Memory of 'Father of Tathra' honoured with NSW recognition

The memory of the farmer, businessman and philanthropist described as the “Father of Tathra” has been honoured with a state-level recognition.

A blue plaque has been unveiled for Daniel Gowing, whose many achievements include helping establish the Tathra Wharf – which is the only remaining 19th century coastal wharf on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Heritage NSW’s blue plaques share the stories of the extraordinary people and events that have shaped the state.

Tathra Wharf Museum president Lynneeta Darmody said her team felt honoured their nomination for Mr Gowing was accepted into the program.

“We’ve long thought that Daniel Gowing should be properly recognised for his dedication in helping develop the region’s transport links and foresight in recognising the prime site for steamship trade to and from Sydney and Melbourne,” she said.

There is still a current family link to the museum, because its vice-president, Michelle Russell, is Mr Gowing’s great-great-great granddaughter.

“It’s very special to us, both to the museum and to the family,” Ms Russell told Region about the plaque.

“We think he did quite a bit for the area.

“I think he was instrumental in its development, especially of Tathra. He’s been described as the Father of Tathra.”

According to the Pig & Whistle Fleet Club, Mr Gowing, who lived to the age of 93, was an English farmer who acquired 500 acres at Jellat Jellat in 1855 and began farming wheat, maize and cattle.

He eventually owned about 3000 acres in the area, became one of the most successful farmers on the South Coast and in the 1860s initiated the development of a jetty at Tathra to help farmers transport their produce more easily to Sydney and Melbourne.

Shortly afterwards, the jetty was replaced by a wharf funded by donations from farmers and the Illawarra Steamship Company, which helped Tathra become the region’s main port.

Mr Gowing also had an interest in developing the Bega area and established numerous businesses, including the Central Hotel as an investment for his daughter.

He served as vice-president of the Bega Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society and was a longstanding member of the first National School board, while his philanthropic activities included donating land for the construction of cottages for the region’s aged and infirm, and raising funds for a hospital. He also built Tathra’s first store and post office.

Ms Russell said he built a number of shops in Bega which were still standing today.

“He was quite active in his community and involved in the development of the town,” she said.

She was asked why she thought he was so deeply involved in helping establish Bega and Tathra.

“He came with nothing. Once he was successful himself, he wanted to share that with the community,” she said.

She also said the museum had a display on Mr Gowing that also tried to highlight his wife, Mary Gowing, as “she was important too”.

The blue plaque for Mr Gowing was officially unveiled by Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick at the Tathra Wharf Museum today (21 November).

For more information on Mr Gowing, click here.