Narooma author Laurelle Pacey’s latest local history, Tilba Times revisited, was launched in Central Tilba last Wednesday in front of about 70 well-wishers.
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It was co-launched by Lynne Thomas, daughter of Yuin Elder Guboo Ted Thomas who is featured in the book, and former dairy farmer Norm Hoyer of Central Tilba.
Ms Pacey said the book emphasises the shared history of the Tilba area to the present day.
“Twenty years ago, I wrote Tilba Times with Norm for Central Tilba’s centenary,” she said.
“A lot has happened since then, including considerable research into the area’s Aboriginal history and of course the handback of Gulaga and Mumbulla.
“I’ve also come to appreciate Gulaga’s central role in Tilba’s story, both its significance to Koori people and the importance of its rich volcanic soils which was the basis of the district’s dairy industry.
“What I also realised was the disconnect between how many people today regard Tilba’s early shared history and that of people’s whose memories stretched back to the early twentieth century.
“So I explored those themes, going back to primary sources where possible.’
The book documents the area’s goldmining and dairying stories, Dromedary’s scientific interest, the intriguing disappearance of five men from a boat known as the Bermagui Mystery, as well as more recent developments of Tilba Real Milk and River Cottage Australia.
“I have tried to pull all the pieces of Tilba’s history jigsaw together, drawing on archival material, recent research, people’s stories and newspaper articles of the time and historical context and connections, to make Tilba’s fascinating story more alive and accessible.”
Ms Thomas spoke of stories her father had told her about growing up around Tilba, and was delighted her father’s role in the fight for Mumbulla Mountain and cultural rights was included in the book.
Mr Hoyer said it was extraordinary how well known the Tilba area has become across Australia, particularly through ‘River Cottage Australia’, and how wonderful it is to read about so many of the people he knew.
Tilba Times revisited is 124 pages, with over 140 images, and costs $35.
Available from Narooma Visitors Centre, Narooma Newsagency, ABC Cheese factory, Gulaga Gallery and Apma Creations Gallery at Central Tilba, the Pineapple House at Bermagui, and bookshops and galleries between Moruya and Bega, or online.