History of Murwillumbah
Murwillumbah is a town situated in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. The first inhabitants of the area were the Kalibai people. The name Murwillumbah is believed to derive from an Aboriginal compound meaning either "camping place" or "big possum place". Timber-getters were drawn to the region in the 1840s, and the river port at Tumbulgum was the first main settlement. In 1902, a local government municipality was established with Murwillumbah as its center.
The town's history is closely intertwined with the Tweed River, which served as a vital transportation route and facilitated economic activities.
The Skinner family, particularly George and Charles Skinner, played a significant role in the development of Murwillumbah. They established a cordial factory in North Tumbulgum around 1888, which later relocated to Murwillumbah. The factory, known as Skinner, Lowes, and Co., Ltd., produced a range of aerated beverages and contributed to the town's economic growth. The Skinners also ventured into the sugar industry, with George Skinner starting one of the earliest sugar mills on the Tweed. This mill was later absorbed by the C.S.R. Co., a prominent sugar refining company.
In addition to their involvement in the beverage and sugar industries, the Skinner family contributed to the transportation sector. They secured a mail contract between Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads, initially delivering mail by rowing boat. As the demand increased, they expanded their operations, acquiring a small steamer to transport passengers and cargo along the river. Over time, their fleet grew to include three steamers and two motor launches, facilitating trade and travel in the region.
The Skinners' contributions extended beyond industry and transportation. They also made an impact on the hospitality sector. Their involvement in the town's development led them to establish hotels, providing accommodations and services to locals and visitors alike. These hotels played a crucial role in supporting the growing tourism industry in Murwillumbah.
Through their various ventures, including the cordial factory, sugar mill, steamboats, and hotels, the Skinner family actively participated in the development and economic prosperity of Murwillumbah. Their entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and commitment to the town contributed to its growth and helped shape its history.
Unfortunately, most of the town's business district was destroyed by fire in 1907, but the town persisted and continued to grow1.
One of the key families in the development of Murwillumbah was the Skinner family, including George Skinner and his children, Henry, George, Charles, and Emily. George Skinner, born in Hartley, New South Wales, moved to the Tweed region when he was just 5 years old. His father initially worked as a sawyer and timber-getter on the north arm of the Tweed, later farming in Tumbulgum and starting one of the earliest sugar mills on the Tweed. This mill was absorbed by the C.S.R. Co. about 50 years later2.
George Skinner, together with his brother Charles, started a cordial factory at North Tumbulgum around 1888. The factory was later moved to Murwillumbah, where it eventually became known as Skinner, Lowes, and Co., Ltd. The Skinner brothers were instrumental in the town's development, securing the mail contract from Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads 45 years prior to George's death in 1933. This contract initially involved carrying mail by rowing boat, but as the trade grew, they eventually operated three steamers and two motor launches to handle passenger and cargo trade in addition to the mail contract. George Skinner was also one of the earliest aldermen of Murwillumbah, contributing to the town's governance2.
