Etheridge Family Butchery Legacy Concludes After Five Generations

After more than a century and five generations, the Etheridge family is concluding its deep-rooted connection to the meat industry in New South Wales. Bernard Etheridge, the current owner of Mornington Butchery in Gunnedah, is selling the business after 46 years of personal involvement, marking the end of an era.

Tracing a Five-Generation Legacy

The Etheridge family's journey in butchery began in Scone with Edward, Bernard's great-great-grandfather. Their first shop opened its doors in Barraba in the 1870s, laying the groundwork for a generational trade.

The Mornington Butchery in Gunnedah joined the family's portfolio in 1946, when Bernard's grandfather acquired it. Bernard himself continued the tradition, purchasing the business from his parents in 1997.

Shifting Tides in the Trade

Over his four decades in the industry, Bernard Etheridge has witnessed profound transformations. He noted that advancements in machinery have made the work significantly less physical. Public eating habits have also evolved, shifting from traditional Sunday roasts to a greater preference for barbecues.

A noticeable decline in independent butcher shops has also occurred; Gunnedah once had 13 when Bernard started, a number now reduced to just two. This decline, he suggests, is partly due to the burgeoning takeaway food industry.

A New Chapter for Mornington Butchery

Etheridge clarified that his decision to sell was a personal one, driven by his age, rather than any issues with the industry's profitability. With his children pursuing diverse careers outside of butchery, the family's direct lineage in the trade naturally comes to an end.

Local cattle farmers, the James family, led by Kate James, are set to take over Mornington Butchery in February. They aim to uphold the cherished legacy of the business, ensuring it continues to serve the Gunnedah community.