He was the city’s first state representative and the namesake behind Gormly Avenue. 

The story of the Honourable Mr Gormly was uncovered as part of The Daily Advertiser’s Memory Lane series, revealing the long-forgotten residents behind Wagga’s streets and suburbs.

The historic reveal comes as Wagga prepares to welcome its new state representative this week.

Gormly was lucky to be alive, following the horrific floods that washed through the Gundagai settlement when he was about 16 years old. 

The young teen had been mining across NSW and Victoria, when he stopped in at the village to visit his parents. 

The young man and his brother had escaped the threat of the swift currents, swimming an impressive distance to find sanctuary in a tree. 

But his parents, two other brothers, his sister and many others were not as fortunate. 

After swimming more than a mile, Gormly clung to the branches of his refuge for three days.

In addition to the grief, he endured the bitter cold until his rescue. 

Six years later, in 1858, he settled in Wagga, building up a decent business as a a coach and government mail contractor across the region. 

In fact, he was the first on record, to run a coach between the small town and Albury. 

Playing a significant hand in the development of the Turf Club, his name frequently appeared in its records as an owner and breeder of racehorses. 

He was described as "small, wiry and energetic" man, according to CSU Regional Archives, and he had a passion for politics.

Gormly also followed a number of farming pursuits in 1874, until he joined the Wagga Wagga council as alderman in 1883 and served as mayor from 1883. 

He was then elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Murrumbidgee 1885 to 1894 and was the first state member between 1894 to 1904.

He was then appointed to the NSW Legislative Council, where he remained for almost 20 years. 

Outside politics, farming, horses and mail deliveries, Gormly also wrote articles for the local paper, regarding the history of the area. 

Gormly died in Wagga in 1922. He was 86 years old. 

While you’re with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to you inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you’re up to date with all the Wagga news, sign up here.