History and Heritage

History

Inverell is situated in the New England North West region of New South Wales. Inverell Shire has a growing population which now stands at 16,844 (view the statistics) while the Inverell business district is a commercial hub which services an estimated 60,000 people.

The town had its beginnings when Colin and Rosana Ross arrived in August 1853, to start a store for the settlers who had moved into the district during 1839-40. Ross Hill is named after the family. However, the man who was to give Inverell its name and lay the foundations for today’s modern community was Alexander Campbell. A Scottish immigrant, Campbell came to Australia in 1824 and was employed in the Hunter Valley. In March 1835, Campbell set out to explore the new country known as the New England, establishing a property for his employer, calling it Byron Station and establishing Inverell Station on Ashford Road for himself.

Inverell’s history provides a more detailed account of Inverell’s settlement and growth.

Heritage

Heritage is the evidence of the past, such as historical sites, buildings, and the unspoilt natural environment, considered collectively as the inheritance of present-day society and that we as a community would like to pass on to future generations.

Heritage within Inverell Shire is managed through heritage listing and conservation areas. Heritage listings can differ and will either have a state or local significance. State heritage listings are places and sites that have significance to the state of NSW and local (Council) heritage listings are local heritage items which have significance to the local area. A full inventory of the Council’s heritage listings and conservation areas are itemised under Schedule 5 of the Inverell Local Environmental Plan 2012.

To assist in the management of heritage, Inverell Shire Council provides a Heritage Advisor Service and Local Heritage Assistance Fund to achieve positive outcomes for heritage conservation and development. Council’s Heritage Advisor, Mitch McKay, visits Inverell Shire on a one-day-a month basis.

Inverell Council also provides the following information and resources relating to Heritage:

Cemeteries
War Memorials
Heritage Publications and Photographs
Who can I contact to discuss Heritage?

Council’s Planning Officers can assist with all heritage inquiries and appointments with Council’s Heritage Advisor can be made by contacting Council’s Civil and Environmental Services Division on (02) 6728 8200 or council@inverell.nsw.gov.au.

Inverell Post Office