George William (Gunyah) Green – timber craftsman

The Bulga Plateau, is well known for the quality and abundance of its timber.  Large timber mills once provided employment for its menfolk, but one man had a lighter touch.

George William (Gunyah) Green, was born on Sydney’s lower north shore in 1857.  His father, Henry Thomas Green was a well-known boat builder and sculling enthusiast.¹ George however, spent much of his youth in New Zealand, where his grandfather had extensive business interests and it was here that he was trained as a cabinet maker. After his marriage to Louisa Isabel Davie in 1880,² the couple returned to Sydney, later moving to the NSW Central Coast and then to the Manning region. Settling in Bobin in the early 20^thcentury, George was active in sawmilling and construction work,³ before moving to Elands in 1917.⁴

George was a man of many parts. Although a prolific inventor, he is today best known for his beautifully crafted timber inlay work. His work was held in such high esteem that Wingham Council presented the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) with an inlaid trinket box, made by George, on his visit to Australia in 1920.⁵

Failing health prompted George to leave Elands for good in 1926.⁶ He died that same year and is buried in Wamberal Cemetery. Examples of his work can be seen in the collections of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and, locally, in the Wingham Museum.

Author:  Article compiled by Penny Teerman from the original and extensive research of Garry Smith, with additional referencing as indicated.