon Hotel, Church of the Ascension, and "Wallabadah Station" homestead. Quarry in Mooki Hills provided stone for "Walhallow" homestead, and Croaker Memorial Church at Caroona. As town of Quirindi developed, larger houses in prominent positions, usually with some acres around them; e.g., "Collarene" (now Public School admin. block). "Warramea" in Centre Street, had an open hillside before it. In the building boom of the early 20th century, many attractive homes built such as "Fairholme", "Winona", "Somerset Cottage", and more modest dwellings. Boarding houses have been a feature of country towns, catering for the moving population of usually single men and women such as schoolteachers and bank clerks.

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Hotels catered for the travelling public, including travelling businessmen. Of recent years, motels. Interesting story is the construction by the community of "Lone Pine" in Russell St in 1918 for the returned soldier, Fred Firman. After World War II, Housing Commission homes. The Quirindi Municipal Council also had its own housing scheme. Housing for the aged - Retirement Homes Assn - a story in itself. See Theme 7(d) Welfare. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 131 - boarding houses, e.g., “Anglesey", "Rosary Cottage".

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 29 - home life in 1911 p 31, 34 - photos of modest homes p 32 - photos of "Haywood", "West Lynne",

"Winona" p 35 - photos of "Mamari" and P. G. George home in Pryor St p 81 – Nurse Sweeney's house in Allnutt St p 107 - Fred Firman's "Lone Pine".

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 34 - photos of "Tycawina", "Minnamurra", "Gray's".

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, pp 41, 91 - Housing Commission p 91 - QMC's Housing Scheme p 91-2 - housing for the aged.

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 118 - 20 Housing Commission homes in 1946; p 136 - Housing Commission built 67 homes by the 1970s.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Homes. Sawmills. Brickworks. Quarries. Australian Theme: 5. Working NSW Theme: 5(a) Labour Local Theme: Types of Employment in Country Towns With the development of a town, the variety of work available increases. Increasing population means postal services, schools, police, hospital and health care, utilities, local government, government instrumentalities (e.g., Soil Conservation Service), larger commercial sector, professional people. I cannot support this with figures, but it seems there was more of a "moving population" once - people like bank clerks, school teachers, police, hospital workers, who stayed for a few years in a town and moved on. They were in a work environment where people were posted to towns - no choice. Now there is a tendency to stay put; e.g., no need for a Nurses' Home now at the hospital because workers have local homes, and are more fixed in the community. More married women working, where once practically unheard of. World War II speeded this process.

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Local Theme: Management Whether employed on a farm (which is a 'business'), a shop, or an accountant's office, 'workers' mean there are 'employers'. There must be capital, owners and managers (or owner-managers). There are the self-employed. In the case of schools, etc., the employer is the People, via the Government. Local Theme: Methods of Sourcing Labour How did the employer get his labour force? It was traditional for property owners or managers to come to town on Saturdays and engage men on the street. Stock and station agents also ran an unofficial labour exchange. Wool firms would if required send classers and other employees to their clients. Times of greatest labour need were shearing, burr-cutting, and harvest. Local Theme: Political Development and Industrial Awards At the time of the 1890s depression, there was industrial unrest over lower wages in a time of over-supply of labour. The Quirindi district (like elsewhere) saw Shearers' Union meetings and a local branch formed. Labour Party members began to be elected to State Parliament. (Note - No Commonwealth until 1901.) Reference:

• D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, p 163. Industrial Awards over the years have affected working conditions, not only wages and hours of work, but also housing, such as shearers' quarters. An Old -Age Pensions bill was passed in NSW in 1900, and was superceded by Commonwealth invalid and old -age pensions from 1910. Lang Labour Government in NSW passed a Widows' Pensions Act in 1925. However no safety net of social security for unemployment until the desperation of the Great Depression, and plight of the unemployed stirred action. The States, with Commonwealth help, gave some help to unemployed. The dole, in money or food coupons, kept people from starving. In county areas, hooray for the rabbit! Food on the table. Relief works were begun, administered by Local Government; men might get a wage one week out of three. Half Holiday Association: It was usual for country shops to close half day Wednesday, and stay open all day Saturday. In Quirindi as early as 1885, this organization organized leisure activities for employees, mainly athletic. Fast forward well into 20th century, and Wed. half-holiday and late night shopping on Fridays was still the norm. In 1944 the Post Office also started to take the Wed. half-holiday, but was still open on Saturday mornings. With a Labour Government in power, Saturday afternoon became official half-holiday from 1 June 1946, as result of Factories and Shops (Amendments) Act, despite protests from many shopkeepers and farmers. The 40-hour week began 1 July 1947. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1939-50, p 73-4.

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"Australia closed for the weekend." That never applied to farmers and other self-employed, hotels, hospitals, etc. More commercial activity now with some supermarkets, garages, etc., opens all weekend. Part-time work. Penalty rates. Australian Theme: 6. Educating NSW Theme: 6(a) Education Local Theme: Sites and Status of Quirindi Schools Quirindi has had its schools in several sites. First school 1877 in Lennox St - actually in Lennox Street through surveying error. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 62-6; photo p 64. School moved to Hill St 1891 (now Cunningham Court). More central to town, which had moved north nearer the railway station. School and separate residence. Became Quirindi Superior Public School; i.e., had some secondary classes. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 142 - photo. In 1925 became Quirindi District Rural School - a school with secondary courses suitable for an agricultural district. Became overcrowded and had to rent Methodist hall for some classes. New brick double storey building built in northern end of Hill St, ready for occupation in 1936. Infants’ classes remained at old school at other end of Hill St. 1943 - status raised to Intermediate High School. 1954 - full High School. New Public School built in Collarene Estate. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 22-32. • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 73-5.

Local Theme: Catholic Education Catholic education in Quirindi: First in private home, then Weybridge Grove (Public school, Catholic teacher), then Convent School. St Joseph nuns 1885; change of diocese boundary and they were replaced by St Joseph nuns from Mount St, North Sydney 1888. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 66-7 • Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 159 - centenary of Catholic education 1985.

Catholic education in Werris Creek: Sisters from St Joseph's, Mount Street, came 1914. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 167-9.

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Local Theme: Governesses and Tutors. Some governesses on properties. Example: "Bundella Station". Reference:

• M. E. Binnie: Pages of the Past, p 15. Tutor for the Davis children at Currabubula. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 30. Local Theme: Private Schools. Private schools in Quirindi: Miss Bertles' Girls Grammar School in "Rosary Cottage" in Dalley St 1902, which moved to North St 1907, and closed 1913. "Elmswood" School, Miss Metcalf, in Central Hall next to Methodist Church, 1912-1922. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 83. Mr. Wiseman in Werris Creek taught privately about 1900. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 149. Mr. Charles Job was in Currabubula before 1882, when Currabubula Public School began. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 30. Local Theme: Werris Creek Public School. Commenced 1883. Change of site 1911. Additions to building and playground. Became Intermediate High 1943, but secondary section closed 1971. High school age children must henceforth attend Quirindi or Tamworth schools. Local Theme: District schools. In earlier days, there were many schools throughout the district, some not even achieving a school building, but taught in settlers' homes. Called appropriately house-to-house schools. Other half-time schools operated in two locations, the pupils following the teacher to his two school houses, thus balancing the distance the children had to travel from scattered farms. Horses, ridden or harnessed, were their mode of transport Except in larger centres like Wallabadah, most were one-teacher schools. Staff in larger places was not necessarily well-trained. The Headmaster's wife was expected to take sewing classes. Probationer teachers were often a senior girl who knew a little more than her pupils. There were few teaching aids or books; and basic rooms, hot or cold according to season. When small schools closed, the buildings were often sold off to nearby farmers and became sheds on farms.

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The number of subsidized and provisional schools and the efforts made by settlers to achieve a school show the importance placed on education by these fairly isolated parents. References to district schools in QDHS Journals: Blackville II-2-49; II-2-50; II-2-123-6 Breeza II-4-5; II-4-52-66 Castlemountain I-5-80 Colly Blue I-3-27; II-6-27-9 Fairview I-5-54; I-5-73-5 Gaspard I-5-77-9; II-6-67-9 Goran Lake II-4-65 Gowrie I-5-79

Jacob and Joseph Creek I-5-80 Kingsmill II-6-4 Kingsmill Valley II-6-52 Lower Jacob I-5-80 Mimbil II-4-65 Nea II-4-65 Piallaway II-4-65 Quipolly I-3-22 Rotherfield I-3-24-7; II-2-72; II-6-27 Spring Ridge I-2-9; I-2-10 St Helena II-2-123-5 Sugarloaf-Tamarang I-5-79 Temi I-4-41; I-5-76 Trinkey II-6-27 Wallabadah I-5-37; I-5-51-72; II-5-86-8 Watermark II-4-65 Willow Tree II-5-98-9 Woodlands II-6-52 Woodton I-5-75 Yarraman II-2-126

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision: Warrah Creek School (1914-1957), p 90-8 Jacks Creek School (1918-1948), p 98-101 "Alroy", p 101 "Glendale", p 102 Mt Boo School, p 102 "Glen Oak", p 103

• M. Powell: Between Creeks, p 54-5 - Mount Parry School

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila": Currabubula Public School, p 12-30

Goorihurst Provisional School, p 31 Terrible Vale Provisional School, p 33 Piallaway Public School, p 35 Dunevere (Dunover) Provisional School, p 39

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 101-5

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 184-7 - Pine Ridge Public School

p 187 - Windy Provisional School

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• M. McGavin: Across the Plain: Weetalaba School (Premer), p 96-115, 118-122 Pandora Subsidized School, p 116 Prairie Vale Subsidized School, p 117-8 Premer Provisional School, p 122 Premer Public School, p 125-134 Treloar-Trinkey Half-time Schools, p 134-140 Treloar Provisional School, 140-3.

