Beryl Brierley (nee Andy) was born in the Central Tilba area in 1932. Beryl’s father was Ernest Andy and mother Winifred Bloxham. Ernest Andy’s father was Robert Andy and his mother was Mary Ellen Andy (nee Piety). They both worked in the Tilba area on various farms including Miller, Reeds and ‘The Pines’.

Beryl spent her childhood in Tilba / Wallaga Lake region, attending Wallaga Lake School and venturing to Mystery Bay, Dignams Creek, Wallaga Lake and Tilba Lake. In 1948 Beryl moved to Moruya aged 16, and met her husband to be Ernie Brierley, marrying him 4 years later. The family have worked in the fishing industry all their lives, Ernie Brierley also worked on building the Moruya Airport. Ernie Brierley’s mother was Catherine Duren and his father was Walter Brierley, a self-employed fisherman primarily working between Broulee and Bingie, living at Brierley’s Homestead, adjacent to Moruya airport. In the mid 1960s the family lived on Broulee Island and collected lobsters and muttonfish.

Ernie and Beryl Brierley continue to live at Garland Town, on the hill at Moruya North heads.

Excerpt from Stories About the Eurobodalla by Aboriginal People, 2006. Story contributed by Martin Ind from Moruya High School.