Season 1 & 2: The Dairy Lane Project

therese sweeney

Berry N.S.W Australia is the No. 1 favourite town for tourists. Most don't know the history of the region. It was a vital centre of the dairying industry in Australia throughout the 20th century. Twin brothers Ted & Tom Walsh from Far Meadow (Berry) who moved to Jamberoo and perfected a new dairy breed-'The Australian Illawarra Shorthorn" in the early 20th century. It led in milk production for many years and it's bulls and later AI (Artificial insemination) were in great demand. An AI Centre was established in Berry in the 50s with visitors learning the technology & breeds from all around the world. Farmers travelled to Berry, Jaspers Brush & Meroo Meadow from all over the State and the nation to attend stud sales when rail was introduced. These villages form a 14km strip down the Princes Hwy. The lanes off to the left and right named after the pioneering dairy farmers from the 1850s onwards. Season 1 engages the descendants of those pioneers, Therese visits the farms they are still on, some 5 generations later and records their stories. To honour their contributions to the industry and innovations. Therese Sweeney has been producing digital history since the '90s: with camera's, sound, video & digitising residents private collections to archive and exhibit in our major cultural institutions in NSW. She has applied her formula to this project.This is an engagement with residents, Berry Museum & Shoalhaven Historical Society. 10 episodes in Season 1 explore the dairying history from Berry to Bomaderry, major fresh milk producers for the Sydney market, Berry being the oldest milk Co-operative in the nation. Farmers transporting milk to local factories via rivers, carriers with horse & sulky, then with the introduction of mechanisation; via post war vehicles, steamers at ports, then railway to milk trucks. theresesweeney.com.au sweeney.lib.uts.edu Season 1: Supported by Turf Co Jaspers Brush https://turfco.com.au/

  1. John Miller, Rawlings lane Berry & Wharf Rd. Berry

    FEB 22

    John Miller, Rawlings lane Berry & Wharf Rd. Berry

    John Miller, 6th generation dairy farmer farms on Rawlings Lane Berry, running parallel to the Princes Hwy. Rawlings Lane as a road, was created when the Bypass was built and 16 acres were taken from John’s farm Broughton Mill toward the upgrade. Rawlings -the name-is unknown historically, at the moment. Robert Miller was born in 1795, Erskine Scotland & migrated on the ship Othelo, arriving in Sydney August 1834 with his wife Elizabeth Muir, born 1799. They had married in Paisley Middle Church Renfrew Scotland in 1829. They arrived in Australia with 6 children Mary, William, James, Elizabeth, Robert & John. A further 3 were to be born in Australia; Ann, George & Sara. Robert’s occupation was a dairy farmer. They came down to Gerringong from Sydney in 1837. Their 2nd son William, b1823 at Paisley Scotland married Jane Miller b 1832 in 1856, Gerringong. They had 9 children, 8 boys 1 girl. Robert, John Ritchie, William H, Henry, James, George, Jane, Thomas & William Hill. William died in 1907 at Renfrew Park, their property in Gerringong. Their second eldest son John Ritchie b1859 married Margaret Bailey in Nov 1880, Gerringong. They purchased land at Robertson & had 5 children there. Then returned to Gerringong and had another 4 children. John died in 1940 at Gerringong. His 4th son William.b 1882 in Robertson was their eldest child. William married Winni Chisolm. Their son Keith J Chisolm Miller b 1923 married Nancy Morrison b 1929 -they had 4 children-3 girls and a boy. That boy is John Miller who is the participant in the recording, a 6th generation dairy farmer. Whose farm on Rawlings Lane, is a new lane built as an entry point to their property when the ByPass was built. Having lost 16 acres of their land, to the highway upgrade. The other family farm is located on Wharf Rd. Berry where the dairy operates today. Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying & advocacy in the Shoalhaven. Website: theresesweeney.com.au

    1h 5m
  2. Schofields Lane, Graham Park, Berry

    FEB 9

    Schofields Lane, Graham Park, Berry

    GG Grandfather John Schofield was deported in 1821-England. He was a fellow who got orphans to steal for him (like oliver twist). He himself stole a rheem of silk. English convict-Anglican. Alocated to the family Harley farm. Founders of Schofields the suburb north west Sydney. John married the squatters daughter Bridget Harley April 1829. They had 6 sons 6 daughters -one was Samuel who was Alberts father. Samuel had a market garden at rockdale then went into butchering as well. Albert lived on the land known as Schofields Lane today. He purchased the Butcher Shop in Berry and it came with slaughter yards and land equalling 188 acres. Arthurs eldest son Philip dairy farmed there with 20-30 cows. Pam and Bill (Philips kids) remember standing on slide with cans going to the milk truck. They milked jerseys-butter to cheese-berry co-op. George Williams had the farm across from them. After the introduction by Sweeney, covering the build up and history toward Graham Park Breeding Centre with a focus on 2 main players A.N Binks & Fred McIntosh, recreated through press articles and geneology. David Armstrong a former Manager of Graham park is engaged to discuss the Centre under his direction. David lives in Berry and was recently widowed. References: W.Bailey, Shoalhaven 1975 2nd Ed. Pages 206-207 plus various press articles. Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying & advocacy in the Shoalhaven. Website: theresesweeney.com.au

