Sir James Mitchell

Sir James Mitchell was born in the Shire of Dardanup in April 1866.  Serving as the Premier and Governor, he was one of the more influential figures in the development of the Avon Valley.

With a background in banking, he entered into politics due to his popularity and passion for agriculture and the further development of Northam.

He held the finest set of hacks (riding horses) in the State and was well known for his kind gregarious nature.  He was responsible for the growth of agriculture in the Avon Valley and the dairy industry down south, as he backed the program that sent returned WW2 soldiers to settle on farming land throughout the area.