From a Deputy Premier to a champion jockey, and a buckjumper more famous than Phar Lap — Bingara has produced some extraordinary characters.
Tucked into the New England region of northern NSW, Bingara has always punched above its weight. The stories preserved in Bingara Our Town, Our People Vol 1 remind us that this small town shaped lives — and legends — that reached far beyond its main street. Here are three of them.
Walter Wearne – From Bingara to the Halls of Parliament
When the Wearne family arrived in Bingara in 1880, young Walter could hardly have imagined the journey ahead. Growing up in a pioneering community, he built himself into a respected businessman and farmer — the kind of man who got things done and earned the trust of his neighbours.
That trust carried him all the way to the NSW Parliament, where Walter Wearne rose to become Deputy Premier and Minister for Lands. In an era when land was everything — the foundation of wealth, identity, and community — his role shaped the lives of countless families across the state.
Yet for all his achievements in Sydney, Bingara is where his story began. He is a reminder that great leaders are often forged in small towns, shaped by hard work, community, and the values of the bush.
Ernie Walmsley – The Jockey Who Owned the Imperial
Some men are remembered for one great thing. Ernie Walmsley managed several.
As a champion jockey, Ernie rode for some of the finest stables in the region, including Hugh Munro's Keera Station near Bingara. In 1932, he delivered a memorable treble for Munro at the Inverell Cup — the kind of performance that gets talked about for decades in racing circles.
After hanging up his silks, Ernie turned businessman and became the owner of the Imperial Hotel, Bingara — a landmark on the main street and a hub of community life.
But perhaps his most enduring legacy is one he never planned. Ernie Walmsley is the grandfather of Felicity Urquhart, one of Australia's most beloved country music singer-songwriters. There's something poetic about that — a man who spent his life chasing winners on the track, leaving behind a musical legacy that still resonates today.
Rocky Ned – The Buckjumper Born at Bingara
If you mentioned Rocky Ned in the 1920s and 30s, every Australian knew the name. In his heyday, it was said that Rocky Ned was better known than Phar Lap — and in the world of rodeo and bush sport, that was no exaggeration.
Born in 1907 on the Bingara property of Thomas Butler, Rocky Ned proved impossible to tame from the very beginning. Early attempts to break him in — including hitching him to a harvester team — ended in chaos. He had other ideas.
What followed was a career that made him a legend. Touring with Thorpe McConville's Wild Australia, Rocky Ned tested the best riders in the country across dusty arenas from one end of the nation to the other. Few could stay on his back. Those who did — like Gordon Attwater — became part of his story.
His fame wasn't limited to the ring. Poets and musicians celebrated his feats, and he became a symbol of the rough-riding tradition of the Australian bush — courage, skill, and untamed spirit.
Rocky Ned died in 1953 and was buried at Narrandera, where he is remembered and celebrated to this day. In February 2026, the town honoured him with a plaque at the Murrumbidgee Flats, recognising his lasting impact on Australian sport and culture.
"Rocky Ned was more than a horse — he was a legend. A buckjumper of rare skill and temperament, he dominated Australian rodeos for decades and inspired poems, songs and bush verse that celebrated his untamed spirit."
— Narrandera Argus, February 26, 2026
That a horse born on a Bingara property could inspire a plaque in Narrandera nearly 70 years after his death speaks volumes. Rocky Ned belongs to all of Australia — but Bingara can proudly claim him as one of its own.
Discover More Stories Like These
These three stories are just a glimpse of what awaits in Bingara Our Town, Our People Vol 1, available now from Rodney's Relics. Written by local authors who have dedicated themselves to preserving Bingara's proud past, it's an essential read for history lovers, genealogy researchers, and anyone with a connection to this remarkable corner of New England NSW.
We can gift wrap and post to anyone in Australia — just use their address when checking out. Rodney of Rodney's Relics absolutely guarantees returns and refunds for anyone unhappy with their purchase. Call our Bingara main street shop on 02 6724 1500 with any questions.
Have fun & play responsibly.