    1h 12m
  3. The Hitchcock family, Mullers Lane Jaspers Brush

    JAN 19

    The Hitchcock family, Mullers Lane Jaspers Brush

    Pam Coles (Nee: Hitchcock) grew up in the area now known as Mullers Lane Jaspers Brush on the south side of the Hwy. Pam's descendants began leasing then purchased 151 acres in 1912 dairy farming. She recalls the Skinners were there too. Pam's dad was Harvey and her grandfather Henry purchased the land. The land left family hands in 1969. Peter Muller also farmed the lane, his father Norman first farmed there in 1939. The Mullers were a well known family in berry and his great grandfather John did much for community and society. His first cousin Patrick was the fifth generation farmer covered in Lamonds Lane in Season 1. The Hitchcocks were a humble family, quite poor and subsistence farmers. Started with 50 cows down to a herd of 30 when Pam's dad, Harvey farmed. The listener hears some unique insights about life in Mullers Lane through the voice of Pam who is near 90 years old. Hitchcocks lane in Hungtingdale Park is named in honour of her family though they never farmed that land. Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying & advocacy in the Shoalhaven. Website: theresesweeney.com.au

    1h 3m
  4. O'keeffes Lane: Lyn Brandon (nee Okeeffe) Jaspers Brush

    JAN 1

    O'keeffes Lane: Lyn Brandon (nee Okeeffe) Jaspers Brush

    Lyn Brandon is the last O'keeffe to be born at Kiltankin Stud, O'keeffes Lane in 1953. Her grandfather Denis O'keeffe migrated from Ireland at age 14 and settled in Broughton village, arriving around 1879. He married Martha Timbs, the daughter of pioneer Samuel Timbs. Together they had 8 children. They lived in an existing hut on the property when they purchased 3 blocks of land in Jaspers Brush in 1913. Then built a larger home named Kiltankin, which still stands today at the end of O'keeffes Lane, Jaspers Brush. Named after a village Denis migrated from in Ireland. O'keeffes were great breeders of the Illawarra Shorthorn, sharing knowledge & know doubt genetics with the Walsh twins Tom & Ted who are credited with developing the breed. Lyn's father Patrick ran Kiltankin when his father Denis passed in 1930s. Patrick continued in the development of the Kiltankin stud and running the dairy. He judged dairy cows at agricultural shows all over Australia and entered his bulls and cows across the south coast and at Sydney Royal. He was president of the Berry Agricultural Society during the 1950's twice! Lyn's recording reflects and personalises their lives and the whole of the O'keeffe clan in O'keeffes Lane. Lyn's son Mathew has continue to breed under the name Kiltankin. Tune in to the complete recording where I address the true origin of the name Jasper's Brush. Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying in the Shoalhaven. Website: theresesweeney.com.au

    1h 6m
  5. Ison Lane: The Ison family, Jaspers Brush

    12/14/2025

    Ison Lane: The Ison family, Jaspers Brush

    Henry and Mary Ann Ison migrated to Australia in 1848 and arrived to Coolangatta Estate in March 1849. Henry worked at the estate, in fact his son Robert was born there in 1854. he then moved to a property at Saltwater Creek opposite Bundanon. Henry died in 1887 and his wife in 1905, she was living at Meroo. Their son Robert, youngest of 9 and gold mined for a bit before farming. He married Alicena Rebecca Hollands in Nowra in 1883. She passed away suddently and he remarried to Catherine Justin in 1893. He fathered 8 children. One of whom was Arthur Charles Stanley Ison, known as Stan and grandfather to the current descendants from Jaspers Brush. Stan was born in 1891, married Margaret Pheobe Scott in Kiama in 1923. They moved to Jaspers Brush and began farming. They had 4 children, the youngest Ray Ison born 1929 farmed with his father at Jaspers Brush. Inheriting the land after his passing. They had land on both sides of the hwy. Ray married Valerie Gall, a Berry lass and only child to George Gall and Olive McIntyre. George ran the mechanic shop next door to Berry Bowling Club. Together thewy had 8 children, 7 girls 1 boy. Karen Ison b 1957 reflects on life, farming and her ancestors in this recording. Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying in the Shoalhaven. Website: theresesweeney.com.au

