Inspired by early settlers who shared old maps and books, former Byron Shire councillor, Patrick Morrisey PhD, has chronicled the history of Byron’s hinterland with a book he says is ‘within the grand sweep of colonial history’.
Conquer or Conserve – Goonengerry & the Byron hinterland, will be launched at the Goonengerry Public School’s 125th celebrations on Saturday, September 14, from 11am.
Celebrations for the school run until 3pm.
The longtime Goonengerry resident told The Echo, ‘As pioneers cleared the Big Scrub, the challenges of living side by side played out – and have continued during the past 50 years as wave after wave of settlers take up residing, abiding and hiding on their piece of country’.
Parish of Jasper
‘The village of Goonengerry, in the middle of the Parish of Jasper, emerged as a sweet spot on an elevated table-top with commanding views of Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean in the headwaters of the Richmond River.
‘The land has since borne witness to intense social, political and environmental upheaval, corresponding with the rise and demise of primary industries, guilds and fraternities, axemen and hermits, hippies, investors, developers and tree changers, and village and farm life interacting with a panoply of diverse – and at times conflicting – cultures’.
He says the book was a painstaking historical reconstruction with personal reflections, spanning 35 years.
‘This is a tale of colourful characters, family dynasties, political intrigue, banquets and balls, cricket on the green, horse racing and harvest festivals. And – eventually – the gradual emergence of a casual style of rural renaissance, mixed with an uneasy and at times volatile coexistence and Native Title’.
The book is available at local bookshops, Federal shop and online at www.pjmpublications.com.au.
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