NameJohn Shepherd ReserveTypePark/ReserveGeolocation[1] DescriptionThis reserve is on the site of the former Mount Terry farm, owned by Albion Park pioneer Gabriel Timbs. The reserve is named after John Shepherd who farmed 'Coral Grove', Croome Road (former Haddin family farm) before moving to Mount Terry farm in 1953.
Gabriel Timbs purchased land at Mt Terry and built a new cottage on the banks of Frazers Creek. He planted a Norfolk pine, fig trees and an orchard at the rear of the house. The pine tree survived until the 1980s and the fig trees are now part of the reserve.
Gabriel, a renowned dairyman, played a vital role in the early settlement of Albion Park. As well as his farm properties (Mount Terry, Rosetta Hill and Tara), he purchased building blocks in the township and, in 1876, built a butcher shop, blacksmith, shoemaker, dressmaker shops and general store. In 1879 he built the Albion Park Hotel. He was elected an Alderman on Shellharbour Municipal Council in 1876, serving two terms. He died in 1901 and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Albion Park.
Gabriel's son David Timbs farmed the land for many years after his father. David lived in his father's original cottage at first before building a weatherboard home on the southern side of Gabriel's cottage. Davis farmed Mount Terry until 1921. The original Mount Terry homestead was demolished in 1995.
Rosetta Hill' dairy farm complex was purchased at auction by Gabriel Timbs Snr in 1884. Rosetta Hill was part of the Samuel Terry grant of 1821 and named after his wife, Rosetta Terry. Prior to dense development of the surrounding area in the 1990s, the home, Rosetta Hill stood out as an historic landmark on the hilltop on the way to Mt Terry.
Mount Terry farm site has associations with nearby farm locations 'Tara' and 'Rosetta Hill' - Timbs family farms.
John Shepherd was President of the Albion Park Parents & Citizens Association, former President of the Albion Park Show Society, member of APEX, foundation member of Albion Park Lions, establishment member of the Mt Warrigal Nursing Home, local stock & station agent, and a key player with the Department of Agriculture regarding beef and dairy cattle, as well as being a judge of the same.
The trees are physical and historic markers of the former grazing pastures. The land was originally part of the Terry’s Meadows Estate. The 143 lot subdivision was approved in 1996 including this reserve.
