Cordwell family reunites in Yandina after 25 years

This Easter, the well-known local Cordwell family gathered in Yandina for a long-awaited reunion, marking 25 years since their last major get-together in the same town in 2000. Descendants from across Australia gathered on April 19–20 to reconnect, honour their ancestors, and celebrate a shared history.

A family rooted in history

The Cordwell story begins with William Cordwell, born near Ballina, NSW, to Thomas Cordwell—who emigrated from Buckinghamshire, England in 1854—and Mary Ann Pollock, whose Scottish parents arrived in Jugiong in 1838.

In 1900, William moved to Queensland to join the police force and was stationed at Roma Street in Brisbane.  He married Ellen Harris, whose family came from Wales in 1883. Two children were born in Brisbane to William and Ellen. After Ellen’s early passing, William was transferred to Mitchell, married Annie Green in 1913, and continued raising a growing family.

In 1916, they relocated to the Sunshine Coast hinterland, settling on dairy farms in Dulong and Kureelpa. There, they established the successful ‘Allandale’ pig stud. Seven of William’s 11 children were born during their years in the region.

Like many families of the time, the Cordwells were affected by the Great Depression, prompting moves to Mt Samson, Tamborine, and eventually back to the Coast, settling in Yandina in 1935. William worked as a relief worker, supporting both his family and the local community during challenging times.

Building a legacy

William and Annie’s 11 children made their own marks across Queensland.

• Muriel ran a dairy farm at Kidaman Creek with husband Jim Sharry.

• Jack worked in Mapleton.

• Vic, a World War II veteran, later operated a sand and gravel business in Yandina and supported the local Scouts—Vic Cordwell Park is named in his honour.

• Kit, with husband Gordon Salway, farmed in Nambour and later ran a tobacco farm in North Queensland.

• Robin worked in the Obi Obi Valley and later operated Nambour Farm Supplies.

• Alec farmed dairy in Obi Obi before working at Kenilworth School.

• Beryl worked in Yandina before moving to Brisbane and then Ingham.

• Stan, also a WWII veteran, became a butcher and later ran a pineapple farm in Nambour.

• Mabel (Mae) worked in a Brisbane cake shop and later travelled widely with her RAAF husband.

• Colin began work in Yandina before building a career in carpentry and grocery management in Brisbane.

From farming and forestry to retail, military service and community work, the Cordwells have left a lasting legacy. Their story reflects values of resilience, connection and service—passed down through generations.

In recent years, the family has farewelled all of William and Annie’s children and their spouses. Their absence was keenly felt and their memories honoured throughout the reunion weekend which began with a Saturday morning gathering at Yandina State School—a place of significance for the family. Four of William and Annie’s children attended the school after the move in 1935, and the connection continued through generations.

The weekend featured a traditional spit roast BBQ, heritage displays, family history presentations, and activities for all ages.

Looking ahead

While not all relatives were able to attend, organisers reconnected with extended family and shared stories of the past. The reunion was a time to reflect, remember, and renew family ties. 

The family want to thank the Yandina State School for allowing them to host event 1 in the brand new hall. The brand-new Yandina School Hall was the perfect backdrop. “The spacious layout and modern presentation screens helped bring our history to life,” said an organiser. “The hall’s fresh design and welcoming atmosphere made it easy for family to connect, reflect, and celebrate. It’s a hidden gem that we’re grateful to have discovered—an ideal venue for a gathering of this kind.

“We also thank all the people who helped bring the Cordwell Reunion together so beautifully. To our organisers who planned behind the scenes, to those who set up and packed down, who cooked, coordinated, cleaned, and kept things running smoothly—your time, energy, and care did not go unnoticed.

“A special thanks to the Yandina Historic House volunteers who assisted with planning and warmly served coffee during the weekend, as well as to the Yandina Bakery, Gingers Café, Caloundra Cookie Co for the delicious food that added something truly special to our events. Also thankyou to Master Hire and Hire a Loo Coolum.”

“The weekend would not have been possible without their efforts. They helped create lasting memories and a gathering our family will always treasure.”

Descendants from across Australia gathered on April 19–20 to reconnect, honour their ancestors, and celebrate a shared history.

William Cordwell & Rose Ann Green married in 1913.