Hebel celebrates Chapman Family Reunion
The small rural community of Hebel recently bore witness to an extraordinary gathering of people from all corners of the country who came together to celebrate the Chapman Family Reunion.
What began modestly in 2009, with just fifteen family members in attendance, has now blossomed into a heartwarming tradition that drew over 70 participants this year.
This year’s event was the first reunion for four years due to the pandemic.
The genesis of this cherished event can be traced back to a fateful encounter between Raelee Whaelen and Paulette Whitton, both descendants of the Chapman/Eckford families.
Their shared curiosity and determination led to a captivating journey of genealogical research.
Among the notable attendees was Victor George Chapman, the eldest living member of the Chapman clan.
Victor’s roots trace back to Currawillinghi Station, and his significance transcends family ties as he holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous headmaster in New South Wales.
His presence at the reunion was a poignant testament to the enduring legacy of the Chapman family.
Victor’s early years were spent on a property situated approximately 7 kilometres from Hebel, a remote location that stands 140 kilometres north of Walgett.
His educational journey began at the tender age of 11, when he rode alone on the back of a mail truck from Goodooga to Brewarrina and then by train to Dubbo to enrol at Dubbo High School.
Over the course of 39 years, Victor dedicated himself to educating generations of students in New South Wales schools.
His retirement in 1990 was marked by the prestigious Public Service Medal as recognition for his profound contributions to education in the state and for uplifting the Indigenous community’s status in the City of Greater Wollongong.[…]
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