Donald McKechnie

Donald McKechnie was born 18 July 1875 at Dubbo. He was among the first permanent residents and storekeepers at Lightning Ridge, at the Wallangulla (Old Town) settlement. Originally from Cumborah, he married Annie Newton in 1900 and settled at the Ridge around 1905.

In January 1906, McKechnie opened one of the first stores at Wallangulla, operating out of a large tent. He handled incoming and outgoing mail for the district and sold stamps.

McKechnie’s store served as both a general store and an unofficial post office until the official Lightning Ridge Post Office was opened on 17 August 1906, with McKechnie appointed the first postmaster. The store stood close to the police station and the Opale School.

By late 1906, McKechnie’s store stood alongside others built by S. D. Sharkey and Mr. Dennis, with billiard rooms, barbershops, and mercery shops.

Donald McKechnie passed away 26 May 1964 at Gunnedah, New South Wales.

Article: Research by Leisa Carney, edited by Russell Gawthorpe. LRHS research compiled by Len Cram and Barbara Moritz. Sources: Lightning Flash Newspaper, 10 May 1979, 21 September 1989; Walgett Spectator, 2 September 1895, 3 November 1906.