• Levett, W.: Education at Walhallow; in QDHS files 2024 SCH.

• Scott, M. The Quipolly Valley: Quipolly School, p 66

Quipolly Creek School, p 67 Nicholsons Lagoon School, p 69 Kingsmill Peak School, p 71

School Booklets: Centenary of Education. Spring Ridge Public School 1878-1978 Historical Notes on Area of Borambil. Bolah Gap School 1897-1953 Willow Tree & District School Centenary 1882-1982. District schools still in existence: Wallabadah, Willow Tree, Blackville, Premer, Spring Ridge, Walhallow, Quirindi, Werris Creek, Currabubula. Local Theme: School Travel School bus travel; free. References:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 49 • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 40-1.

Also children travelled on special trains, e.g., Werris Creek to Tamworth 1926 to 1943. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 94. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Cunningham Court (ex Infants school) • Quirindi High School • "Collarene" - admin. centre of Quirindi Public School • Part of Wallabadah Public School (oldest surviving classroom dating from 1904) • District schools?

Local Theme: TAFE Various attempts at Evening College, using school rooms or church halls, from 1950s through to 1970s, from which time tertiary education became permanent in Quirindi. TAFE used the Cultural Centre (now the Library complex) until its site in east Quirindi was developed.

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Local Theme: Pre-School Education Pre-school education in Quirindi dates from 1960s. At first in temporary accommodation, then achieved own building in Allnutt St, using voluntary labour on land made available by QMC. Opened 1974. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 93. Local Theme: Scouting Association and Guides Australia Scouts and Guides could be considered a part of education. Many of their programmes have been adopted by schools. Local Theme: Junior Farmers (Rural Youth) Junior Farmers' Club dates from 1928. Changed name to Rural Youth 1966. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 75. Local Theme: Agricultural Bureau The Agricultural Bureau sponsored competitions, demonstrations, fie ld days, classes for women. Local example: A branch formed at Castlemountain 1931; at Wallabadah 1949. References:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 128. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision: p 76 - Warrah Creek Agricultural Bureau Branch.

Local Theme: Adult and Community Education Adult learning classes began in Wallabadah in 1984. Their popularity continues. Reference:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 129 Local Theme: Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association P. A. & H. Association: Formed in Quirindi 1900. First showground in Loder St used 1900 to 1912; second showground in Henry St 1913-1949 (no shows during the War); moved to racecourse from 1950. Two pavilions remained in Henry Street, the older one now demolished. The Assn sponsored annual crops exposition and competition from 1968. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, pp 166-9 • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 54 - map; pp 56-9 • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 11-12.

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Possible Heritage Sites: • Rose Lee Park (approximately first showground). • Sportsground in Henry St (second showground). Pavilion.

Local Theme: School of Arts or Mechanics' Institute School of Arts in Quirindi: First one built 1888, burnt down 1912. Replaced 1914 with present building. School of Arts movement declined, and sold building to QMC which took it over as its chambers in 1929. Frontage renovated 1939 to present appearance. After amalgamation in 1980, new Quirindi Shire Council occupied the Tamarang Shire chambers in Station St, and sold the School of Arts building to a private owner. The School of Arts movement provided a library, billiard room, rooms for meetings and debates. References:

• D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, p 78 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 88 - fire • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 12.

Mechanics' Institute in Currabubula: Erected 1912. Brick frontage added 1954. Became War Memorial Hall containing Honour Rolls. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 95. In Werris Creek the Railway Institute served the purpose. A library was provided. Local Theme: Libraries Quirindi: Namoi Regional Library was set up in 1950. Moved into the Municipal Council chambers in 1965. Re-named Central Northern Regional Library. Moved to present site when the Cultural Centre was opened in 1988. Werris Creek: Railway Institute had 1,250 books in 1926. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 92 Possible Heritage Site:

• Quirindi: School or Arts building, also known as Old Municipal Council building. • Werris Creek: Railway Institute building.

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Australian Theme: 7. Governing NSW Theme: 7(a) Defence Local Theme: Militia Service and Rifle Clubs before World War I Last British soldiers left Australia in 1870; the Colonies must then organize their own defences. Movement in 1880s to establish a militia or reserve force of part time units called Volunteer Rifle Companies. About 50 enrolled in 1885 in Quirindi. Uniform of dark green serge tunic and trousers and black policeman's hat earned them the title of "duck shooters from the Mooki" when attending a Queen's Shoot in Sydney. In 1888 the Quirindi Volunteers disbanded the corps and formed a Rifle Club. Rifle shooting very popular in Quirindi over the years. Interest re -kindled in 1890s and in 1895 about 30 members of the Rifle Club enrolled as Reservists. Quirindi also had a troop of Australian Horse, which had started in 1897. Boer War 1899 saw Australian States offer support. Volunteers from Quirindi enlisted for Transvaal campaign. Also joined subsequent Bushmen's Contingents. Quirindi so excited about the relief of the Mafeking siege that new ward at hospital called Mafeking Ward. The Boer War ended in 1902. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 89 - Volunteer Rifle Company p 157 - Boer War and Australian Horse.

In 1909 the Dreadnought Fund was a further evidence of patriotism to the British Empire. It was to raise money for a battleship for Britain. A Quirindi committee raised £375 8s. 3d. In the end the Fund was used to finance a migration scheme for British youth - the "Dreadnought Boys". In 1911 came compulsory military training for youths 14 to 17 years, and Quirindi was a training centre. Local people thought it was a farce - the parades were criticized as a training ground for larrikins. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 93. Local Theme: World War I World War I, 1914-1918. World War I starting 1914 saw great enthusiasm and patriotism in Quirindi, with many organizations gearing themselves to raise money. After Gallipoli a further call to arms and a recruiting committee formed. The Wallaby March came through Quirindi on 18 Dec. 1915. First ANZAC Day was Tuesday 25 April 1916, and in Quirindi collections were taken up for Quirindi and District Volunteers Memorial Fund. Quirindi liked to help its own; e.g., built a house for veteran Fred Firman who had six operations on his leg. It was called "Lone Pine", and was opened in Jan. 1918. Recruiting still in progress - the March to Freedom came through 18 May 1918. A branch of the RSSILA set up 7-6-1918, then a repatriation committee. Armistice Day 11-11-1918 - crowds and addresses from the Terminus Hotel balcony; holiday and church services.

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References: • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 93-123. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, pp 116-9. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 73 ff.

Local Theme: World War II World War II, 1939-1945. Reference:

• The whole book, Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950 is devoted to its effect in Quirindi. Details the patriotism, fund-raising and shortages on the home front.

This time war was expected on Australian soil. After Japanese bombing of northern Australia, a Japanese invasion was feared. Plane spotters were on roster from their post situated at the Bowling Club. Plans were made for evacuating city people and industries to the country. Other references:

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 120-1. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 108-115.

Local Theme: War Memorials Quirindi War Memorials: Two captured guns from World War I were set up in Anzac Park - so named in 1922. The War Memorial Clock was built 1925, and its base added in 1935. After World War II, again years of debate. Some hoped for a Town Hall for Quirindi at last. Grand plans were drawn up, but the financial situation meant that only Stage 1 could be built - the CWA Rooms and Baby Health Centre on corner of Pryor St and Church Ave. Currabubula also received two German Field Guns after World War I, but they were reclaimed in 1942 by the Commonwealth Dept of Defence to be recycled. Currabubula's hall became its War Memorial with the addition of a brick front wall. Honour Rolls were added and official unveiling took place on 22 May 1955. Werris Creek railway department and the churches prepared Honour Rolls of men who enlisted in World War I. After World War II a Cenotaph was erected in Anzac Parade, in memory of those who served in both World Wars. Werris Creek RSL erected a building as club rooms and Memorial Hall at 105 Henry Street; officially opened by State Governor Sir John Northcott 20 October 1955. It later became a Scout Hall. The Memorial Swimming Pool was officially opened 5 October 1968 and dedicated as a War Memorial for Werris Creek and District. Willow Tree hall became a War Memorial Hall after World War I. The second hall alongside was built by the RSL after World War II. The earlier one was later removed.

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References: • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 119-122 • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, pp 57-61. • QDHS Journal II-5-101 - Willow Tree Hall. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 80-81 - Honour Rolls.

p 112 - Cenotaph. p 124 - RSL building, 1955.

p 130, 132 - Memorial Pool, 1968. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", pp 97, 99 - Honour Roll. pp 94-7 - War Memorial Hall.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Quirindi War Memorial Clock and CWA Rooms. • Werris Creek Cenotaph. • War Memorial Swimming Pool. • War Memorial Halls.

Local Theme: Civil Defence Fear of nuclear attack was very real after World War II. A public meeting in 1960 resolved to set up a Civil Defence organisation in Quirindi. Training courses, pamphlets, films; some people attended the training school at Mt Macedon, Victoria. Plans to take evacuees from Randwick in Sydney. In the local organisation Controllers and Wardens were appointed. Gradually merged into the SES for dealing with natural emergencies like floods. Werris Creek formed a Civil Defence organisation during the War. Training sessions were held in the Werriston Theatre. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 89. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 111.

Local Theme: Wars and Peace Keeping since World War II Fear of Communism affected Government decision-making after World War II. Korean involvement 1950-53. Malayan Emergency against communism, 1950s. National Service Act was in force 1951-59. Local RSL was the contact organisation for District Recruiting Committee. Part time military service in the CMF was offered through 12/16 Hunter River Lancers based in Tamworth. Conscription was re -introduced in 1964. Much of the hostility to the Vietnam War was about sending conscripts. A small adviser training team went to Vietnam in 1962; first regular army battalions 1965 to 1971. War ended 1973. Local casualty = Errol Lee, former dux of Quirindi High School; killed 1969. UN Peace Keeping Forces. Quirindi casualty = Capt P. M. (Peter) McCarthy; killed by a land mine in Lebanon in 1988. Iraq War: Commander of Allied Forces (Aust/UK) = Commodore Cam Darby, of Spring Ridge family. References:

• QDHS files.

