About this ebook
This book traces the story of the village and its environs from the early days of settlement when farming was the main occupation. Shortly after settlement a Hotel was constructed to cater for the highway travellers. This was followed by those essential facilities required for an isolated community; a government School, a Post Office and later, a Store. Disputes over the operation of the Hotel and the Church Hall often divided public opinion. As the success of farming waned some of the settlers moved to other districts and village growth was stalled. The decline of the village was arrested by the capitalisation of the area’s abundant natural resource, timber. The timber industry provided employment for the locals for over 100 years. Tomerong’s importance grew as it became the headquarters for the newly-formed Clyde Shire Council and, soon after, land speculation increased as rumours of a Federal port and connecting railways flourished. The last twenty years have seen the end of the local timber industry and the removal of the highway, resulting in the tranquil village life of today.
This book includes the factual elements of a local history: details on the geography, the early exploration, settlement, communications, commerce, industry and local government. It traces the establishment of this community through its early settlers, how they were employed, and what community organisations they established. Wide use is made of primary sources from as early as 1855 and of material gleaned from interviews with residents. The book provides a comprehensive view of how this village evolved.
Whilst ‘From Bullocks to Bypass’ has been written with the general public in mind, it has been meticulously sourced so that other local or family historians may build on their own research. More information on Tomerong's history is available at https://tomeronghistory.com/
