Calomba, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Calomba South Australia
Long Plains watertower as seen from Calomba
Calomba Location in South Australia
Postcode(s)	5501
LGA(s)	Adelaide Plains Council
State electorate(s)	Narungga
Federal Division(s)	Grey
Localities around Calomba: Long Plains Pinery Pinery Windsor Calomba Grace Plains Dublin Dublin Mallala
Footnotes	Coordinates Adjoining localities

Calomba is a small rural area in South Australia. It is part of the Adelaide Plains Council. The name "Calomba" became official in 1997. People believe the name comes from a native plant called Trigonella suavissima, which is also known as calomba.

History of Calomba

Calomba has an interesting past, especially with its railway and post office. It also faced a big challenge with a bushfire.

The Railway Story

Calomba once had a railway stop. This stop was located between the towns of Mallala and Long Plains. It was part of the main Adelaide-Port Augusta railway line. The area used to be called Shannon. However, when the railway station opened in 1916, it was named Calomba. This was to avoid confusion with another place in South Australia already named "Shannon".

Post Office and Local Store

A place to receive mail opened in Calomba in April 1920. It became a full post office in January 1921. This post office was in the same building as the local store. It served the community for many years before closing on January 19, 1975.

Early Education

The district around Calomba also had a school. This school was located at a place called Stoney Point junction. It helped educate the children living in the area.

The 1948 Bushfire

In 1948, Calomba was hit by a very serious bushfire. The fire caused a lot of damage to the town. Three buildings on the main street were destroyed. These included the post office and the local store. A church, several homes, and farm equipment were also lost in the fire.

Shannon Methodist Church

The Shannon Methodist Church was an important building in the community. It first opened its doors in 1872. The church served the local people for many years. It closed down in 1957 and was later taken down in 1965.