Coopernook Bridge
The Lansdowne River, which passes through Coopernook, was a major service route for steamers moving between the Manning River and Lansdowne. In June 1885 the first Coopernook Bridge opened…
Early Tourism in Forster Tuncurry
During the early years of tourism young people in station wagons loaded with surf boards arrived in Forster. They slept in their cars or on the beaches…
Forster Ocean Baths and Casino
The Forster Ocean Baths opened on 20 December 1935 with an official ceremony conducted on 18 January 1936. The baths and buildings were designed by…
Cynthia Chapman 1921-2006
Born in 1921, Cynthia was the first daughter of Albert and Maud Chapman of Chapman Island. She was a demure, softly spoken girl who was her father’s pride and joy…
Hector Haden
Hector Haden was born in Liverpool, Sydney in 1894 and moved to Forster with his family when his father was appointed engineer of the Dredge Forster…
Norman Barry Pritchard: a life cut short
Norman Barry Pritchard was the son of Beryl and Henry (Harry) Pritchard and brother to Beverley, Sandra and Gordon. In 1953 the Pritchards lived in the Wallamba Cabins situated on the River at Darawank…
The Report Card
In 1954, Walter Horsburgh’s mother received an “urgent and highly confidential” letter from her son’s teacher…
Wilsie Wilson 1905-1986
Wilsie Wilson was always a generous, hardworking woman. Born on Dumaresq Island in 1905…
Wilsie Wilson: Champion Sculler
At the age of 23, Wilsie Wilson entered into the single ladies’ scull competition at the Croki Regatta held on Boxing Day 1928…
Christmas on the Wallamba
The only decorations were puddings hanging on strings around the verandah, and a bunch of wild Christmas bells in the lounge…