Mr R Campbell Dibbs and Mr Michael Farrell

Two prominent early members of the Temora community were R Campbell Dibbs and Michael Farrrell.

Mr Dibbs first came to Temora in 1896 after being admitted as a solicitor in 1894. His family was very prominent in the state as his uncles were a Premier of NSW and the General Manager of the CBC Bank.

Prior to coming to Temora he was a prominent sportsman playing rugby union for New South Wales. He was possibly the first New South Wales representative from Temora. He was also a rower and yachtsman of note and is one of the earliest motorists in New South Wales with the licence number 13.

When he came to Temora he easily jumped into the social activities of the still young town.

He became involved in the Temora Rugby Union side and he was declared the best all round player for the 1898 season.  He was also an outstanding cricketer and was considered one of the best in the district.

He was prominent in almost every branch of town life and was prominent in the early years of the Temora Dramatic Society.

Michael Farrell came to Temora in 1909.  He also became very prominent in Temora and was a member of the Temora District Hospital board for many years, serving some years as chairman.  He was actively associated with the hospital board in the days of the band Sunday’s where the country centres were visited by the Temora Town Band to raise funds for the Hospital.

He was also closely identified with the PAH & I Association, a forerunner to the Show Society. He was made a life member of the Association.

Together with Mr JA Bradley, Mr Fred Mitchell and Mr WM Witt they founded the Temora bowling club of which he was the first president.  He was made a life member of this club as well.

He was also prominent in the early days of the Temora Golf Club when it was situated at the Temora Showground.

Together with Mr Dibbs Mr Farrell founded the legal firm Dibbs and Farrell in 1911 and this firm carried on until 1970 when it merged with Thompson & Goode to become Thompson, Farrell & Goode.  There has been a succession of partners and mergers and the firm now trades as Commins Hendriks Temora.

Picture 1 - R.C Dibbs

Picture 2 - Michael Farrell