Book Launch – Yamba Across Two World Wars (1914 – 1945)

Yamba historian John McNamara has documented the history of Yamba and districts between 1914 and 1945. This book is the latest in a trilogy.

The book is available to purchase at Yamba Museum or can be ordered through the Port of Yamba Historical Society website. The public are invited to the official book launch, Author Talk and book signing at Yamba Library, Treelands Drive.

The population of Yamba in 1914 was about 500. Between the two world wars the tourism industry was booming, and many facilities were constructed to cater for this. A large fleet of trawlers fished daily. In the 1920s natural oysters were replaced by tray cultivation in the Clarence River. The threat of Yamba being engulfed by sand in the 1920's was prevented by the work of William Ager.
The Yamba Urban Area Committee (YUAC) formed in 1930, this group was totally dedicated to the development of roads, drainage, sporting facilities and camping areas.
Motor transport to Grafton progressed from horse and cart to motorised vehicles and buses to cater for the demand by tourists and residents. Riverboats on the Clarence ended in 1941 by pleasure seekers from upriver to Yamba.

Sand mining history is documented. The Village of Angourie was established in 1917. By 1947 the population of Yamba was 815.