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NSW Theme: 7(b) Government and administration Local Theme: Local Government Incorporation of Quirindi Municipal Council gazetted 29-12-1890. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, pp 104-8 - early discussions. Tamarang Shire 1906, results of Shires Act 1905 and Local Government (Shires) Extension Bill 1906. Reference:

• QDHS Journal I-4-60 - First meeting of Temporary Council of 1906 was 15-6-1906; first meeting of Tamarang Shire Council after elections was 6-12-1906. First President = Alex. Pyke of Yarraman.

References: Chapters have been devoted to Local Government in the Quirindi history series:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 51-8 - Local Government • Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 9-12 - power station pp 12-15 - Council moves into School of Arts • Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, pp 46-9 - Local Government • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, pp121-5 - new Shire Chambers in Station St

p 125 - 75 years of local government celebrated 1965

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, pp 53-9 - pictorial - Mayors of Quirindi t o 1980 pp 60-77 - Local Government including

amalgamation 1980; new Quirindi Shire Council pp 120-132 - after amalgamation. Chambers: QMC met in School of Arts until its fire, 1912. QMC built its own chambers in Station St 1912. (Present Ambulance residence.) Tamarang Shire Council built its own chambers in Station St 1913; occupied this until 1963; demolished to make way for new building (the present one), opened 1965. Quirindi Shire Council occupied this after amalgamation 1980; now Liverpool Plains Shire. Reference: See photos of various chambers in:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 121. Willow Tree was in Warrah Shire when Shires created 1906. This became Murrurundi Shire 1948 when Municipality of Murrurundi absorbed. 2004 - Part north of Liverpool Range absorbed into Liverpool Plains Shire, including Willow Tree. Reference:

• M. Powell: Between Creeks, p xxiii.

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Werris Creek was in Tamarang Shire until 1922; boundary change; became part of Peel Shire. Urban Committee operated for about 20 years. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 85. Parry Shire was created 1 January 1976, taking in parts of Cockburn and Peel Shires, including Werris Creek. 2004 - Part of Parry Shire absorbed into Liverpool Plains Shire, including Werris Creek. Currabubula lay in Peel Shire (1906), then Parry Shire (1976), then Liverpool Plains Shire (2004). Possible Heritage Sites:

• Quirindi School of Arts building/Old Municipal Council building, built 1914. • Quirindi Ambulance residence (former Quirindi Municipal Council Chambers), built

1912. • Liverpool Plains Shire Chambers (former Tamarang Shire Chambers, then

Quirindi Shire Chambers), built 1965. Local Theme: Some Notable Administrators W. P. B. Hungerford: Quirindi Council Clerk (position re -named Town Clerk 1908) 1896-

1912 Shire Clerk of Tamarang Shire Council 1912-1943 Alderman on QMC 1914-1920 Mayor of Quirindi 1915-1918 inclusive.

P. G. Pryor: Town Clerk of Quirindi 1916-1958. North St was re -named Pryor St in his honour. Reference: Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 90.

P. Coote: Town Clerk of Quirindi 1958-1980. W. A. McNamara: Shire Clerk of Tamarang Shire Council 1952-1980. NSW Theme: 7(c) Law and order Local Theme: Quirindi Police and Court Buildings Police were posted to Quirindi in 1877 when the population was swollen with railway construction workers. Two mounted constables. Police station and Lock-up in Loder St with police residence nearby. 1878 - Court of Petty Sessions at Quirindi with one of the police acting as Clerk. Used a tin hall next to Whittaker's Hotel in Nelson St. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, p 61 - police services. A weatherboard Court House was built on corner of George and Henry Streets in 1883. CPS appointed - R. H. V. Allnutt. Police Station and residence built in Henry St 1885. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th century, pp 77-8.

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Police Paddock necessary in the days of horses = present RSL Park. Court House destroyed by fire 1929, though police station and residence saved. Court records lost, including those of District Court, which was transferred from Murrurundi in 1926. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 73-5, including photos. Present Court House built 1931, with police office at front left hand side. Plans by Government Architect E. H. Rembert. Design echoes arch facade of Post Office alongside. Police cramped for space in Court House; new station built in Henry St; opened 1963 by State Governor Sir Eric Woodward. Court of Petty Sessions called Local Court from 1985. District Court held in Tamworth. Local Theme: Police and Court House in Wallabadah Police in Wallabadah from early 1860s. Court House in Elizabeth St 1870. Court of Petty Sessions held fortnightly. Local Magistrates and Police Magistrate attended from Tamworth as required. Court House closed 1878. Police Station closed in late 1880s or in '90s. Reference:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 111-12. Local Theme: Blackville Police and Court House First Police Station opened ca 1875 at Black Creek on boundary of A. A. Company's "Warrah", probably to protect Company stock. One or two mounted police, and in late 1880s a Sergeant and Blacktracker. Poor accommodation - bark and slabs, open to wind and cold. New Police Station 1909, including a Court House. This has since become a private home, and the Court House sign is in Historical Cottage Museum in Quirindi. Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-2-48 and pp 119-123. Local Theme: Werris Creek Police and Court Room First Police Station built 1884 near railway footbridge. Second Police Station built 19ll at 72 Henry Street, containing quarters for police, a courtroom, a magistrate's room, two cells and an exercise yard. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 156-9.

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Local Theme: Currabubula Police Station First opened 1878. Has been opened and closed several times. When Werris Creek Station opened in 1884, Currabubula came under its control for a time. Re-opened, but again came under Werris Creek in 1973. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", pp 126-9. Local Theme: Willow Tree Police Station Opened 1915. Weatherboard residence, station, and lock-up. New residence built opposite, of fibro. Now under Scone Area Command. Local Theme: Police-Community Involvement Police Citizens Boys' Club and Youth Club have a long history in Quirindi. References:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 33 - Police Citizens' Boys Club formed 1938. • Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, p 79 - Club met at old pavilion. • Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 81 - Club bought Oddfellows Hall. • Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 112 - changed name to Youth Club 1986.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Court House, George Street, Quirindi. • Oddfellows Hall, Station Street, Quirindi.

NSW Theme: 7(d) Welfare See also Theme 3 (i) Health Local Theme: Government Initiated Schemes Local Government facilitates special programs and grants, e.g., Immunization after World War I for pneumonic influenza. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 114. Relief money in Depression. Social security, child endowment, workers' compensation, were measures of the State Government in the 1920s, opposed as further imposts on the cost of production. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 91.

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Local Theme: Public Housing Housing Commission homes to meet shortages in housing after World War II. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, pp 41, 91. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 118, 136.

Local Theme: Quirindi Municipal Council Housing Scheme Houses built by Council, with cost paid back over time by tenants until they owned their own home. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 91. Local Theme: Housing for Aged Under auspices of the Housing Commission, with local Council and community input, seven units in Perkins Street and four in Phillip Street were built by 1970. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 91-2. • Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, pp 65, 97.

Local Theme: Quirindi Retirement Homes Association An organization commenced in 1974 to plan for the needs of the aging in the community, establishing and maintaining accommodation for elderly people and services necessary for their welfare. Government grants and local community fund-raising resulted in opening of "Elmswood" on 8 July 1978 with 14 bed- sitter units. Extended 1989 to accommodate 32 people. Six self-contained villa units were next achieved, on corner of Hill and Abbott Streets, Quirindi, in 1982. Nursing Home accommodation was next undertaken, a 36-bed facility, opened 30 November 1984. The Ingall Rehabilitation and Day Care Centre, made possible by a bequest from Florence Ingall, were opened on 16 March 1985. Cunningham Court accommodation in Hill Street has re -used the former Infants School building, and also provides administration offices for the organisation. The Gables development between George Street and Church Avenue provides self-contained units. Reference:

• E. Pengilley: Community Health Care in the Quirindi District, p 114-7. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, pp 152, 154, 155.

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Local Theme: Special School Handicapped Children's Association formed in Quirindi 1968. Special School built in Stuart Street 1976. Now closed through withdrawal of funding. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 93. Local Theme: Local Service Organizations A Ladies' Relief Society functioned in the 19th century, before Quirindi Hospital was built. Also Lodge Liverpool Plains (Masonic Lodge), Manchester Unity and Grand United Orders of Oddfellows. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, pp 92, 145-7. The Red Cross has been particularly active during the two World Wars, with new branches forming in villages and localities throughout the region. Though fewer branches, it remains active. References:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 151-3. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 176 - formed 1914; p 110 - served hot

meals to men on troop trains in World War II, on tables under awnings of the railway platform.

• M. Scott: The Quipolly Valley, p 75. • Many references in Quirindi books, e.g., Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 107-10.

Service Clubs, Rotary, Apex, Lions, Jaycees, Quota, have all contributed to welfare in their local community, as well as having national and international connections. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 175. • Many references in Quirindi books, e.g., Quirindi 1966-1990, p 100 - community

projects. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Oddfellows Hall, Station St, 1890; • Masonic Hall, Henry St, 1895.

Australian Theme: 8. Developing Australia's cultural life NSW Theme: 8(a) Domestic life Local Theme: Improvements in Home Conditions Early homes simple and basic, and probably uncomfortable, despite efforts to insulate, e.g., paper over cracks, calico lined walls. Furniture basic; e.g., a wardrobe could be a curtained-off corner of a bedroom. Little protection from dust, flies, heat and cold. No running water and water quality suspect. Open fires a hazard - kitchen often built separately.

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Possible Heritage Sites: • Baldock home at Wallabadah. • Boundary rider's hut at Blackville.

