The council emerged from the Progress Association which had been running for several years to lobby for improvements around the town.
The first election of aldermen for Coraki Council took place on Friday, 5th February 1891.
Following were the aldermen elected—
W. Yabsley, J. Storey, K. Nolan. J. McAughey, C. J. McRae, John White. Mr. Chas. Stamford was the first Town Clerk appointed.
In June, William Yabsley Jnr was elected Mayor unopposed.
Mayors of Coraki:
1891 – 1893
1894
1895 – 1898
1899 – 1900
1901
1901
1902 – 1903
1904 – 1905
1906
1906
1907 – 1908
1909
1910
1910
1911 – 1913
1914
1915
1915
1916
1917 – 1925
1926
1927 – 1929
1930 – 1934
Ald. W. Yabsley
Ald. J. White
Ald. J. Storey
Ald. J. McKinnon
Ald. T. McFadden (resigned)
Ald. W. Nolan (balance of term)
Ald. W. Nolan
Ald. W. Burgess
Ald. W. Burgess (resigned)
Ald. D. McKinnon (balance of term)
Ald. D. McKinnon
Ald. C.J. McRae
Ald. C.J. McRae (resigned)
Ald. R.G. Benaud (balance of term)
Ald. R.G. Benaud
Ald. W.J. Hodge
Ald. W. McLean (resigned)
Ald. W. Nolan (balance of term)
Ald. W. Nolan
Ald. L.F. Benaud
Ald. J. McMullen
Ald. L.F. Benaud
Ald. J. Allison
The Woodburn Shire Council was set up in 1906 to cover the rural districts of Woodburn, Broadwater and Evans Head. Having no suitable building in Woodburn, their meetings were held 12 miles (17 km) away in Coraki.
There was always a strong advocacy to relocate the meetings closer to Woodburn when the School of Arts was built.
Ignoring the fierce opposition, the new Council Chambers were built in 1912, the building emblazoned with Woodburn Shire Council even though it was located in Adams St, Coraki.
In 1932 resulting from agitation from the Coraki Ratepayer’s Association, there was a suggestion that Coraki Municipal Council should amalgamate with Woodburn Shire Council and this became official on 1 January 1934.
Standing: C.Q. Walker (Junior Clerk), J.P. Walker (Town Clerk) Ald. J. Turner, Ald. J. Hile, Ald. H.A.C. Wall.
Sitting: Ald. L.F. Benaud (Mayor), Ald. J. Allison (Deputy Mayor).
