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Collarenebri
New South Wales
Collarenebri.JPG
Main street in 2008
Collarenebri is located in New South Wales
Collarenebri
Collarenebri
Location in New South Wales
Population 650 (2016 census)
Postcode(s) 2833
Elevation 146 m (479 ft)
Location
LGA(s) Walgett Shire
State electorate(s) Barwon
Federal Division(s) Parkes

Collarenebri is a small town in north-western New South Wales, Australia. It's part of the Walgett Shire area. The town sits right on the Barwon River. It is about 75 kilometres (47 miles) northeast of Walgett. Collarenebri is 146 metres (479 feet) above sea level.

In the 2021 census, Collarenebri had a population of 638 people. The name Collarenebri comes from the Gamilaraay word galariinbaraay. This means 'place of flowers' or 'eucalyptus blossoms'. The town is known for its beautiful flowers.

A Glimpse into Collarenebri's Past

Collarenebri (3)
Sign on Rocky Ford Bridge over the Barwon River, Collarenebri, NSW

The land around Collarenebri is the traditional home of the Yuwaalaraay and Yuwaalayaay Aboriginal people. These are important Aboriginal languages. The area has been significant to Aboriginal people for a very long time.

Collarenebri was first spelled "Collarindabri". It grew near a shallow, rocky part of the Barwon River. This spot was easy for people and animals to cross. It was like a natural bridge across the water.

In 1860, a man named William Earl settled here. He opened a place called "The Squatters Arms." This was a pub and a place for travellers to rest. It became famous when a bushranger, Captain Thunderbolt, held it up! William Earl is seen as the person who started modern Collarenebri. Some streets and old houses in town still carry his name.

By 1865, Collarenebri was growing. It had two stores and a public house. There were also plans for a government ferry. About 50 people lived there permanently. The town was officially made a town on 12 July 1867. By 1890, Collarenebri had a hospital, a police station, and a school.

Collarenebri is still a very important place for Aboriginal people. There are many old artefacts and special sites along the Barwon River. On Collymongle Station, you can find very old Aboriginal carved trees. There is also a unique Aboriginal cemetery outside town. The graves there are covered in crushed glass and decorated with items. These items show what the person was like.

Many buildings in Collarenebri today are from around 1910. The town was one of the last places in Australia to get an automatic telephone system. This happened in 1986. Today, volunteers run a local radio station called YAAMA-FM 95.9. It plays special programs for Indigenous people.

What Happens in Collarenebri

The main jobs in the Collarenebri area are farming. Farmers grow cotton and wheat. They also raise sheep and beef cattle. Some people enjoy looking for gemstones like topaz, agate, and petrified wood.

The Barwon River is also a great spot for fishing. Many people think it's one of the best places in Australia for inland fishing.

Sports and Fun

Collarenebri has its own rugby league team, called the Collarenebri Bulldogs. They play in the Barwon Darling Rugby League competition.

Important Places

Collarenebri has some places that are listed for their history. These are called heritage-listed sites. One important site is:

Collarenebri's Population

In the 2016 Census, there were 650 people living in Collarenebri.

  • About 42.1% of the people were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
  • Most people (90.4%) were born in Australia.
  • Almost everyone (89.9%) spoke only English at home.
  • The most common religions were Anglican (31.1%), No Religion (26.3%), and Catholic (17.3%).
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