The name Tabulam is derived from BundjalungDahbalam.
History
Originally, Tabulam and the surrounding farm and bushland were inhabited by Bundjalung Aboriginals of which many still inhabit the town and surrounding area. British colonisation of the land first occurred in 1840 when pastoral squattersPeter Cunningham Pagan and his brother-in-law William Tucker Evans chose the site for a sheep station. The forced displacement of the local Bundjalung from their lands led to a period of frontier conflict. On 24 April 1841, Pagan was clubbed to death after a failed attempt to shoot some Aboriginals who had taken items from his homestead. The killing of this well-known pastoralist prompted a lengthy series of reprisals against the local Bundjalung clans led by Henry Oakes, the regional crown lands commissioner. With his Border Police troopers and several armed volunteers including local squatters Edward Ogilvie and John Mylne, Oakes set out on a three stage punitive expedition which resulted in the killing of at least 15 Bundjalung people and the destruction of five Aboriginal camp-sites. During these raids Ogilvie and Oakes also kidnapped six children. Conflict in the upper reaches of the Clarence River continued up until at least the late 1860s. Tabulam is the birthplace of Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel of the Australian Light Horse. During World War II, tank traps were built in the area near Paddys Flat, to repel a potential armoured attack. More of the tank traps became visible after flooding of the Clarence River in 2011.
Culture
Tabulam has a large Indigenous population with a number of Indigenous villages surrounding the local area. The main one being Jubullum Village which is the home to the Tabulum Turtle Divers rugby team. This village is located on the Rocky River and has around 130-150 people. Local cultural leaders and artists live in this village and a team of locals maintains the lawns and houses.
Recreation
Tabulam has a number of recreational activities. Tabulam Golf Course is located near the Clarence river at Tabulam. It is a 9 hole bush-land course. The course is maintained by volunteers. It is open to the public. Tabulam has an active CWA Branch who participates in many community events. Local Markets are held in Tabulam on the 2nd Sunday of each month, with an 'open mike' music, stalls with locally made products and produce. The local CWA opens for food from Toasties in the morning through to lunch as well as a cake stall. The September Market will be transforming into the Blueberry Festival, which was first held in May 2017 and Oct 2019. During the year 'special' themed markets have jumping castles, puppet shows and more for free for children. Tabulam hosts an annual Spring Racing Carnival, occurring each year on the Saturday following the Melbourne Cup. The Tabulam racecourse is managed by the Tabulam Jockey Club. The Tabulam Races are held at the local racetrack, located approximately 1 km south of the township, on the bank of the Clarence River. The 5 race carnival culminates with the Tabulam Cup, a 2220m race. White-water rafting, camping, fishing, bushwalking and other nature activities are available at the town. A local company offers weekend or single day river adventures, with guides and the opportunity to spot a platypus or wedge-tailed eagle.