Gradual improvement. Gardens. Vegetables important (cf Dad and Dave "On Our Selection" where Mother keeps her pumpkins alive) but also a few flowers. Grander homesteads on large properties replaced earlier dwellings by the end of the 19th century. Timber, brick, or locally quarried stone. Imported items like tiles and slate in some (e.g., Walhallow, Wallabadah). High ceilings for coolness. The popular Australian building material, corrugated iron, in widespread use. Servants were a normal part of domestic life, from poorer families to the wealthy. Necessary if the chores were to get done, e.g., milking by hand and butter-making, scrubbing floors. And provided employment for girls. Large families also meant children helped mother or father. Coming of electricity revolutionized domestic life. Appliances. Not necessarily less work, but less physical, e.g., the washing machine. Insulation, heating and cooling of houses increased comfort. The average house larger - more bedrooms, more living space. Local Theme: Effect of Women Working Outside the Home Another revolution since World War II - married women working in paid employment. Arguments raged over whether they were keeping young people out of jobs. Economic necessity has changed those viewpoints. As farm incomes dropped, more women working on farms, men working away to boost the farm income - reminiscent of men away carrying with their teams, leaving mother and children to run the farms, a century ago. Alternative is women bringing in a wage for nursing, teaching, etc, outside the home. Now servants are rare, except for casual labour in larger homes. NSW Theme: 8(b) Creative endeavour Local Theme: Organisations Fostering Creativity Over the years the region has seen Town Bands, Debating Clubs, Musical Societies, Arts Council, Art Society, Historical Society, Garden Club, Arts and Crafts Society, Toastmasters. The School o f Arts movement encouraged activities, Technical Education catered for many interests, Adult Education classes taught skills like quilting, embroidery, leatherwork, and much more. The availability of halls and meeting rooms has facilitated many of these activities. Reference:

• QDHS Archives.

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Local Theme: Architecture Frequently the architects of homes and commercial premises have not been recorded. However, where known they have been included on Heritage Nomination forms. A few examples: Government Architect E. H. Rembert was responsible for Quirindi Court House. Reference:

• G. P. Webber: E. H. Rembert. The life and work of the Sydney architect. 1902-1966.

"Mooki Springs" homestead was the work of architect Cyril Blackett, member of a family involved with architecture. Reference:

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 118. A locally based architect was Charles E. Kemmis, responsible for many buildings in Quirindi in the 1890s and early 20th century. Surviving samples of Kemmis's designs are the School of Arts/Old Municipal Building (though the facade has been altered), and the home at 33 Nowland Avenue. References:

• D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, p 132 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 17, 90.

Restoration, like the Heritage Motel, the newsagency building (once known as Selden's Buildings), and the home "Collarene" (now the Public School administration building), bring back to us the appearance of yesteryear. Some country homes like "Wallabadah Station", "Walhallow", "Glen Alpine", have remained largely unaltered. NSW Theme: 8(c) Leisure See also Theme 8(f) Sport Local Theme: Former Leisure Activities Leisure fashions change. Picnics at the creek bank or local school were once a favoured form of relaxation. People loved to attend horse sports, foot races, or watch Caledonian games. Billiards was popular at hotels. Roller skating had its day in local halls. Miniature golf took the fancy for a short time, and Quirindi had two courses. Quirindi once had a Coursing Club with live hares. Young men supported the Bicycle Club. People went horse riding. Shooting was popular for leisure as well as being an essential skill. Pigeon shoots (live birds and clay) were held. The Rifle Club was a very popular club for many years. When motors came about, of course there was a Motor Club. People liked to go visiting. Home entertainments like singing around the piano or a dance to the music of fiddle or mouthorgan were commonplace. Perhaps more people could play a musical instrument in those days, which means they must have spent time learning and practising their instruments. Gardening was leisure and useful at the same time. Card games around a big table with kerosene lamps and home made wine, were relaxing, as was reading (for those who could afford books).

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Children's games have changed too, from simple games with little or no equipment needed, or home made toys. Imagination turned a stick into a horse, or a clothes peg into a doll. When cinema arrived, going to the movies was a wonderful new leisure activity. Hobbies have been catered for with clubs like lapidary or model aircraft. We've had square dancing, ballroom dancing, marching girls. There was a succession of balls in the "ball season" for many years, which supported various organizations as well as providing leisure entertainment. The 2MO Women's Radio Club was a special story and had its own club rooms in Henry Street, Quirindi. It provided leisure time for its members, but also distributed money to many charities. Local Theme: Racing Horse races have been one of the earliest entertainments, held on many primitive courses in barely - cleared paddocks throughout the district. Racecourses have survived and been upgraded at Wallabadah and Quirindi. References:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, p 123-5. • Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, p 89 - Quirindi Jockey Club formed 1877. • Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 61 - racecourse at Wynn's Paddock. • Durrant: Quirindi, 1919-1939, p 57-60 - present racecourse. • Durrant: Quirindi, 1966-1990, p 114-5 - new buildings. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 50 - racecourse now David Taylor Park. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 156-7 - Currabubula Jockey Club. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 126-8 - racing.

Local Theme: Parks Quirindi had only one park for many years, on the corner of Henry and Rose Streets. Underwood Memorial Gates were built at the entrance in 1895. The town is now well served for parkland. Willow Tree also had tennis courts built in the park area. The King George V Memorial Gates were built at the entrance in 1935. There is also a recreation/rodeo ground. Werris Creek's HOAMM Park along the railway line is spelt with the initials of surnames from the Urban Committee of the time (1929). David Taylor Park commemorates a leading storekeeper and citizen of the town. Currabubula has had a recreation ground since 1890. More recently, Lorna Byrne Park and Bicentennial Park along the main road. References:

• QDHS Journal II-5-102 - Willow Tree Park. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, p 54-6 - Quirindi Park. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1939-1950, p 70 - Taylor Park. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, p 68 - RSL, Bell, Rose Lee, Anzac Parks. • M. Scott: The Quipolly Valley, p 72 - Recreation Ground (1910). • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 85 - Hoamm Park. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 155-6 - Recreation Ground; p 199-200 - Lorna

Byrne. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Parks. Wallabadah and Quirindi Racecourses.

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Local Theme: Going to the Movies Open air picture theatre set up in Henry Street, Quirindi, in 1911. Royal Theatre built 1930. It has also proved useful for balls, concerts, Empire Day school ceremonies. Werris Creek had screenings in Hallahan's Hall from 1911. It was named Werriston Cinema in 1925. Open air theatre established by Charles Maunder in Henry Street, Werris Creek, 1926. He called it the Werriston in 1928, and gave the hardtop theatre the name Royal. References:

• D. Coles: Quirindi at the Movies. Pp 106-12 contain summary of Werris Creek theatre history.

• D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 65-7 - Lyceum, Royal theatres. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 19-22 - Royal Theatre.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Royal Picture Theatres in Quirindi and Werris Creek. NSW Theme: 8(d) Religion Local Theme: Willow Tree Churches A small church was built circa 1885 for use of Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist denominations, with a cemetery behind the church. The Anglicans withdrew in 1924 and built their own church, St Oswald's. Mass was celebrated in home of Mr. & Mrs. Britton before first Catholic church built, St Anthony's, near the old Willow Tree Inn. High flood on 15 October 1949 lifted it off its foundations. New brick church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, dedicated 9 May 1954. References:

• QDHS Journal II-5-107. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 109-110. • The Quirindi Advocate, May 5, 2004. • I. Lobsey: Through the Years, history of Presbyterianism - Willow Tree.

Local Theme: Warrah Creek and Jacks Creek Churches St Stephen's Anglican Church, Warrah Creek, held its first service 28 Feb. 1915; dedicated 13 Nov. 1915; services ceased 16 April 1972. The building was sold. Warrah Union Church on Ardglen Road between Jacks Creek and Warrah Creek was opened and dedicated by a Presbyterian Minister on 2 December 1914. Anglican services were also held there until that congregation withdrew and built St Cuthbert's. The church was closed in the 1970s and the building sold. St Cuthbert's Anglican Church, Jacks Creek, on the Merriwa Road, was dedicated on 16 December 1929. The last service was held on 21 October1971, and the church and land sold in 1980. Catholic Mass in the area was celebrated in private homes or Jacks Creek hall, and at the Willow Tree church. Reference:

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision, pp 103-110.

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Local Theme: Blackville and Yarraman Churches Blackville had a Union Church, built ca 1894. St Aidan's Anglican Church was at Yarraman from 1914 to 1966, and then was moved to Blackville, and the Union Church was then used for other purposes (it became meeting room for CWA). The Catholic Church at Black Creek started in the 1870s, with a new one built alongside in 1906. Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-2-127-133. Local Theme: Bundella Churches Bundella had a Catholic Church, St John's, which was pulled down in 1979. Bundella's Presbyterian Church, St Andrew's, continued to hold monthly services. Reference:

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 48. Local Theme: Premer Churches Premer's Sacred Heart Church was opened in 1935; St Andrew's Anglican Church 1955. Reference:

• M. McGavin: Across the Plain, pp 48, 170-1. Local Theme: Spring Ridge Anglican Church The Anglican Church of St Matthias was built in 1880. The Clift family gave the land and the Binnie family of "4D" gave the timber, which was cut by pit saw and carted by bullock team. Reference:

• QDHS Journal I-2-6 - Early Days at Spring Ridge. Local Theme: Pine Ridge Anglican Church At Pine Ridge the Anglican Church of St John was consecrated in 1927. Reference:

• H. R. Carter: Upper Mooki, p 187. Local Theme: Caroona Churches The Croaker Memorial Union Church at Caroona is an attractive stone building, which has associations with the history of the huge "Walhallow" Station, and is in memory of its long-serving and respected General Manager, F. J. Croaker. It was opened in 1924. Reference:

• I. Lobsey: Through the Years. The Catholic Church at Caroona dates from 1936.

