THE Port Macquarie Historical Society has launched a new publication investigating the unique history of Clarence Street.
Researched and written by Society member Tony Dawson, the 116-page illustrated book records the stories of Port Macquarie’s civic, commercial and cultural heart from colonisation to present day.
It explores the city’s history through the people, places and events associated with Clarence Street, and how these have shaped Port Macquarie’s identity and landscape over time.
“The aim of the publication was to produce a well researched, quality publication that documents and increases historical knowledge of Port Macquarie, one of the first settlements on the North Coast of NSW,” said Historical Society president Clive Smith.
“We think Tony has achieved that and more.”
The publication has been supported by a $5000 grant through Create NSW’s Cultural Grant Program, administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW Government.
The book was launched on Tuesday 28 April at the Port Macquarie Museum, with Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer in attendance.
Author and historian Tony Dawson has written several other books and guides published by the Historical Society.
In recent years the “Port Macquarie Historic Places Driving Tour Guide” was published in 2025 and “To Be Worked in Irons – Stories from the Port Macquarie Bench Books”, in conjunction with Heather Aynsley, was published in 2022.
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