North shore residents Jo Morgan and Narelle Milligan are hunting the final resting place of early pioneer Captain George Jobling.
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And on Sunday they plan to host a discovery discussion and a short walk which is open to the public.
Captain Jobling and his family were considered one of the more significant pioneering families of the early days of settlement on the Hastings.
“We have some historical information, photographs and anecdotal evidence of where Captain Jobling’s homestead once stood,” said Ms Milligan.
“From that information we believe we can point out where the homestead once stood, and where, potentially, the grave sites are located.
“The homestead is long demolished but some long-term locals can remember remnants of some stone walls, while we are also aware of where a number of wells are located in and around the immediate area.”
One local resident, Marina Dick, has shared her recollections of grave sites from her early childhood in the area.
Mrs Morgan said old photographs and local knowledge were being used to help piece together some of the information.
The pair are hopeful that Sunday’s presentation will give others the opportunity to come along and help contribute to completing the puzzle.
Captain Jobling is recognised as one of the first free settlers to arrive in Port Macquarie. The convict house on the property Goolawa is considered the first – and potentially only – stone buildings in the Hastings from the era.
Originally from the Northumberland area in the UK, he resigned his army commission with the 104th His Majesty’s Regiment of Foot before migrating with his wife and three children.
After his arrival he was appointed magistrate and to the district council.
One of his business interests included bringing cattle from Cunderang and Toorookoo in the Macleay Valley to the north shore. Once cured, the beef was exported to the UK.
The discovery presentation and walk coincide with NSW History Week which concludes on Sunday.
The full program of events can be found at www.historycouncilnsw.org.au/history-week.
Sunday’s presentation on ‘Our Colonial neighbours of the north shore’ including Captain George Jobling (1790 -1852) and his wife Margaret (1799-1845), will be given on Sunday at 11.30am on the River Reserve at Riverside Drive. north shore.
Catch the Hibbard Ferry and follow the signs along Riverside Drive. The presentation is a free event.