Collection SummaryJohn William Macfarlane was the first Shire Clerk of Sutherland Shire.BiographyMacfarlane came to the area before the Sutherland Shire was incorporated. The land he had selected was obtained from the Holt Sutherland Estate Land Company. Located in Miranda the original selection was not suited to farming or for use as an orchard. Macfarlane had little success as a result. He selected another portion in a better location.
He soon became involved in the local life of the community. In 1892 he was the first post master of Miranda and with a keen interest in and talent for music became involved in the Miranda Musical Society and an organist for the Miranda Congregational Church. He also became involved in the school of arts movement and helped establish the Miranda School of Arts.
He married local girl Mary Hall in 1902 and had one son.
In 1907 the Sutherland Shire was incorporated and John was employed as the first shire clerk. The position included many duties to assist in the administration of the council. He worked closely with the overseer Frederick Dwyer. He retired as Shire Clerk in 1928 and took up the position of toll collector at Georges River Bridge.
In 1930 his son married.
By 1937 Macfarlane retired and he and his wife Mary enjoyed their time together until her death in 1941.
In 1947 John died at age 84. He was highly regarded by the local community and generally acknowledged as a quiet achiever best known for his enjoyment of music and reading.
John William Macfarlane. Local History - Sutherland Shire Libraries, accessed 01/04/2026, https://localhistory.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/103826