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Local Theme: Quipolly Churches St Chad's Anglican Church, Quipolly, was opened in 1886. The last service was held in 1969, but residents have carried out restoration and kept it in good order. The attached cemetery has special significance for them and their heritage. The Catholic churches at Quipolly, built in 1885 and 1928, have not survived. Reference:

• M. Scott: Quipolly Valley, p 64-5. Local Theme: Castlemountain Church Castlemountain had a Presbyterian Church from about 1890 to 1935, and it was then sold and removed. Reference:

• I. Lobsey: Through the Years. Local Theme: Wallabadah Churches Following a slab building ca 1865, the Anglican Church of the Ascension was built 1896. Its curved roof section was added in 1912. St Anne's Catholic Church was said to be originally built of broken stones, then a stone church 1890 also failed, and the present church of brick on stone foundation was built in 1910. Reference:

• Croker & Durrant: Wallabadah, pp 107-9. Local Theme: Quirindi Churches In the early days of settlement there were travelling ministers meeting with small groups in homes or pubs or halls. Reference:

• Durrant: Quirindi in 19th Century, p 67. Quirindi had a Union Church for protestant denominations from 1876, situated on the eastern side of the railway line St Alban's Anglican Church was a weatherboard building built 1886, replaced by a brick church 1925. Vicarage, recently replaced, dated from 1898. War Memorial Parish Hall was built 1953. Methodist Church built in 1882 is now part of "Elmswood" Retirement Hostel. The Parsonage was further along Henry St, now a private home. A wooden Presbyterian Church stood on the corner of George and William Street, and was moved in 1913 to the corner of Hill and Pryor Streets. Replaced by the Munro Memorial Church in 1921. Corbett Memorial gates stand at the corner entrance. First Manse was 29 Nowland St (now a private home); then land bought in Pryor St and the James and Robina Taylor Presbyterian Manse built in 1958.

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A small wooden building was the first Catholic Church, on corner of Thomas and Hill Streets. First Presbytery built 1894 (now the hall). Convent 1895. Brick St Brigid's 1898. New brick school 1899. Present Presbytery dates from 1922. New St Brigid's 1935. Seventh Day Adventist Church in Henry Street was built 1915, then a school, and the church extended. Jehovah's Witnesses built the Kingdom Hall in Russell St in 1978. References:

• D. Durrant: Quirindi in the 19th Century, pp 67-71, 143-5 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1900-1919, pp 86-7 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, pp 36-41 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 86 • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1966-1990, pp 107, 108, 159-62

Local Theme: Werris Creek Churches St Bede's Church of England was a wooden building at the corner of Single and North Streets, opened on 18 May 1884. About 1900 it was moved to a block facing Henry Street. A brick St Bede's was opened on 16 June 1932, with the former wooden nave re -positioned at the rear for a Parish Hall. The first Catholic Church was built about 1883 on the north side of Werris Creek, and is now a private home. The second church, St Thomas's, was built in 1914 in Dewhurst Street. The Sisters of St Joseph arrived in Werris Creek in 1914 and a convent was built in the church grounds, and school begun. A new presbytery was built 1930. Extensions to the church were made in the 1950s; however a new church was built and opened on 1 August 1971. St Andrew's Presbyterian Church was built on the corner of Dewhurst Street and Anzac Parade and opened on 17 February 1915. A church hall was built in 1954, and a brick vestry added to the church in 1958. A Methodist Church was built in 1902 on the corner of Henry and George Streets. Since the formation of the Uniting Church in 1977, the congregation has used the former Presbyterian facilities. References:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 160-174. • I. Lobsey: Through the Years, history of Presbyterianism.

Local Theme: Currabubula Churches Currabubula Uniting Church was originally erected as a Union Church, officially opened and dedicated on 11 July 1883. The Anglicans built their own church in 1901, and the Union Church was used by Presbyterians and Methodists until the merger of these congregations in 1977, when the church became a Uniting Church. The first service in St Matthew's Church of England was held on 5 May 1901. The church was damaged in a storm in December 1995 and the building removed. The first Catholic Church was erected in 1898, but it was too small. St Michael's was built on the same site in 1907. It was sold in 1998 and has become a private home.

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Reference: • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", pp 138-148.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Churches. Cemeteries. • Highly recommended: Croaker Memorial Church, Caroona; St Chad's, Quipolly;

Union Church, Blackville; Church of the Ascension, Wallabadah; St Anne's, Wallabadah; Presbytery, Quirindi.

Local Theme: Cemeteries and Graves Cemeteries exist at Caroona (Walhallow), Currabubula, Quipolly, Quirindi, Spring Ridge, Wallabadah, Werris Creek, Willow Tree, and closed cemeteries at Blackville, Bundella, Colly Blue, and Yarraman. Some isolated graves exist on properties, e.g., at "Williewarina" on Mooki River the grave of Jane Perry (died 1864 aged 32 having her tenth child) and her husband Henry (died 1882). Reference:

• H. R. Carter: The Upper Mooki, p 48. Graves in Quirindi: Cook graves in Loder Street (Ben Cook of "Bird in Hand" hotel). Reference:

• Journal of QDHS I-6-9. NSW Theme: 8(e) Social institutions A number of social institutions have been dealt with under other Themes, e.g., School of Arts, Libraries, P. A. & H. Association, under 6-Educating. Friendly Societies, Service Clubs, under 7(d)-Welfare. Leisure clubs, under 8(b)-Creative endeavour. Sporting organizations, under 8(f)-Sport. Churches, under 8(d)-Religion. Local Theme: Museums Historical Cottage and Museum, 44 Station Street, Quirindi; opened 1970. “Aberfieldie” Settlers’ Cottage, Wallabadah. First Fleet Gardens, Wallabadah; opened 2005. Quirindi Rural Heritage Village, Gunnedah Road, 3kms from Quirindi; opened 2005. Australian Railway Monument, Werris Creek; opened 2005. Local Theme: Country Women's Association Branches formed at Quirindi in 1925, Willow Tree 1926, Werris Creek 1931, Currabubula 1932, Spring Ridge 1924, Blackville 1836, The Flags/ Premer 1960. Two of their special interests were providing rest rooms for country women visiting town, and baby health clinics. The organisation has also developed national and international activities, but its local involvement is paramount.

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References: • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1919-1939, p 33-4. • D. Durrant: Quirindi 1950-1966, p 57-61 - CWA Rooms and Baby Health Clinic. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 125 - CWA Baby Health Clinic. • S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, p 177-8. • S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p 149-51. • 1912 Warrah Subdivision, p 113-4. • M. McGavin: Across the Plain, p 208-9.

Possible Heritage Sites:

• Masonic Temple, Henry St, Quirindi (1895). • CWA Rooms, Pryor St, Quirindi (1956) - this is the World War II Memorial.

NSW Theme: 8(f) Sport Local Theme: Quirindi Sporting Organizations Just about every kind of sport is or was at Quirindi: Team sports and individual; adults or children; active or passive (spectator). Horse related: Racing, polo, polocrosse, campdraft, rodeo, pony club, Show jumping, dressage. Football codes. Basketball; netball. Tennis, squash, golf, hockey, cricket, bowls. Athletics, gymnastics, swimming, water polo. Shooting. The Rifle Range has been in three locations. Darts. Reference:

• QDHS Archives. Local Theme: Currabubula Sporting Activities Cricket, tennis, football, boxing and athletics have been popular. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: "Carrabobbila", p158-62. Local Theme: Werris Creek Sport A new sporting organisation called the Werris Creek Institute and Town Bowling and Tennis Club was formed in 1953. Extensions opened in 1972 made this Club a social centre for the town. Werris Creek Golf Club began 1928 and a 9 hole course was developed, and club house. The Memorial Swimming Pool was completed 1968. Reference:

• S. H. Ware: A History of Werris Creek, pp 96 (golf), 132 (pool), 123, 134 (Bowling and Tennis Club).

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Local Theme: Willow Tree Tennis Courts Several courts existed in the village, including one near the Recreation Ground in the 1930s, before the present courts were constructed in a park next to the New England Highway. Reference:

• QDHS Journal II-5-102. Local Theme: Warrah Creek -Jacks Creek Sport Tennis, cricket, boxing have been popular. Willow Tree Inter-School Athletics Day began 1932 and drew attendance from small schools throughout the district. Reference:

• 1912 Warrah Subdivision, pp 124-9. Possible Heritage Sites:

• Quirindi racecourse/showground; Henry Street sporting fields/showground; swimming pool (1929).

• Rose Lee Park/showground; RSL Park; Bell Park? • Rifle Range (has been in 3 locations). • Wallabadah racecourse. • Willow Tree recreation ground. • Quipolly recreation ground. • Quirindi polo ground • Bundella polo ground. • Hoamm Park, Werris Creek. • Currabubula Recreation Ground.

Australian Theme: 9. Marking the phases of life NSW Theme: 9(a) Birth and death Maternity homes have been dealt with under Theme 3(i) - Health. Cemeteries have been listed under Theme 8(d) - Religion. NSW Theme: 9(b) Persons Local Theme: Honouring Local People Communities like to honour people who have been significant in some way. Quirindi adopted the practice of naming streets after Mayors of the town. All but two have been honoured in this fashion, and they had parks named after them. Lorna Byrne Park in Currabubula and David Taylor Park in Werris Creek record notable citizens. Hoamm Park in Werris Creek is unique - the initial letters of five surnames make up the park name.

