ABORIGINAL CULTURE PRIOR TO 1844:

 

• According to historian, Ian Fox, there were three aboriginal groups inhabiting the surrounding land - the Bundjalung, Minyangbal and Yugambeh groups.

• There were three main clans in the area - the Moorung Moobar, Goodjunburra and Tulglgin clans.

• Their populations totalled approximately 1500 before European settlement in 1844.

• It is most likely that the Goodjunburra clan inhabited Burringbar.

 

1828  PENAL SETTLEMENT AT POINT DANGER:

 

• A smallpox epidemic broke out amongst the convicts at the penal settlement at Point Danger.

• Meanwhile, 500 plus convicts escaped the settlement, and attempted to make their way down to Sydney, carrying the smallpox disease which spread amongst the Indigenous throughout the region.

• By 1844 aboriginal population had reduced to approx. 1,000 due to smallpox outbreak.

• Over the next two generations the indigenous population reduced to approximately 80.

• To date there are no known aboriginal descendents from Burringbar.

 

1844 FIRST EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT:

 

• Burringbar one of the last settlements in the Tweed Valley due to being the furthest away from the rivers - sitting inbetween Tweed and Brunswick rivers.

• Burringbar was first established as an overnight stay for Cobb & Co coaches that brought mail, newspaper and bread to/from Murwillumbah and Brunswick Heads.

• The first industry was the 'timber getters' after the red cedar that clothed the coastal ranges. Man power or bullocks were used to drag logs to nearby watercourses,  then transported down the watercourses to the Tweed and Brunswick rivers.

• A steam traction engine drove machinery that cut and constructed the roads.

 

1861-1880 PIONEERS:

 

• The Robertson Land Act opened up large areas of State for sale to small farmers.

• The Act enabled the purchase of up to 650 acres for one pound per acre.

• The Act stipulated that farmers had to clear, fence and build on the land within two years.

• This brought an influx of people to the area.

• In attempt for survival farmers grew their own vegetables, planted fruit, raised chickens, reared calves and made butter, cheese and bread.

 

1890-94 RAILWAY:

 

• The railway was constructed from Murwillumbah to Lismore, later connecting to Casino in 1905, and Sydney in 1930.

• The construction of the railway brought a further influx of people into Burringbar.

• Three pubs built to accommodate.

• Burringbar became a thriving centre.

 

EARLY1900s BURRINGBAR VILLIAGE:

 

• 1894 - The Burringbar school opened.

• 1900 - The Pioneer Hotel opened.

• 1906 - James Gill Hotel opened, which burned down in 1932 and eventually replaced by Victory Hotel in Mooball.

• 1909 - The Burringbar School of Arts opened. This served the community as a meeting place for social events and housed a library (to this date). Farewell functions for men going off to fight in WW1 and WW11 were also held here.

• 1910 - Three Churches were established - Church of England; Uniting Church; and Catholic Church.

• 1910 - New industries developed in the production of corn and sugar cane.

• 1913 - The Post office opened, situated at the railway station.

• 1919 - Soldiers came home from the war; the WW1 memorial erected.

• 1920 - Banana and dairy industries developed. Butter was exported to England; and cream was also produced. These were transported out of the area via the railway. There is only one dairy farm left today.

• 1930s - The cattle meat industry developed and sold in the local area; local butchers opened in town.

• 1945 - WW11 memorial erected listing local people who died in the war. The memorials are a significant part of Burringbar's heritage. Many soldiers who died still have family members living in the area. There are only 11 RSL members in the area today. They meet at the fire brigade station. Children's sports days were held on Anzac Day every year at the park following a memorial ceremony.

• 1950 - Electricity came to Burringbar.