Emma Pritchard

Clarence Valley residents and dignitaries were invited to an open day at the Nymboida Power Station on the weekend in celebration of the iconic buildings 100th Birthday.

The first of several power stations planned for construction during the 1920s across NSW, it would go on to facilitate massive economic development for the regional community within the Clarence Valley.

The Nymboida Power Station was officially opened by Dr Earl Page, who had earlier laid the foundation stone for the structure on September 19, 1923, when he was the acting Prime Minister, and there was a standing ovation as he turned the station on in 1924, flooding Grafton with electric powered light for the first time.

In August the following year, the Nymboida power station was hailed a huge success with more than 900 consumers receiving power within the first year of trading.

At the time of its opening, the Nymboida Power Station had three turbines and alternators which generated more than 800 kilowatts of electricity.

A fourth turbine was added in 1927 which generated 750 kilowatts of electricity.

During the 1930s an eastern wing comprising of three turbines was constructed.

8650 megalitres of water was discharged from the premises each day when it was running at full capacity.

In 2024, the Nymboida Power Station remains offline.

During the open day Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said it was a pleasure to attend the event, describing the building as a part of the history of the local region.