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Hospital wards have been another way of recognizing the work of volunteers and admired staff: Simson Wing, Ellen Savage Wing, W. W. Corbould Wing, and Edith Crawford Nursery. Churches hold many memorials, and the buildings themselves commemorate members of the congregation and their families, as in the Croaker Memorial Church at Caroona, Munro Memorial Church in Quirindi, James and Robina Taylor Presbyterian Manse, Pollock Hall. The H. and J. W. McMaster Memorial Hall at Premer paid tribute to an important local family, and the fact that Hugh McMaster was a President of Tamarang Shire Council. Pavilions at the showground are recognition of service, such as the Malcolm Lobsey Cattle Pavilion and the Bill Towse Poultry Pavilion at Quirindi. The Underwood Memorial Gates in Henry Street, Quirindi, recognized that Edward Grimes Underwood was Quirindi's leading citizen of the time, and were erected in 1895 after his untimely death. A lot of ordinary people doing ordinary things make up history, but they are always in the background. Wallabadah recognized their contribution with a plaque on its town symbol statue, recording "This statue has been erected in Australia's Bicentennial Year by the Wallabadah community to commemorate the families whose courage and hard work opened up this district from earliest recorded settlement in 1835 to present day. 2nd January, 1988. Unveiled by W. F. (Fred) Usfeller, in his hundredth year."

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Bibliography 50 Years of Quirindi High School. Baker, J.: History of Lodge No. 191, Liverpool Plains. Baker, J.: The Walhallow Reserve. Research paper. Bayley, W.: Hills of Gold. Bettington, H. M.: Colly Creek Estate. Binnie, M. E.: Pages of the Past. Binnie, M. E.: More Pages of the Past. Carter, H. R.: The Upper Mooki. Centenary of Education - Spring Ridge Public School. 1878-1978 Coles, D.: Quirindi at the Movies. Collins, G. and Durrant, D.: Quirindi 2000 - a pictorial. Croker, R. and Durrant, D.: Wallabadah. Durrant, D.: 100 Years of Polo in Quirindi. Durrant, D.: Quirindi in the 19th Century - How a Town Began. Durrant, D.: Quirindi 1900 to 1919 - Confidence and Patriotism. Durrant, D.: Quirindi 1919 to 1939 - Between the World Wars. Durrant, D.: Quirindi 1939 to 1950 - Courage and Commitment. Durrant, D.: Quirindi 1950 to 1966 - A Time of Development. Durrant, D.: Quirindi 1966 to 1990 - Years of Change. Fitzpatrick, R.: Country Conscience – A History of the NSW Provincial Press, 1841-1995. Graecen, W.: Mission on the Mooki. Unpublished thesis. Green, C.: 50 Years of Pony Club in Quirindi – 1950-2000. Historical Notes on area of Borambil - Bolah Gap School. 1897-1953. Hockey in Quirindi – 1936-1991. Levett, W.: A History of Education at Walhallow. Research paper. Lobsey, I.: Through the Years – Presbyterianism. Lord, K.: Road Through Life. McGavin, M.: Across the Plain. Pengilley, E.: Community Health Care in the Quirindi District. Powell, M.: Between Creeks - Millers Creek west to Black Creek. Premer Public School Centenary. 1881-1981. Quirindi 1877 – 1977. Quirindi & District Historical Society Journal - Historical Notes.

Volume I, Numbers 1 - 6. Volume II, Numbers 1 - 6.

Roworth, H.: A Kamilaroi Dreaming. Scott, M.: The Quipolly Valley. Townsend, J.: A History of Campdrafting and Rodeo in Quirindi – 1900-1992. Ware, S.: "Carrabobbila". Ware, S.: A History of Werris Creek and District. Ware, S.: Who Was Who on the Liverpool Plains in 1941? Unpublished thesis. Warrah Progress Association: 1912 Subdivision. Watson, D.: Death Sentence. Webber, G. P.: E. H. Rembert. The life and work of the Sydney architect. 1902-1966. Willow Tree and District School Centenary. 1882-1982.

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Appendix A: National, State and Local themes Australian Theme: 1.Tracing the natural evolution of Australia. NSW Theme: 1(a) Environment - naturally evolved.

Local Theme: Landform. Local Theme: Weather Events.

Australian Theme: 2. Peopling Australia. NSW Theme: 2(a) Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures. Local Theme: Aboriginal Population.

Local Theme: Walhallow Village. Local Theme: Nungaroo Land Council.

NSW Theme: .2(b) Convict.

Local Theme: Convicts in Labour Force. Local Theme: Convict-built Structures. NSW Theme: 2(c) Ethnic influences.

Local Theme: Chinese Presence. Local Theme: Indian Stores and Hawkers.

NSW Theme: 2(d) Migration.

Local Theme: European Migration. Local Theme: Post World War II Population Movements.

Australian Theme: 3. Developing local, regional and national economies NSW Theme: 3(a) Agriculture.

Local Theme: Selection and its Effects. Local Theme: Changes in Machinery and Crops.

NSW Theme: 3(b) Commerce.

Local Theme: Types of Businesses in Rural Towns. Local Theme: The Chamber of Commerce.

Local Theme: Professional Services. NSW Theme: 3(c) Communication.

Local Theme: Mail Services and Post Offices. Local Theme: Speedier Communication. Local Theme: Newspapers.

NSW Theme: 3(d) Environment - cultural landscape. Local Theme: National Days.

NSW Theme: 3(e) Events. Local Theme: Floods.

Local Theme: Fire (bushfire and house fires). Local Theme: Depressions. Local Theme: Drought. Local Theme: Wars.

Local Theme: Festivals. Local Theme: Sporting Events.

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NSW Theme: 3(f) Exploration. Local Theme: Exploration by Squatters.

NSW Theme: 3(g) Fishing.

Local Theme: Aboriginal Food Sources. Local Theme: State Trawled Fish. Local Theme: Recreational Fishing. Local Theme: Aquaculture.

NSW Theme: 3(h) Forestry.

Local Theme: State Forests. Local Theme: Sawmills.

NSW Theme: 3(i) Health.

Local Theme: Health Care. Local Theme: Hospitals. Local Theme: The Aging Population.

NSW Theme: 3(j) Industry.

Local Theme: Primary Industry. Local Theme: Secondary Industry. Local Theme: Tertiary Industry.

NSW Theme: 3(k) Mining.

Local Theme: Coal. Local Theme: Temi Shale Mine. Local Theme: Zeolite.

NSW Theme: 3(l) Pastoralism.

Local Theme: Australian Agricultural Company. Local Theme: Pastoral Runs.

Local Theme: Subdivision of Large Properties. Local Theme: Soldier Settler Blocks. NSW Theme: 3(m) Science.

Local Theme: Research with Practical Applications for Farmers and Graziers.

NSW Theme: 3(n) Technology.

Local Theme: Technological Changes Affecting Rural Life. NSW Theme: 3(o) Transport.

Local Theme: Transport at the Pace of the Horse. Local Theme: State of Roads.

Local Theme: Carriers. Local Theme: Stock Routes. Local Theme: Toll Gates.

Local Theme: Bridges. Local Theme: Motorized Transport. Local Theme: Railway. Local Theme: Airports.

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Australian Theme: 4. Building settlements, towns and cities. NSW Theme: 4(a) Towns, suburbs and villages.

Local Theme: Reasons for Sites of Settlements. Local Theme: Decline of Settlements. Local Theme: Street Names. Local Theme: Town Beautification. Local Theme: Civic Centres.

NSW Theme: 4 (b) Land tenure.

Local Theme: Land Ownership in Urban Areas. NSW Theme: 4(c) Utilities.

Local Theme: Water. Local Theme: Sewerage. Local Theme: Electricity.

NSW Theme: 4(d) Accommodation. Local Theme: Types of Housing. Australian Theme: 5. Working. NSW Theme: 5(a) Labour.

Local Theme: Types of Employment in Country Towns. Local Theme: Management. Local Theme: Methods of Sourcing Labour. Local Theme: Political Development and Industrial Awards.

Australian Theme: 6. Educating. NSW Theme: 6(a) Education.

Local Theme: Sites and Status of Quirindi Schools. Local Theme: Catholic Education. Local Theme: Governesses and Tutors. Local Theme: Private Schools. Local Theme: Werris Creek Public School. Local Theme: District schools. Local Theme: School Travel. Local Theme: TAFE. Local Theme: Pre -School Education. Local Theme: Scouting Association and Guides Australia. Local Theme: Junior Farmers (Rural Youth). Local Theme: Agricultural Bureau. Local Theme: Adult and Community Education. Local Theme: Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association. Local Theme: School of Arts or Mechanics' Institute. Local Theme: Libraries.

Australian Theme: 7. Governing. NSW Theme: 7(a) Defence.

Local Theme: Militia Service and Rifle Clubs before World War I. Local Theme: World War I. Local Theme: World War II. Local Theme: War Memorials. Local Theme: Civil Defence. Local Theme: Wars and Peace Keeping since World War II.

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NSW Theme: 7(b) Government and administration. Local Theme: Local Government. Local Theme: Some Notable Administrators.

NSW Theme: 7(c) Law and order.

Local Theme: Quirindi Police and Court Buildings. Local Theme: Police and Court House in Wallabadah. Local Theme: Blackville Police and Court House. Local Theme: Werris Creek Police and Court Room. Local Theme: Currabubula Police Station. Local Theme: Willow Tree Police Station. Local Theme: Police-Community Involvement.

NSW Theme: 7(d) Welfare.

Local Theme: Government Initiated Schemes. Local Theme: Public Housing. Local Theme: Quirindi Municipal Council Housing Scheme. Local Theme: Housing for Aged. Local Theme: Quirindi Retirement Homes Association. Local Theme: Special School. Local Theme: Local Service Organisations.

Australian Theme: 8. Developing Australia's cultural life. NSW Theme: 8(a) Domestic life.

Local Theme: Improvements in Home Conditions. Local Theme: Effect of Women Working Outside the Home.

NSW Theme: 8(b) Creative endeavour.

Local Theme: Organisations Fostering Creativity. Local Theme: Architecture.

NSW Theme: 8(c) Leisure.

Local Theme: Former Leisure Activities. Local Theme: Racing. Local Theme: Parks. Local Theme: Going to the Movies.

NSW Theme: 8(d) Religion.

