On Friday 18 April 1958 nearly 1000 people attended the opening of the Neville Weiley Bridge at Bohnock. It was the first bridge to link the islands of the Manning River’s delta to the mainland. Oxley Island was first, with later bridges connecting Mitchells and Dumaresq Islands.1 Stuart “Neville” Weiley, the bridge’s namesake, was not present, having passed away five years earlier.2
Neville was born on Oxley Island and became a farmer there.3 The only transport between the islands and the mainland for decades had been punts. Many tragic accidents on the islands could have had better outcomes if more expedient transport had been available. While Neville had firsthand experience of such tragedies it was not his motivation for campaigning for bridges to replace punts.4
Neville was civic minded and took action on issues through organisations that could enact changes for the community’s betterment. He was President of the Manning River District Council of the Primary Producers Union and later a Councillor on the Manning Shire Council.5 When the State Government announced a scheme to replace punts with bridges, Neville was an enthusiastic advocate.6 He could see the advantages for producers and individuals.
On the night of his death Neville had attended a Council meeting at the Manning Shire Council Chambers. He had been successful in having the first island bridge approved with calls for building tenders to follow.7 As he crossed Victoria Street with fellow Councillor, Reginald Walmsley, they were struck by a car. Neville suffered brain injuries and died a few days later.8
Today this vital bridge is a reminder of Neville’s legacy.
Author: Janine Roberts
References:
1 Northern Champion, 22 April 1958.
2 NSW BDM, Death Index Stuart N Weiley, 18987/1953.
3 NSW BDM, Birth Index Stuart N Weiley, 9278/1910; Wingham Chronicle, 5 April 1938, 2.
4 MRT, 11 January 1950, 1; Sydney Herald, 25 Jun 1950, 3.
5 MRT, 20 July 1953, 2; Northern Champion, 21 July 1953, 4.
6 Northern Champion, 9 March 1954, 1.
7 Wingham Chronicle, 7 August 1953, 6.
8 Northern Champion, 7 August 1953, 1.