1840 to 1849
1840		The Kwiambal people attended a great meeting of many Aboriginal language groups on the Dumaresq River, regarding white settlement in the North West.
1843		By 1843 a Watchhouse had been established at Ashford by George James MacDonald, Commissioner of Crown Lands for the New England District. The Commissioners were expected to visit each run in their district twice a year.
1848		Surveyor J. J. Galloway visits the area marking locations for reserves to be used as village sites, stock reserves or small farms.
1845		John Prefrement was granted a licence for his public house, the Squatters' Home Inn, which was already in operation.