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Meet the enterprising Thomas Fitzsimmons

Richard Padgett

Our latest book tells the story of Thomas and Eliza, the family they raise and the enterprises they create to survive and prosper.

He is a blacksmith, a publican, a timber miller and a farmer. Above all, his hotel, the “Sydney”, and land investments are the tangible realities that he holds onto and ultimately prove to be the salvation of his family.

The family grows to maturity in Woodend but the restless spirit in Thomas reaches out and explores possibilities in Kyneton, Mt Macedon, Bendigo and Melbourne.

This is the story of Thomas and Eliza, the family they raise and the enterprises they create to survive and prosper. He is a blacksmith, a publican, a timber miller and a farmer. Above all, his hotel, the “Sydney”, and land investments are the tangible realities that he holds onto and ultimately prove to be the salvation of his family. The family grows to maturity in Woodend but the restless spirit in Thomas reaches out and explores possibilities in Kyneton, Mt Macedon, Bendigo and Melbourne.

This is the story of Thomas and Eliza, the family they raise and the enterprises they create to survive and prosper. He is a blacksmith, a publican, a timber miller and a farmer. Above all, his hotel, the “Sydney”, and land investments are the tangible realities that he holds onto and ultimately prove to be the salvation of his family. The family grows to maturity in Woodend but the restless spirit in Thomas reaches out and explores possibilities in Kyneton, Mt Macedon, Bendigo and Melbourne.

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Woodend & District Heritage Society acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples as the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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