Coopernook, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids CoopernookNew South Wales |
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 Coopernook
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 430 (2021 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 2426 |
| LGA(s) | Mid-Coast Council |
| State electorate(s) | Port Macquarie |
| Federal Division(s) | Lyne |
Coopernook is a small town in the mid-north of New South Wales, Australia. It is about 24 kilometres north of Taree. The town is managed by the Mid-Coast Council.
In 2021, Coopernook and the areas around it had a population of 625 people. The town itself was home to 430 people. Coopernook used to be on the main Pacific Highway. However, a new road called the Coopernook Bypass opened in 2006. This bypass helped traffic flow better around the town. The old highway crossed the Lansdowne River on a narrow iron bridge.
Contents
History of Coopernook
What Does the Name Mean?
The name "Coopernook" comes from the local Aboriginal language, Biripi. It means "the elbow." This name describes the bend in the Lansdowne River. The river's curve looks just like an arm's elbow.
Early Settlers and Memorials
Some of the first families to settle in Coopernook included the Calvins, Roses, Eggins, and Buchanans. In 1997, a special stone monument was built. This monument remembers the brave people who fought in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
Coopernook's Population Over Time
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1971 | 290 | — |
| 1976 | 262 | −9.7% |
| 1981 | 285 | +8.8% |
| 1986 | 333 | +16.8% |
| 1991 | 328 | −1.5% |
| 1996 | 352 | +7.3% |
| 2001 | 379 | +7.7% |
| 2006 | 365 | −3.7% |
| 2011 | 303 | −17.0% |
| 2016 | 365 | +20.5% |
| 2021 | 430 | +17.8% |
| Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics data. | ||
The population of Coopernook has changed over the years. In the 2021 Census, there were 430 people living in the town. Most people, about 86%, were born in Australia. Also, 92.3% of people spoke only English at home. When asked about religion, many people said they had no religion (36.7%). Others were Anglican (23.3%) or Catholic (12.1%).
The 2021 Flood in Coopernook
How the Flood Started
In March 2021, very heavy rain fell on the east coast of Australia. This caused a lot of flooding across New South Wales. Areas from the North Coast all the way to Sydney were affected.
Impact on the Town
On March 20, 2021, the Lansdowne River overflowed its banks. Water flooded the low-lying parts of Coopernook. The town was completely cut off by the floodwaters. The Coopernook Hotel was flooded so badly that water went over the bar. It had to close for several weeks to be repaired. Many houses near the hotel and along Wharf Road were also badly damaged. Water entered homes during the night.
Community Response and Recovery
During the flood, an evacuation centre was set up. This was at the United Church of Coopernook. It helped residents who had to leave their homes. The Australian government declared many areas a natural disaster zone. Over 18,000 people had to evacuate, and more than 1,000 flood rescues took place. This flood happened less than 18 months after the Black Summer bushfires. Many towns were still recovering from those fires when the floods hit.
