Namesakes of Durkin Street: the caricaturist from the dairy family

Uncover the fascinating story of one of Newport’s street names!

Michael Durkin (1829–1896) operated Durkin’s Dairy, a well‑known local landmark that fronted Mason Street until the land was subdivided in 1887. The Durkin family’s timber home—later giving its name to Durkin Street—was where Michael’s son, Thomas Coleman Durkin (1853–1902), grew up before becoming a celebrated caricaturist and cartoonist.

At this event, Stacey Williams, a direct descendant of Michael Durkin and a current resident of Durkin Street more than 173 years after her family first settled in Newport, will share her unique insights into the family’s history. She will be followed by local researcher Bob Ferris, contributor to On Stage and Australian Card Collector magazines, who will explore Thomas Durkin’s life and creative achievements, including his notable Masks and Faces series.

Before or after the talk attendees are invited to enjoy a display of reproduced caricatures showcasing Thomas Durkin’s reproduced caricatures.

The theme of this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival is ‘change’, and exaggeration in caricature is one area in which Newport’s local history has a claim to fame!