Herbert Joseph Dudley

Herbert Dudley was one of Randwick's greatest real estate agents and developers. He opened up large areas of land south of Maroubra for residential and commercial use. His slogan was "Watch Maroubra Grow".

Herbert Dudley was born in 1869 to Arthur and Annie Dudley. He was the eldest of four boys. Dudley left school at the age of 14 and worked as an apprentice draper at Farmers and Co. 

Dudley's first connection with the Randwick city area began in the 1890's after his family bought a holiday home in the village of Brand (now Malabar). Dudley moved with his family to Dacre Street, Long Bay (next door to his parent's house) in 1903.

Whilst still employed by Farmer and Co. Dudley began buying large areas of crown land at Long Bay which he subdivided and resold at weekends. Dudley was aided by his employers, the Pope family, who held controlling interest in Farmer and Co. The Pope family recognized his talents and became the financial backer for his real estate undertakings.

By 1912 Dudley had built the first stage of "Dudley's Corner" - a dwelling for his family and a small office, for, by this time, his business had grown and he was selling land in areas such as the Surfside Estate at Maroubra.

Dudley was quick to recognize the need for community services and facilities close to residential areas if residential growth was to be encouraged. With this in mind he set about building the Emporium. The emporium included a cinema, produce store, hardware and grocery store, drapery, refreshments, chemist, butchery and residence. He also built a wooden school (now Maroubra Junction Public School) in the following years.

Dudley resigned his position with Farmer and Co in 1913 to become a fulltime land developer and auctioneer and by the early 1920s was a wealthy man.

Dudley was responsible for organising the tram line to be extended to Maroubra Beach, and for the first doctor and dentist to operate in the area. He also lent "Dudley's Pavilion" in Ireton St, Malabar to local church groups free of charge.

Herbert Dudley died in 1927 at the age of 57 and is buried at Randwick Cemetery.

List of References

• NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
• Pioneer land developer is remembered" Weekly courier 29/05/1985 : 7
• Leonard, Bob. Letter to town clerk 19/11/1981
• "Development of the Church" Messenger 15/08/1984 : 11
• [Interview with Mrs Leonard] 05/06/1977