Goolma, New South Wales facts for kids
Goolma is a very small community, often called a hamlet, located in the Central West part of New South Wales, Australia. It sits along the Goolma road, which connects the towns of Mudgee, Gulgong and Wellington. In 2021, a census showed that about 95 people lived in the Goolma area.
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What's in Goolma?
Inside the small community of Goolma, you can find a few tennis courts. There was once a roadhouse, a used car dealership, and even Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, but these are all now closed. The Goolma Hotel is also no longer open.
Farming in the Area
Most of the land around Goolma is used for farming. Farmers in this region grow cereals like wheat, and they also raise animals such as sheep for wool and lambs, and cattle.
Belara Copper Mine
Near Goolma, there was once a place called the Belara Copper Mine. This mine operated for many years, from around 1880 until at least 1908. It is now closed.
The Unfinished Railway Line
Goolma was supposed to have a railway line that would connect Sandy Hollow to Mary Vale. However, work on this railway stopped in 1950, and it was never finished. Today, you can still see signs of this abandoned project, like an old tunnel and bridges that were never completed.
Schools and Sports
Goolma has a small school called Goolma Public School. It was started in 1875 and currently has nine students. The students from this school often take part in regional sports events.
Goolma's Sports Teams
Goolma once had a rugby union team called the "Polar Bears." This team played until the 1990s. However, as people moved away or got older, the team eventually stopped playing.
The Goolma Cricket Club has a long history, with a team playing since 1906. They still compete in the Gulgong area today.
The local Tennis Club used to hold monthly tournaments, but now they have a weekly night competition during the summer months.
Famous People from Goolma
Some well-known people have connections to the Goolma area.
Tim Sheridan
Nine Network presenter, Tim Sheridan, grew up just outside Goolma. His older brothers used to play for the "Polar Bears" rugby team.
Daniel Conn
Former professional rugby league player Daniel Conn also grew up near Goolma. He received a sports scholarship to The King's School, Parramatta. After that, he played for the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Titans before finishing his career with the Sydney Roosters.
Images for kids
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Goolma Hotel, which is now closed
