Greta, Victoria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GretaVictoria |
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|---|---|
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| Population | 231 |
| Postcode(s) | 3675 |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Rural City of Wangaratta |
| State electorate(s) | Benalla |
| Federal Division(s) | Indi |
Greta is a small town in Victoria, Australia. It is located east of the city of Benalla. The local government that helps manage Greta is called the Rural City of Wangaratta. In 2006, about 231 people lived in Greta and the areas nearby.
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Greta's Past: A Look at History
The area around Greta once had four different villages. All of them were known as Greta at some point. The very first town called Greta was on Fifteen Mile Creek. Today, it is known as Greta West. People think the name "Greta" comes from the Greta River in Cumberland, England.
Gold Rush and Early Settlement
In 1852, gold was discovered near Beechworth. Roads leading to the gold fields passed right through the Greta area. At that time, there was a very large swamp nearby. This swamp was later drained. The main town site was planned out at Fifteen Mile Creek in 1852.
During the 1860s, the land was divided and sold. It became many small farms. Farmers grew cereals, raised cattle, and produced dairy items. The town really started to grow when its Post Office opened on September 4, 1863. This Post Office closed in 1971. However, post offices in Greta West and Greta South stayed open until 1994.
Schools in the Greta Area
In 1867, a Catholic school was opened in Greta. By the 1880s, there were five schools in the Greta area. These were Greta, Greta South, Greta West, Hansonville, and Fifteen Mile Creek. Today, only two of these schools are still open. They are Greta Valley and Fifteen Mile School Camp.
Changes with the Railway
The nearby city of Benalla got a railway connection in 1873. This was a big change for Greta. It meant fewer people traveled through Greta. Because of this, Greta became mostly a farming area.
Later, a Methodist church was built in 1878. An Anglican church followed in 1890. A public hall, where people could gather, was built in 1916.
The Kelly Family's Connection to Greta
The family of the famous Bushranger Ned Kelly lived on a small farm near Greta. This area is well-known for its connection to the Kelly gang.
After a big fight at Glenrowan, Ned Kelly's brother Dan Kelly and his friend Steve Hart were buried in the Greta Cemetery. Ned's mother, Ellen Kelly, also died in Greta in 1923. She is buried in the Greta Cemetery too. Ned's younger brother, Jim Kelly, lived in the family cottage in Greta until 1948. He is also buried in the Greta Cemetery.
Greta Today: What's Happening?
The town of Greta has an Australian Rules Football team. They play in the Ovens & King Football League.
