The Whalley family and their service to Nambour

William Whalley and family in front of their house in Blackall Terrace, which is still there.

Whalley’s store is one of the oldest buildings left in Currie Street, Nambour. But who were the Whalleys?

James Whalley, an English bookseller and preacher, relocated to Australia. In 1884 he and his son William walked from Brisbane to select 155 acres on what is now called Burnside Road (formerly Whalley’s Range Road).

It was not until 1994 that the significant role that the Whalley family played in the development of Nambour was properly acknowledged. A small tributary of Petrie Creek which rose in the original Whalley selection was named Whalley Creek, followed by the naming of James Whalley Drive and Whalley Creek Close. 

James was one of the first shareholders with 1200 shares and one of the first suppliers of cane to the Moreton Central Sugar Mill. In 1892 he was instrumental in building Nambour’s Methodist Church and helping to establish Nambour’s School of Arts.

Whalley’s store is one of the oldest buildings left in Currie Street, Nambour. 

James’ son, William made a remarkable contribution to the life of Nambour. He opened Nambour’s first plumbing business in 1896 and then purchased Nambour’s Currie’s Store in 1899.  With the motto ‘A Tower of Reliability’ this shop and a branch in Mapleton served the people of the area for 69 years until 1965. William’s service to the community was remarkable: Justice of the Peace from 1889, chairman of the Moreton Central Sugar Mill and involved with the Show Society, local lodge, bowling green, Ambulance and  Rotary Club and was the first chairman of the Nambour Hospital Board.

William’s brother Richard ‘Hellie’ served as a councillor on Maroochy Shire Council from 1927 to 1936 and as chairman from 1939 to 1943. He was also heavily involved as a member, trustee, chairman and president  of many local organizations. 

This is a family who contributed so much to the community of Nambour and district.