The history of the Burgess family farming Australian soils in the Merriwa and Cassilis district of New
South Wales, dates back to the 1850’s. Some ancestors migrated under sponsorship as master
craftsmen, eventually purchasing their own land. Some came chasing gold in Queensland, such as a
16 year old, Edmund Burgess working his way down to the Cassilis area. Another came in chains as a
convict, such as Patrick Cronin (sentenced for life and transportation for “stealing arms”) arriving at
Collaroy Station, Cassilis, in 1839 to work on developing that historical holding. For his efforts,
Patrick was awarded a ticket of leave, becoming a free man and purchasing his own piece of
Australia in the same district. Regardless of origin the roots run deep on the Burgess family tree.
Bow Creek was the renowned boundary of two colonial stations in the district, Collaroy and
Cullingral until after World War I.
In 1928, following the death of his Grandfather, Ambrose Edmund (A.E) Burgess and his mother
Sarah purchased a parcel of land on Bow Creek at Merriwa from a returned soldier. The property
was named “Hebuterne” after the town in France where the soldier had been awarded his second
Military Medal. The land on Bow Creek is rich in chocolate basalt soil and perfect for growing crops,
prime lambs and some of Australia’s best beef cattle. Tim’s parents Terry and Kay (T.A & K.C
Burgess) continued to develop their Bow Creek property in size and productivity including raising 7
children on “Hebuterne”. Direct descendants of A.E Burgess continue to nurture and farm that same
piece of Bow Creek country today.
In 2019, Tim Burgess established Bow Creek, Food & Agribusiness based in Toowoomba,
Queensland. His passion and experience, gleaned from a lifetime in agriculture and 20 years
experience in International business, provided a platform to represent Australia’s best up-and-
coming food brands. Furthermore “Bow Creek” now advises and guides investment and provides farm and
resource management, to ensure a sustainable Australian farming industry, for generations to come.