Bowenville, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BowenvilleQueensland |
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Bowenville looking southwards, May 2010
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 Bowenville
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 219 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 0.7354/km2 (1.905/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Established | 1890 (approx.) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4404 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 297.8 km2 (115.0 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Toowoomba Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Condamine | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Maranoa | ||||||||||||||
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Bowenville is a small country town and area (called a locality) in Queensland, Australia. It's part of the Toowoomba Region. Long ago, the town's main business was linked to the railway. When the railway slowed down, fewer people lived here. In 2021, about 219 people called Bowenville home.
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Where is Bowenville Located?
Bowenville is found just north of the Warrego Highway. This is a main road east of Dalby. For people travelling through, Bowenville offers useful things. You can find fuel, a post office, and a hotel. There are also places for barbecues and public telephones.
The town is also close to some interesting places to visit. These include the old Jondaryan Woolshed. This is a historic farm where sheep's wool was once processed. Another nearby spot is the New Acland Coal Mine.
How Does the Railway Connect to Bowenville?
The Western railway line runs right through Bowenville. The Bowenville railway station (27°18′15″S 151°29′26″E / 27.3041°S 151.4906°E) serves the town. This railway was very important for the town's growth. Further west, there were also other railway stations on the same line. These included Auchmah, Koomi, and Kommamurra stations.
What is Bowenville's History?
Bowenville has a rich history, especially with its school and churches. These buildings show how the community grew over time.
The Story of Bowenville State School
The first school in Bowenville opened on 21 June 1898. It was first called Bowen Provisional School. Then, on 1 January 1909, it became Bowenville State School. In 1921, the school was located near Blaxland Road.
Later, in 1951, a new piece of land was set aside for the school. This new spot was on the corner of Irvingdale and Grant Streets. A new school building was finished in 1953 and opened in 1954. This is the school building that is still used today.
The Presbyterian Church in Bowenville
In September 1906, a man named Major William Grant helped start a church. He owned the Bowenville pastoral station. He gave land for a Presbyterian church next to the railway line. This was on the corner of Railway Street and Cockburn Street (27°18′12″S 151°29′25″E / 27.3032°S 151.4904°E). He also gave money to help build it. Another person, John Nicholson, also gave money.
The church was finished in September 1909. It was officially opened on 22 October 1909 by Eveline Grant, William Grant's wife. The church was designed by Alexander Brown Wilson and built by D.A. Mever. It had a special cedar pulpit and beautiful leadlight windows. The first church service was held on 24 October 1909.
The Church Rebuilt After a Storm
In March 1916, a very strong storm hit Bowenville. It blew the roof off the Presbyterian church. The storm also damaged the railway station and many homes. The damaged parts of the church were sold. Then, the church was rebuilt for about £200. A carpenter named Thomas Hodge from Dalby did the work. Many people and businesses helped by giving materials and services for free. The Dalby Presbyterian Church even gave a new organ.
On 13 August 1916, the rebuilt church was officially opened again. This was done by Reverend Richard Glaister.
The Bowenville Public Hall
The Bowenville Public Hall was built in 1925. It became a very popular place for dances. This was because its floor was made of a special wood called Crow's Ash (Flindersia australis). This wood is very strong and good for dancing.
Later, the hall was made bigger. Materials from the old public hall at Irvingdale were used when that hall closed. The Bowenville Public Hall is still used today for many local events. These include meetings, classes, dances, concerts, and parties. The local group of the Queensland Country Women's Association also met there.
St Luke's Anglican Church
St Luke's Anglican Church was opened on 30 March 1952. It had been moved from Ducklo. This church closed its doors on 31 March 1982.
Education in Bowenville
Bowenville State School is a government primary school. It teaches students from Prep to Year 6. It is located at 2 Irvingdale Road (27°18′13″S 151°29′38″E / 27.3037°S 151.4939°E). In 2017, the school had 15 students.
There isn't a high school in Bowenville. Students who want to go to secondary school travel to nearby towns. The closest high schools are Oakey State High School in Oakey, about 29.3 kilometres away. Other options are in Dalby, about 28.3 kilometres away. These include Dalby State High School, Dalby Christian College, and Our Lady of the Southern Cross College.
What Facilities Does Bowenville Offer?
Bowenville has some useful facilities for its residents and visitors.
Library Services
Library services in Bowenville are provided by the Toowoomba Regional Council's mobile library service. This is a special van that brings books and other library items. The van visits Bowenville State School on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Bowenville Reserve
The Bowenville Reserve is a great place for outdoor activities. It is located in Wainui, along the Oakey Creek. This reserve offers a free camping area. It has access to water (not for drinking) and toilet facilities. There are also picnic areas with bins, shelters, and tables. Kids can enjoy the playground too. You can go shore fishing, use small boats, and electric motors on the water.
Images for kids
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Bowenville looking southwards, May 2010
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The re-built Bowenville Presbyterian Church, 1916
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Bowenville State School, 2023
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Bowenville State School playground, 2023
