Volume two called “Second Generation” tells of Gerard Leahy’s life in Tumbarumba between 1952 and 1996, of his retirement to the Blue Mountains and confrontation with serious medical issues and the death of his beloved Kath.

The book captures the atmosphere of a country community before bureaucracy took over the functions previously performed by committed citizens. He tells of a community filled with young people, bank tellers, nurses, farm and forest workers who organised their own sporting competitions and entertainment. It captures the activities of the times including the story of pasture and farm improvement.

Gerard reveals his special interest in aircraft and especially gliding. He tells most of the history of the Tumbarumba Gliding Club and finds a special place for KAS Mann. He also gives details of the heady days of the Tumbarumba cricket competition

He gives details of some exciting family travel in Australia and around the world. One chapter “There is more to life than money” gives us an idea of his philosophy that unlike his father he put family, a social conscience and enjoying life ahead of making money.

The book is the only first-hand account of the agricultural and community life of Tumbarumba between 1950 and 2000. Gerard tells of how he took over a huge property consisting largely of native pasture and which was full of briars, blackberries and rabbits. He first had to secure finance, which was not easy, he had to purchase livestock and look after workers.

He makes mention of his two key men, Jack Hulm and Jim Shore.

There are stories about eradicating rabbits including the success of myxomatosis and later the use of 1080.The book covers the time when oats and peas and potatoes were important crops at Tumbarumba and he gives details about pasture improvement and the aerial spreading of superphosphate and of harvesting clover seed.

He tells of eradicating of tuberculosis in cattle, trying Cormo sheep and of the heart break at the end when he sees his prize pastures go under for pine trees.

The book makes light of his great achievements as a community leader and his many achievements. Gerard played a significant role on Tumbarumba Shire Council before the 1993 changes to the Local Government Act reduced the powers of councillors. He served on Council for 12 years, including two years as Deputy Shire President.

He was councils delegate on the Tumut River County Council for 9 years. He spent many years on the then important Kosciusko National Park Advisory Committee, was a member of Tumbarumba Hospital Board 27 year and was chairman for 7 years. He was also Group Captain of the local rural fire brigades.

Gerard Leahy was the driving force in the creation of the Pinnaroo Frail Aged Hostel.

He sold council and the community the concept, worked to secure funding which included cooperation with the Masonic benevolent organisation and saw to the construction being carried out in time and within budget.

Two more of his lasting achievements, of which he makes little mention, were the establishment of a pre-school at Tumbarumba and the promotion of the concept of a “creek scape” and public areas around the creek which flows through the centre of Tumbarumba.

Gerard brought the benefits of his education and experience to what had been a frontier town.

He devoted the best years of his life to Tumbarumba and we believe that it is now a much better place largely as a result of the efforts of Gerard Leahy and his contemporaries.

There are many pictures at the end of each chapter which explain much of the story. There are also appendices, press articles and financial details.

This page is underconstruction. For any corrections and additional valuable information, maps and photos you have please contact John on 0431 481 451.

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