Smalls in Politics

The 2019 Newsletter contains some information about Members of the Small Family in Politics

Some of today's notables include:

Governor NSW: Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Leader of the Opposition NSW Mark Speakman

Member of House of Representatives Ms Zali Steggall OAM

1. 1. 1. James Richard Small (545/43) Member for Murray of the NSW Legislative Assembly from 2 Feb 1985 to 5 Mar 1999. 

James Richard Small was the third child born to Ivan and Phoebe Small, in the Sydney suburb of Bondi on September22, 1933.As a young boy Jim, as he became known, moved with hisf amily to Deniliquin in the Riverina area of New South Wales. He grew up in a family of strong values and work ethic, and these have remained with him throughout a life that has extended beyond 80 years. Jim married Judy Davies at Mullumbimby on October 15,1955 and the couple made their home at Deniliquin, where Jim was building a successful farming operation. He was also getting involved in community affairs, including the local school, church, rice industry, efforts tobuild a nursing home and politics. This latter interest led to Jim Small winning pre-selection, then election, to represent the electorate of Murray in the New South Wales Parliament, which he continued doing for 14 years. On retirement, not content with relaxing back on the farm, Jim undertook a massive fundraising effort and rode his pushbike more than 13,000 kilometres around Australia. In more recent years Jim and Judy have returned in their caravan to towns he briefly visited on this marathon ride. Now both are octogenarians and live a more quiet life on the family property 'Billinudgel', outside Deniliquin.'The Small Boy' tells Jim's story, from his childhood as a bank manager's son to his years in politics and beyond. 

1. 1. 2. Sir Andrew Bruce Small (463/2), Mayor of the Gold Coast from 1967-1973 & 1976-1978, QLD State Member for Surfers Paradise from 1972-1977.

      3.  George Oakes (14), NSW MLC 1848 – 1856 and 1879 – 1881, MLA for Parramatta 1856 – 1860 and MLA for East Sydney 1872 – 1874. NSW parliamentary database records: In the 1870s he was a director of the Australian Gas Light Company; and on the council of the Agricultural Society of NSW. In 1876 he was the representative commissioner for NSW at the Paris and Philadelphia Exhibitions, returning to NSW in 1876. He was a member of the Anti-Transportation League in the late 1840s and early 1850s; a life member of the British and Foreign Bible Society; on the committees of the Parramatta Benevolent Asylum and the District Hospital. From 1857 he owned the house at 133 Macquarie Street, which is now the headquarters of the Royal Australian Historical Society, having purchased it from Dr William Bland.

      4. Francis Rowland Oakes (17) The NSW parliamentary database records:

Pastoralist and landed proprietor. In 1840s purchased land within 19 counties in partnership with his brother. In 1854 held Bellingerambil in Lachlan district. Father was a Wesleyan Missionary.

1. 1. 5. Hon William Byrnes (12) married to Francis and Rebecca Oakes’ daughter Ann Oakes (12). NSW MLC from 1858 – 1891. The NSW parliamentary database records: Manufacturer and storekeeper. First employed as an apprentice saddler. In the 1830's was a pioneer of steam ferry transport on the Parramatta River with his brother James (a Member of the first Legislative Council 1850 - 1851 and a Member of the Legislative Assembly). They built a steam flour mill in 1840-1841 and later wool and cloth mills. In 1862, they employed around 50 people. They also jointly owned the largest store in Parramatta. Freemason.