Coolah, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids CoolahNew South Wales |
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Main street
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 Coolah
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 1,290 (2016 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 2843 |
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| LGA(s) | Warrumbungle Shire |
| State electorate(s) | Barwon |
| Federal Division(s) | Parkes |
Coolah is a town located in the central western part of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Warrumbungle Shire. In 2016, about 1,290 people lived there. The name Coolah comes from an old local language, meaning "angry".
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Where is Coolah?
Coolah is found near the Liverpool Range mountains. The Coolah Tops National Park is on the northeastern side. Most of the land around Coolah is used for farming. Farmers raise sheep and cattle. They also grow crops along the Talbragar River and Coolaburragundy River valleys.
Coolah's History
The land around Coolah first belonged to the Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi Aboriginal peoples. It is believed that the valley was a special meeting place for these two groups. A famous leader named King Togee lived here. His burial site can be found on the Neilrex Road, west of Coolah.
British settlers started living in the Coolah area in the late 1830s. A police station was set up around 1840. The Coolah Post Office opened on January 1, 1849. A railway line served the town from 1920 until 1975.
Coolah is also home to Australia's first memorial for the Battle of Long Tan. This battle was a very important event in the Vietnam War. Eighteen trees were planted along Coolah's Vietnam Memorial Avenue. Each tree represents one Australian soldier who died in that battle.
Important Places
Coolah has some buildings that are listed as heritage sites. This means they are important historical places. One such place is the Old Police Station and Courthouse at 74 Binnia Street.
Who Lives in Coolah?
In 2016, there were 1,290 people living in Coolah. Most people (83%) were born in Australia. About 87.7% of people spoke only English at home. The main religions were Anglican (39.6%), Catholic (20.1%), and 17.4% had no religion.
Sports in Coolah
The local rugby league team is called the Coolah Kangaroos. They used to play in the Castlereagh Cup. Now, the club has junior teams that play in the Group 14 Rugby League competition. There are also netball teams.
Famous People from Coolah
Some well-known people have connections to Coolah:
- Richard Butler (born 1942), a public servant.
- Lisa Messenger, an entrepreneur and author.
- Gary Scully, a journalist.
- Monty Porter, a rugby league player.
