CELEBRATING his 91st birthday at home in Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour, Thomas (Tom) Millward recently shared the party with his sister, Florence (Flo), who will be 94 in May.
For Tom, the venue was more than just a house.
Although he has lived at this address for the past six years, it is just a stone’s throw from the house in which he was born in 1935.
The history of that home and street is woven into his DNA.
Hardacre Street was originally owned by Tom’s grandfather, George Hardacre, who purchased the entire road using profits from his Central Bucca goldmine in the early 1900s.
Following George’s passing in 1941, the land was inherited by Tom’s mother, Alice.
Today, the family legacy remains strong, with five descendents still residing on the street.
The birthday celebration was organised by Tom’s son, Steve Millward, who is well-known for his local water tank cleaning business and long-standing membership of the Coffs Harbour Rotary Club.
He and his wife Tracey organised the affair with Tom delighted to have the family come together.
Tom spent almost half a century living at Bruxner Park Road, Korora.
His parents selected the property in 1930.
Tom attended Kororo Primary School and Jetty High School, and worked the farm until he purchased it from his parents in the early 1950s.
He and his late wife, Jean, built a home and raised their family there while running a banana and avocado business.
“When Dad decided he wanted to move from the farm into town after 85 years, it was a shock,” Steve told News Of The Area.
“Ultimately it was the best decision to move into the house he owned in Hardacre Street.
“I was raised on the farm and still reside there, being the 3rd generation in 96 years.”
Tom’s contributions to the community extended far beyond farming.
He was an early member of the Bruxner Park Rural Fire Service, serving for over 50 years.
“We even kept the fire truck at our place until they finally built a shed for it,” Steve recalled.
Tom was also a founding member of the Coffs Harbour Banana Growers Bushfire and Hail insurance company, a vital initiative created when standard insurers refused to cover farmers .
By Andrea FERRARI
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