In the early 1900s many arrived on the Eastern Dorrigo hoping to develop their own farms. It was a difficult period with two World Wars and Depressions and although some left the district many stayed. It was a very cold place in the winter and some distance from major towns such as Dorrigo, Coramba, Coffs Harbour and Grafton where food and equipment had to be bought.

The railway was opened in 1924 and motor vehicles were becoming easier to buy and the roads were also improving. Although they were difficult times people made a happy life together with sports days, dances and movies shown on Saturday nights in the hall at Ulong.

There were a number of timber mills being built during the 1910s to 1930s and Tom went from his farm to bullock teams and then to sawmills and other businesses. This video tells his story from the 20s to the end of the century. He was very successful in his lifetime and controlled it mainly on his own. See what changes he faced and what happened in the end to his dream.