Bland Shire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bland Shire New South Wales
Location in New South Wales
Population	5,995 (2016 census) 5,985 (2018 est.)
• Density	0.7004/km2 (1.814/sq mi)
Area	8,560 km2 (3,305.0 sq mi)
Mayor	Brian Monaghan (Independent)
Council seat	West Wyalong
Region	New South Wales Riverina
State electorate(s)	Cootamundra
Federal Division(s)	Riverina Parkes
Website	Bland Shire
LGAs around Bland Shire: Carrathool Lachlan Forbes Carrathool Bland Shire Weddin Griffith Narrandera Temora

Bland Shire is a special area in New South Wales, Australia, that manages its own local services. It's located in the Riverina region. This area covers about 8,560 square kilometers. In 2016, around 5,995 people lived here.

Bland Shire is known for being part of the "League of Extraordinary Communities." This fun group includes other places with interesting names like Dull in Scotland and Boring in the United States. They work together to encourage people to visit all three unique communities.

The main ways people make a living in Bland Shire are through farming, mining, and moving goods around. Tourism and selling things to other businesses are also important.

History of Bland Shire

Bland Shire has a rich history, especially around the town of West Wyalong. This area was once a popular spot for people searching for gold. Many years ago, gold prospectors came here hoping to find their fortune.

The shire was given its name to honor William Bland. He was an important person in Australia's early history.

Where is Bland Shire Located?

Bland Shire sits right on the edge between the central west and Riverina regions of New South Wales. It's easy to reach because it's close to two major roads: the Newell Highway and the Mid-Western Highway. These highways help connect the shire to other parts of Australia.

Towns and Communities in Bland Shire

The biggest town in Bland Shire is West Wyalong. This is also where the local council has its main office. It's like the capital of the shire. Other towns and villages in the area include Wyalong, Barmedman, Tallimba, Ungarie, Weethalle, and Mirrool. Each of these places adds to the unique character of Bland Shire.

The League of Extraordinary Communities

In 2013, Bland Shire decided to team up with two other places that have unusual names. These were Dull in Scotland and Boring in the United States. Together, they formed the "League of Extraordinary Communities."

This partnership is a fun way to get people interested in visiting all three places. It helps promote tourism and shows that even places with "bland" or "boring" names can be exciting and welcoming!

Climate and Weather in Bland Shire

West Wyalong Anglican Church

The weather in Bland Shire is generally mild. On average, the area receives about 482 millimeters of rain each year. The temperatures are comfortable for most of the year.

During the day, the average high temperature is around 23.3 degrees Celsius. At night, the average low temperature is about 9.5 degrees Celsius. The wind usually blows from the northeast in the mornings and from the southwest in the afternoons and evenings. Often, the weather is calm and still.

Nature and Landscape of Bland Shire

The land in Bland Shire is mostly gently rolling or flat. The height of the land above sea level ranges from about 200 meters to 486 meters. This varied landscape supports different types of plants and animals.

The main street of West Wyalong

Plants and Trees

You can find many native trees here, such as kurrajong, cypress pine, mallee, box, ironbark, belah, and wilga. The natural grasslands are home to plants like wallaby grasses, Queensland blue grass, and plains and wire grass. These plants are important for the local wildlife.

Animals and Wildlife

Bland Shire is home to many interesting animals. You might see water fowl, red and grey kangaroos hopping around, and echidnas with their spiky coats. Other native animals include goannas, possums, bats, and mallee fowls. The area's natural environment provides a safe home for these creatures.

Soils and Geology

The ground in Bland Shire is mostly made up of clay. However, there are also areas with granite soil and red-brown earth. Most of the soil has a neutral pH, which means it's not too acidic or too alkaline. This type of soil is good for farming and supports the local plant life.

Bland Shire Council

The Bland Shire Council is the group of people who make decisions for the local area. They are like the local government for the shire. The council has nine members, called councillors. These councillors are chosen by the people who live in Bland Shire through a special voting system.

All nine councillors serve for a fixed term of four years. After they are elected, the councillors choose one of their own to be the Mayor. The Mayor is the leader of the council. The most recent election for the council was held on December 4, 2021. All nine current councillors are independent, meaning they don't belong to a major political party.

Current Council Members

The councillors elected in 2021 are:

• Kerron Keatley
• Elizabeth McGlynn
• Brian Monaghan (who is the Mayor)
• Rodney Crowe (who is the Deputy Mayor)
• Roger Moore
• Tony Lord
• Jill Funnell
• Monica Clark
• Bruce Baker

These councillors work together to manage local services. They look after things like roads, parks, libraries, and community events. Their goal is to make Bland Shire a great place to live for everyone.

Population and People

The population of Bland Shire has been fairly steady over the years. In 2011, about 5,865 people lived there. By 2016, the population had grown slightly to 5,995 people.

The people living in Bland Shire come from various backgrounds. Many have English or Australian ancestry. There are also people with Italian, Chinese, and Irish heritage. While English is the main language spoken, some people also speak Italian, Mandarin, or Cantonese.

When it comes to beliefs, many people in Bland Shire identify as Catholic or Anglican. A good number of people also say they have no religion. There are also smaller groups who follow Eastern Orthodox or Buddhist faiths.