(From left) Ian Falkiner and Patricia Fisken OAM unveil the Otway Falkiner bust at the Pepping Heritage Centre.
Legendary sheep grazier and breeder Otway Falkiner has been further immortalised in history, with a bust of the local pioneer now taking pride of place at the Deniliquin Peppin Heritage Centre.
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Coordinated by the Trustees of the Southern Riverina Deniliquin Picnic Turf Club, it was unveiled to a small gathering at the Peppin Heritage Centre on Tuesday.
Otway is famous for the development of the Poll Boonoke ram - a high-quality and sturdy breed suited to the Riverina area.
The Falkiner family purchased part of Boonoke in 1878, beginning a long and fruitful relationship between the family and the station.
By 1910, the Falkiner family had purchased the whole of Bonooke and its stud stock from the Millear family.
In 1958, the Falkiners purchased Wanganella to reunite the Peppin properties and sheep for the first time since the late 1870s when the Peppin brothers first purchased it.
The Falkiner family and their indelible mark on the area and its industry cannot be understated.
On behalf of the Trustees of the Southern Riverina Picnic Turf Club, David Gove was the MC for the unveiling, which was attended by about 20 people.
Specials guests, and given the honour of the official unveiling, were Otway’s grandchildren, Patricia Fisken OAM and Ian ‘Bones’ Falkiner.
The spoke affectionately of the man they knew as ‘Boss’.
“He was a fantastic man, truly; when they made him, they threw away the mould,” Ian said.
“He was simply exceptional.”
Ian grew up at Boonoke, living there until he was 14.
He described those early years as “fantastic” and said “ram classing and being able to see that was always a highlight”.
Members of the audience were enthralled with the stories being shared.
Mr. David Gove who organised a large chuck of the day addresses the audience members.