    1h 2m

  6. 11/23/2025

    The Fahls in Jaspers Brush Rd & Fahl Lane

    Henry Fahl eventually purchased land inJaspers Brush in 1941 after share farming along the river. His family on his paternal side arrived in Australia from Prussia in the mid 1850s. Henry married Charlotte Stuchbury a 4th generation Shoalhaven lass in Nowra in 1935. Henry was born into great privilege & had his own servant as a child but his heart was in dairying and after studying at Hawkesbury Ag. he ventured south to the Shoalhaven district. His family found it difficult to accept such a 'low brow' career. He was highly skilled in his work. Henry as a young boy lived at Collaroy then the family moved to Roseville. In 1989 Henry passed and his son David inherited the farm. David was similar to his father in abilities and he and Don Barham his neighbour often worked together and shared equipment. The Fahls continued to purchase more land in their surrounds and increase their Friesan dairy herd. David passed away in recent years and is survived by his wife Margaret who still lives in their home and her sons Terry and Jeff also live on land in Jaspers Brush Rd. There is a younger son Mark. Terry describes the railway side of Jaspers Brush, the swamp, floods, vegetation, cows and drainage. It all makes for interesting listening. Tune in! Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying in the Shoalhaven.

    1h 2m
  7. The Host family:Croziers Rd Jaspers Brush

    11/05/2025

    The Host family:Croziers Rd Jaspers Brush

    Therese Sweeney introduces 3 prominent pioneers from Croziers Rd, The Croziers,Faulks and Host families & their migration trail to Jaspers Brush. A childrens author and distant relation to the Host family is also honoured & Therese reads excerpts from her childrens book, Trouble at Turkey Brush (based on Jaspers Brush). Episode 4 features Colin Host, 80 years of age who is a 5th generation descendant of pioneer Johann Host who grew a successful vineyard & orchards at Broughton Mill Creek in 1862. His son Louis Host went on to farm at Falls Creek for many years then purchased 2 land parcels in Jaspers brush in 1896 & 1900 on what is today Croziers Rd. The property was named, Bellview. Colin's son inherited the property from his grandfather Ken. The family recently sold the acreage in 2025. Colins wife Lyn and their son Brian also participate in the recording. Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying in the Shoalhaven.

    1h 6m
  8. The Barham's Jaspers Brush Rd Jaspers Brush

    10/09/2025

    The Barham's Jaspers Brush Rd Jaspers Brush

    Great, Great Grandfather James Barham migrated to the Shoalhaven region in 1829 from Suffolk England. He was a labourer, farmer and timber cutter. Settling in Tomerong with his wife Charlotte Watson. They married in 1843 in a Church of England, Phillip St. Sydney. He bought his first land parcel in Tomerong 1855. A further two generations were to be born and raised in Tomerong until James,Jenny's grandfather moved to land, purchased at Jaspers Brush. He married Ivy Knapp, from a great cattle breeding family Bolong. This interview features Jenny Pastor (nee: Barham) daughter of Donald and Una Barham (nee: Ison), the 5th generation Barham twho gre and farmed land in the region. Today, Jenny lives in her grandfathers cottage known as Northcote on 9 acres of the original 80 acres purchased many years ago from the Oke brothers. # Some of the local indigenous children that attended Jaspers Brush Primary School from time to time were: The Cruse & Mundy children.. Website: theresesweeney.com.au Season 2 : Sponsored by Ian Zandstra from Pyree. A leader in dairying in the Shoalhaven.

    1h 4m
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About

Berry N.S.W Australia is the No. 1 favourite town for tourists. Most don't know the history of the region. It was a vital centre of the dairying industry in Australia throughout the 20th century. Twin brothers Ted & Tom Walsh from Far Meadow (Berry) who moved to Jamberoo and perfected a new dairy breed-'The Australian Illawarra Shorthorn" in the early 20th century. It led in milk production for many years and it's bulls and later AI (Artificial insemination) were in great demand. An AI Centre was established in Berry in the 50s with visitors learning the technology & breeds from all around the world. Farmers travelled to Berry, Jaspers Brush & Meroo Meadow from all over the State and the nation to attend stud sales when rail was introduced. These villages form a 14km strip down the Princes Hwy. The lanes off to the left and right named after the pioneering dairy farmers from the 1850s onwards. Season 1 engages the descendants of those pioneers, Therese visits the farms they are still on, some 5 generations later and records their stories. To honour their contributions to the industry and innovations. Therese Sweeney has been producing digital history since the '90s: with camera's, sound, video & digitising residents private collections to archive and exhibit in our major cultural institutions in NSW. She has applied her formula to this project.This is an engagement with residents, Berry Museum & Shoalhaven Historical Society. 10 episodes in Season 1 explore the dairying history from Berry to Bomaderry, major fresh milk producers for the Sydney market, Berry being the oldest milk Co-operative in the nation. Farmers transporting milk to local factories via rivers, carriers with horse & sulky, then with the introduction of mechanisation; via post war vehicles, steamers at ports, then railway to milk trucks. theresesweeney.com.au sweeney.lib.uts.edu Season 1: Supported by Turf Co Jaspers Brush https://turfco.com.au/

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