Fifield, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids FifieldNew South Wales |
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Main street. The Fifield Hotel is on the right.
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 Fifield
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 287 (2011 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 2875 |
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| LGA(s) | Lachlan Shire |
| State electorate(s) | Barwon |
| Federal Division(s) | Parkes |
Fifield is a small town located in the central part of New South Wales, Australia. It's a quiet place, but it's famous for something exciting: finding gold and platinum! These valuable metals are found in the ground here.
In 2011, about 287 people lived in Fifield and the areas around it. It's a small community, but it has a big history linked to mining.
Contents
Discovering Fifield: A Small Town's Story
Fifield is a great example of a town that grew because of valuable resources. It's located quite far from big cities like Sydney. This makes it a peaceful spot in the Australian countryside.
What Makes Fifield Special?
Fifield is known for its unique geology. This means the rocks and soil beneath the town are special. They contain deposits of both gold and platinum. These metals are found in a type of deposit called "alluvial."
Alluvial Gold and Platinum Explained
Alluvial deposits are formed when rivers and streams carry tiny pieces of heavy minerals. Over a long time, these pieces settle in certain areas. This often happens in riverbeds or old river channels. Miners then dig or sift through these areas to find the precious metals.
- Gold: A shiny, yellow metal that has been valued for thousands of years. It's used in jewelry, coins, and electronics.
- Platinum: A rare, silvery-white metal. It's even more valuable than gold sometimes. Platinum is used in jewelry, car parts, and medical tools.
Companies are still exploring the area around Fifield. They hope to find the main source of these valuable metals. This source is often called the "lode" or "primary deposit."
A Glimpse into Fifield's Past
Like many towns in Australia, Fifield has a history tied to its resources. The town's Post Office is a good way to track its early days.
The Fifield Post Office
The Post Office in this area first opened on 6 September 1893. It was originally called Fiefield. Just one year later, in 1894, its name was officially changed to Fifield. The Post Office served the community for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1981.
Life in a Small Australian Town
Living in a small town like Fifield is different from living in a big city. Everyone knows each other, and the community is often very close-knit.
Daily Life and Community
In small towns, local businesses like the Fifield Hotel are important meeting places. They serve as social hubs for residents. People often travel to nearby larger towns for more services. For example, Parkes and Condobolin are closer towns that offer more shops and facilities.
The Surrounding Area
Fifield is part of the Lachlan Shire. This is a local government area in New South Wales. The region is mostly rural, with farming and mining being key activities. The landscape often features wide-open spaces and unique Australian plants and animals.
