Together, they’re part of the fascinating fabric that makes up the social history of our place, but also personally and professionally dedicated to seeing the preservation of the best bits of Tamworth’s heritage, while ensuring it continues to have a place in the future.

Dr Jonathan King is the noted historian, researcher and writer with a long and distinguished lineage back to 

the very roots of Tamworth’s beginnings in the white man’s world. 

His great-grandfather, Philip Gidley King, was the first mayor of Tamworth and a superintendent of the AA Company, which first took up land and created the Goonoo Goonoo Station story back in 1834.

Sean Williams is the man behind what’s estimated to be a nearly $5 million makeover of the historic Goonoo Goonoo Station for the Haggerty family – Tony, son Simon and his wife Sarah.

Tony Haggarty, of Whitehaven coal company fame, bought the property in 2011.

The three Haggartys were in Tamworth yesterday to hear Mr Williams give a presentation to guests at the Tamworth Heritage Awards.

The awards afternoon included a high tea and was the culmination of the first ever Tamworth Heritage Festival. 

Mr Williams outlined what looks to be a stunning restoration, renovation and preservation of some of the main building on the station property to give it a new life as a wedding and functions complex that brings the best of the early colonial Goonoo Goonoo working village into a modern existence.

The afternoon saw a number of awards to individuals, homeowners and others for their outstanding efforts and projects in preserving the regional council area’s heritage.

n TOMORROW: Heritage winners and great historic stories, photos and family tales – and what’s happening at Goonoo Goonoo will stun you.