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A long dramatic stretch of coastline in the Nambucca region known as Forsters Beach is said to be named after a visiting Lord.
The beach stretches for approximately 11km from the Nambucca River mouth, before finally sweeping round to face north in lee of Scotts Head.
Local historians including Geoff Minnett believe it was named after Lord Forster who visited the region in 1922 – arriving by car from Grafton and conveyed by ferry to Princess St, Macksville.
Upon arrival at the ferry crossing, Lord Forster was approached by Edward Searle for a donation towards Warrell Creek Crossing Association efforts to have a road constructed from Gumma Gumma to the crossing (now known as Boutlons Crossing named after the Boutlon family who were early settlers).
Lord Forster donated five pounds and this was said to have prompted the local beach being named in his honour.
The Macksville Bellinger News described the pomp and ceremony that accompanied his visit:
“Macksville was be-flagged today owing to the passing through of the Governor General Lord Forster...there were 303 children assembled and the school ground crowded with residents of the district.”
Lord Forster thanked the community for their warm welcome saying he was sorry he could not stay longer and also making reference to: ‘Australia’s men and women and the part they played exercising a great influence on the war’.
He also paid special tribute to the rural communities he visited in his official capacity.
“I visit the country districts so as to get to know the people who develop them. Australia cannot live on the great cities, which cannot live without development of primary products. I have passed during the last three days land of unrivalled fertility. We owe a great debt to the man on the land, who have converted bush land into crop land, and women too who have helped the men.”
"I have passed during the last three days land of unrivalled fertility."
- Lord Forster
If you want to see our previous What’s in a Name series we’ve plotted the stories on an interactive map...click here to explore.