Local Theme: Willow Tree Churches. Local Theme: Warrah Creek and Jacks Creek Churches. Local Theme: Blackville and Yarraman Churches. Local Theme: Bundella Churches. Local Theme: Premer Churches. Local Theme: Sp ring Ridge Anglican Church. Local Theme: Pine Ridge Anglican Church. Local Theme: Caroona Churches. Local Theme: Quipolly Churches. Local Theme: Castlemountain Church. Local Theme: Wallabadah Churches. Local Theme: Quirindi Churches. Local Theme: Werris Creek Churches. Local Theme: Currabubula Churches. Local Theme: Cemeteries and Graves.

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NSW Theme: 8(e) Social institutions. Local Theme: Museums

Local Theme: Country Women's Association.

NSW Theme: 8(f) Sport. Local Theme: Quirindi Sporting Organisations. Local Theme: Currabubula Sporting Activities. Local Theme: Werris Creek Sport. Local Theme: Willow Tree Tennis Courts. Local Theme: Warrah Creek-Jacks Creek Sport.

Australian Theme: 9. Marking the phases of life. NSW Theme: 9(a) Birth and death

NSW Theme: 9(b) Persons. Local Theme: Honouring Local People.

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Appendix B: Heritage Buildings in Quirindi Public nominations of heritage items within Liverpool Plains Shire are recorded on 189 heritage nomination description sheets’. Nominations within the town of Quirindi have been summarised here 2. The significance column is the recommendation of R. Stewart and D. Durrant based on an inspection on 25/6/2004.

Street Building Description Significance Station St Shire Chambers (1965) No Quirindi Municipal Council Chambers (1912)

[Ambulance residence] Yes

Vertical Silo (1933) No Oddfellows Hall (1890) [PCYC] No Royal Hotel (1890, 1935) Yes Allnutt St 13 A. E. Tebbutt's house (ca 1900) Yes 48 Nurse Sweeney's hospital (1905) No Hawker St 128 "Cawarra" (ca 1900) [now "Karingal"] Also

130, 132 Yes

178 W. J. T. Storey's house (1916) [J. Stevenson]

Yes

178 bottle tree in garden Note only Bell Park [Memorial to Mayor K. Bell] No 223 "Somerset Cottage" (1908) [Vet] Yes Fairbairn St Bulk Silo (1969) No Centre St "Warramea" (ca 1894) [opposite Phillip St] Yes Snape St 3 weatherboard cottage (ca 1950) No Storey St 10 "Minnamurra" (1920) Yes 3, 4 "Woodlawn" (1890s) Yes Nowland Ave 33 A. McIntyre house (1900) [J. Neylon] Yes Munro St "Collarene” (1893) [school admin.] Yes Housing Commission homes (ca 1960s) No "Euraba" (1891) [Dr Bourke] No Corbould St "Airlie" Cottage with red roof Look Again Cromarty St Gardens and mature trees at rear of Nowland St

houses Yes

A stable building at rear of No. 25 Nowland St. Yes Row of fibro homes. No Nowland St 29 First Presbyterian Manse (ca 1910) Yes 35 "Grays" (ca 1923) Yes 39 A. G. Hague's house (1929) Yes 43 J. P. Newcombe's house (ca 1890) Yes Hospital - oldest part, Nurses' Home (1912, 1923,

1936) No

Abbott St Reservoir (1912) Yes 18 second "Shirley" Hospital (1935) [corner of

North Ave] No

North Ave 22 "Hayward" (1885) Yes Hill St High School (1936) Yes 108 "Fairholme" (ca 1905) Yes 100 Dr Mead's house (1899) [J. Ayres] Yes 89 slab cottage, fibro verandah Yes Dalley St "Rosary Cottage" (1890s) [s -east corner of Hill

St] Yes

Fire Station (1922) No 22 first "Shirley" Hospital (ca 1930) No North Ave "Hill Crest" (ca 1920) No

2 Based on a list made by Tony Dodds, but with some additional buildings. Used by Shirley Burraston and Dorothy Durrant for Photo Survey on 2 April 2004. Corrections made 28 May 2004.

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Street Building Description Significance Pryor St Pollock Hall (1918) Yes Munro Memorial Church (1921) Yes James & Robina Taylor Memorial Manse (21 June

1956) No

Californian Bungalow (ca 1930) [opposite Pollock Hall]

Yes

76 D. Mugivan’s house (ca 1922) [corner of Hill Street – J Haydon]

No

“Winona” (1909) [Vet] Yes Hill St 77 unpainted cottage, slab walls No 62-72 group of cottages (1908?) Yes 60 “Tycawina” (1929) Yes “Boonanghi” (1908) [n-east corner of Henry St] Yes “Cunningham Court” (1891) – school part only Yes Henry St 120 H. Rooney’s house No 122 Methodist Parsonage (1890s) Yes Lee Ave 1 cottage plus Lee Ave precinct No Henry St Royal Theartre (1930) Yes 100,102 Police houses Yes Church Ave 72 “The Poplars” Hospital (1890s) Yes 79 cottage, slab walls No CWA Rooms – World War II Memorial (1956) No “The Gables” leisure room-stables for bank (ca

1890) Yes

Thomas St 2 Dr Gray’s house (1919) No Presbytery (1922) Yes St Brigid’s (1935) Yes George St Heritage Motel (1901, 1908) Yes Britton’s store (1898) [Shaw’s] Yes Butcher’s shop (ca 1894) Yes Whittaker St 7 Cottage No 18, 20? Duplex cottages Yes Federal Hotel (1901) Yes Cottage next to Federal (ca 1901) Yes John John’s blacksmith (1902) [Trading Post] Yes Bridge (1935) Yes Loder St Graves of Cook family Yes Kurrajong tree (1877) Yes Bank Lane 10 brick cottage No 15 timber cottage No Lennox St 34 rendered brick cottage & underground tank Yes 20 Price house (ca 1880s) [corner of Church St] Yes Loder St “Florence Cottage” Hospital (ca 1900) No First showground – Rose Lee Park (to Council

1973) No

99 W.P.B. Hungerford’s house (ca 1899) Yes Historical plaque – first Police Station (1877)

[Dunbar] Yes

15 vertical slab Yes Cottage three from South St Yes “Yatalunga” (ca 1908) No Taylor St “Lone Pine” (1918) No Russell St Cemetery (1878) Yes Kingdom Hall (1978) No East St Ticket Box (ca 1930) Yes Grandstand (1927) Yes Pittsford St Suspension Bridge (1902, 1955) No Dewhurst St “Aird” (1890s) [J Webster] Yes

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Street Building Description Significance Milner Pde “West Lynne” (ca 1914) Yes “Glen Ayr” No 91? Cottage at end of street No Pollock St 4 cottage Yes Pryor St 50 P.H. George’s house (1911) Yes Smith St P.H. George’s iron sheds Yes Butter Factory (ca 1912) [eastern part of factory] No Ogle Ave 23, 19, 17 cottages No Henry St SDA Church (1915, 1961) Yes Second showground (1913-1949) [sportsground] No Pavilion (1935) Yes Doctor’s house (1890s) No Underwood Gates (1895) Yes Rose St “Taloobah” (ca 1930) [Robinson] No Henry St Imperial Hotel (1895) Yes Masonic Hall (1895) Yes Baker’s shop (1904) No Butcher’s shop (ca 1900) Yes Bridge (1929) Yes RSL Park (1952) No George St Court House (1931) Yes Post Office (1884) Yes School of Arts-Quirindi Municipal Building (1913) Yes National Australia Bank (1940) Yes L.C. Whittle’s chemist shop and residence

(1890s) [Stitches] No

Pollock’s Produce Store (1912, 1924) [corner of Thomas St]

Yes

AJS Bank-ABC-Bank of NSW-Westpac Bank (1890)

Yes

Selden’s Buildings (1897) [newsagent] Yes Bowly’s Arcade (1907, 1938) [Sel Brown-Reilly’s] Yes Commercial Hotel (1876, 1895, 1900) Yes Reilly House (1928) Yes Terminus Hotel (1900, 1908) Yes Anzac Square War Memorial Clock (1925, 1935) Yes Railway Station (1876) Yes Stationmaster’s Residence (1898) Yes Station St Bank of NSW-Rural Bank (1908) [Nungaroo] Yes McIntosh’s store (1891 or 1895) [video] Yes Commonwealth Bank (1918, 1939, 1957) Yes Historical Cottage and Museum (1887) Yes

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Appendix C

Liverpool Plans Shire Community Heritage Committee Recommendations

The Liverpool Plains Shire Council Heritage Study Community Advisory Committee recommends the following 189 nominated places/items (including a defined Conservation Area) for listing, as either: a) high local heritage significance and worthy of consideration for subsequent

listing on the Local Environmental Plan and/or State Heritage Inventory (106)

b) local heritage significance for recording only on the Liverpool Plains Shire Council Local Heritage Inventory (83).

a) Recommendations for Council’s Local Environmental Plan The committee recommends the following 106 nominated places/items be assessed as being of high local heritage significance and be listed on the Liverpool Plains Shire Council Local Heritage Inventory and be considered for subsequent listing on Council’s Local Environmental Plan and/or State Heritage Inventory.

