Scrub rainforest, which attracted European settlers in the mid-1850s. It then emerged as a permanent settlement for timber-getting and in the 1880's, it was proclaimed a village. History of Tintenbar Public School The Tintenbar public school had a long history stretching back over 100 years. Initially the school was located near the centre of the village. In February 1884 that the school was opened, Miss Ellen Duffy was the first teacher. It was in the vicinity of a Church of England, a cooper's store, a hotel (Royal Hotel), and a blacksmith's shop. Opals In 1901, opals were first discovered at Tintenbar. Mining for opals was conducted between 1919 and 1922. Notable residents William Gillies (Australian politician) - Former Premier of Queensland Susie Olive Kaylock - Local government official and community worker References External links Teven Tintenbar Public School Northern Rivers Geology Blog - Tintenbar Towns in New South Wales Northern Rivers Ballina Shire