QUIRINDI TOWN AREA

Quirindi Conservation Area The committee recommends the declaration of a conservation area on the western side of George and Station Streets between the Heritage Motel (including the old saddler’s shop) to the Ambulance residence (originally Quirindi Municipal Council offices, 1912). The conservation area to also include Quirindi Railway Station and the Stationmaster’s residence on the eastern side of Station Street. The Conservation Area includes 23 places/items of high local heritage significance. The Conservation Area has an overall townscape, architectural and historic character which, in the committee’s view, should be conserved even though not every individual building in the area is significant. Owners, developers and council are asked to ensure that any new development within the Conservation Area is designed to be in harmony with the heritage significance of the area. The Quirindi Heritage Conservation Area includes the following recommended high local significance places/items:

Anzac Square: War Memorial Clock (1925, 1935) Railway Station (1876) Stationmaster's Residence (1898) George Street: Heritage Motel (1901, 1908) including the former Lambert’s saddlery shop. Britton’s Store (1898) Shaws Butcher’s Shop (ca 1894) Court House (1931) Post Office (1884) School of Arts/Old Municipal Building (1913) National Aust. Bank (1940) Pollock's Produce Store (1912, 1924) [comer of Thomas St] AJS Bank - ABC - Bank of NSW - Westpac Bank (1890) Selden's Buildings (1897) [newsagent] Bowly's Arcade (1907, 1938) [Sel Brown - Reilly's] Commercial Hotel (1876, 1895, 1900) Reilly House (1928) Terminus Hotel (1900, 1908)

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Station Street: Quirindi Municipal Council Chambers (1912) [Ambulance residence] Royal Hotel (1890, 1935) Bank of NSW - Rural Bank (1908) [Nungaroo] LEP listed. McIntosh's store (1891 or 1895) [video] Commonwealth Bank (1918, 1939, 1957) Historical Cottage and Museum (1887) Other recommended places/items (61) with high local heritage significance (HL) Abbott Street: Reservoir (1912) Allnutt Street: 13 A. E. Tebbutt's house (ca 1900) Centre Street: “Warramea" (ca 1894) [opposite Phillip St] Church Avenue: 72 "The Poplars" Hospital (l890s) “The Gables" leisure room - stables for bank (ca 1890) Cromarty Street: Gardens and mature trees at rear of Nowland St houses. A stable building at rear of No. 25 Nowland St. Dalley Street: “Rosary Cottage" (1890s) [s-east corner of Hill St] Dewhurst Street: “Aird" (1890s) [J. Webster] East Street: Ticket Box (ca 1930) [in showground area] Grandstand (1927) Hawker Street: 178 W. J. T. Storey's house (1916) [J. Stevenson] 178 bottle tree in garden 223 "Somerset Cottage" (1908) [Vet] Henry Street: Imperial Hotel (1895) Butcher's shop (ca 1900) Bridge (1929) Methodist Parsonage (1890s) St Alban's (1925) "Elmswood" - Methodist Church (1882) Royal Theatre (1930) 100, 102 Police houses SDA Church (1915, 1961) Underwood Gates (1895) Hill Street: High School (1936) front only 108 "Fairholme" (ca 1905) 100 Dr Mead's house (1899) [J. Ayres] 62-72 group of six cottages (1908?) 60 "Tycawina" (1929) “Boonanghi" (1908) [n-east corner of Henry St] "Cunningham Court" (1891) Lennox Street: 34 rendered brick cottage & underground tank) 20 Price house (ca 1880s) [corner of Church street)

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Loder Street: 99 W. P. B. Hungerford's house (ca 1899) 116 first Police Station (1877) [W. Dunbar] marked by historic plaque 15 vertical slab houses Cottage three from South St. Kurrajong tree (1877) Milner Parade: “West Lynne" (ca 1914) Munro Street: “Collarene" (1893) [school admin.] Nowland Avenue: 33 A. McIntyre house (1900) [J. Neylon] Nowland Street: 29 First Presbyterian Manse (ca 1910) 35 “Gray’s” (ca 1923) 39 A. G. Hague's house (1929) 43 J. P. Newcombe's house (ca 1890) North Avenue: 22 “Hayward” (1885) Pollock Street: 4 cottages Pryor Street: P. H. George's house (1911) Pollock Hall (1918) Munro Memorial Church (1921) Californian Bungalow (ca 1930) [opposite Pollock Hall] “Winona" (1909) [Vet] Smith Street: P. H. George's iron sheds Storey Street: 10 "Minnamurra" (1920) 3, 4 "Woodlawn" (1890s) Thomas Street: Presbytery (1922) St Brigid's (1935) Whittaker Street: 18, 20? Duplex cottages Federal Hotel (1901) John Johns' blacksmith (1902) [Trading Post) Bridge (1935)

RURAL & VILLAGE AREAS Recommended places/items (44) with high local heritage significance (HL) “Aberfeldie”, Wallabadah Boundary rider’s cottage, Blackville “Bundella Station”. LEP Listed. St Andrew’s Church, Bundella “Colly Creek” homestead & shed. Original homestead site marked by Bunya Pine (on separate property) “Abbottslea” Group “Walhallow” homestead group LEP listed Croaker Memorial Union Church, Caroona “Mooki Springs” homestead group “Kickerbell” restaurant – “Little Kickerbell” “Windy Station” woolshed and homestead Blackville Union Church LEP listed

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Blackville St Aidan’s Anglican Church “Yarraman Park” woolshed “Warrah Station” Homestead and associated out buildings Wallabadah Anglican Church of the Ascension LEP listed Wallabadah St Anne’s Catholic Church LEP listed Wallabadah Marshal MacMahon Hotel LEP listed “Wallabadah Station” homestead “Wallabadah Station” woolshed WERRIS CREEK: Railway Station and Yard (1870-1880) Railway Institute (1915) Former National Australia Bank (1920) Shop fronts 57-59 Single St. (1929) Former Economic Development museum (1911) Loco Barracks (1917) “Florendor” 74 Henry St (1924) Catholic Presbytery (1915) St Joseph’s School (1914) Residence 92 Dewhurst St (1910) Residence 31 Dewhurst St (1874 & 1908) Signal Hotel (1927) Primary School (1883) “Glen Alpine” (1880) St Bede’s Anglican Church (1932) Fire Station (1934) CURRABUBULA: Locomotive Hotel (1910) WILLOW TREE: “Glasston Station” Staging Post New “Warrah Station” Old “Warrah” Homestead Railway Station and Yards National Australia Bank Police Station and Lock-up Rock cairn known as Dangar’s Monument Corner McDonald & Blackville Roads _______________________________________________________________________

b) Recommendations for Council’s Local Heritage Inventory ONLY The committee recommends the following 83 nominated places/items be assessed as being of local heritage significance for recording ONLY on the Liverpool Plains Shire Council Local Heritage Inventory.

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QUIRINDI TOWN AREA

Recommended places/items (48) within Quirindi town area with local

heritage significance (L) Abbott Street: 18 second “Shirley” hospital Allnutt Street: 48 Nurse Sweeney’s hospital Bank Lane: 10 Brick cottage 15 Timber cottages Church Street: 79 cottage, slab walls CWA Rooms- World War 11 Memorial (1956) Corbould St: "Airlie" Cottage with red roof Cromarty Street: Row of fibro homes Dalley Street: Fire Station (1922) 22 first “Shirley” hospital (ca 1930) Fairburn Street: Bulk silo (1969) Hawker Street: 28 “Cawarra” (ca 1900) Bell Park Henry Street: 120 H Rooney’s house Parish Hall (War Memorial, 1953) Second showground (1913-1949) Pavilion (1935) Doctor’s house (1890’s) Masonic Hall (1895) Baker’s shop (1904) RSL Park Hill Street: 89 slab cottage, fibro verandah 77 unpainted cottage, slab walls Lee Avenue: 1 cottage plus Lee Ave. precinct Loder Street: “Florence Cottage” hospital (ca 1900) First showground- Rose Lee Park “Yatalunga” (ca 1908) Milner Parade: “Glen Ayre” 91 Cottage at end of street Munro Street: Hospital oldest part nurses’ home (1912, 1923, 1936) Housing Commission homes (ca 1960’s) “Euraba” (1891) North Avenue: “Hill Crest” (ca 1920) Ogle Avenue: 23, 19, 17 cottages

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Pittsford Street: Suspension bridge (1902, 1955) Pryor Street: James & Robina Taylor Memorial Manse (1956) 76 D Mugivan’s house (ca 1922) Rose Street: “Taloobah” (ca 1930) Russell Street: Kingdom Hall (1978) Smith Street: Butter factory (ca 1912) Snape Street: 3 weatherboard cottage (ca 1950) Station Street: Shire Chambers (1965) Vertical silo (1933) Oddfellow’s Hall (1890) Taylor Street: “Lone Pine” (1918) Thomas Street: 2 Dr Gray’s house (1919) Whittaker Street: 7 cottages Cottage next to Federal (ca 1901)

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RURAL & VILLAGE AREAS

Recommended places/items (35) with local heritage significance (L) Ardglen ballast quarry St Chad’s Anglican Church, Quipolly “Dury Vale” Quipolly Dam 1 and 2 Bundella Royal Hotel site Bundella Polo Ground “Moreduval” homestead “Plantation” homestead “Premer Station” Premer McMaster Memorial Hall “4D Station” homestead “4D Station” woolshed Blackville Arnott’s store Blackville Court House & Police Station “Coomoo Coomoo” homestead group (village like) Borambil dwelling Shed on “Gedhurst”, Quipolly, original shed of “Walhallow Station”. WERRIS CREEK Former St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (1915) Taylor’s General Store (1913) Grain Silos (1930’s) Police Station (1910-1911) Shop 76 Single St. (ud) Newsagency (1899) Werris Creek Motors (1938) Anglican Vicarage (1923) Former Methodist Church (ud) Residence 25 Single St (1900) Residence Corner Russell & Single Sts. (1908) The Gap Weir (railway relic) (ud) Brick chimney stack from original coal mine Werris Creek-Quirindi Road. CURRABUBULA Currabubula School (1882, 1887, 1924) Former butcher’s shop, Marlow Street (ud) Former St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church (1907) Former Bank of NSW & later Post Office (1910) Former Police Station (1898). -- Prepared by Ken Halliday, co-ordinator of the Liverpool Plains Shire Council Heritage Study Community Advisory Committee. February 1, 2005. _______________________________________________________________________